For the first time in its 12-year history the Village of Palmetto Bay will join other cities in hosting a special event celebrating America’s birthday, Independence Day, on Friday, July 4. There will be fireworks, food and special activities.
Taking place at the downtown Palmetto Bay Municipal Center from 5 to 9:30 p.m., the event was approved by the village council on May 5 and has been in the works since then. Previously, residents had to go to surrounding communities like Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami, Coral Gables, West Miami and others to see live fireworks displays.
“We wanted to start our own new tradition here in the village, our own Palmetto Bay Independence Day celebration,” said Fanny Carmona- Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation director. “We’re going to be featuring activities and entertainment for all ages. Of course there’s the traditional fireworks display at the conclusion of the evening.
“This is one of the most important historic events in American history and it’s a significant national holiday. We should be proud to celebrate it throughout the United States.”
Carmona-Gonzalez said that there will be a hot dog-eating contest, live music, all different types of food vendors and a beer garden. There’ll be a fun zone for the kids with carnival rides, face painting, jugglers, balloon artists and a “Zumbathon.”
“It will be fun for the whole family,” she said. “We had such great support during our last downtown event in March which was well attended and well received by the residents, so we decided to put on another event here in the downtown area.
“During that last event all we heard that night was that we should have more of this type of events,” Carmona-Gonzalez said.
“Community events are a chance for people to mingle and share with their neighbors and fellow residents, and to celebrate.”
Food and drink vendors will be selling their items, but the rides, activities and fireworks are all free. The fireworks are going to be launched east of Village Hall.
People can park at Palmetto Bay Park, TotalBank and anywhere else around the area where they can find legal parking, including parking in the grass on the edges of streets.
There already are a number of confirmed sponsors who are donating funds to help cover the costs of the event: Village of Pinecrest, Evening Delights, Waste Management, Ludovici & Ludovici, Stantec and the Corradino Group.
Despite the work involved, Carmona-Gonzalez said that she is excited about the Independence Day celebration.
“This is the first time that I’m involved in a Fourth of July event in my entire career.”
For information call Village Hall at 305-259-1234.
