See our Shining Sea

If you've been reading this blog long enough, you know that I am a holiday junkie:   food, friends and family, and themed decorations.   It makes me want to find something to celebrate every single day.   I can't think about the 4th without thinking of all the cookouts, watermelon eating, and sparklers that have become associated with my 4th's.     For those of you lucky enough to be at the beach, you will see the most beautiful sight when the illumination of the fireworks cast upon the waters.   While I will not be at the beach to celebrate (sniff, sniff) I won't leave you without a list of party spots.   We can't wait for you to see our shining sea! Need a last minute place to stay?   Check out our accommodations at BeachGuide. Another great offer available from BeachGuide at the Resorts of Pelican Beach. Panama City, FL Salute to Freedom:   Festival and Fireworks Date: 07/04/2011 Time: 2:00-10:00PM A festival celebrating America's Independence. This year’s July 4th event is called “Salute to Freedom” and will feature live entertainment all day concluding with the $25,000 fireworks display! The event will be simulcast on local radio stations as well. This event attracts up to 50,000 spectators each year. Fireworks Cruise aboard the Lady Anderson Yacht Date: 07/04/2011 Take the dinner cruise, featuring a delicious buffet, and enjoy the firework display from the water. Tickets start at $65.00 for adults. Boarding is at 6:30 pm and the cruise runs from 7:00pm to 10:15pm. Just want to enjoy the fireworks show, Board Capt. Anderson and watch the amazing displays from the water! Boarding starts at 7:30pm and cruise runs from 8:00pm to 10:15pm. Call for pricing. Star Spangled Spectacular Date: 07/04/2011 Time: 4:00-10:00PM The Veteran’s Dedication 9:00AM-all veterans invited to attend. Pier Park Star Spangled Spectacular starts at 2 p.m. Children’s crafts and family activities start at 2:00PM at the BookIt Beach. Entertainment stage opens at 2 p.m. featuring Haden: Tootsies House Band, Crossfire: Army Band & Navy Bands. The Panama City POPS honor troops and veterans 7:30 p.m. at Aaron Bessant Park with a live concert! Followed by Fireworks at 9:00 pm. - Join us for Panama City Beach's premier fireworks display! Listen to the synchronized music show during the fireworks on 92.5FM WPAP! Co. Hwy 30A -July 3 Pre-4th of July party @ Seaside beach. 9pm-12am.   Join your friends and family on the beach in Seaside for a Pre-July 4th fireworks show to get everyone into the Independence Day spirit! Head down to the beach early to grab your seat in front of the Seaside Pavilion before the show, which starts at 9PM! -7am-9pm 4th of July Celebration @ Rosemary Beach -8am South Walton 4th of July Parade -Red, White and Baytowne @Baytowne Wharf -7-9:30 pm Stars, Stripes July 4th Celebration @Seaside, FL Destin, FL Destin Commons The Destin Commons is heating things up with a hot new summertime event — Smoke on the Coast. This family-friendly event held at one of our family’s favorite hotspots is set for Saturday, July 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. Kick off your Fourth of July weekend by gathering your family and friends to find out who is boss of the sauce at this barbecue cook-off. Teams from Hard Rock Café, Poppy’s Sports Bar, Bass Pro, Valleycrest, 98 Bar-B-Que and Hog Heaven are donning aprons and wielding barbecue brushes in order to claim the bragging rights of this inaugural event. In addition to finger-licking tasty barbecue, there will tons of fun festivities for kids such as art projects, face painting, pirate magic, and bouncy houses. All ages will enjoy live music, special giveaways and a fantastic fireworks display at 9 p.m. The Emerald Grande Hot dog eating contest sponsored by Dave's Dog and spectacular fireworks display.   Darnit, I hate missing this.   I love a good hot dog eating contest!!! Happy Independence, watermelon-eating, barbecuing Day!! Hope to see you here! -The Hometown Tourist

Published on Monday, June 27, 2011