Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Branford's Fourth of July to be bursting with fun
Get ready for the Branford River Reunion's Fourth of July bonanza! The festivities will begin at noon with the National Anthem at Suwannee River Greenway and the opening of vendor booths. Registration for the Cornhole Tournament will then open at 1 p.m., with the competition starting at 2 p.m. behind Branford Town Hall. A $20 fee per competitor will apply. The winning team gets $300, and the runner-up gets $200. Contact Peggy Terry at (386) 365-3700 for more info.
The Branford Rotary Club Duck Race also starts at 2 p.m., with a waterfall of yellow rubber ducks being dropped from the Frank R. Norris Bridge. Tickets are $5 each, five for $20, or 10 for $40, available from Rotary Club members or online at www.branfordrotary.square.site. Watch the race at Ivey Memorial Park, located at 614 SW Ivey Memorial Dr.
Registration for the Rod Run opens after the Duck Race, with the car show starting at 4 p.m. and awards being presented at 6:30 p.m. Other activities include a dunking booth at 3 p.m., watermelon contests at 4 p.m., and the Bedrock Derby at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy food, crafts, games and music by DJ Trapper Griffith throughout the day.
The parade line-up will begin at 7 p.m. at Buccaneer Stadium, with the parade starting at 7:30 p.m. on Northeast Governor Avenue. The day concludes with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. behind Hatch Park. Don't miss this fun-filled day!
Live Oak Freedom Fest to fill the streets
The City of Live Oak is set to continue its tradition of celebrating Independence Day with its annual Freedom Fest in the historic downtown area. This year's festival promises an array of activities and entertainment for residents and visitors, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, in Veterans Memorial Park, located at the corner of Pine Avenue Southwest and West Howard Street. Attendees can look forward to a variety of food vendors offering a selection of tasty treats, along with bounce houses and a game zone featuring popular tailgate games such as cornhole.
Additionally, live music will be provided by the River Rats. The highlight of the evening will be the eagerly anticipated fireworks display, scheduled to light up the sky around 9 p.m., providing a spectacular visual feast.
A significant aspect of the Freedom Festival is its recognition of Veterans. This year, a special tribute will be paid to Gulf War Era Veterans, and a presentation will be made to Live Oak's own 269th Engineering Company of the Florida Army National Guard.
Light up the sky in Lafayette County
The Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate the Fourth of July with an evening of food, entertainment and fireworks. The event will be held at the Edward Perry Sports Complex, located at 840 NE CR 400, in Mayo.
In addition to the main festivities, Mayo Soccer Rec will be hosting a fundraiser featuring $2 snow cones, $3 cotton candy, and $10 wristbands that provide all-day access to two waterslides.
Organized by the dedicated members of the Chamber, this event promises to offer fun for the whole family. The celebration will culminate in an explosive fireworks display, ensuring a memorable end to the day for all attendees.
Celebrate Independence Day with Hamilton County
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation is set to host a vibrant festival on Thursday, July 4, promising a day filled with entertainment and family-friendly activities. The Fourth of July celebration will begin at 5 p.m. and will feature live music from the STR8UP Band, waterslides, bounce houses, vendors and an array of games for the kiddos.
As the evening progresses, attendees are encouraged to find a cozy spot on the grass or enjoy the view from the back of their trucks to witness a spectacular fireworks display, which will begin around 9:30 p.m. The show, expected to light up the night sky, will be the grand finale of the festivities.
For more information, contact Chuck Burnett at (386) 303-1145.