Independence Day celebrations extend countywide
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD - Looking to show some American spirit this Fourth of July?
Well, look no further than the Space Coast, because this year, there are plenty of ways to honor our nation's independence in Brevard County.
Here is a list of some of the county's exciting events:
North Brevard
. "Red, White And Boom 2012:" The city of Titusville and the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce will host an event featuring live music, food, children's activities and a "Fabulous Fireworks Show" at 9:15 p.m.
"Red, White And Boom 2012" will be held on Wednesday, July 4, at 7-10 p.m. at Sand Point Park, located at 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway.
. "2nd Smoke on the Water Independence Day Celebration:" This three-day celebration begins on Monday, July 2, with "Fireworks Over the Ocean" in Cocoa Beach at the Cocoa Beach Pier, followed by "Fireworks Over the Harbor" in Port Canaveral on Tuesday, July 3, and "Fireworks Over the Indian River" in Historic Cocoa Village on Wednesday, July 4.
. "26th Annual Independence Day Family Picnic:" Face painting, bounce houses, games, contests, music and line dancing are just some of the many activities happening at this Rockledge event.
The picnic will be on Wednesday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McLarty Park, located at 790 Barton Blvd.
Central Brevard
. "Viera's 18th Annual Great American Celebration:" This yearly tradition combines American pride with baseball, food and fun, all happening on the berm as the Brevard Manatees take on the Tampa Yankees. For $15 per ticket, individuals will enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbeque dinner, a souvenir item, fabulous fireworks and a game of good ol' fashioned baseball at the Space Coast Stadium, located at 5800 Stadium Parkway in Viera.
Gates open at 5 p.m., and the game starts at 6:35 p.m. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 4.
Tickets cost $15 for this event. Admission is free for children 4 and younger.
Tickets are sold at Viera's Home Discovery Center at 7850 Shoppes Drive.
. "Independence Day Parade:" This Fourth of July parade will hit the streets at 10 a.m. near the railroad tracks in Downtown Melbourne, and it will travel west on New Haven Avenue to Oak Street, then northward to Honor America's Liberty Bell Museum. The parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4.
. "Independence Day Fireworks:" The city of Melbourne will host its "Independence Day Fireworks" at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. The Claude Edge Front Street Park, just north of the Melbourne Causeway at 2210 Front St., provides primary viewing for display.
South Brevard
. "Splashes and Sparks Independence Day Celebration:" This event, featuring live music, a patriotic bike parade, food and fun, will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., with fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m.
The "Splashes and Sparks Independence Day Celebration" will be held on Wednesday, July 4, at the Brevard Community College Palm Bay Campus Fairgrounds, 250 Community College Parkway, Palm Bay.