By Peter Covino

Lifestyles Editor

If there is no Ernesto or Florence by Wednesday (the next two names for Atlantic tropical systems), there should be lots of fireworks and red, white and blue activities in Osceola County for July 4th.

St. Cloud and Kissimmee will have their traditional holiday events, with the St. Cloud event actually lasting two days, while Kissimmee officials are promising the biggest July Fourth fireworks display in the city’s history.

St. Cloud gets a head start on the holiday Tuesday with a Margaritaville Party at the St. Cloud lakefront.

The Key West-themed party features music by Volcano Joe and the Hot Lava Band, a Jimmy Buffett-style group.

Other Tuesday night events include a zumba dance party time, Key West style refreshments and food. The party is from 6 to 10 p.m.

The fun continues July 4 with music, food, games, a beer tent, veteran tributes, the Hot Property Band and the Osceola Community Choir singing patriotic favorites.

The Central Florida attraction Wild Florida also will be on hand providing 30-minute rides on the lake on its 17-foot airboat. Cost is $15 per person.

Another fun event Wednesday night is a leashed dog walk  charity event. Anyone can participate. Glow-in-the-dark collars will be available for purchase for the 8:50 p.m. event.

The big event concludes with fireworks at 9:20 p.m.

Both St. Cloud events are St. Cloud/Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce events.

While everyone expects the fireworks and other events on July 4, the Key West-themed event is a new one for the city, said Linda Pinkerton, chamber events coordinator.

“We are trying to promote it,” because a lot of people don’t know about it, she said.

The fireworks show will happen on Wednesday, rain or shine, Stephanie Holtkamp, St. Cloud Parks and recreation director said.

“We have like a 20-minute window (without rain),” she said.

There will be plenty of free parking, but some streets will be closed July 4 near the lakefront.

With a daylong attendance of about 20,000 to 25,000 people for the holiday, early arrival is advised for the closest parking places.

Meanwhile, in Kissimmee, parking will be even more restricted around the lakefront. There will be free parking available at the Sedano’s Market, 1100 N. John Young Parkway. A bus will take attendees to Toho Square in downtown Kissimmee.

Premium parking will be available at the Kissimmee Civic Center and the boat overflow area for $5.

The Kissimmee Parks and Recreation event will include a naturalization ceremony at 4 p.m. with 50 to 100 new United States citizens being welcomed. The event features Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan, Vice Mayor Art Otero and Keynote Speaker Daniela Sanchez, of Telemundo’s Telenoticias Orlando.

City officials said this year’s Independence Day event will boast the largest fireworks display ever hosted by the city. The fireworks are scheduled for 9:10 p.m.

Other events from 5 to 9 p.m. include live entertainment at the main stage located near the boat ramp.

Youngsters can spend time at the new Lakeview Drive (at Monument Avenue) for the Kissimmee Utility Authority’s Kids’ Power Zone. Activities will include bounce houses, indoor laser tag and mobile video gaming.  A $5 wristband can be purchased for unlimited access to all games.

On Wednesday, boat launchers parked at 101 Lakeshore Blvd. will be asked to vacate the overflow parking lot by 3 p.m.  After 3 p.m., boaters will have limited parking at the boat ramps and will be subject to parking fees.

Celebration also will have an evening full of activities for July 4.

The community’s theme for the night is A Flashback 4th of July at Celebration Town Center.

The All-American Salute to Cinema event starts at 9 a.m. with a parade through town center. Evening events begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.