By Sam Gilkey
For the News-Gazette

The rockets red glare — the bombs bursting in air.

From St. Cloud to Celebration, with Kissimmee in between, pick your spot for fun and fireworks this July 4.

St. Cloud

The 4th of July Lakefest Celebration in St. Cloud will focus on patriotism and the celebration of the birthday of the United States. It will open at 11:30 a.m. with an ecumenical church service at the lakefront amphitheater. Immediately following the service, bagpiper Don Larson will play.

The St. Cloud Police and Fire Department Color Guard will be on hand and a welcome will be delivered by Mayor Donna Hart. The story of the “Star Spangled Banner” will be given by Patsy Heffner, Osceola County tax collector, and Laura Kessler will sing the “Star Spangled Banner.”

After opening comments by County Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr., Rev. Kent Walker, of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, will sing “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” State Rep. Mike Horner will then speak, followed with a bagpipe medley performed by Larson. Walker will give a closing blessing. General Mischief Productions will then present “Our Great Declaration.”

At 2 p.m., The Corbin Keene Band will play Christian rock music as the popular All American Baby Contest begins. At 4:15 p.m., the stage will feature Tyler the Magician and his bag of magic.

Also in the afternoon there will be time trials and runoffs through an obstacle course leading to the championship run on the beach for the wife-carrying race. Top prize for the winner is the wife’s weight in beer.

The lakefront amphitheater will be the scene of entertainment during the afternoon and evening featuring various community groups. DJ Victor Henry will emcee.

Kenyon Lockry and his band will be featured from 5 to 8 p.m. A patriotic tribute that will include the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Dr. Jay Cullinane will follow at 8 p.m. At 8:45 p.m., Keith Ronan will direct a 100-voice community choir as a video tribute to America is shown on a 30-foot screen.

The final event of the day, beginning at 9:30 p.m., will be a 20-minute fireworks display over East Lake Tohopekaliga.

Kissimmee

The city of Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to Kissimmee Lakefront Park South for the annual Independence Day Celebration from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4.

Entertainment will be provided by two bands, 3 Bucksworth and Switch. Other highlights include a food court, beer garden and dunk tank. KUA will sponsor Kids’ Land, featuring bounce houses, patriotic crafts and free snowcones. Also, a special surprise will be revealed at 7 p.m.

The day’s festivities will end with a fireworks show over Lake Tohopekaliga beginning at approximately 9:10 p.m.

Limited bleacher seating will be available in front of the stage, however, the public is encouraged to bring blankets and/or chairs for seating on the lawn. Outside alcoholic beverages or grills will not be permitted inside the park.

Parking options include premium parking for $8 at the Lakefront Park boat overflow lot and at the vacant lot on Ruby Avenue and Lakeshore Boulevard. Both lots will open at 3 p.m.

Additional parking will be available at the Kissimmee Civic Center for $5 per car or $3 per motorcycle. The Civic Center lot will open at 5 p.m. and there will be free shuttle rides to the lakefront.

Free bus shuttle service also will be available from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. from Sedano’s Supermarket in Town Corral Plaza in Kissimmee, at the corner of John Young Parkway and West U.S. Highway 192.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 407-518-2503.

Celebration

A Flashback 4th of July Spectacular and The All American Sock Hop will be featured in the Celebration Town Center.

The free park and shuttle ride service will open at 5 p.m.

There is no admission charge for the evening’s entertainment, which will be a tribute to some of the 1950s music greats.

At 5:30 p.m., DJ Tami starts the music, followed at 6:15 p.m. with Michael T’s tribute to Roy Orbison.

A 1950s costume contest opens at 7 p.m. Break out the poodle skirts, leather jackets, roll up the sleeves and come dressed to impress.

A tribute to Ritchie Valens by Ray Anthony will continue at 7:15 p.m., followed by the great songs of the legends of Motown at 8:30 p.m.

The 30-minute fireworks display over the town center will begin at 9:30 p.m.

The music of Motown will return from 10 to 11 p.m. If you have forgotten some of the dance moves, dancers from SHOUT! Swing Group will be on hand to refresh your memory.

Additional music during the day will be offered by the Dixieland Jazz Band, made up of former members of Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Band.

The KidZone will feature an assortment of inflatable games for kids and teens that will include a jousting area, a rock-climbing wall, face-painting and more.

Poinciana

The annual Veteran's Commemoration Ceremony in Poinciana will be Friday, July 2, beginning at 11 a.m. in front of the Association of Poinciana Villages on Walnut Street.

This year the ceremony will recognize "The Forgotten War: Korea.” Poinciana Veterans Club and Solivita Veterans Club will participate.

Hot dogs and refreshments will be served.

Assistant Editor Rick Madewell provided information for this article.