Back with a bang

After spending July 4 at home last year, we’re all looking forward to a reason to celebrate Independence Day out and about and under the stars this summer.
Celebrations date back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
Because this year’s Fourth of July falls on Sunday, the federal holiday will be observed on Monday, July 5.
And there’s no shortage of places to spend the holiday here in Osceola County and the surrounding area.

Kissimmee
• City of Kissimmee - Monumental 4th of July:
The Monumental 4th of July Festival, the city’s biggest event of the year, is not one to be missed! This year, your host will be Joey Fatone along with live music from Doug E. Fresh, C+C Music Factory and the Gerry Williams Band. There is something for the entire family to enjoy with the KUA Kids Zone, craft and food vendors, and a Fireworks Grand Finale.
The event is from 5-10 p.m. with activities starting at 6 at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 201 Lakeview Drive.
Get text notifications for live event updates and weather alerts. To sign up, text “monument” to 888777.

• Fraternal Order of Eagles #4048 Kissimmee
Kissimmee Eagles #4048 is celebrating Independence Day from noon until 5 p.m. Sunday at 504 S. Randolph Ave. in Kissimmee.

St. Cloud

• The City of St. Cloud and OUC The Reliable One present a 4th of July Celebration!
Starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at the St. Cloud Lakefront. There will be live music from Harle Quin, thanks to Homepride Group and a variety of Food Truck fare.  Get ready to enjoy the Firework display at 9 p.m.

• A Hero For Kids and United In Love Adoptions will be hosting a 4th of July Celebration called Red, White and Blue Jeans at the Marina Banquet Hall at 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. from 5-10 p.m. on Sunday. All funds raised will be used by A Hero For Kids and United In Love Adoptions to further their work in our community. United In Love Adoptions is a locally-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of bringing families together through their provided adoption services.

Celebration
• The Town of Celebration will start this year’s Independence Day with a patriotic parade beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday at Celebration Town Hall. It will proceed down Celebration Avenue to Market Street and finish at Lakeside Park.

Lake Nona
• The Orange Squad Independence Day 5k begins at 7 a.m. Saturday at Panera Bread, 9607 Lake Nona Village Place.

Old Town
• Old Town and Fun Spot America Kissimmee will be offering a fireworks display Saturday evening. Along with the traditional Classic Car Show and Cruise, there will be live music on the Old Town Main Stage, featuring the Greg Warren Band. Admission is free for
all ages. The Classic Car Show begins at 1 p.m. and the Classic Car Cruise begins at 8:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks show at about 9.
Entertainment during the day, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the South Plaza near the rides, includes Luke the Juggler and Sphere’s Bubble Show.

SeaWorld Orlando
• Celebrate Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the 10 p.m. Ignite Electric Ocean Show and an all-night dance party. The fireworks finale display is set for July 4. Cost is Included in your regular theme park admission.

LEGOLAND Florida - Red, White & BOOM
• Celebrations take place Saturday and Sunday with a fireworks display. Watch as fireworks burst into LEGO bricks! Cost is included in your regular theme park admission.

Walt Disney World Resorts
• Fireworks are finally returning to Walt Disney World on July 1 as the park moves toward normal operations.
But Disney put special holiday fireworks on hold this year. Neither Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom nor EPCOT Forever at EPCOT will see a Fourth of July celebration. Disney’s Celebrate America spectacular will not return this year, either.

Margaritaville
• Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with two days (Saturday and Sunday) packed with live music and entertainment, followed by fireworks on the July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Set sail at Sunday’s Regatta. Build your own ship and set sail across the water with your team. Limited space available. Supplies are handed out at noon and the race begins at 2.

• Promenade Plaza entertainment is set for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s free admission includes The Gerry Williams Duo, DJ Scotty B, Slickwood, street performers, the Artisan & Farmer’s Market and Show Car Saturday Nights.
Sunday’s free admission includes Jason Link, the Thompson Browne Trio, The Hooligans, DJ Scotty B, Across The Arch - Euphoria Lounge, and Bonkerz Comedy & Cocktails - On Vacation restaurant.

Davenport/Haines City
• Thunder on the Ridge + Ribs on the Ridge
The City of Davenport will present the largest fireworks display in Polk County, plus live bands and food and craft vendors. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Bring a lawn chair to the Lewis Matthews Sports Complex, 400 W. Palm St., and gates open at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Lake Eva Park – 555 Ledwith Ave, Haines City
• A variety of artists take the stage each year during Thunder on the Ridge, beginning at 3 p.m. followed by the largest fireworks display in Polk County on Sunday. There will be plenty of arts, crafts and food vendors, a beer garden and other activities on site for Saturday and Sunday’s events. Thunder on the Ridge will be hosted in conjunction with Ribs on the Ridge, which is one of Central Florida’s largest barbecue festivals.

4th of July Sober Potluck

• Holidays can be difficult, especially when you’re actively choosing to not drink. Join the Sober Squad for an afternoon of food and friends on the 4th. Bring your favorite dish and alcohol-free drinks and come out to celebrate the holiday and make some new friends at the Kraft Azalea Garden, 1365 Alabama Drive, Winter Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free, facebook.com/recoverorlando