All around the Tampa Bay area, preparations are under way as residents get ready to celebrate the nation’s 232nd birthday on Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 2008.
It was on July 4, 1776, that the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the Thirteen Colonies “free and independent” and effectively dissolving the political connection between them and Great Britain. Americans commemorate the momentous birth of the United States with fireworks, parades, barbeques and picnics. Following is a list of some of the scheduled festivities around the area.
Hillsborough County
In Riverview, a Fourth of July celebration will kick off at 1 p.m., at American Legion Post 148, 7240 U.S. 301 S. The event will feature a pig roast, live entertainment and prize drawings. Guests are encouraged to bring items to be sent to deployed troops such as phone cards, powdered drink mixes, protein bars antifungal powders, DVDs and AA and AAA batteries. Cost is $6. Call 813-677-6529.
An evening of dinner, dancing and fireworks will be offered on Friday, July 4, at the Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. Cocktails will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. with dinner seating at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served “under the stars” inside MOSI’s Saunders Planetarium. The event also will feature dancing in Kids in Charge!, a musical performance by Spirit of Freedom and champagne. Later, guests will gather on top of the IMAX Dome Theatre to view Tampa Bay’s fireworks displays. Cost is $225 for individuals or $400 for couples. For reservations, call 813-987-6077 by June 30.
The Fourth of July Celebration at Channelside, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, will begin at 2 p.m. Live entertainment will start at 6 p.m. with DJs spinning tunes before and after the 9 p.m. fireworks display. Call 813-223-4250.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa will welcome guests on Friday, July 4. Guests will be admitted for $10 after 3 p.m. Aquarium hours will be extended to 9:30 p.m. so guests can soak up the fun at Explore A Shore and watch fireworks over the channel. Call 813-273-4000.