The neighborhood party, the smell of the grill all around town, burgers, American flag cheesecake, hot dogs, the sound of kids laughing, watermelon, potato salad, s'mores, running through the sprinkler, red-white-and-blue bomb pops, the bike parade, sparklers and fireworks.... these are the memories of my childhood. Growing up in Milwaukee, our 4th of July festivities most years were straight out of the pages of Martha Stewart Living Magazine - seriously. We decorated our bikes with streamers and rode in the community bike parade in the morning. We gathered with a large group of friends and family for a full day of grilling, eating, drinking, swimming, and fireworks. And the day always ended at the "big" fireworks show at the community public park. Everyone in the community, for the most part, did the same exact thing. I am feeling nostalgic thinking about it!
The same can be found on the 4th of July in South Walton. The difference is, in South Walton, the festivities are more.....fragmented. You will not find one big ole cohesive community party where all of South Walton participates or even a public park with a fireworks show. Instead, there are sub-community parades, parties and a couple of small firework displays off the beach.
Here is your definite Guide to the 4th of July in South Walton to help you plan for next Saturday. If you have something to add, please email jill@southwaltonscene.com so I can add to the list!
NEW UPDATES: [Updated July 3, 2009]
**2-5pm - Outdoor Concert at Seacrest Beach/The Village of South Walton - North Lagoon & Ampitheater [MAP] Free concert by Newfangled Theory by the pool.
**GREAT SOUTHERN FOURTH OF JULY NEIGHBORHOOD ROAST** Full info>>
30A Radio (107.1FM)
South Walton's very own radio station will be broadcasting live at the South Walton 4th of July Parade at SEASIDE (see info below). For those that can't be there? Stream it live at 30ARadio.org. They will be set up on the parade route doing live interviews with revelers starting at 7:45am on 107.1FM and will be playing patriotic tunes during the parade. Stop by and support them after the parade in the SEASIDE ampitheater where they will be selling watermelon and lemonade, with all proceeds to the radio station.
4th of July Concert at the Market Shops at Sandestin [MAP]
| Free and open to the public | Live entertainment by Reed Waddle and
children’s activities will be offered from 6-8PM on the Cypress Green.
Enjoy a free wine tasting from Beyond the Grape and other merchant
specials. No outside coolers.
Daytime Parades, Events & Activities
7:00am - 4th of July Red, White and Run 5K through the WaterColor trails at WaterColor Resort [MAP] 5K begins @ 8am - Fun Run Begins @ 8:30am -No pre-registration OR fee to participate in the races. Commemorative tees will be for sale.
- 7:30am - Bike Decorating Breakfast Party & Rosemary Beach Bike Parade [MAP]
FREE bike decorating breakfast party. Enjoy donuts while you decorate your kiddy ride for the annual Rosemary Beach Bike Parade through town which starts at 8:45am, starting in North Barrett Square and ending on the Western Green. Prizes will be awarded for "Most Original Use of Decorations", "Most Patriotic Theme", "Best 6 and Under Decorated Bike", "Best Family Entry" and "Best Overall Decorated Bike". Questions? (850) 231-2900.
The parade begins in front of Seagrove Plaza and continues west along Scenic Hwy 30A to the Seaside Amphitheater. Stay afterwards for an awards presentation, face painting, music by 30A Radio and more. Questions? (850) 231-5424- 8:30am - Grayton Beach community parade down
DeFuniak Street. [MAP]
This annual local parade starts at the Red Bar and ends right before Grayton General on the corner of 30A where watermelon is traditionally served! There is no fee for entry and anyone can participate - decorate your vehicle, your bike, your golf cart, yourself ... anything! - 8:45am - Rosemary Beach Bike Parade [MAP]
Parade starts in North Barrett Square and ends on the Western Green. Prizes will be awarded for "Most Original Use of Decorations", "Most Patriotic Theme", "Best 6 and Under Decorated Bike", "Best Family Entry" and "Best Overall Decorated Bike". Questions? (850) 231-2900 - 9-11am - Family Field Day at Rosemary Beach [MAP]
Sack races, three-legged races, hula-hoop contests, a water balloon toss, music, moonwalk and much more. Questions? (850) 231-2900 - **2-5pm - Outdoor Concert at Seacrest Beach/The Village of South Walton - North Lagoon & Ampitheater [MAP] Free concert by Newfangled Theory by the pool.
Night Time Fireworks, Events & Activities
- 5-7pm - Community Barbecue at Rosemary Beach [MAP]
Celebrate the 4th with an old-fashioned barbecue of pork, chicken and brisket, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and cobbler. Tickets will be available for purchase. Questions? (850) 231-2900 - 6pm - Red, White & Baytowne Celebration at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin [MAP]
Enjoy a free concert by The Coconut Radio Band and a variety of kid's activities. Questions? (850) 267-8117. - 6pm - 4th of July Concert at the Market Shops at Sandestin [MAP] Free and open to the public | Live entertainment by Reed Waddle and children’s activities will be offered from 6-8PM on the Cypress Green. Enjoy a free wine tasting from Beyond the Grape and other merchant specials. No outside coolers.
- 6:30pm - 4th of July Concert with (TBA) at Rosemary Beach [MAP]
Enjoy some live music as you wait for the fireworks show at dusk. Questions? (850) 231-2900
After dinner (or bring your appetite and visit one of the many restaurant and eateries in SEASIDE), head over to the SEASIDE Amphitheater for a free live concert before a fireworks show at dusk by Birmingham, Alabama band Rollin' in the Hay. Questions? (850) 231-5424.- 7:00pm - 4th of July Concert at Gulf Place - Santa Rosa Beach [MAP]
Pack a picnic and blanket and enjoy a free concert under the stars with the Tallahassee-based Sarah Mac Band. Even Money.
Sit on the beach or in the town center to view one of the largest fireworks displays along the Emerald Coast. Tune your to 30A Radio at 107.1FM to hear music choreographed with the fireworks. Questions? (850) 231-5424- Dusk - Fireworks at Rosemary Beach [MAP]
Sit on Western Green, Eastern Green or get a front row seat on the beach. Questions? (850) 231-2900 - Dusk - Red, White & Baytowne Celebration Fireworks at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin [MAP] Head over to the Village Events Plaza for a huge fireworks display. Questions? (850) 267-8117.
- Dusk - Do-Your-Own-Fireworks at Grayton Beach behind the Red Bar. [MAP]
A local's tradition. Light your own fireworks or watch others light fireworks. Not the best choice if you have small children or are elderly and have never been. It's not necessarily dangerous but not particularly safe either.
Other Activities and Information
Prefer a quieter day? Pack a picnic and head to one of South Walton's State Parks. Find them (links included) on the Nature and Outdoor Scene page here.
Where can you purchase your own fireworks? Publix Grocery Stores at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and WaterColor carry some fireworks. If you don't mind traveling, you can also head to WalMart in Destin or the parking lot adjacent to WalMart where there typically are Fireworks for Sale in large tents (you will see them from Hwy 98).
If you are lighting off your own fireworks this year: Please help keep the beaches clean! Participate in the 2009 Beach Cleanup Day scheduled for July 5th from 8-10am. FULL INFO
I will be adding more info throughout the week so CHECK BACK IN!!!
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