Lady Lake may have kicked off the patriotic season with its annual The Big Bang on June 27, but expect more sparks to fly across the tri-county area’s skies this weekend in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Cities including Leesburg, Wildwood and Belleview also are hosting events marking the milestone in the nation’s history.
“(The Big Bang) brought thousands of residents and visitors together to celebrate Independence Day in a safe, family-friendly environment,” said Elisha Pappacoda, Lady Lake communications director. “Events like this create opportunities for neighbors of all ages and backgrounds to connect, support local vendors and build relationships with our police officers and charitable community organizations. That sense of connection is what helps strengthen our community”
Star Spangled Spectacular
Maggie Lyden, special events manager for the City of Leesburg, said the 4th of July Star Spangled Spectacular will feature carnival rides and games, face-painting, live music, a flagpole dedication and a baseball game.
The free event begins 4 p.m. Saturday at Ski Beach Park, 201 E. Dixie Ave. The first 100 attendees will get a special America-themed football.
“I’m not sure how much bigger we can get with the celebration,” Lyden said. “We have put a lot of planning into the event and we are hoping that everyone will come out and celebrate with us.”
The Leesburg Boat Club will lead the flagpole dedication at 4:30 p.m., which will be followed by live music by Groove Infusion. Uncle Sam is set to make a special appearance as well. At 5 p.m., the fun will move over to the Pat Thomas Stadium, 240 Ball Park Road, Leesburg, where attendees can enjoy America’s favorite pastime in a matchup between the Leesburg Lightning and DeLand Suns.
After the final out, the ballpark will open for guests to spread out blankets and set up chairs in anticipation of the event’s grand finale, fireworks.
Lyden said the dedication to the celebration is in the details. The city has been decorating, including hanging 39 banners honoring local veterans along Main Street, since the beginning of the year.
“For the 250th, we tried to incorporate something throughout the entire year,” she said.
For more information about the celebration, visit leesburgflorida.gov.
Happy Birthday America
Just a day earlier, the City of Wildwood is celebrating America’s legacy with live music by the Greg Warren Band, vendors and its third annual pie-eating contest during the Happy Birthday America event.
The festivities kick off 6 p.m. Friday at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood.
The free pie-eating contest, which features divisions for children, teens and adults, begins at 7:45 p.m. and requires advanced registration at wildwood-fl.gov.
Courtney Kellem, director of the City of Wildwood Parks and Recreation, said the city wanted to step up the celebration for the major milestone by adding new features.
“We are adding new contests and planning some different family-friendly activities,” she said. “There will be top-notch live entertainment along with new and returning vendors and, of course, it will be topped with the best fireworks show in the region.”
During the event, attendees can enjoy face-painting, inflatables and a ride on a mechanical alligator. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.
For more information about the event, visit wildwood-fl.gov.
Four Synchronized Fireworks Shows
Marion County is taking the celebration to know heights with four synchronized fireworks shows. And for Belleview Mayor Christine Dobkowski, Saturday’s celebration will mark a major milestone not just for the nation, but the city as well.
“This is an incredibly exciting and meaningful moment for our city,” she said. “As America celebrates 250 years of independence, Belleview is proud to host its first-ever fireworks show and create a celebration that reflects the patriotism and spirit that makes our city special. We are honored to provide families with an opportunity to come together, celebrate our nation’s history and create memories right here in Belleview.”
Belleview’s celebration kicks off 5 p.m. at the Belleview Sports Complex, 6501 SE 107th St., Belleview, with the fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. OneBlood will be on hand from 5 to 9 p.m. for anyone who wants to donate blood. There also will be food trucks, vendors, music and a free family fun zone.
City staff encourages attendees to arrive early, as parking is limited at the Belleview Sports Complex. Overflow parking will be available at Lake Lillian and the Belleview City Hall. Shuttle services will transport guests to and from the event venue.
Marion County’s other fireworks shows will be at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon and Wrigley Fields in northeast Marion County.
For more information about city events, visit belleviewfl.org or text BELLEVIEWEVENTS to 38276.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
