Fireworks, food, and fun! 4th of July Preview
Fireworks, food, and fun!
June 25th, 2017
South Walton pulls out all the stops for the Fourth of July
By Michelle Farnham
We know how to celebrate the Fourth of July the right way here in South Walton: red wine, white sandy beaches and blue skies as far as the eye can see. There’s nothing quite like setting up camp on the beach at dark and watching fireworks up and down the Emerald Coast, but there is plenty of celebrating to be done during the daylight hours, too.
On the county’s east side, Rosemary Beach will be rocking from dawn to dusk, with lots of old-fashioned, family-friendly activities planned. The bike decorating contest and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Watch the bike parade roll through Town Center at 8:30 a.m., followed by field day games at 9 a.m. Come 6 p.m., The Hep Cats will perform on Western Green, and fireworks round out the day at 8:45.
Just down 30A, the annual July Fourth concert at Alys Beach runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the amphitheater. Enjoy the sounds of Bucktown All-Stars as they bring their New Orleans party style, “a mix of rock, soul, funk, R&B and legendary New Orleans classics.” Food and beverage are available, or bring your own along with comfortable seating. For those unfamiliar with Alys Beach, the amphitheater is on the north side of 30A, between N. Somerset Street and Mark Twain Lane.
For more parade fun, don’t miss the South Walton Fourth of July parade that steps off at 8 a.m. at Seagrove Plaza (3723 E. Co. Highway 30A), heads down 30A, and ends at Seaside. All that marching calls for an awards presentation, face-painting and fun! Rumor has it the Seaside lawn is a great place to watch the 8:30 p.m. fireworks display, so claim a spot early and enjoy the 7 p.m. USO-style concert by The Victory Belles at the amphitheater while you wait. Don’t forget to hit up Airstream Row for a bite to eat, too.
If Grayton Beach is more your style, wear your red, white and blue, and check out the 8:30 a.m. parade that starts at The Red Bar, 70 Hotz Avenue. This homegrown parade prides itself on keeping things casual, and everyone is invited to join the procession – no registration required!
Hungry? The Sandestin 4th of July BBQ runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Baytowne Marina, but be forewarned: you have to purchase tickets in advance ($38 adults/$16 kids). Music, food, a bounce house and face-painting are on the agenda, followed by fireworks over the bay at 9:15.
Red, White and Baytowne – an evening of inflatables, lawn games, and crafts at the Village of Baytowne Wharf – goes from 6 to 9 p.m. Listen to the musical stylings of Donovan Keith & the Funky Feat at 7 p.m. on the events plaza, followed by fireworks at 9:15. Of course you can catch fireworks over the Baytowne lagoon every Tuesday at 9:15, but they’re sure to have something extra special planned for this night. On the Baytowne LIVE Stage across from MooLaLa, Stevie Hall will be performing a free public concert from 7 to 10 p.m.
Grab a blanket or a beach chair, a well-stocked cooler, and enjoy food from any one of South Walton’s amazing culinary destinations, all while celebrating America!
