by SC Feature Writer Reanna Haase
Starting bright and early at 7 a.m. with a patriotic pancake breakfast and wrapping up well after sunset with the city’s fireworks display, the island’s Independence Day itinerary offers something for everyone.
“We are anticipating a turnout even greater than last year,” said Andrea Miller, City of Sanibel recreation director. “Our hope is to see more people coming back to our community.”
In the United States’ 250th year, the city and other island organizations have no plans to slow down on their patriotic celebrations. The jam-packed day outlined in the city’s official schedule includes three city-sponsored events – the Independence Day Parade, the Rec Center celebration, and the evening fireworks show – along with five gatherings hosted by some of our favorite island organizations.
The day’s excitement includes:
• Sanibel Community Church July 4th Pancake Breakfast
◦ Time: 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
◦ Location: Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way
• Sanibel Independence Day Parade
◦ Time: 9 a.m.
◦ Sponsored by: Friends of Don and the City of Sanibel
◦ Register here – Registration deadline: before 2 p.m. on Monday, June 29
• Jerry’s 4th of July Celebration
◦ Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
◦ Location: Jerry’s Food of Sanibel, 1700 Periwinkle Way
• Stars, Stripes & Sanibel Community Celebration
◦ Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
◦ Location: Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Rd
◦ Red, White & Blue Apple Pie Baking Contest registration here
• 46th Annual Fourth of July Road Rally
◦ Time: 12 p.m.
◦ Sponsored by: Friends of Randy
◦ Location: 703 Tarpon Bay Rd
• July 4th Jazz Concert
◦ Time: 4 p.m.
◦ Location: Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, 2050 Periwinkle Way
• Fourth of July BBQ Buffet
◦ Time: 5 p.m.
◦ Location: The Dunes, 949 Sand Castle Rd
• Red, White & BOOM – Sanibel’s Fourth of July Fireworks Display
◦ Time: approximately 9 p.m.
◦ Sponsored by: the City of Sanibel
◦ Fireworks will launch from the north end of Bailey Road, allowing for viewing across the island.
“There are some great events going on throughout the day, so hopefully people take advantage of everything that is going on,” Miller said.
Trish Phillips of Friends of Don, the organizer of the 9 a.m. parade, shared that residents and visitors alike can expect nothing less than a day filled with fun.
“It’s actually a good, fun day. It’s an opportunity for adults and children to come together and help represent the island,” she said.
Alongside the 4th of July festivities, the City of Sanibel is launching “A Field of Heroes” – a large-scale community tribute and memorial honoring the 2,977 heroes who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Beginning on Independence Day, people will have the opportunity to purchase and sponsor American flags at the rec center, representing each life lost. More information on this sponsorship opportunity can be found here. Fees are as follows: $10 for one flag, $45 for five flags, and $100 for twelve flags.
All 2,977 flags will be installed in rows throughout the green space at Community Park for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, said Miller.
The memorial will be complete by Sept. 11, just in time for the city’s Waves of Remembrance: 9/11 Morning of Reflection event, beginning at 8 a.m. and featuring speakers from various island organizations and first responders.
Miller said this year holds great importance for our nation, not only in celebrating the 250th anniversary but also in remembering what happened in our nation almost 25 years ago.
“We hope people keep coming back and come together to celebrate this important year, for the 250th,” Miller said. “As we get into Sept. 11, to help people remember, especially our youth in our community. We want to bridge that gap, so we don’t forget what happened on that day.”
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