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Posted: 2:02 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2012

An explosion of events for the Fourth of July



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Local fireworks photo
Palm Beach Post file photo
Fireworks are just a small part of the local celebration.

By Janis Fontaine

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

So many choices for the Fourth of July! Still undecided about where to celebrate? Here are our top five, in no particular order:

1. JUPITER

If they were serving apple pie in Jupiter Wednesday — and maybe they are — you’d have nearly every iconic component for an All-American celebration. At Roger Dean Stadium’s Mega Bash IV, today and Wednesday, you can see a ballgame, a concert and fireworks, all from your reserved seat at the stadium at 4751 Main St. On Tuesday, the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals play at 6:35 p.m., followed by fireworks and a concert by ‘80s tribute band River Down. At 4 p.m. Wednesday, the gates open early for play in the Kid’s Area. The Beach Birds take on Bradenton Marauders at 6:35 p.m. followed by fireworks and a concert by country singer Tom Jackson. $9.50 adults; $7.50 kids and seniors. Info: (561) 775-1818.

From 4-10 p.m. Wednesday, Town Center Drive in Abacoa, becomes the site of the family-friendly Fourth which features live animals from Busch Wildlife, DIY art projects from Resource Depot, inflatables, balloon artists, waterslides, bungee jumping, rock wall, sidewalk art, carnival games, a dance competition and hot dog-eating contests. Music is by Girlfriend Material at 6 p.m. You’ll also find food on the green and outside bars and beer tubs. Then, head to Roger Dean for the fireworks and concert. Info: (561) 624-7788; www.abacoa.com.

2. BOYNTON BEACH

Celebrate the Fourth from 6:30-9:30 p.m. today at Intracoastal Park, 2240 N. Federal Hwy, just south of Gateway Boulevard. On the agenda: Live music by the Monique McCall Band from 6:30–9 p.m.; a patriotic salute at 7:30 p.m. and musically-choreographed fireworks by “Fireworks by Grucci” at 9 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be on site, and you park and ride the free shuttle from the northeast corner of Federal Highway and Ocean Avenue or from Boynton Beach Community High School from 6–10:30 p.m. Info: (561) 742-6246; www.boyntonbeachcra.com

3. LAKE WORTH

The Fourth of July festivities begin early with the annual favorite, the 10th annual Great American Raft Race. The race is typically about 200 yards and takes about 10 minutes, but bragging rights last all year. Contestants compete in several categories: best of show (for costumes and decorations); best crowd pleaser (for the best reaction from the crowd); and for a first place finish. The race begins at 11 a.m. just south of the boat ramps in Bryant Park, but people come early to watch the rafts launch.

Throughout the day, kids have lots to do: arts and crafts, games, contests, music and dance, costume and hat contests, and a decorated bike and stroller contest are planned. Javier Del Sol, the children’s Pied Piper of Lake Worth, leads many of the activities. Kids can meet animals at the petting zoo at Lake Avenue and L Street, or feed the tortoises outside of Bee’s Knees.

A pie baking contest, watermelon eating contest, a pig kissing booth, sidewalk shopping and restaurants cooking and serving in the streets are also planned. And everything wraps up with fireworks at Bryant Park.

4. ROYAL PALM BEACH

The Village of Royal Palm Beach Independence Day Celebration takes place in Lakeside Challenger Park, 701 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. Kids can play all day in the Kids Fun Zone area, where they’ll find carnival-style rides, slides, games, crafts, and a mobile arcade bus. Open from 1-8 p.m., a $5 advance wristband is required. Live music by A2Z Band and On Target Band, and Tony Tiger DJ Productions.

Highlights include the annual Mayor’s Cup Kayak Race and the new cornhole tournament, a corn bag toss game. (Think bean bag but filled with corn.)

The Zambelli Fireworks International show begins at 9 p.m. Free. Info: (561) 790-5124; www.royalpalmbeach.com

5. WEST PALM BEACH

By some estimates, nearly 100,000 people are expected to show up in downtown West Palm Beach for the annual 4th on Flagler celebration, from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday. The free festivities will take place at the Meyer Amphitheatre, Waterfront Commons and all along Flagler Drive.

An inspiring military salute and flag raising is planned, with the unfurling five-story flag by West Palm Beach firefighters on the Esplanade Grande building. Mayor Jeri Muoio will speak and present a plaque to members of the military. Join in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem, led by Lou Galterio.

Musically, it’s an exciting night as well. Chris Rene, a finalist on the X Factor, performs his infectious, poppy hit Trouble. Also on tap is Duncan, best known for his hit Light Up the Sky, which flavored the soundtrack of the film New Years’ Eve. Other performers include Blue Audio, Cover Up, Riptide and Jeff Harding.

Don’t miss gift cheese carver Troy Landwehr’s contribution: Mount Rushmore carved entirely out of cheddar cheese. The sculpture will be on display in the Lake Pavilion along with the Enforcer Motorcycle Club’s patriotic Harley Davidson Motorcycle exhibit, ‘cheesy’ games and food.

Throughout the downtown area, you’ll find “face-in-hole” photo boards depicting famous moments in U.S. history. Have your kids stick their heads through for a photo and a quick history lesson. Also planned is the firefighters ‘Splash-and-Dash’ competition, but the fireworks show, perhaps the largest in South Florida, caps the celebration beginning at 9 p.m. Info: (561) 822-1515. www.wpb.org/4th.

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