It’s the day when our American forefathers took on the royal crown and declared their independence against taxation without representation and an oppressive government by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence. A day when we reflect what the stars and stripes mean on our nations flag; a day for enjoying family and friends and appreciating the freedoms and rights that we’ve been blessed with by our Creator - the joyous Fourth of July - the United States Independence Day.

Navarre Beach will be bustling with folks here to celebrate the weekend.  To start the weekend’s festivities off will be the Concert in the Park music and fireworks. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3. The free concert performed by Lektric Mullet will be followed by the oohs and ahhs of a firework show.

If you plan on attending, it is advised that you arrive early with your own blankets and lawn chairs. For more information call the Navarre Visitors Center at 850-939-8666.

The town of Milton located North of Navarre will be celebrating the Fourth of July with a parade and Riverfest.  The parade will take place 7 p.m. Thursday July 3.  On the Fourth the Riverfest will last all day long at the Milton Riverwalk with food and fun and at 9 p.m. fireworks over the water - weather permitting.

Pensacola Beach has big plans for the weekend with “Kaboom” a 3-day event of concerts. On the Fourth, several prefireworks shows will perform from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring The Slammers, Anna Garrott and Brad Caswell and Woody Bradshaw.  At 9 p.m. the fireworks will go off over the beach. For more information call the Pensacola Visitor’s Center at 850-932-1500 or go to their website www.pensacolabeachfireworks.com.

In Fort Walton Beach, the Fourth of July events will be taking place at the Ft. Walton Beach Landing on Brooks Street from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be open and free to the public with food, fun and festivities. For more information contact 850-244-8191. 

And Happy Independence Day!