Spending the 4th of July on Anna Maria Island

When you think of summer celebrations, you almost always think of the 4^th of July. Not only is it the biggest holiday of the summer, but it is also the quintessential American party. Everyone, regardless of age, heritage or political views can enjoy the celebration of our nation’s birth. There are plenty of choices for your 4^th of July activities. Here are a few of the ones we love.

AMI Privateers 4th of July Parade

We have to start with the Privateers Parade because no list of fun would be complete without it. The Privateers 4th of July Parade is one of the biggest annual events on Anna Maria Island and a huge local favorite. Quite simply, it’s a must-see event. The parade starts at the North Entrance of Coquina Beach and travels north on Gulf Drive through Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and finishes at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. The parade starts at 10:00 am and concludes at 1:00 pm. This event is full of family fun. The Privateers are a non-profit that raises money for scholarships to Manatee County students in need. Learn more about them on their website.

Anna Maria City Picnic Celebration

Immediately following the parade is the Anna Maria City Picnic Celebration. This event is held at the City Pier Park where the parade concludes. There will be food and entertainment for the whole family. The celebration starts at 12:00 om and is scheduled to run until 1:30 pm. City Pier Park is located at 103 N. Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216. It’s near many of our vacation homes, so you can beat the traffic by grabbing the bicycles from your vacation home and using them to go to the park.

Take in a Game

If baseball is America’s pastime, then what better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with a game? Maybe by adding fireworks. The Bradenton Marauders, the local minor league farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are out of town on the 4^th, so they are celebrating on July 3^rd. The team will have a fireworks display following their game against the Blue Jays. And the first 1,500 fans will get a free t-shirt! The game is at LECOM Park, located at 1611 9^th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Get more ticketing information and times at the team website.

Dinner and Fireworks

If your idea of a good time is heading out later in the day for dinner and fireworks, the Pier 22 restaurant in nearby Bradenton has an event you may want to look at. The 4th of July Fireworks & Independence Day Buffet kicks off at 6:30 pm and the all-you-can-eat buffet starts at 7. Your table is yours for the night. This means you also have a front-row seat for the professional fireworks show that starts at 9:30 pm. Reservations are required. You can get more information here. Pier 22 is located at 1200 1st Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205

These are just a few things to do for the 4^th of July holiday. Or you can just enjoy your luxury beach home with a box of sparklers. It’s your choice. If you want more ideas, contact our local experts. They will be happy to help you say Happy Birthday America in whatever manner you want.