Runners, music lovers, and anyone looking for a summertime celebration won’t have far to go as a range of Independence Day events will be held throughout the downtown area.
Festivities begin in Central Park on Sunday, July 2, when the Rotary Club of Winter Park presents Orlando Big Band’s 4th of July Concert in the Park from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The free performance by Bennett Harmon and the Orlando Big Band will feature melodies such as America the Beautiful, Route 66 and God Bless America, played by a 20-piece, 1940’s orchestra.
Events on the 4th of July will start early when Track Shack and AdventHealth present the Watermelon 5K. Beginning at 7:15 a.m., participants will meet at 251 S. Park Ave. with the 3.1-mile race starting at 7:30 a.m. Events include a watermelon eating contest and a free kids run. Runners and walkers will receive a 5K shirt and race bib, and are invited to enjoy the sponsorship area when they complete the course. Click here for registration information.
After the race, the city’s Parks & Recreation Department will present the 28th Annual 4th of July Celebration from 9-11 a.m. in Central Park. Residents are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs for live music on the Main Stage featuring Madison Zavitz, Miss City Beautiful, and a patriotic performance by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble.
The event will also include a kids zone in Central Park West Meadow with midway games, bounce slides, balloon artists and Kona Ice. The Electric Utility Department will sponsor free individual mini pies, cookies, and water while supplies last. And children can participate in the annual bicycle parade beginning at 10:45 a.m at the corner of Park and Morse avenues.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, at 445 North Park Ave., will celebrate Independence Day with free admission to its galleries from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Winter Park History Museum, located at 200 W. New England Ave., will also offer free admission on July 4th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information on Winter Park’s 28th Annual 4th of July Celebration, please call 407-599-3342 or go to CityofWinterPark.org.
