The yearly draw of Independence Day celebrations in downtown Winter Park is expected to continue with events ranging from a 5K and live music to a Kids’ Zone full of activities.
Festivities will begin in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 4, as runners and walkers gather on Park Avenue for the 2024 Watermelon 5K presented by Track Shack and AdventHealth. The 3.1-mile race begins at 251 S. Park Ave. with a 7:30 a.m. start time.
Last year’s 5K sold out with more than 2,600 participants filling the downtown area. Park Avenue will be closed between Lyman and Canton avenues to accommodate the race and events that include a Team Challenge for a $500 donation to charity and a free kids’ run. Participants will receive tank tops, mini towels, and ice-cold watermelon for that much needed cool down. Contestants can sign-up for the 8:30 a.m. watermelon eating contest and yard games will be set up at the AdventHealth tents. Additional information and registration are available at trackshack.com and members of the military receive a special race bib and $10 registration discount.
At 9 a.m. the focus will shift to Central Park Main Stage where Mayor Sheila DeCiccio will kick off the city’s 29th Annual 4th of July Celebration. The patriotic party will feature performances by School of Rock Winter Park and the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble led by Dr. John Sinclair. A Kids’ Zone in the West Meadow will offer carnival midway games, bounce slides, balloon artists, and the Kona Ice truck.
Kids can also show off their rides at the bicycle parade, taking place on Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m. Children can bring their pre-decorated bicycles or decorate onsite at the corner of Park and Morse avenues. Guests can enjoy free individual mini pies, cookies, and water provided by the Electric Utility Department.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will celebrate 29 years at 445 North Park Ave. with its yearly Independence Day Celebration, offering free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter Park History Museum, located at 200 W. New England Ave., will also be open on the 4th of July with free admission from 9 a.m. to noon.
See photos from last year’s Independence Day events here. For more information on Winter Park’s 29th Annual 4th of July Celebration, call 407-599-3342 or log onto cityofwinterpark.org.
