PATRIOTIC BEACH: ‘Fourth’ celebrated island-style
Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue!
The Town of Fort Myers Beach commemorated Fourth of July with a parade, hot dog eating contest and one of the best fireworks displays in Lee County. The Town Parks and Recreation Department organized the events.
Many Beach residents and visitors celebrated their independence by enjoying their freedom island-style. The federal holiday marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, making this America’s 239th birthday.
While the morning parade and afternoon festivities were met with sun and heat, Mother Nature threatened to release some natural fireworks before the dusk pyrotechnics show. Fortunately, she waited to unleash major thunderstorms a night later.
“The fireworks went wonderfully,” said Sarah Mayher of the Town Parks and Recreation Department.
An hour-long parade began the day. Military organizations led off the procession and Grand Marshal Betty Simpson soon followed. Many floats, car clubs, local businesses and others were cheered on.
Five awards were announced. Fort Myers Beach Lions Club captured Best of Parade, while VFW Ladies Auxiliary won Best Decorated Entry, Krewe of Sloth took home Best Musical Display, Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge gained Best Patriotic Theme for displaying Red, White and Blue and Krewe of Sloth collected Best Patriotic Theme for displaying enthusiasm.
At the second annual Hot Dog Eating contest, Mark Allman took first place, a trophy and $100 in the children’s (under age 16) division, Whitney Smith secured the same with a first-place win in the women’s division and Bob Petcher defended his title in the men’s division. Two of the competitions went to a tie-breaking “speed round” with the first one to completely eat a hot dog and bun being crowned champion.
Times Square continued to rock with live music all afternoon and evening, leading up to the fireworks show off the Beach Pier at dusk. Many lined the beachfront to watch the eye-popping display.
Thanks go out to the following financial contributors to the fireworks: Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation, Times Square Alliance, Ann Boston-Reamey, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Mary Ellen Fey and Retolist LLC dba La Ola. In all, $11,480 was donated to fund the display.
Town Parks & Recreation staff should be applauded for doing a great job in organizing the day’s events.
If you didn’t get a chance to purchase a specially designed Fourth of July t-shirt, stop by Bay Oaks Recreational Campus at 2731 Oak St. to buy one to remember the occasion and thank the hard-working staff there.