Clearwater Celebrates America!

On July 4^th, thousands of people came out to celebrate Independence Day, Clearwater style. In Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., the crowds packed the grassy lawn in front of the band shell, around the pond, and high on the hills of the Main Library.

A spectacular sunset treated celebrators to vivid colors – first of gold…

and then deepening to red, blue and purple.

A Kid’s Zone provided young participants fun activities, such as hula hoop and watermelon eating contests and corn hole.

People brought chairs, hammocks and blankets to enjoy the festivities.

Many were dressed in patriotic colors and flags, with red, white and blue flowers, ribbons and hats.

Children brandished lighted sabers and wands or Glow-stick jewelry and climbed trees.

Flocks of people were enticed by delicious aromas as food trucks offered treats such as BBQ, corn dogs, Italian sausage, Italian ices, Kettle corn, funnel cakes and ice-cream.

The Mostly Pops Orchestra, under the directorship of Robert Romanski, participated in the Independence Day program, as it had for the last 30 years.

Some familiar faces sat in the VIP area.

Boats of viewers also dotted the waterways and the light-adorned pirate ship floated by more than once.

Promptly at 9:30 p.m., a 25-minute fireworks display kicked off.

And a fun time was had by all!