Florida Guide > Miscellaneous
Independence Day 4th of July
Independence Day is a big celebration in America and there are always lots of events taking place.
This is just one suggestion of a place to visit for the afternoon and evening - Kissimmee Downtown Lakefront. And it’s totally FREE.
We have visited this location on the 4th July twice now and just love it. It really has that Old Fashioned American feel, with the locals, young and old all taking part. It is said to be the largest 4th of July event in Central Florida, with approximately 35, 000 to 45, 000 people attending.
The whole area is turned into a super festival, with arts and crafts, games, activities, food festival and competitions. There are three stages where different types of show are put on. We have spent time watching famous Country & Western singers, Barber Shop singers, Pop and Rock groups, Comedians, Jugglers, Mime Acts, Stilt Walkers and Extreme Sports Shows. For $5. 00 you can purchase a wristband from the information kiosk, which entitles you to priority seating for both the extreme sports show and the evening fireworks.
Kua (Kissimmee Utility Authority), the local electricity company, part sponsors the event and run the Kua’s Kids Land. They have their cherry pickers (over head power line repair platforms) waiting, parked in line, to give kids a free ride up and down.
Numerous sideshows and stalls are around the area, with lots of them giving out freebies and tasters such as free drinks cookies and Slush Puppies. You can take your own blanket chairs and food, however if you take a cool box it is likely to be searched. Around the site there are purpose built barbecues where you can cook your own food. Alcohol is not permitted during these celebrations.
The local Fire Department and Police have vehicles in attendance for visitors to look around and everyone is most friendly.
The climax to this super show is a massive Free Firework Display over Lake Toho. There are good views of the fireworks from most areas along the lakeside.
Parking is at a premium; you will have to get there fairly early to get a space. The celebrations start at 5. 00pm, however a lot is happening in and around the area prior to the start. You will need to be there by 3. 30pm to 4. 00pm. to get a parking space, unless you are very lucky and someone leaves.
Park and Ride is available from Albertson’s Supermarket, Town Corral Plaza. Albertson’s is located on the John Young Parkway, just south of Highway 192. There are plenty of buses running at regular intervals and you do not have to wait long to get to the Lakeside. The problem here arises after the fireworks have finished. There are so many people trying to leave the park at the same time, the queue for the bus can be up to one hour long.
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