MILTON — Looking for fireworks? Check out these Santa Rosa County Independence Day celebrations.
FIREWORKS, 5K IN JAY
The Town of Jay’s fireworks display begins when it becomes dark on Saturday, July 2 at Bray-Hendricks Park, 5213 Booker Lane.
In addition, residents can participate in the 17th Annual Celebrate Freedom 5K and 1-mile fun run on Monday. The 5K starts at 8 a.m.; the fun run at 9:15 a.m. The race will begin and finish at Bray-Hendricks Park.
Awards will be distributed in 30 groups, and $20 registration is available at http://bit.ly/2928d2I.
Contact Race Coordinator Matthew Dobson, 217-2603 or rmdobson@liberty.edu, for more information.
RIVERFEST IN DOWNTOWN MILTON
Downtown Milton’s annual Riverfest will feature activities, contests and vendors throughout the day, concluding with fireworks at dark over the Blackwater River.
Here’s the schedule:
●9 a.m. to noon: the 14th annual Firecracker Motorcycle show will take place on South Willing Street. Registration is $10. 18 categories will be awarded with cash and other prizes by people’s choice. The awards presentation is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the South Pavilion.
Also: the Freedom Car Show will take place on Elmira Street, and trophies will be awarded. The awards presentation will take place 2 p.m. at Blackwater Bistro, also on Elmira Street.
●11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: the Treasure Island children’s activity area will take place at the North Gazebo.
●5 p.m.: A duck race will take place on the Blackwater River. The first-place winner will receive $1,500; second place will receive $750; and third will receive $250.
●6:30-8:30 p.m.: Robby Tucker will provide live music at the North Gazebo.
●6:30 p.m.: A veterans salute will place at the Veterans Memorial Plaza on Willing Street.
●7 p.m.: The South Pavilion will feature Karaoke with Boogie Inc.
According to the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce website, a no-wake zone will be in effect for the entire day on July 4 from the north side of Russell Harbor Landing to the railroad bridge. The railroad bridge will operate under extended hours until 10 p.m.
Donna Tucker, the chamber’s president and CEO, cautions boaters to watch their speed in the area, stating individuals are expected to be in the water during the duck race.
As for the fireworks display, Tucker also cautions against attendees bringing dogs downtown. At past events, attendees have lost control of their dogs who were frightened by the fireworks, she said.
NAVARRE BEACH FIREWORKS
Fireworks will launch from Navarre Beach Marine Park after sunset, approximately 9 p.m., on Monday, July 4.
The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council’s display, provided by Pyro Shows, will be visible from both the beach and the sound side east and west of the Navarre Beach Causeway bridge.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Fourth of July events set for Santa Rosa