Fourth of July family fun events in Walton County

July 2, 2012

Tons of fun Independence Day in Walton County!

Seaside offers up family fun

Festivities include community parade, Sinfonia Gulf Coast POPs concert and fireworks

Seaside’s annual 4th of July Celebration brings together the best traditions along 30A and South Walton as The Merchants of Seaside host a fun-filled Fourth for all ages including two nights of fireworks, a community parade and live music for the entire family.
Schedule:

8 a.m. – Join Seaside on Independence Day as they continue a long-standing tradition along 30A with the Annual South Walton 4th of July Parade. Beginning at Seagrove Plaza will end at the Seaside Amphitheater. Residents and visitors share in the glory as participants march down Scenic Highway 30A dressed in patriotic costumes and on festive holiday floats. Upon arrival in Seaside, a panel of judges will select winning parade entries and awards will be handed out.

7 p.m. – The celebration continues with Stars & Stripes at Seaside at 7 p.m. featuring Sinfonia Gulf Coast POPS concert under the stars. Enjoy your favorite patriotic songs along with familiar melodies from some of the biggest films in history. Bring your blanket.

9 p.m. – End the holiday with one of the best fireworks displays along the Emerald Coast. The fireworks can be viewed from the Seaside Amphitheater or along the beach. ::MAP::

Alys Beach –
9 a.m.:
Local master sand sculptor Mark Flynn teaches sandcastle building from 9-11am. 7 p.m.: the Summer Concert Series continues with the Atlanta All-Stars in the Amphitheater, followed by fireworks at 9pm. Bring blankets or low-back chairs for seating. More info at www.alysbeach.com.

Eden Gardens State Park presents a Fourth of July Family Day program

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 Noon.

Come start your Independence Day off right and spend the day building and sailing a pirate ship with the little ones.

This a ranger-led activity at beautiful Eden Gardens State Park gives each family the opportunity to build and sail their own pirate ship to sail in the park reflection pond.  Anyone can participate; minors need to be accompanied by an adult. The event is free with a paid park admission, but you must pre-register by calling (850) 267-8320. Space is limited to the first 25 participants to register.

Bring water, sun screen, insect repellant and appropriate shoes and clothing for weather conditions. All pirate building supplies will be provided, families need to bring themselves and their enthusiasm! Don’t forget to bring your picnic lunch for enjoying a day in the park after the event.

For more information, please visit: www.floridastateparks.org/edengardens

Eden Gardens State Park, 181 Eden Gardens Rd., Santa Rosa Beach. Directions: Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington off of CR395 in Santa Rosa Beach.

Head to DeFuniak Springs for family fun around the Lakeyard

The DeFuniak Springs Business and Professional Association is gearing up for fun this Fourth of July. The 21st annual celebration includes a parade, rocking entertainment with Crossroads, children’s activities, flyover and fireworks and more.

Events start at 4:30 p.m. with a parade starting at Walton Middle School.
Opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.
Flyover at 6:15 p.m.
Fireworks after dark
Sponsored by the DeFuniak Springs Business and Professional Association (DBPA) and in part by the Walton County Prevention Coalition, Waste Management, C. W. Roberts Construction, Little Cat Productions, Sara Comander and Preble-Rish, Inc.

For more information call (850) 830-1661. To sign up for the parade call (850) 892-3950

No personal fireworks allowed in the lake yard. This celebration is a smoke free event. ::MAP::

Celebrate Walton County Heritage Museum’s Tenth Anniversary on Wednesday, the 4th of July. The Museum will open at 10 a.m. and remain open until the conclusion of the fireworks over Lake DeFuniak. The caboose will be open for tours from 11 a.m. until 2 2 p.m. Narrated trolley tours of the beautiful historic homes around Circle Drive will be offered at 11:00, 11:45, 12:30, and 1:15. Trolley tours include a guided walk through the Heritage Garden and a reception at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. Tickets are $10 per person and may be reserved by calling 850-585-5213. Hot dogs, sausage dogs, and drinks will be sold in front of the Museum starting at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.WaltonCountyHeritage.org.

Red, White and Baytowne

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Join Sandestin for its spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, an evening that lights up the sky and family activities. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will have a host of kids activities from 6- 10 p.m., including kids’ crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Live music will be performed from 6- 9 p.m. Grab your boogie shoes and join in the fun. Baytowne will light up the sky over the lagoon with their 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at 9:15 p.m.
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4th of July celebration at Rosemary Beach

Bike Decorating Breakfast & Bike Parade
7:30 a.m., North Barrett Square
Bring your bike, or rent one from Bamboo Bicycle, and join Rosemary for a FREE bike decorating breakfast party. Create a star-spangled masterpiece with red, white and blue decorations, enjoy doughnuts and juice, then get ready to ride along at 8:45 am in the annual bike parade through town. Prizes awarded for most original use of decorations, most patriotic theme, best 6 and under decorated bike, best family entry and best overall decorated bike!

Family Field Day
9 – 11. a.m. Western Green
Bring the kids and enjoy a morning of fun! Sacj races, three-legged races, hula-hoop contests and a water balloon toss, music, airbrush tattoos, “go fish,” balloons and moonwalks. FREE

Barbecue
5 – 7 p.m, Eastern Green
Celebrate the 4th with an old-fashioned barbecue. Enjoy pork, chicken and brisket plus potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, cobbler and iced tea. Tickets available for purchase at event. $20 adults / $10 kids 4 – 12 yrs. / children 3 and under are free. Cash or check. For more information call (850) 231-1861.

Concert On The Green
6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Western Green
Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars!
FREE

Fireworks!
8:45 p.m.
Watch the exciting display light up the night! Best viewing is on the beach.

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