Parade, watermelon eating contest, live music with Dread Clampitt and fireworks!
The Merchants of Seaside host a fun-filled Fourth for families of all ages! Kick off the Independence Day at the annual South Walton 4th of July Parade at 8 a.m., enjoy a variety of events during the day including a watermelon eating contest and music from 30A Radio. Then dance the night away with Stars & Stripes at Seaside; and salute the night sky with music from Dread Clampitt with special guest Sam Bush, then a spectacular fireworks display over the gulf.
Schedule:
8 a.m. – The parade begins in front of Seagrove Plaza. Everyone shares in the glory as participants march down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove dressed in patriotic costumes and on festive holiday floats, all vying your applause. Upon arrival in Seaside, a panel of judges will select winning parade entries and awards will be handed out. And, don’t forget your beloved furry friends; the crowd always loves patriotic pooches dressed in their finest holiday costumes. Interested in being in the parade? Click here for registration form
After the parade has ended and winners have been announced, enjoy music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio until 11:00 a.m., along with face painting and a watermelon eating contest.
7 p.m. – Stars and Stripes celebration begins featuring Dread Clampitt with special guest, Grammy Award winner Sam Bush. With clever and heartfelt lyrics, Walton County’s own Dread Clampitt combines the sounds of bluegrass, rock & roll, blues, jazz and some Louisiana Bayou funk to create a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Guest artist Sam Bush, a world-renowned mandolin player, has performed live with Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck and Emmylou Harris. Dread Clampitt will showcase many of the songs off of their new album, featuring Bush, entitled “Learnin’ to Live.” Concertgoers will be able to purchase this new album, and have it signed by the entire band, following the performance.
9 p.m. – The Seaside Fireworks Spectacular. This fireworks extravaganza will illuminate the skies in celebration of our country’s birthday. The fireworks will be choreographed to a soundtrack and can be heard while viewing the show from the Seaside Amphitheater. Guests can also listen to the soundtrack via simulcast from 30A Radio. To hear the soundtrack, tune your radio into 107.1FM or online at: 30ARadio.org.