From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Apopka's Independence Day weekend begins July 3 with a patriotic flag-raising ceremony at Mullinax Ford of Central Florida, where one of the area's largest American flags will be unveiled in honor of the nation's 250th birthday. The celebration continues July 4 at the Apopka Amphitheater with live entertainment by Private Stock Band, food vendors, children's activities, and a fireworks finale. Ahead of the holiday, the Apopka Fire Department is reminding residents to use caution with consumer fireworks and encouraging families to enjoy the city's professional fireworks show.
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Apopka residents will have two opportunities to celebrate America's 250th birthday this Independence Day weekend, beginning with a community flag-raising ceremony on Friday, July 3, and culminating with the city's annual Fourth of July celebration featuring live music, family activities, and fireworks on Saturday, July 4.
Related: Florida State Parks to offer free admission July 3-5 for America's 250th anniversary.
Together, the events commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and invite residents to reflect on the nation's history while celebrating with family, friends, and neighbors.
Mullinax Ford hosts patriotic flag-raising ceremony
The festivities begin at 9 am. Friday, July 3, when Mullinax Ford of Central Florida hosts a Monumental Flag Raising Ceremony at its dealership, 1551 E. Semoran Blvd.
The free ceremony will commemorate America's 250th birthday with the unveiling of the dealership's new 12-foot-by-18-foot American flag, one of the largest in the Apopka area.
The program will feature a ceremonial flag raising by the VFW Honor Guard, the National Anthem performed by firefighter Viola Gardner, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a display of the No. 21 NASCAR show car.
Mullinax Ford employees, veterans, community members and families are invited to attend the ceremony, which is expected to last less than 30 minutes.
Fireworks, music, and family fun on July 4
The celebration continues on Saturday, July 4, when the City of Apopka Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Independence Day Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Apopka Amphitheater, located at the Northwest Recreation Complex, 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway.
Admission and parking are free.
The evening will feature live entertainment by Private Stock Band, whose performances include Top 40 favorites, Motown classics, classic rock, country and Latin music, along with tributes to Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks before closing with a patriotic performance leading into the fireworks show.
Families can also enjoy food vendors, market vendors and children's activities throughout the evening. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for lawn seating, while covered seating is also available inside the amphitheater.
The celebration concludes with a professional fireworks display beginning at approximately 9 p.m.
Apopka Fire Department offers fireworks safety reminders
As residents prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Apopka Fire Department is encouraging everyone to keep safety top of mind when using consumer fireworks.
The department recommends keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire and checking local regulations for drought conditions before lighting fireworks. Officials also advise using fireworks only in wide-open areas away from homes, vehicles, dry grass and trees, and wearing hearing protection since fireworks can exceed 150 decibels, loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage.
Parents are urged to keep young children away from fireworks and sparklers, which can cause serious burns, and instead consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, popping streamers or confetti.
The Fire Department also recommends lighting only one firework at a time, maintaining a safe distance after ignition, and never attempting to relight a firework that fails to ignite properly. Residents are encouraged to notify neighbors who may have young children, elderly family members or pets before setting off fireworks.
After the celebration, used fireworks should be soaked thoroughly in water before being placed in a metal trash container away from buildings to ensure they are completely extinguished.
Fire officials note that one of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professionally managed display, such as the City of Apopka's annual Independence Day celebration at the Apopka Amphitheater.
As communities across the nation begin commemorating the semiquincentennial of the United States, Apopka's two-day celebration offers residents an opportunity to honor the country's history while coming together to celebrate the freedoms and traditions that continue to unite the community.
Key Points:
- Mullinax Ford will host a free Monumental Flag Raising Ceremony at 9 am on July 3.
- The City of Apopka's annual Independence Day Celebration runs from 6 to 9 pm on July 4 at the Apopka Amphitheater.
- Private Stock Band will headline the evening before a professional fireworks display at approximately 9 pm.
- The Apopka Fire Department recommends attending professional fireworks shows and following safety precautions if using consumer fireworks.
- Both events commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
