City of North Port to celebrate Freedom Festival: Cheers to 250 Years on July 4

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

NORTH PORT, FL — The City of North Port invites the community to celebrate Freedom Festival: Cheers to 250 Years on Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Pkwy. As part of the nation’s 250th celebration, the City of North Port is proud to be a registered participant in America’s Ultimate Block Party.
Presented by Dragonfly Dental, this free Independence Day celebration will bring the community together for an unforgettable evening of patriotic pride, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local vendors, delicious food and a spectacular fireworks finale.

The celebration begins with an opening ceremony featuring the Imagine School at North Port Young Marines presenting the colors as the National Anthem is performed by Jennifer Montalvo. The ceremony will also include a flyover from the Gulf Coast Raptors Formation Flight Team, followed by remarks from City officials.

Families can take part in a variety of patriotic activities throughout the evening, including:
* Complimentary Patriotic Play Zone on the Front Event Lawn featuring bounce houses, lawn games and music
* Community art mural coloring activity brought to you by The Hadley North Port
* Interactive photo opportunity with the oversized Buddy Bench for a star-spangled snapshot brought to you by North Port Home Depot and North Port Behavioral Health
* Red, White & Wheels, an interactive touch-a-truck zone featuring police, fire and public works vehicles for kids to explore Firecracker Lane along the concourse featuring merchandise vendors and community organizations with local goods, information and activities Taste of American Journey featuring local mobile food vendors with food and refreshments available for purchase The evening’s live music begins with J&R Fusion, followed by a featured performance by Dukes of Brinkley. Together, the bands will keep the energy going throughout the night and create a festive atmosphere from start to finish.

Guests may enjoy seating inside the stadium or relax on the Event Lawn. Those planning to watch the fireworks display from the lawn are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for the finale. All seating is first-come, first-served. Scheduled fireworks display is subject to local weather and ground safety conditions.

Free parking will be available outside the stadium, and the public is encouraged to carpool. Be prepared for congestion and slow-moving traffic as you enter and exit the park; slow and safe is the motto of the day!

For everyone’s safety, please leave personal fireworks and sparklers at home. In accordance with venue rules, pets and stickers are also not permitted. To receive safety and event-related messages about the festival, text FREEDOM26 to 888-777. For the latest event news, frequently asked questions and schedule updates, visit NorthPortFL.gov/FreedomFestival.

The City is proud to recognize the businesses and organizations that have already committed their support to this year’s Freedom Festival: Presenting Sponsor: Dragonfly Dental; Gold Sponsors: National Metering Services, Quality TV Smart Home & Security, Visit Sarasota County, Wharton-Smith and Hooper’s Backflow Service; Silver Sponsors: Statewide Garage Doors and Tommy’s Express Car Wash; Bronze Sponsors: 5th Nail Lounge, Anytime Fitness North Port, Bentley & Sons Electric, Club Pilates Wellen Park, Lundstrom Home Inspection, Mark Kaufman Roofing, Oasis Eye Care, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and The Joint Chiropractic; In-Kind Sponsors: Caddy Carts, North Port Home Depot, North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, North Port Behavioral Health, Sarasota County, The Hadley North Port, and Imagine School at North Port Young Marines