352, FL (352today.com) – This weekend marks the 250th anniversary of the signing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Commemorations for this unique milestone are taking place across the counties of North Central Florida with plenty of community events for everyone to join the festivities.
For the full rundown of America250 events across the 352, visit our America250 in the 352 Special Section.
Here’s our rundown of other top events in the area this weekend.
Picnic & Time Capsule Dedication
- What: Gather for a Time Capsule Dedication Ceremony to commemorate 250 years of America’s independence. Guest speaker Marc Pellicano, an antique phonograph collector and preservationist, will present two talks at 11:30 a.m. and 12: 30 p.m. for discussion about phonographs. Throughout the event, guests will experience food trucks, live music, local vendors and lawn games for an exciting day to share with the whole family.
- When: Friday, July 3 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Heart of the Park, 516 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
Independence Day Fireworks Show
- What: Celebrate America250 with Newberry’s Independence Day Fireworks Show for festive hometown fun. The community is invited to take part in this celebration and encouraged to join the festivities by wearing red, white and blue. Vendors will have booths around the area for guests to walk around and grab themed items. At the end of the night, a vibrant display of fireworks will fill the evening sky.
- When: Friday, July 3 starting at 6 p.m.
- Where: Country Way Town Square, 1739 South West 248th Dr., Newberry.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks
- What: Enjoy an evening of music, fireworks and community at this celebration. WUFT will present a lineup of artists for an evening of live music while Skylighters of Florida provides a fireworks display. Performers will include The Jordan Mobley Jam Band, The Savants, The UF Billy Mitchell Drill Team and more. A variety of food trucks will offer delectable bites for guests to enjoy during the celebration.
- When: Friday, July 3 from 6-10 p.m.
- Where: UF Bandshell at Flavet Field Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
America250: Nurses in Charge
- What: During Fourth in the Park, Nurses in Charge (NIC), will be celebrating nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals. NIC will be hosting a community awareness event where healthcare workers can gather for a networking session to connect with professionals in the field. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about NIC programs during this event.
- When: Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend for healthcare professionals.
Learn more here.
Independence Day Firework Celebration
- What: Marion County will be host to four major fireworks displays with each location featuring food trucks, live music, vendors and more. Gather with the community to celebrate this significant milestone in the nation’s history.
- When: Saturday, July 4 starting at 5 p.m.
- Where: Wrigley Fields, Dunnellon High School, Ocala-Marion Veterans Memorial Park and Belleview High School.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
Patriotic Parade
- What: Enjoy an evening of patriotic celebrations with the Patriotic Parade. The parade will feature veteran groups, local businesses and community organizations for the finale of America250. Concluding the parade, guests will arrive just in time to watch the sky light up with fireworks.
- When: Saturday, July 4 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
- Where: Begins at Marion Technical Institute, SE 16th Ave., Ocala and ends at the Ocala-Marion Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
- Cost: Free to attend.
Learn more here.
