The City of Plant City’s largest community event is back on the calendar this year and fireworks will soon shoot once more into the night sky.
In 2002 the City of Plant City decided it was time it offered a unique event for the community in honor of Independence Day. It ran continuously until 2007, when lack of funding caused the event to stop for four years. In 2012 the party started once more and ran without fail until COVID-19 had the city — and the rest of the world — pumping the brakes on all gatherings as the community stayed apart to keep one another safe. Now, however, with the percentage of vaccinated American’s slowly increasing the City of Plant City felt it was safe to light up the sky.
“A large part of what makes Plant City unique is the small-town charm it has and we want to try to hold on to that as long as possible,” Parks & Recreation Director Jack Holland said. “This event is part of that charm. We want to, of course, embrace the future, but we also want to hold on to traditions that make this such a unique place. People really missed the fireworks last year and we are excited to be able to bring it back this year. I hope people just come out and have a good time, relax and interact with others. It’s a great event to take away some of the stress of the past year.”
This year’s celebration is Sunday, July 4 at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 East Park Road. The parking lot gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the stadium gates will open at 6:00 p.m. The rain-out date is July 5 with fireworks only and will be scheduled for 9:00 p.m. and the gates opening at 8:00 p.m. if the rains cancel the party the day before.
Holland said the city is asking people to follow CDC guidelines when attending. Those vaccinated can arrive maskless, but those who are not vaccinated are asked to wear their mask. The event is outdoors, which aids in the safety of the experience, and Holland said it will be voluntary compliance. Everything else is essentially the same as before the pandemic.
Like in prior years, there will be various activities available for attendees spread throughout the stadium turf. These include some of the family favorites like inflatables and balloon art, along with corn hole, rock climbing, bungee jumping and more.
Admission to the event is free and parking costs $5 per car. No parking will be allowed on the roadways near the complex along Park Road, Jim Johnson Road, Roberts Ranch Road and Gordon Food Service Drive. The stadium parking lot will be open for attendees to fill for the event. Once the show has ended event traffic will flow one-way as vehicles exit the parking lots onto East Park Road and Gordon Food Service Drive.
No coolers or any outside food or drinks will be allowed into the stadium. No alcohol is allowed on the property. Bags and backpacks will be subject to search at the stadium entrance.
There will be plenty of food to purchase at the stadium itself for those interested in hanging out all night. The concession at the stadium will be open with things like hotdogs, chips and drinks and there will be a variety of food vendors on the turf, including a dessert vendor so people can get their sweet treats as they watch the fireworks soar. A 50-50 drawing will also be offered with proceeds split between the winner and the event for future expenses.
The Double Barrel Band will be performing live throughout the event and the National Anthem will be sung at 9:00 p.m. The 20 minute fireworks show is planned for 9:15 p.m. following announcements from the stage.
“I really do want to thank our sponsors, because without our sponsorships this is simply not possible,” Holland said. “This isn’t a city-funded event. Without our businesses and organizations stepping up and supporting this year after year, we wouldn’t be able to host this for the community. The city covers some of the hard costs with police, fire, venue and other areas. Then everyone else steps up and takes care of the rest. We cannot thank our sponsors and our vendors enough for the support we receive year after year.”
Financial sponsorships and in-kind contributions cover the hard costs of the event, with the city’s contribution to the event being the venue and staff support from Police, Fire Rescue, Streets, Solid Waste, General Services, and the Parks & Recreation Department.
Financial and in-kind sponsors for 2021 include the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and its volunteers, the City of Plant City, Stingray Chevrolet, Global Sports Alliance, Haught Funeral Home, Hillsborough Title, Jarrett-Scott Ford, the Plant City Observer, Miller Pro Sound, Gordon Food Service, Toufayan Bakeries, Brewington’s Towing, Lakeland Mookwalk, Dignity Wells Memorial & Event Center, TownePlace Suites Plant City, Boss Hog Radio 1330 AM, and the Friends of Recreation & Parks.
For more information, go to the City of Plant City web site, www.plantcitygov.com, and search “July 4 Celebration” or call the Parks & Recreation Department weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 813-659-4255. You can also visit plantcitygov.com/parksrec/page/july-4th-celebration.