By McKenzie Cassidy
Sanibel Island is invited to celebrate America’s birthday
at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club.
Between 2,500 and 3,000 people are expected to attend
this year’s event to see the rocket’s red glare, music, food vendors, full bar,
and family-oriented entertainment. Admission to the community-wide party, from
6-9 p.m., is free and onsite parking only costs $5.
Leilani Sivsov, general manager at The Dunes, said most
people bring a blanket or chairs and find a spot somewhere on the golf course
to watch the fireworks show at dusk, presented this year by Zambelli Fireworks.
Tickets need to be purchased for food and drinks,
provided by vendors across the golf course, and music will be provided by a
local DJ. The club also booked bounce houses, slides and mazes for children.
Sponsors of the event are also treated to their own VIP section with a full bar
and buffett.
The Dunes had always thrown its own Fourth of July party,
but it wasn’t until last year that they partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva
Chamber of Commerce and the size of the even tripled.
“We partnered (with the chamber) and made it a community
even, so people knew this is the place to be,” said Sivsov.
A shotgun golf game is also scheduled for the morning of
July 4 at The Dunes, where golfers start simultaneously from different holes
and complete the course. Sivsov said The Dunes hosts other major events
throughout the year such as the Seahorse Festival in the spring, a PTA
fundraiser for The Sanibel School, and the Taste of the Island in November.
Independence Day
Parade shows hometown pride
Every year the Fourth of July parade features a theme to
show off Sanibel Island. Last year it was “Sanibel is #1” to celebrate the
island being named a number on favorite travel destination by Frommer’s travel
guides, and this year’s theme is “American Hometown Pride.”
Trish Phillips, parade organizer and member of Friends of
Don, Inc., said this year’s theme is recognizing her father Don Bissell,
president of the Board of Realtors. Bissell was one of the original founders of
the parade before passing away after its third year.
“He thought it was a good thing to have a small town
parade,” said Philips.
Friends of Don later took control of the even and have
continued it ever since.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual Independence
Day Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. down Periwinkle Way. Roads will be closed off at
9 a.m., so organizers recommend arriving early. The parade ends at
approximately 11 a.m., but that depends on how many participants entered this year.
Phillips also said to find a shady spot along the road
and have bug spray on hand. Anyone watching the parade should also be aware
that participates toss a number of items like t-shirts, beads, toys, and water
bottles at the audience as they pass.
“The parade participants are very generous with
giveaways, so bring a big bag,” she said.
Businesses along the parade route are also hosting
sidewalk sales with special deals and discounts on outside racks from July 3-5.
Parade participants are judged for Best Commercial Float,
Best Small Entry Float, Best Nature Theme, Best Not-for-profit Float, Best
Salute to the U.S. Military, Best Original Design, Best Family Float, Most
Patriotic, and Best Music.
Parade t-shirts are also available for $10 at Bank of the
Islands. Phillips said the sales of t-shirts help fund the parade each year.
Sanibel-Captiva Islander (June 26, 2013)
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