The Anna Maria Island Privateers will hold their Fourth of July parade with a new rule – don’t spray the observers.
The parade starts from the south entrance to Coquina Beach parking lot at approximately 10 a.m. and proceeds north to the Anna Maria City Pier. A news release said participants are not allowed to spray water from the vehicles onto the crowds along the roadway. Participants are required to register online with the Privateers.
After the parade stops, the Privateers invite everyone to the Manatee County Beach Café at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach to watch as they award this year’s scholarships to their winners.
Following that, there will be a post-parade party at D Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.
Meanwhile, there is a celebration at City Pier Park at North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria from 12:30-2 p.m. with patriotic music, free hot dogs, chips and beverages.
On Wednesday night, the Sandbar restaurant at 200 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria features its 32nd annual beachfront fireworks display, depending on the weather. The show is free from the beach, and there will be a party at the restaurant under the pavilion. VIP packages are offered; for more information, call the Sandbar at 941-778-8709.
Police will have extra personnel on duty to enforce parking and fireworks laws.
The law states fireworks that explode or fly are illegal, and if police catch violators, they will confiscate their fireworks and ticket them.
Parking is limited, and the free trolleys will run until there are no people at the stops, so officials advise drivers to plan accordingly.
