July 4th Starts Tonight with Fireworks Over the Bay

Don't be surprised if you hear the boom of fireworks tonight as the Indendence Day holiday kicks off early. What else would you expect when the summer holiday falls midweek?

The Chiles Group of restaurants kicks off the week's fireworks display with tonight's 4th Annual Boom Boom on the Bay Fireworks show. If you would like to reserve a spot at the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant call 941-383-2391. Fireworks sponsors include the Longboat Key Club, The Observer Newspaper Group, Cannons Marina, Longbeach Village Association, Longboat Limousine, Rusty Chinnis Contractor, Inc and the Bridge Street Merchants Association.

If Monday night is too early to start the party, the Chiles Group has you covered with Tuesday night with the 19th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza at the BeachHouse. Pick your spot along the beach on Anna Maria Island for a great view.

Off of the beach, the Bradenton Marauders will host a fireworks display over McKechnie Field on July 3 after their game against Charlotte. To make the night extra special MOTS is hosting 100 active duty military, veterans and their families. It's a great night to enjoy baseball, thank the troops and get a few goosebumps under the colorful night sky.

The official holiday will feature Three Dog Night in concert at the Lamb and Sutton Park in Palmetto just before the huge downtown fireworks display over the Green Bridge. On the Bradenton side of the bridge, hosts its July 4 fireworks celebration and pig roast beginning at 6 p.m. The party will feature live music by Shotgun Justice from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

If downtown isn't your scene the Chiles Group will host a final fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico on July 4. The Sandbar  presents the finale to the three day party with its 26th Annual Sandbar Fireworks Spectacular.