Watching Punta Gorda Fireworks and more this Fourth of July Weekend

Weekend Highlights: Lots going on this Fourth of July weekend in Punta Gorda. Our town, which has traditionally celebrated the fourth with much hoopla, is noted for spectacular fireworks put on by the Punta Gorda Kiwanis for many years and more recently presented by Main Street Punta Gorda and Smuggler's Enterprises. This year's plans at Laishley Park look to be even more spectacular.  See http://www.puntagordafireworks.com/ for a complete run down of 2009 festivities including the full-day star-spangled 4th Fest at Laishley Park.  Fishermen's Village is also set to celebrate the Fourth with a full-day of events and activities for kids and kids at heart. See below for details at the Village and other local daytime and after-dark venues for watching the skies and partying this Fourth of July.

Thursday, July 2, After Dark

At Fishermen's Village: At center court, Muttini Mingle Monthly event to relax with your pooch, Chris MacAurthur, nationally known country singer/songwriter performs. Leached dogs only. 5:30-8 PM.

At Biehl's Slip Not, 1601 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda Two Can Jam (You Tube Video) at 7 PM.

At Gilchrist Park, Punta Gorda, Guitar Army, 6-10 PM. Join local musicians for jamin'.
At the Perfect Caper, Live Jazz. 7-10 PM

Friday, July 3, After Dark

At Biehl's Slip Not, 1601 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, The Crashers,(http://www.thecrashersband.net/ perform at 8 PM

At Fishermen's Village: At center court, The Yard Dogs, (more on the Yard Dogs) a favorite local band performs uplifting music which blends Zydeco, blues, blue grass, Cajun, country, folk and rock what they call "Florida Swamp Music" 5-9 pm, Center Stage. Free

At the Perfect Caper, Live Jazz. 7-10 PM

Saturday, July 4th, Daytime

At Fishermen's Village:

Day long festivities start at noon and include: games and children’s craft activities including Fish Cove Adventure Golf Putt Putt, Charlotte Stone Crabs Skeeball, Sand Dollar Decorating, Splat the Rat, Bowling Game, Coloring contest, Pick a Breathing Puppy Prize Raffle, Duck Pond Game, Toilet Bowl Toss, Fish Game, Book Mark Decorating and making USA Beaded Necklaces, and a Dunk Tank.

Freedom Swim starts at Charlotte Harbor and ends at Harpoon Harry's at the Village. The swim starts at 11 a.m, expect the first swimmers will arrive at the Village noonish.

Reconnections Band performs 12 Noon to 3, center stage.

At Laishley Park: Fun-filled day of games and events including key-lime pie eating contest, patriotic baby contest, music, beer, food and much more. For a complete rundown on 4th of July Fest (see http://www.puntagordafireworks.com/.

At Harpoon Harry's Slick Willy performs 12-4 PM. Most patriotic dog contest at 1 PM. Mr. and Mrs. Smugglers contents at 2 PM, Crazy Hat contents at 3 PM.

Saturday, July 4th, After Dark

At Charlotte Harbor Event Center: A picnic-style concert of patriotic, classical and contemporary favorites being performed by the Charlotte Symphony with conductor, T. Francis Wada, making his debut appearance. Tenor Joe Spinella of Sarasota, featured soloist. Doors at the Event Center (Information & Directions) will open at 5:30 p.m. Dress is Florida casual. Picnic supper foods, along with beer, wine, soda and mixed drinks, will be available for purchase. Tickets $20. Concert ends as fireworks commence and can be viewed from right outside the event center.

At Laishley Park Entertainment from the Boogiemen, playing their blend of rock and soul, followed by spectacular fireworks. 

At Fishermen's Village: "Sounds of the Virgin Islands Band" performs 5-9 PM center stage, then catch the fireworks from the pier or at one of the restaurants on the pier.

At Harpoon Harry's:  The party continues with Slick Willy performing from 8 PM.  Dance the night away and enjoy the fireworks.  

At Benedettos: Watch the sky light up while Jack Mosley Singer/Songwriter performs tropical favorite at the Tiki Bar 8 'til midnight.

At the Punta Gorda Elks: Members and their guests can enjoy a barbeque starting at 4 PM, watch the fireworks from the banks of the Peace River or better still from the dock and enjoy music by Montage.

At Biehl's Slip Not, 1601 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, You may be able to see some fireworks most likely not, but Tight Squeeze takes the stage at 8 PM.