Punta Gorda Celebrates the 4th of July -- Happenings on the Harbor

"If you’re ready for some freedom
Come the Fourth of July
Charlotte Harbor to Punta Gorda
We’re swimming on the tide." (Lyric by Michael Hayman)

Punta Gorda has always celebrated the 4th in a big way -- the gigantic harbor has attracted firework displays, in the past there were parades, and then there is the Freedom Swim where a bunch of people jump into the Peace River and swim to the opposite shore, and, of course, celebrations at Fishville and more recently the Laishley Park 4th of July event. Whichever way you choose to celebrate this year's annual salute to our freedom, have a happy and safe Fourth. Here are some 4th of July happenings around our harbor


Sunday, July 3

Farmer's Market

The Punta Gorda Historical Society will celebrate Independence Day at the  Sunday Farmers Market, open from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.,  Big John Lloyd and his country line dancing horse, Luther will perform. Paul Cottrell will be playing music. Horse and pony rides will be available, and children under 10 can ride for free. The three historical buildings in the park will be open for docent-guided tours.
For more information, call 941-639-1887.

Dean's South of the Border Fundraiser for Voices for Kids

Dean's will be raising funds for the children in Foster Care in Charlotte County. They will be collecting new toys, clothing, backpacks, school supplies & personal grooming items all weekend. Dean will be the Celebrity Bartender on July 3rd at 9pm donating all his tips to the fundraiser.

Punta Gorda Elk's Lodge (members and guests)

Independence Day Picnic at the Elks 2-6 p.m.


July 3-4

Laishley Park


At Laishley Park, the Charlotte Sun  and Smugglers will present t the 4th Fest 2011 event July 3 The Retta and 4 family . The two-day event  will run from 10 a.m. to 10 . p.m.  and feature music, vendors, food, waterslides of all sizes, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack shows. On July 4, there will be a Battle of the Bands competition. Fireworks on the 4th.  Admission $3 for adusts, children 12 and under free.  More information 941-637-5953.

Monday, July 4

Annual Freedom Swim

The Annual  Freedom Swim event starts at 9 a.m. on July 4 from the public beach at the west side of the north end of the southbound U.S. 41 bridge, Charlotte Harbor.  Participants can reach the beach from the shoreline under the bridge or from the west side of the U.S. 41 right of way walk.
The swim finishes  at Harpoon Harry’s at Fishermen's Village. Although there will be vessels escorting the swimmers across the river, each swimmer is responsible for their own safety and their own support team. Swim buddies are recommended.

Fishermen's Village Fourth of July 

Fishermen’s Village's Celebration starts at 9 a.m. July 4.  Freedom swimmers will arrive at Harpoon Harry's from the swim starting at 9 a.m. Reconnections Band will perform at Center Stage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Soul Machine and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. by Soul Machine.

At Harpoon Harry's in the Village, the Boogiemen blast their magic sounds into the red, white and blue night skies, performing from 6 p.m.

Military Heritage Museum Fundraiser at Punta Gorda Parking Garage


Hor d'oeuvres, cash bar under the stars with music by the Golden Hippo while watching the Fireworks. Tickets: $15, $25 for a couple.

Sheraton Tiki Bar -- History Society Fund Raiser


From noon till 10pm, members of the Punta Gorda Historical Society will be pouring beer from the Bud Beer wagon at the Tiki Bar. All beer sales from the beer wagon will go towards moving the Quednau/Hindman House to the History Park, to house the Youth Museum.

Annual Independence Night Charlotte Symphony Concert at the Event Center

The annual Charlotte Symphony “Symphonic Fireworks” concert  begins at 6pm at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. This will be the start of Maestro Wada’s third season as conductor of the orchestra and the featured soloist will be local favorite, and Lee County resident, Al Holland. The program will feature traditional Independence Day favorites as well as selections of Holland’s favorite Platters songs. Tickets are $35. 

A food buffet will be available of hamburgers and hot dogs including side dishes and water or soda. A full bar will also be available. The concert is held indoors so there will be no cancellation due to weather.

Fireworks start at 9 p.m. from Laishley Marina -- they can be viewed best anywhere along the harbor and Peace River -- from Fishermen's Village, Laishley Park, Gilchrist, the Elks Lodge.