Fireworks Over Central Florida This Weekend

Do you know where you are going to be looking up at the sky this July 4th? Several communities around Polk County have celebrations planned, so check this list before you head out to make your plans to celebrate July 4.

Haines City - Thunder on the Ridge (July 4 from Noon-10pm): The 2009 Thunder on the Ridge Extravaganza will be bigger and better than ever as the city celebrates the grand opening of  the new Lake Eva Community Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The park features a new aquatic center, two playgrounds, lighted tennis and basketball courts, a band shell for concerts, and a lakefront banquet facility.There will be plenty of craft and food vendors, children’s activities, and entertainment to keep visitors of all ages busy throughout the day beginning at Noon.  The highlight of the night (besides Polk County’s largest fireworks display, of course) will be a live performance by The Commodores. Find out more.

Lakeland - Red, White & Kaboom (July 3 at 6pm): Red, White & Kaboom will take place around the Lake Mirror Promenade and will feature the pop/rock sounds of the popular local band, MillHopper. The band will play three sets of music ending at 9:00 p.m. to a breathtaking display of fireworks over Lake Mirror. As part of this year’s celebration, the city of Lakeland is asking for a canned food item from everyone who attends the free event. There will be several locations throughout Lake Mirror Park that will be accepting the canned food donations. There will be a variety of food and drink vendors around Lake Mirror so bring a blanket and enjoy the live music and a dramatic display of fireworks over the lake. All City parking garages will be open. Find out more.

Lakeland - Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Tampa Yankees (July 4 at 5pm): There is no better way to celebrate America, the summer and the 4th of July than watching a baseball game followed by a huge fireworks display over Joker Marchant Stadium. In what has become a 4th of July tradition, the Lakeland Flying Tigers will host the July 4th game and set off a dazzling display of fireworks at 9pm, following the game. Get your tickets early as this game is a tough ticket to get. Find out more.

Winter Haven - Rockin’ Freedom Fest (July 3 at 7pm): Lake Silver will be the backdrop for Winter haven’s 4th of July celebration. Live music by the band Signal Zero will lead up to the large fireworks display over Lake Silver at 9:30pm. There will be food vendors and lots of entertainment for the kids. Find out more.

Winter Haven - Cypress Gardens July 4th Celebration (July 4): Both Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Water Park are set to celebrate July 4th with a very special day of entertainment. Cypress Gardens will be open from 9:00am-10:00pm and will feature four ski shows at 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm, with a special “Nighttime Ski Show” at 8:45 pm. The Lakeside Stage (between Ski Stadiums) will also host The Fletcher Cane Band from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm. Then, be sure to stay for the Fireworks on the Lake at the Ski Stadium at 9:15 pm (immediately following the “Nighttime Ski Show). At Splash Island, the park hours will be from 10:00am-10:00pm with a live DJ playing your favorite music from noon-7pm.

Once again, Polk County is proving that we’ve got more going for us than orange groves and cow pastures (although, there is something good to be said about both of those things). Three of our arts organizations have been nominated for Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick Awards in the Tampa Area: Polk Museum of Art, Explorations V [...]

I ran into a colleague from Bok Tower Gardens at a meeting yesterday, and she was bubbling over about their Summer Music Series. The first one is next Saturday, June 27 at 7:30pm and will feature folk singer Rod MacDonald. I understand that seating is cabaret style, and you can show up early for an [...]

You have all heard of  those”Christmas in July” sales, but it looks like The Lakeland Center is getting into the Christmas Spirit, or at least the winter spirit in July this year as public ice skating returns next month. According to their website, you can put on your skates throughout the month of July and beat [...]

Polk Museum of Art has a new toy in its lobby – an Art-O-Mat! It’s an old cigarette machine that has been refurbished to vend original pieces of art for $5 each (+ tax).   This is one of three Art-O-Mats in the state. The other two are in Miami. 

Clark Whittington, the founder of Art-O-Mat, will be at the Museum on [...]

Polk Museum of Art is opening two new exhibitions next Saturday featuring three artists. The “feel” of the exhibitions are very different. The larger one, Silver Linings: Delicate Drawings by Carol Prusa, is very cool and almost scientific while All Natural: Organic Forms by Akiko Sugiyama and Jean Yao seems warmer and, …well… more natural…
Carol [...]

Just in time for summer vacation, Splash Island Waterpark at Cypress Gardens is now open 7 days a week for the summer.  Beat the heat and enjoy the thrills of water slides or simply float away on the lazy river.  In addition, half-price admission is offered for the water park after 3 p.m. everyday in [...]

It seems like Sunny Central Florida is quickly becoming “Hollywood East” lately. The Ledger has a story in today’s edition about a sports movie being filmed in Auburndale. It is an action sports movie featuring water skiing and wake boarding. Add this to the suspense/horror film “Endure” shot recently in Lakeland and it has been [...]

I’ve recently found out about a new theatre company in Lakeland that is planning to bring edgy, raw, and sometimes controversial productions to our area. Sounds like some good art to me! Check out my post on arts.lakelandlocal.com for more info and to learn about their first offering (that starts tonight!).

Those lucky enough to be looking to the skies recently from Miami to Polk City may have spotted an amazing sight — a TBM “Avenger” World War II Torpedo Bomber — buzzing its way home to join part of the world’s largest private rare and vintage aircraft collection at Fantasy of Flight. Fantasy of Flight [...]