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.