Photo by LEXEY SWALL

This picture of Brandy Bowen, 6, who was dressed up for the a Little Miss Firecracker contest at the Everglades City Fourth of July parade, is one of my favorite pictures from the year. I really like the Americana feel of the photo. I think Brandy is adorable in her dress and cowgirl hat. And I like the juxtaposition of the septic truck in the parade behind her. It has the kind of charm that you can only get in a small town like Everglades City. Lexey Swall-Bobay/Staff

Whether looking for sparks at night or a flyover in the daytime, many Islanders are to have their faces to the sky and feet in the sand this Independence Day with events scheduled throughout the area and weekend

AT RESIDENTS' BEACH

Marco Island Civic Association is to kick off activities at Residents’ Beach with a fly-over conducted by pilots from the 482nd Fighter Wing out of Homestead Air Force Base. This is tentatively scheduled to take place between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m., Saturday.

Also at Residents’ Beach, throughout the day, is a beach party of games, a hotdog eating contest and sand art opportunities, among other activities. Various vendors and organizations will be there, including the Marco Island VFW Post 6370. Post commander Dave Gardener said the VFW will be on the beach selling American Flags for the Fourth of July as a way to officially kick-off their fundraising efforts for the veterans memorial at Veterans’ Community Park.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

Residents’ Beach is open to members only.

SAMI BOAT PARADE

The Sailing Association of Marco Island will hold its annual Independence Day Boat parade, which will form at 11 a.m., Saturday, in Factory Bay and proceed out Capri Pass and then south along Marco’s beach.

Cruising boats, both sail and motor powered, with patriotic decorations are invited to participated. Contact Lee Henderson of SAMI at 389-5515 to register and for streaming instructions.

GOODLAND FESTIVITIES

Water sports will be featured at the Marker 8 Restaurant, with kayak and canoe races. It’s a different kind of “BYOB” event, meaning bring your own boat. The restaurant will also host a scavenger hunt and barbecue.

Organizers posted, “The Ten-canoe-ments” on their Web site, www.marker8goodland.com, for rules on the races.

Among the “canoe-ments” are to register by 10:30 a.m. for theme and VIP Tippy Canoe Sprints or 12 p.m. for amateurs, next generation racers, ages 12 to 17, and practically professionals.

Contact Marker 8 Restaurant, 123 Bayshore Way, 393-0888, for more information.

Also in Goodland are events scheduled at Stan’s Idle Hour, which will host music by Jeff Hill Saturday.

Stan’s will raise a new American flag sent to restaurant owner Stan Gober by Ohio Congressman John Boehner, House Minority Leader. The raising of the flag is to be promptly at 1 p.m. and the Southern Cross band will perform.

CLAYS IN THE GLADES

Port of the Islands Gun Club, in Naples just outside Everglades City, is sponsoring a registered Sporty Clay tournament with registration beginning 9 a.m., Sunday. Contact the Port of the Islands Gun Club, 12425 Union Road, at 642-8999, for more information.

EVERGLADES CITY FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS

Everglades City Family Festival events on Sunday include an arts and crafts fair beginning 11 a.m., a parade at 1 p.m. and festivities such as food, games, music and raffles to follow. Betsy Perdichizzi will be playing Tommie Barfield and Marion Nicoly will be dressed as Deaconess Bedell, two local historical figures, with the Marco Island Historical Society reenacting key figures from early Collier County. A Jazz Band will begin at 4 p.m. at the Community Center, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Festivities congregate around the circle in the center of Everglades City at McLeod Park. More information is available at 201 Broadway, 695-2905.

VIEW RELATED STORIES TO THE LEFT TO LEARN OF EVENTS IN OTHER AREAS

REPORT BACK TO THE EAGLE ON YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND FUN BY SHARING VIA MAIL@MARCONEWS.COM or YOURMARCO.COM

Kelly Farrell contributed to this report. Contact the Marco Eagle mail@marconews.com or upload your July Fourth photos, video and content at yourmarco.com

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