MICA: Fourth of July at Residents’ Beach

July Fourth is just around the corner and the fireworks display funds have been collected with no time to spare. Our Marco Island community came together and made it happen. Last week the Marco Island Civic Association board of directors presented City Manager Steve Thompson, with a check for the final $5,000 toward the $42,000 display cost.

This year, especially, with all our country’s financial woes, our community has banded together and will spend a day together that will be nothing less than spectacular! We will celebrate our nation’s independence on July Fourth.

For those of you who are Residents’ Beach members, come on down to the beach. Please remember to bring your Residents’ Beach ID, lots of sunblock and to wear some red, white and blue. What shouldn’t you bring to the beach? Kind of a no-brainer, but we always remind everyone: No glass and no fireworks.

The City of Marco Island has arranged for a fly-over by the 482nd Fighter Wing from Homestead Airforce Base. Barring any unforeseen complications, we should look to the sky between 11:30 a.m. and 12 noon. What a thrilling addition to our July Fourth Celebration!

At Residents’ Beach we’ve named our event “Uncle Sam’s Sand Jam” and we’re looking forward to a terrific, event-filled day spent on the beach with our friends. The DJ, sponsored by the Marco Eagle, will begin at noon. Dominick from Mobile Sound Entertainment always knows the right music for each occasion, and he has a special stash of patriotic tunes that he’ll be mixing with all of our favorites.

Kids’ games and crafts begin at 1 p.m. and our inaugural hot dog eating contest starts at 3 p.m. Sandcastle winners will be announced at 5 p.m.

As I said, a wonderful day that requires participation from the crowd. Remember, we’re celebrating our Great Nation, so get involved in the fun on July Fourth! For information about Residents’ Beach, please call 642-7778.