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DAVIE (CBSMiami) – Residents of Broward celebrated the Fourth of July with a bang.
Parades, barbecue parties and fireworks shows took place in cities across the county.
Fort Lauderdale’s 4th of July Spectacular featured a patriotic extravaganza with a kids’ zone from noon to 5 p.m.
Highlights included DJ, music, bounce houses, water slides, face painting, human foosball and beach games as well as hot-dog- and watermelon-eating contests.
Their dazzling pyrotechnic display at 9 p.m. over the ocean was set to music on 101.5 LITE FM. The fun took place on Fort Lauderdale Beach on A1A at Las Olas Boulevard.
“It’s been great, if you just don’t mind getting a little sprinkle,” said Nina Proct.
For many on Fort Lauderdale Beach, our nation’s birthday has a personal meaning.
“Freedom. We all chose our own path. We can do whatever we want. No matter where you are in life, you can always climb for something better – that’s what makes America great,” said Allen Sheibley.
“Freedom and independence. No matter where you come from or where you’ve been at, you can do whatever you want as long as you put in hard work and follow your dreams, you can become whatever you want to be,” said Pete Sundberg.
For the Travers family they enjoy showing their young boys the people who make this country what it is.
“I look around and see all the diversity that makes this country great,” said Amber Travers. “All the different languages and colors and all the different people, it’s amazing, it’s awesome.”
Of course the firework display on the beach is what everyone was waiting for.
Hollywood took their party beachside at Charnow Park beginning at noon. There was music, games and food and a dazzling offshore fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Plantation began with Independence Day with a parade that ended at City Hall. Residents were urged to gather at the Central Park Baseball Fields at 7 p.m. for a concert by Big City Dogs, a Florida-based classic rock and blues band, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
Sunrise also started their 4th of July with a parade and a family fun day. The parade gave the morning a hometown feel, for neighbors to socialize and for kids achievements to go recognized. Like where else could you go and see parade which has a float for “Kid Camper of the Week.”
“It’s a nice little tradition, my daughter is excited about being in the parade, this is her first time being in the parade,” said one proud mother. “We live in the best country there is.”
At 5 p.m. they ended the day with a concert featuring the Romantics (What I Like About You) and Baha Men (Who Let The Dogs Out) followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. at the BB&T Center.
The Town of Davie had a Family Fun Day at Pine Island Park featuring food, rides, and games. There was also a concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Pembroke Pines Independence Day Celebration And Fireworks Show took place at the Pines Recreation Center at 7400 Pines Blvd. at 6 p.m.
There was lots of food available for purchase, games, activities, music and fireworks. The festival grounds opened at 6 p.m. for the enjoyment of the attendees. Other events scheduled for the celebration include rides and a concert, with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. in the evening.
Pompano Beach’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with music by with Jamie Mitchell Band (country), followed by the headliner “Speakerbox Band (Top 40). Fireworks launched by the end of the fishing pier at 9 p.m.
Coral Springs’ Fourth of July Celebration kicked off at 6 p.m. Mullins Park and the Center for the Arts. There was music and bounces house. There was a nominal fee for kids’ craft activities, food and refreshments. A fireworks display began promptly at 9 p.m. The parking fee was just $3 at the Coral Springs Gymnasium.
Margate began their day with a patriotic parade that made its way to City Hall. A concert took place between 6 and 9 p.m., then fireworks lit up the evening sky at 9 p.m. at Margate Boulevard and State Road 7 (U.S. 441).
The city of Miramar hosted their 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Display from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new Miramar Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park. Off-site parking was available on Bass Creek Road between Everglades High School and Glades Middle School for $5 per vehicle.
