There will be fireworks, rock stars, B-level pop darlings, and, of course, a fair share of picnics, cheerleaders, police crowd-control tactics, and all the stuff that makes us Americans. One exception: The courts will be closed, meaning no lawsuits will be proceeding.
For the big, free, outdoor shebang, South Beach is the place where a full day of all-American festivities will be headlined by Latin pop tart Julio Iglesias, Jr. The struggling crooner will perform after a U.S. citizenship ceremony for foreign-born adopted children and U.S. military service personnel. What promises to be a fabulous fireworks display will close out the evening. The party starts at 7:00 p.m. at Eighth Street Beach. Admission is free.
For a more subdued, mellow, and nostalgic gathering, step back in time to the 1960s at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (1905 Convention Center Dr.), where the Dharma Bomb, Miamis own answer to happy hippie heydays, will headline a Flashing on the 60s concert. Plenty of hot dogs and drinks will be available for the early part of the day. The event starts at noon and admission is free.
If you want a more active and sporting type of day, head to the Barnacle Historic State Park (3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove), where playing family-oriented games and learning nautical skills will keep kids and parents busy at the historic bayside propertys annual acoustic picnic. The park opens at 9:00 a.m. Entrance fee is $1.
Need more action? Take part in the Biltmore Hotels (1200 Anastasia Ave. Coral Gables) Firecracker Golf Tournament and the Stars and Stripes Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament. The events start at 9:00 a.m. Call 305-445-1926 for registration information. The City Beautiful will round out the day with a free picnic and fireworks at city hall (405 Biltmore Way).
Now if all that just seems too square and you really need to get your groove on, join the funksters at the Party 93.1 (WPYM-FM) Fourth of July Blast. The nonstop party beats will be headlined by Paul Van Dyk and George Acosta with Jon Secada. Also performing will be Motorcycle, ATB, Edgar V., and the Party Mixologists. The party starts at 3:00 p.m. at Coconut Groves Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Rd.). Admission is free. Call 888-931-0931.
Stuck in Hialeah? Dont fret. Miami-Dade Countys other City Beautiful will be throwing a spectacular Independence Day Bash with Jorge Moreno and former Son By Four singer Angel Lopez, enhanced by laser lights and fireworks. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. at Ted Hendricks Stadium at Milander Park (4700 Palm Ave., Hialeah). Admission is free. Call 305-687-2661.
And if you just gotta see a bona-fide rock star, check out raggy-topped crooner Rod Stewart. Hes more American than ever with a repertoire of standards that makes us groan. See Night & Day (left) for details. Happy Fourth!
