The Town of Florence Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring its annual Florence Freedom Fest July 4th celebration to be held at Heritage Park on Friday, July 4th. There are a number of family fun activities planned in Florence. Everyone is welcome to come out and celebrate our Independence Day!
The following activities are tentatively scheduled:
* Pool activities are scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm at the Florence Community Pool, located at the Florence High School. There will be free open swim & wacky water games.
* Immediately following swimming activities at the Florence Community Pool, teams are formed for the Mud Volleyball Tournament at Heritage Park. The cost will be $30 per team & includes a great prize. Competition is scheduled to begin approx. at 2:30 pm.
* The Horseshoe Tournament will begin at 3 pm. The cost is $10 per team. Registration fees must be paid no later than July 2nd.
* Enter your favorite salsa recipe in Florence "Fiery Salsa" challenge! The categories are best hot salsa, best mild salsa, & people's choice. Drop off a minimum of 1/2 gallon of your salsa between 3 pm & 4 pm at the designated table. Winners will be announced at 7 pm & can win a fabulous gift basket valued at $50.
* The Family Day events begin at 4 pm, which includes an obstacle course for all ages, watermelon eating contest, games, music, water slide inflatables, food vendors, & lots more.
* The evening festivities will be kicked-off with a Red, White & Blue Family Parade. Families are encouraged to put their "best float forward" in this Third Annual 4th of July Parade. Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons or even the kids for this pre-fireworks event. Parade line-up begins at 5:15 pm in the Heritage Park parking lot. The parade will begin approx. at 5:30 pm & will lead into the singing of the National Anthem & a Patriotic Show.
* The 1st annual amateur country singing contest "Thunder Idol" will be coordinated this year as part of the festivities beginning at 6 pm & or following the Patriotic Show. This contest will be for ages 18 & up. The contest is co-sponsored by Country Thunder USA. Great prizes will be awarded for contestants up to $2,500 in value. Please contact the department for more details.
* Entertainment and MC for the event is provided by Christine Deaton & "Keepsakes" & will take place in between the Thunder Idol competition & leading up to the firework show.
* The firework show will begin at approx. 9 pm. This event is free to the public!
For more information please call 868-7589.