Sue Scheff: Fireworks over the Matanzas - An Event for the Entire Family

Like Christmas at Disney, fireworks in the Historic City of St. Augustine is an experience everyone should do at least once.

Here are some quick facts from the Historic City News:

Schedule for Sunday, July 4th:

6:00pm The All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitucion
Big Band Sounds with a Patriotic Flair, the All Star Orchestra, returns to the Plaza de la Constitución for a two-hour show filled with Big Band and Swing music along with all the traditional patriotic favorites. The performance runs from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The concert is free and those attending should bring lounge chairs for seating.

9:30pm Fireworks Over The Matanzas

Stunning fireworks display over the Old City’s historic Bayfront and set to a stirring soundtrack of patriotic and popular favorites. The best vantage point for both sight and sound is between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Bridge of Lions. But if you can be there, take an AM radio with you wherever you go and share the experience with the help of WFOY/1240-AM’s simulcast.

Getting in, parking, and getting out:

Fireworks Over The Matanzas draws more people (an estimated 45,000+) and cars into the downtown area than any other single event all year long. A growing trend in recent years has been the use of bicycles by those who live close to downtown or carpooling with friends to minimize the number of cars in need of a place to park.

Rerouting of traffic will begin at 8:30pm and will include closing of the Temporary Bridge of Lions, Avenida Menendez and South Castillo Drive to all vehicular traffic to accommodate the vast number of pedestrians.

The best advice is to arrive early, explore the city, enjoy the show, and be patient during departure.

After the show…stay ‘n stroll
Each year more and more people are remaining downtown after the fireworks for dessert, to browse shops that have extended hours for the holiday or simply to enjoy the Old City.

Sticking around for a while has become the preferred alternative to sitting in traffic. Many have a late night sandwich, an ice cream cone or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll back to the car. Why not join the thousands who choose to stay ‘n stroll after the show.

Keep it Safe! Keep it legal!

Please remember two important safety rules that will be strictly enforced:

• Alcohol is prohibited on public property, including parks, streets and sidewalks; and
• Possession of fireworks that explode or leave the ground is illegal. Those found with such fireworks will be subject to citation or arrest and will have prohibited fireworks confiscated. The cost of the citation is $100.00.

Have a safe and exciting holiday with  your entire family!

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