Annual Freedom Fest celebration in the works

It’s time to pull out your most festive red, white and blue attire for Longboat Key’s annual Freedom Fest Fourth of July celebration. The morning celebration, hosted by the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce, will begin with a 9 a.m. patriotic parade for parents, kids and pets. Get into the spirit by decorating your bikes, wagons, pets and faces.

After the parade, don’t miss the Longboat Key Garden Club’s butterfly release. Last year, Freedom Fest attendees released 50 butterflies. The event was so popular that Garden Club President Jackie Salvino said they are ordering more butterflies for this year’s release.

“We had a great response last year,” Salvino said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”

Kids can continue the festival fun by playing a variety of old-fashioned games. And the adults can head to the food area to enjoy breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles and pastries.

Freedom Fest sponsors include The Longboat Observer, Cannons Marina, the town of Longboat Key, Blue Dolphin Café, Casa del Mar and Pattigeorge’s.

PHOTO CONTEST
Don’t forget to visit YourObserver.com to submit your favorite Fourth of July photos that you feel represent a “Slice of Americana.” Photos can be submitted now through June 20. Then, return to the website to vote for your favorite photos from June 21 to June 25. The winners will be featured in The Observer’s annual Fourth of July special section, which will be published July 1. The first-place winner of the photo contest will receive a Canon PowerShot A470.