- May 8, 2024
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East County's Wesley Helm takes a ride on his dad, Mike Helm's shoulders.
Spectators watch the fireworks show at Nathan Benderson Park.
Bradenton's Chris Cutts, Jackson Cutts and Megan Rice spend time on the dock at Nathan Benderson Park.
East County's Max McLaughlin and Chloe Adkins play in the sand before the fireworks show at Nathan Benderson Park.
Lakewood Ranch's Matt and Macklynn Hiller have some fun at the Fourth of July event at Nathan Benderson Park.
The sky was lit up for 20 minutes during the first fireworks show at Nathan Benderson Park.
Lakewood Ranch's Luke Hayes, Ella Daysh, Owen Hayes and Laney Daysh get a wagon ride.
Lakewood Ranch’s Harper Warber is excited for the start of the fireworks show.
A remote control sailboat travels across the water at Nathan Benderson Park before the fireworks show.
The fireworks show on the Fourth of July weekend might become an annual tradition.
The sun sets just before the fireworks show at Nathan Benderson Park.
Sarasota's Lilyana Sanchez is dressed for the occasion before the fireworks show.
Bradenton's Phoebe Chase shows off her unicycle skills.
Sarasota's Emma Morales, 3, chases bubbles at Nathan Benderson Park.
East County's Truce, Ashley and Amelia Seliger wait for darkness to fall so they can see fireworks.
Northport's Delaney Goodrich and Nokomis' Emma Buffaloe sip on their juice boxes before the fireworks show.
East County's Lila Hitt is spoon deep in her snow cone.
East County's Cash Millas takes a bike for a spin on the bike ramps set up at Nathan Benderson Park.
East County's Jax Millas wears his American swim trunks during Nathan Benderson Park's Fourth of July event.
Lakewood Ranch's Christina and Will Elias rock out together to the live band.
Rock Soul Radio performs during Nathan Benderson Park's first Fourth of July event.
Despite lingering clouds, spurts of rain and muddy grounds July 1, approximately 7,000 people, decked in their most patriotic attire, kicked off the Fourth of July weekend at Nathan Benderson Park's first fireworks show.
“I think it is pretty cool that this was not on the Fourth of July,” Lakewood Ranch's Johnny Brooks said. “I think it allowed for a lot more people to come out.”
East County's Ashley Seliger said she wouldn't have seen fireworks if not for the Benderson Park show.
“We are making it our new family tradition,” Seliger said. “A lot of people go to the beach and it gets way too crowded. I work on the Fourth of July, so this gives me time to do something different with my family.”
The park offered free trials of rentals equipment, including canoes, paddle boards, remote control sailboats and kayaks.
Local bands The Hubbtones, Twinkles and Rock Soul Radio entertained the crowd.
The event concluded with the 20-minute fireworks show.
