Flag Fest preparations under way

The annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show is just days away, and crews are beginning to prepare for thousands of Sarasotans to descend on the bayfront.

The Downtown Sarasota Alliance is sponsoring the event for the first time, and it has planned a larger party than ever.

This year’s celebration is titled Flag Fest Sarasota 2010. It will include carnival rides, giant slides and games for kids, a 1950s car show, food vendors, a full bar, live bands and entertainment and, of course, the grand finale fireworks show.

This year, stadium seating will be offered to those who want to view the fireworks.

The event runs from 4 p.m. to midnight, July 4 from Five Points Park to Gulfstream Avenue. The fireworks can be viewed from Bayfront Park.

For more information, visit www.flagfestsarasota.com.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].