All-American Cookout dazzles with bubbles and food

By Ian Swaby
| 8:30 a.m. July 5, 2026

Sam and Ileana Galati bring some starfish and star-spangled attire.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Holly Rolls says Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens, its annual holiday lights display, has always been an annual tradition for her family.

As a result, they decided to try out the Fourth of July All-American Cookout on Saturday evening.

As they stood in the green of Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota Campus, she said they had just arrived, but it was "amazing so far."

Her son Mav Catts, 9, was among a group of kids thoroughly engaged with the bubbles of all sizes, including very big, filling the air courtesy of Blaise Ryndes of Spheres Bubble Show.

"I love that he's able to enjoy this, and what a great place to see the fireworks," she said. "It's like the full package, I feel, and it's nice you don't have to worry about parking in Downtown Sarasota."

Attendees filled out dozens of tables and chairs as the event got underway, enjoying foods cooked by Michael's on East. The oversize chess and checkerboards, as well as the cornhole boards, were busy too.

Attendees also looked forward to the finale of the night: The chance to view the annual fireworks on Sarasota's bayfront from the campus of Selby Gardens.

Gavin Mather and Gabe Messina play a game of checkers.

Annalise McLaughlin, 9, reaches out as a series of small bubbles rains down.

Attendees had the chance to enjoy food from Michael's on East.

Blaise Ryndes of Spheres Bubble Show provided his giant bubbles.

Isabel McLaughlin, 5, plays in the bubbles.

Amber and Matt Wishon head into the event.

Orianna Westerfield, 4, explores the different bubbles.

Brooks Keenan, 3, bursts a large bubble.

Patricia Greene, Shirley Skafec, Ginger Fannin, Wayne Liburd and Paula Rees stand in front of a background celebrating the country's 250th anniversary.

Molly Biter (right) and her daughters Maya Biter, 9, Ellie Biter, 9, aunt Katie Moulton and son Leo Biter, 5, enjoy the event.

Vanessa Palfavi, 8, tosses a bean bag in a game of cornhole.

The event celebrated the Fourth of July on Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota Campus.

Annalise McLaughlin, 7, reaches high for a bubble.

Hayes Smith, 6, and his sister Lindyn Smith, 9, play a game of chess.

Larry and Joanne Burgoon, and Sue and Chuck Dinatale enjoy the event.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.