Independence Day fun in Putnam | Palatka Daily News, Palatka, Florida

List of events leaves something for everyone

File photo of Interlachen residents celebrating the Fourth of July with the Battle of the Barrels.
Positively Putnam FL

Fourth of July celebrations are going off with a bang this weekend in and around Putnam County.

Festivities begin Friday evening and run through 11 p.m. Monday. Here’s how residents are showing pride in their country this Independence Day weekend.

Interlachen

Interlachen has a full slate of events from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. July 4. These include:

A 7:45 a.m. bike race at Lake Lagonda for kids ages 4 to 12
A youth fishing tournament at Lake Lagonda at 8:00 a.m.
A 9:15 a.m. veteran’s ceremony at PFC Robert H. Jenkins Memorial Park
A 10:00 a.m. parade at Atlantic and Commonwealth Avenue
From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., games, a train ride, putt-putt, rock climbing and bounce houses beside Interlachen Town Hall, 311 Atlantic Avenue
Music at the caboose from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
An 11:00 a.m. cake contest at Town Hall. Cakes must be delivered by 10:30 a.m.
A 12:00 p.m. “diaper derby” upstairs at Interlachen Historic Hall
A 1:00 p.m. “battle of the barrels” west of Dowda Park
A 7:00 p.m. street dance at Interlachen Historic Hall
Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. weather permitting at Lake Lagonda

Event Coordinator Larry Harvey expressed gratitude to city staff and local sponsors in a flier for the celebrations.

“Let freedom ring, God bless our country, our state, our county, our town and God bless you,” he wrote.

Palatka

Palatka will see fireworks, food trucks, music and more July 4.

Where: Riverfront Park, 100 Memorial Parkway
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Featuring: A bounce house, an obstacle course, inflatable basketball, bowling and face painting

Organizer Erin Hewes said she hopes residents have fun and enjoy the evening.

“Just come down and have a good time,” she said.

Welaka

Welaka’s Food Truck Friday, which has been taking place the first Friday of every month since April, is taking a patriotic turn Friday evening.

Where: Jefferson Smith Park, 1050 Elm St.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Featuring: Over a dozen food trucks, a DJ, a pie-eating contest and a dunking booth with Mayor Jamie Watts, Council President Jessica Finch and Fire Chief Scott Turnbull

“Come on out on Friday evening and start your 4th of July weekend with us here in the Town of Welaka,” the town of Welaka wrote in a Facebook post.

Melrose

Melrose will host a parade the morning of the Fourth.

Where: Counterclockwise around Lake Santa Fe, starting west of The Latchstring near the entrance to Melrose Bay
When: Beginning at 11 a.m.
Details: Photos start at 10 a.m. Decorated boats are invited.

The Dancing Fish of Lake Santa Fe, a dance hall at 24800 State Road 26, is also hosting dances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Single dances are $15 per dance for adults and weekend passes are $30.

Youth ages 18 to 25 get in for $7.50 and their weekend passes cost $15. Children under 17 are free if accompanied by an adult.

The Dancing Fish requires proof of vaccination from all in attendance.

Pomona Park

Pomona Park is hosting a “family fun fest” Sunday with numerous attractions and activities.

Where: Willard Hazen Ball Park, 370 Pleasant St.
When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Featuring: A live band, a farmer’s market, food trucks, a bubble station, an artisan's market and a concession stand. Also field day games including egg spoon races, three-legged races and a water balloon toss.

All proceeds go to the Pomona Park Beautification Committee.

Keystone Heights

Finally, Keystone Heights is holding activities all day Saturday.

Where: 555 South Lawrence Blvd.
When: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Featuring: Arts and crafts, vendors, a watermelon-eating contest, a baby crawl, a 5K run, music and street dance from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks at Keystone Beach begin at 9:30 p.m.