Preparing to Celebrate the 4th | Palatka Daily News, Palatka, Florida

Crescent City, Interlachen, Palatka featuring events as early as this weekend

Children hop up and down as they compete in the sack race during Interlachen’s Independence Day Celebration in 2019.
Fireworks light the sky over the St. Johns River during the city of Palatka’s July 4 celebration in 2019.
Positively Putnam FL

Interlachen’s Independence Day fireworks will not light up the sky this year, but residents will not lack activities to celebrate America’s freedom.

County Commissioner Larry Harvey, who organizes the town’s Independence Day festivities, said this year’s firework supply did not arrive on time and other vendors organizers sought did not line up.

“I’m saddened that the fireworks won’t happen this year. … But every year brings new challenges,” he said.

Despite the lack of pyrotechnics, Interlachen’s celebrations will continue as planned July 3. The theme for this year’s festivities is Courage, Honor and Sacrifice: Home Town Patriotism.

People 18 or younger can start the day by participating in the 8 a.m. fishing tournament at Lake Lagonda Park.

Registration for the West Putnam Independence Day Ram Fun Run and Walk begins 5 p.m. at the newly-renovated caboose across from the Interlachen Town Office, 311 Atlantic Ave. The race will begin 6 p.m. at the caboose. A bike race will begin 6:15 p.m. at Dowda Park on Washington Street.

Food vendors, a rock-climbing wall and children’s games will also be offered 5-8:30 p.m. at Dowda Park.

A street dance will be 6:30-8:45 p.m. near Historic Town Hall, 215 Atlantic Ave. The renovated caboose will be open 5:30–8 p.m. for tours.

The Putnam County Board of Commissioners as well as Interlachen’s mayor and town council will host a 7:15 p.m. ceremony honoring veterans and Pvt. Robert H. Jenkins at the Jenkins Memorial.

The Independence Day parade will follow the ceremony.

Activities to celebrate the nation continue on the Fourth of July in Palatka.

Food, music and entertainment will begin 5 p.m. at the Palatka riverfront. The city will not have a parade but fireworks are scheduled after dark, according to the Arts Council of Greater Palatka

Residents can start celebrating Independence Day early with Crescent City’s Red, White & Boom starting 1 p.m. Saturday on Central Avenue. A car show, vendors and fireworks at dusk will take place at the county dock.