Tampa Bay will once again be home to a massive, star spangled 4th of July Celebration this year, with red, white and blue festivities taking place along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Tampa Bay will once again be home to a massive 4th of July celebration this year, with Friends of the Riverwalk hosting its' annual July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and massive Fireworks Display as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf.
The Boat Parade begins in the Convention Center basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf.
Public viewing locations include:
Armature Works
Channel Drive
Convention Center
Curtis Hixon
Davis Island
Harbour Island
Sparkman Wharf
Water Works Park
The parade route is similar to the Holiday Light Boat Parade but will include a Water Ski Show to kick off the celebration and a blessing station.
Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat!
Registration is required to participate in the boat parade, with the parade of course, free to spectators.
VIP tickets are available for purchase to view the water ski show, parade and fireworks with seating, drinks and food! Umbrellas are allowed but outside chairs and coolers are prohibited.
For more details, and to register a boat, or reserve VIP seating, click here.
The Blessing of the Fleet which will take place during the boat parade is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities.
The practice began predominantly Catholic but is now practiced by all denominations as a blessing from the local clergy that is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season.
Each boat will be festively decorated in hopes of bringing home a prize. There will be one location at Sparkman Wharf for boats to receive a blessing. Boats simply need to drive by the station to receive their blessing.
4th of July Schedule
Sparkman Wharf Activations, 4 pm - 9.30 pm.
including 360 Photo Station, Game Zone , Uncle Sam, and a DJ on the wharf
Water Ski Show - 6 pm (lasts 45 minutes)
Boat Parade Arrival at Sparkman Wharf - 7:30 pm
Blessing of the Fleet will occur when boats cross finish line at Sparkman Wharf
Fireworks at Sparkman Wharf , 9 pm.
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