Celebrate July 4th with festivals and fireworks

Fireworks are the biggest attraction to each Fourth of July celebration, and there’s plenty to see in the greater Tampa Bay area. From Sarasota to Tampa, the night sky will be lit in a grand display of patriotism.

The area also will offer an assortment of entertaining options leading up to the big fireworks show. If you can’t wait to celebrate, attend the 2009 Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix, which continues in Sarasota through the weekend with boat races, parades, fireworks and other outdoor adventures.

But this event isn’t just about boats. The extravaganza also features motorcycle shows, live music and street parties.

Proceeds go to local charities that support the physical and developmentally disabled.

Parking and shuttle service ($1 each way, children are free) are available at Sarasota High School. For more information, visit suncoastoffshore.org/events.php.

Grand Prix highlights:

Today

8:30 a.m. — The Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament for the physically and developmentally disabled. Groups will meet at 1604 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island. Lunch and awards afterwards.

6 p.m. — Baseball and fireworks at Ed Smith Stadium with the Sarasota Reds vs. the Tampa Yankees. Fireworks will be after the game. Tickets are $5.

7 p.m. — Festival Parade of Boats through downtown Sarasota.

8 p.m. — Downtown Block Party and Powerboats on Main Street and Lemon Avenue until midnight. Live entertainment and food will be available. Powerboats will be displayed.

Friday

7 a.m. — World Kilo Record Run on Sarasota Bay just north of Centennial Park. The event is until noon. Free admission.

9 a.m. — Motorcycle Patriotic Souvenir Ride. The ride begins at 9:30 a.m. at American Legion Post 30, 4015 Lockwood Ridge Road. $10 registration fee per rider.

10 a.m. — Powerboats By the Bay at Centennial Park, 10 Street, until 6 p.m. with food and live entertainment featuring Deja Vu at 11:30 a.m. and The Cherry Bombs at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Noon — People’s Choice Bike Show in the Van Wezel parking lot. See the best vintage, cruisers and custom motorcycles this side of the bay. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m.

5:30 p.m. — “Meet & Greet Who’s in the drivers Seat” at the Boathouse, behind the Hyatt. Capt. Keith Colburn, featured on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” will be signing autographs. Photo ops also will be available with Colburn and race teams. Tickets are $5; free for children ages 12 and younger.

8 p.m. — World’s Largest Offshore Party in the Hyatt Regency Sarasota Ballroom. Dance the night away with live music by My Friend Scott. Enjoy food and a cash bar. Attire is casual. The party lasts until 1 a.m. Tickets are $15.

Saturday

10 a.m. — Powerboats By the Bay lasts all day until 9 p.m. Meet Capt. Keith Colburn, check out the boats on display, eat and dance to live music. Admission is free.

9 p.m. — Conclude the holiday with the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular featuring fireworks at the Sarasota Bayfront Park.