BRADENTON BEACH — There may not be a better way to begin the Fourth of July weekend than watching an awesome sunset and fabulous fireworks on the beach.
More than 3,000 people did just that Friday as they crowded the beach in front of the Beach House restaurant for its annual fireworks display.
There was an air of anticipation as the crowd grew throughout the day until the first sparkle of bright lights cracked the dark skies over the Gulf of Mexico.
“I just love the beach,“ said Portia Vallini, 23, who was enjoying the evening with her friend, Simon Williamsen, 25. “And I love the Fourth of July fireworks here.“
For Williamsen it was the sunset that drew him to Anna Maria Island to begin celebrating the holiday.
“I’m from upstate New York,” he said, “And we don’t have sunsets like these.”
The Beach House restaurant has been sponsoring the firework displays for several years, and each year the crowds fight the bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch them.
“They’re always a big success,” said John Gunther, a manager at the restaurant. “We’re glad we’re able to put them on for the locals and visitors.”
Joe Manzella and his wife, Annette, and their neighbors, Tim and Jessie Spence, were enjoying the party atmosphere.
The area around their beach chairs was bedecked with flags, red, white and blue balloons, and other festive garland.
“It’s a good day,” said Joe Manzella. “You’ve got music, you’ve got the fireworks, and you’ve got the good weather.”
But they did not forget why they were celebrating — the anniversary of the United States’ independence from England.
“As kids, it was just a day for picnics,” Annette said. “But as adults, we learn the deeper meaning of us getting our rights.”
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