LAKEWOOD RANCH — Getting an early start on the Fourth of July holiday, the Pelican Palooza party and Music on Main offered up plenty of relaxation, music and food Friday.
The two events were underway at the same time at Lakewood Ranch, one at Lake Osprey Plaza and the other at Main Street.
Both offered lots of classic rock ‘n’ roll, with artists like Thom Parks, a one-man band on guitar and vocals, and Robin Skinner and Marty Bullard of the Glass Onion Band performing Beatles favorites at the Palooza Party.
At Main Street, Yesterdayze band performed everything from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Green River” to dance tunes from Sly and the Family Stone.
Don Baugh of Vanesaa Fine Jewelry said the crowd that packed Main Street was one of the largest he has seen there.
Skinner and Bullard, the two primary vocalists of Glass Onion, came dressed in Florida casual shorts and shirts, rather than Sergeant Pepper uniforms.
The two are old enough to remember seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 and have been fans ever since.
“That’s what got me interested in the music,” Bullard said.
Holiday activities continue at Lakewood Ranch at 3 p.m. today with the 4th of July Extravaganza at Little Bookworms. Children are invited to stomp on bubble wrap, take part in patriotic storytime, play outdoor games and try their hand at arts and crafts.
On Sunday, Tom and Pam Jones are scheduled to present a fireworks show at dark at Wauchula Road and 73rd Ave. E., Myakka City.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 708-7916.
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