From the spectacle of the Americana Parade in mid-morning to when the final firework explodes in the night sky, the annual Sopchpppy 4th of July Celebration is one of Wakulla County’s most beloved traditions. Come share in the fun this year on Independence Day itself beginning at 10 a.m.
There will be exciting live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and a festival fit for the Founding Fathers on the banks of the Sopchoppy River. The suggested donation of entry is $3.00. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been attending the 4th of July Celebration since the beginning or if this is your first visit to Wakulla County, we’d love you to come see what American pride is all about in our beautiful community!
Americana Parade
The excitement begins bright and early with the Bill Stephens Americana Parade kicking off the Independence Day festivities at 10 a.m. Grab you and your family some seats and watch the community floats stroll through Sopchoppy decked out in their finest red, white, and blue. It’s a celebration that reminds all of us both of the importance of the birth of this great nation, as well as our sense of civic pride in our area. After the last floats make their way through downtown, it’s time to head over to Myron B. Hodge City Park to continue the fun and games.
All-day entertainment options
The events taking place at Myron B. Hodge City Park and on the banks of the Sopchoppy River offer something for every member of the family, and they continue throughout the day. There will be a variety of art and crafts vendors on hand so that you can take a piece of the festival home with you, and it wouldn’t be a 4th of July party without some great food options available for purchase. After all, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a freshly-grilled hamburger or hot dog underneath the summer sun.
Then, there’s a tremendous slate of live music and entertainment going on in the park until dark. The Opening Ceremonies begin at noon, and they lead into several great acts that will be performing, such as the Aaron and Mary Trio, Band 33, and the Mae West Band. You can connect with the music of America while you dance the night away in the beautiful surroundings of Myron B. Hodge City Park.
We’re also thrilled to announce the return of the beloved, hilarious Mr. Leggs contest at 6 p.m. If you’re ready to see some of the best legs across Wakulla County, this “men’s pretty legs” contest is a must!
These are the bands featured at our 2016 celebration:
- 1 p.m. – Hot Tamale (famous kid’s show)
- 2 p.m. – Allijah Motika
- 3 p.m. – Hot Tamale
- 4 p.m. – Aaron and Mary Trio
- 5 p.m. – Band 33
- 7 p.m. – Boo Radley
- 8 p.m. – Mae West Band
Fireworks spectacular
Once the sun has disappeared behind the horizon you’ll want to find a great vantage point along the riverfront, because that means the 4th of July fireworks spectacular is about to begin! Gaze in awe as the magnificent rockets burst into the sky, and don’t be afraid to break out into a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner if you want to. However you choose to celebrate the founding of the United States of America, the Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration has everything you could ask for.
