Patriotic Skies Over Alachua as Fireworks Light Up 4th Of July Celebration

ALACHUA ‒ The skies around Alachua were once again bursting with flashes of dazzling lights and displays of patriotism as the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration returned Thursday evening. From spectacular fireworks to food, live music and fun for the entire family, Alachua had it covered. It was a star-spangled extravaganza as live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities set the stage for the dazzling fireworks show that wrapped up the day’s events.

For over 20 years the City of Alachua has hosted an annual July 4^th celebration billed as the “Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.” The event is so popular that it attracts thousands of spectators each year from surrounding cities, and oftentimes doubles the size of the town’s nearly 12,000 population.

In a welcome message to the patriotic revelers, Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper stated, “Thank you for celebrating the Fourth of July with Alachua, and we hope the event becomes an annual tradition for your family.”

The annual extravaganza is made possible by support of community businesses and organizations as well as volunteers from the City of Alachua. This year’s Diamond Sponsors were Alachua County Today Newspaper and Dollar General. Gold Sponsors were Alachua Chamber of Commerce, Alachua Lion’s Club, Douglas Adel, DDS, P.A., Rush and Frisco Law and Sunstop Stores. Platinum Sponsors were Hitchcock’s Markets and Waste Pro. Silver Sponsors were the Alachua Business League and Campus USA Credit Union. City volunteers included City Manager Mike DaRoza, Damon Messina, Stephanie McDonald, Jack Hansen, Wes Barrett, Kyler Burk, Lynn Hayes, Steven Holton, Tony Love, Tara Malone, Sgt. Carl Newsome, Pam Philman, Police Chief Jesse Sandusky, Donna Smith, Ofc. Thomas Stanfield, Linnelle Stewart, Rodolfo Valladares and David Wisener.

The fun filled event took place at the Legacy Park Amphitheater. Gates opened at 5 p.m. with events starting at 6 p.m. The evening’s entertainment featured “Whiskey Jones,” a local band that performs an assortment of well-known classic rock, blues and country rock songs. The band has been entertaining audiences in North Florida since 2018. Caitlyn Phillips delivered a patriotic tribute song to America and the National Anthem

As the musical entertainment died down, the skies exploded in a display of multi-colored fireworks and the show began.

For the next half hour, a continuous display of fireworks lit the night sky over Legacy Park as thousands celebrated the Fourth of July.

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