Independence Day blowout begins Thursday on Destin harbor (with EVENTS ROUNDUP)

Locals and visitors to the Destin area know that celebration is in order as this weekend’s Fourth of July approaches, and many are probably wondering how to channel all of that patriotism.

HarborWalk Village has the answer.

The development at the foot of the Destin’s Marler Bridge has something for everyone who is looking to commemorate the birth of America.

It all starts this Thursday, July 1, with HarborWalk’s weekly Red, White and Blue Celebration. Hometown hero and CNN hero Aaron Jackson will be recognized. Jackson, a Destin native, is world renowned for his work in deworming Haitians and maintaining orphanages in the earthquake-ravaged nation. The evening will also include live entertainment, kids’ activities and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, July 2, HarborWalk will ramp up the fun even further, with “Rock Star” karaoke, an interactive funhouse, free face painters, tropical music and animals and games with prizes.

Saturday, July 3, will feature the Rock the Docks Concert with Lektric Mullet and another fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.

But Sunday, July 4, is the big day. HarborWalk will feature another Rock the Docks show on the main stage at 7 p.m. with Reggie and Co. The evening will also feature waterslides, games, kids’ activities, a hot dog eating contest and one last fireworks display over the Destin harbor at 8:30 p.m.

“HarborWalk Village is a great choice for a family, one-day vacation destination,” said Jamie Marie Hall, of Sage Marketing and Public Relations. “A day full of free kids’ fun, a fireworks show and the best place to play, dance and dine in Destin."

For more information visit harborwalkdestin.com or call 424-0600.

“There’s great music, great people and the most stunning sunsets on Earth,” said Hall.

The patriotic party continues at spots across the Emerald Coast.

Village of Baytowne Wharf

On Saturday, The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host children activities from 6 to 10 p.m., including kids' crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting.  Coconut Radio will take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Sunday, the sky will be lit over the lagoon with the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at 9:15 p.m.  On Saturday and Sunday between 6 and 10 p.m. there will be children’s activities, and from 6 to 9 p.m. the house band Coconut Radio will play.  

City of Destin festivities

The Annual Independence Day Celebration will take place July 2 at Morgan’s Sports Center, from 6 to 8 p.m., and check in for the bike parade will take place at 5 p.m. The City of Destin Annual fireworks show at East Pass starts at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 4th. For more information on either event contact the City of Destin’s Recreation Department at 850-650-1241.

Independence Day at Seaside

If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family to do this 4^th of July weekend, Seaside is kicking off the holiday with a bang, beginning Saturday night with its elaborate fireworks show. Saturday’s fireworks, beginning at 9 p.m., are a prelude to more fun activities that begin July 4 at 8 a.m.

The 2010 4th of July Celebration in Seaside begins with the annual South Walton 4th of July Parade along 30A. The parade begins at 8 a.m. in front of Seagrove Plaza. Residents and visitors march down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove dressed in patriotic costumes and on festive holiday floats. Prizes will be awarded to the best parade entries in a variety of categories.

After the parade winners have been announced, enjoy music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio until 11 a.m., along with face painting and a watermelon-eating contest. A Stars & Stripes concert begins at 7 p.m. at Seaside and features Dread Clampitt with special guest, Grammy Award Winner Sam Bush. The Seaside Fireworks Spectacular begins at 9 p.m. The fireworks will be choreographed to a soundtrack and can be heard while viewing the show from the Seaside Amphitheater. To hear the soundtrack, tune your radio into 107.1FM.

Flag Raising Ceremony

To commemorate Independence Day weekend, Uptown Station will join with the Fort Walton Beach Police and Fire Departments and the Choctawhatchee High School Junior ROTC to hold a special Flag Raising at 11:45 a.m. July 2.

4th of July Celebration at the Fort Walton Landing

The annual 4th of July Celebration will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. July 4 at the Fort Walton Landing. This family friendly, alcohol free event is free and open to the public. Events include musical entertainment, patriotic themed games, dozens of exhibitors and vendors, a children’s bicycle parade at 6:45 p.m., and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department will collect non-perishable food items to donate to Sharing and Caring of Fort Walton Beach.