Are you one of the lucky ones to spend the holiday week in this part of the world to take part in the 4th of July festivities on Anna Maria Island? If so be prepared to enjoy a full day of fun!
It starts with the yearly 4th of July parade organized by the AMI Privateers. The caravan sets up a Coquina Beach by 10 am and makes it way northward all the way to the end of Pine Avenue. Local businesses and other islanders throw out beads, candy or rock their favorite tunes! Get your lawn chair out early and reserve the best spot for a great free entertainment!
Next is the 1pm Hot Dog Eating contest at the Swordfish Grill, 4528 119th St.W. Cortez. Who needs Coney Island??
Head over the bridge to historic Cortez! While there stroll through the village and discover its charm. Do you know that three fishermen, Captain Billy Tyne, Michael “Bugsy” Moran and Dale 
“Murph” Murphy were crew members of the ill-fated Andrea Gail that had all ties to Cortez? A monument honoring Cortez veterans lost during wartime and Cortez commercial fishermen lost at sea is underneath a shady tree near the A.P. Bell Fish Co. where the names are etched on a corroding plaque. The 3 men were aboard the swordfish boat that left Gloucester, Massachusetts and sank south of Nova Scotia during a fierce storm in 1991 and were made famous by the movie “The Perfect Storm” with George Clooney.
Take the afternoon off or take a nap on the beach to be ready for the Sandbar Restaurant Extravaganza. The beach front restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary with a VIP party. The event begins at 6 pm. Enjoy champagne toast, open bar, complimentary T-shirts, raw bar, buffet and dessert! This all takes place at the Sandbar’s Grand Pavilion. Reservations are required.
If you are not having a reserved seat for the firework show enjoying the extravaganza just come out to the beach after dark. The sparkling celebration will start at 9 pm from barges out in the Gulf by the Sandbar, 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria.
Happy 4th to y’all!
If you are still looking for a vacation rental check out our last minute discounts for the month of July 2019! Also, be sure to sign up for our promotions to never miss one of our great Duncan Flash Sales. For more information please call Team Duncan at 941 779 0304 or a send us a quick message.
