Here is everything you need to know to enjoy a wonderful Fourth of July on Key Biscayne.
• Time: The parade steps off at 11 a.m., after a traditional flyover by a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcon Mako jets from the Air Force’s 93rd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base.
• Route: The parade route is along Crandon Boulevard, from Harbor Drive to Westwood Drive. The staging area is on Fernwood and participants must be in place by 10 a.m.
• Road closures: Beginning at about 10:15 a.m., and during the parade (which lasts until about 1:30 p.m.), the southbound lanes at Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive will be closed, and only one lane outbound will be open.
• National anthem: Performed by Maria Isabel Restrepo, a talented Miami-based singer-songwriter with a distinct Latin flair, a journey that began in Bogotá, Colombia.
• Master of Ceremonies: Austin Tellam handles the parade commentary and will be joined by former MC Tim Stickney.
• Parade marshal: Manny Rionda, an environmentalist and former teacher who created the FillABag cleanup effort for Key Biscayne and surrounding areas.
• Parade judges: Ana Hume, Norie Del Valle and Curt Obront.
• Prize Categories: The categories: Best Homemade Float, Best Bicycle, Best Golf Cart, Most Original, Most Beautiful and Most Patriotic.
• Participation: Families, clubs, businesses and creative groups are encouraged to participate by walking, biking or decorating floats or golf carts.
• St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea will host its annual first responder and community breakfast at the parish starting at 9 a.m.
• Other festivities: Family Field Day, with an assortment of fun events for the family (such as a sack race and tug-o-war) begins at 9 a.m., at Village Green South. The Rotary Club of Key Biscayne will host the annual Liberty Grill & Picnic at the Village Green during and after the parade. Two World Cup matches are slated for 1 p.m., and 5 p.m., on Saturday for additional viewing pleasure.
• Light up the sky: The 31st edition of the spectacular fireworks display takes place behind the Key Biscayne Beach Club at 9 p.m. Theo Holloway narrates the evening fireworks show and the musical accompaniment can be heard on 88.9 FM WDNA. The fireworks show will include a new intro and three specific America 250 songs.
• Remember: No water balloons, water guns, confetti or streamers are allowed at the parade.