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Created: July 01 2013

FORT LAUDERDALE - The City of Fort Lauderdale will host the 4th of July Spectacular on Thursday, July 4 from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Fort Lauderdale Beach at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. The Independence Day Celebration will feature a patriotic extravaganza with a kids zone, live music, and a dazzling fireworks display.

The Kids Zone will be hosted by celebrity DJ William Pennhouse, who will provide non-stop energy and excitement along with plenty of music and comic relief from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Highlights will include bounce houses, face painting, hula-hoop, Twister and limbo contests, along with beach games and a water balloon toss.

Make sure to bring your appetite so you can compete in an old-fashioned hot dog eating contest. And if that doesn't fill you up, top it off by participating in a July 4th pie eating contest! Don't miss the first ever 4th of July Diaper Derby on Fort Lauderdale Beach presented by Lite 101.5 FM. This fun-filled event will feature speedy little ones crawling their way to victory as mom or dad cheer them on from the finish line.

As the sun goes down, the celebration heats up with live music and entertainment from 4 to 9 p.m. Featured artists include the patriotic sounds of the American Legion Symphonic Orchestra, all your favorite hits from the '60s to today from the Fabulons, and headlining act "Keep the Faith" performing their classic "Bon Jovi Tribute Experience."

At 9 p.m., all eyes will turn toward the sky for the City's fireworks show. This dazzling pyrotechnic display is an annual favorite of children and adults of all ages. This year, the fireworks show will be set to music and simulcast on Lite 101.5 FM so folks will be able to both see and hear a one-of-a-kind 4th of July spectacular!

The complete 4th of July schedule of events includes:

12:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Family Activities: DJ, Music, Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Beach
Games & Contests
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - 101.5 Lite FM Diaper Derby
4:00 - 5:15 p.m. - American Legion Symphonic Orchestra
5:15 - 6:15 p.m. - The Fabulons
6:45 - 9:00 p.m. - Keep the Faith "Bon Jovi Tribute Experience"
PARK AND RIDE DOWNTOWN

This year, the City of Fort Lauderdale is offering a new transportation option to get to the 4th of July Spectacular stress free! Avoid the traffic jams and the elusive hunt for a parking space on the beach. Instead, get there stress free by sea.

City Park Garage
150 S.E. 2nd Street . $1.25/hour

One River Plaza
305 S. Andrews Avenue . $5 flat rate parking

Water Shuttle Pick-Up
Picks up: Las Olas Riverfront, 300 S.W. 1st Avenue
Drops off: Las Olas Marina, 240 E. Las Olas Circle

Round Trip: Adults and Children: $5
Kids under 3, Seniors (60+) with ID, and Military with ID: Free

Anticipation Yacht Charter departs on the hour and Water Taxi departs every 15 minutes from noon to 11 p.m.

PARKING

The following City of Fort Lauderdale beach parking lots will be charging a flat rate of $10.

Birch/Las Olas Intracoastal Lot: E. Las Olas Blvd and Las Olas Circle
D.C. Alexander Lot: 501 Seabreeze Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Lot: 700 Seabreeze Boulevard
Oceanside Lot: 400 Seabreeze Boulevard
BICYCLE PARKING

New this year, the City of Fort Lauderdale's 4th of July Spectacular is offering a designated bicycle parking lot located at the corner of Las Olas Blvd. and Las Olas Circle. Help us relieve traffic congestion and promote sustainability by encouraging event goers to ride their bikes to the beach.

LAS OLAS BOULEVARD BRIDGE REDUCED TO TWO LANES

Due to construction and rehabilitation work, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on the Las Olas Boulevard Bridge. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid using Las Olas Boulevard to access and exit Fort Lauderdale Beach. Instead, motorists should use Sunrise Boulevard or S.E. 17th Street. It is strongly recommended that 4th of July Spectacular attendees use the available water shuttle service to avoid heavy traffic and prolonged delays.

The City of Fort Lauderdale's 4th of July Spectacular is sponsored by 101.5 Lite FM. For more information, please call (954) 828-5363 or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/july4.