“Josh Recommends” for the JULY 4 Weekend By Josh Garrick 

Red, Hot & Boom at Cranes Roost Park 
July 3 beginning at 4 pm
FREE and open to the public, the City of Altamonte Springs’ “Red Hot & Boom” is back with a bang! Known for fantastic musical performances, friendly crowds and spectacular fireworks, JULY 3rd is sure to rock your world at Crane’s Roost Park to celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, food for sale on-site and fun. Artists take the stage at 4 pm. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. And since this is held on the 3rd, it gives “fireworks aficionados” a chance to do the fireworks scene on two nights in a row. Call 407.571.8180 or visit Altamonte.org 

MetroWest Music Works
July 4 from 6 to 10 pm 
On the west side of town at 2100 South Hiawassee Road, the MetroWest Golf Club invites everyone to participate in their 4th of July MusicWORKS -- a FREE family-friendly community event that includes LIVE music featuring Will Donato & Absolute Queen, a variety of food vendors and FIREWORKS (the same Pyro-show company that does “Red Hot & Boom” in Altamonte). Call 407.601.5995 

“Fireworks at the Fountain” in Downtown Orlando
July 4 from 4 to 10 pm 
The Great Grand-Daddy of FREE fireworks events in Central Florida is hosted by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer at Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando on July 4 for the 42nd Annual “Fireworks at the Fountain.” Festivities begin at 4 pm and include a kid’s play area, live music, and food and beverages available for purchase. The evening concludes with a truly spectacular fireworks display featuring the Fountain in Lake Eola Park. Visit cityoforlando.net/fireworks 

Independence Day Open House at the Morse Museum in Winter Park 
July 4 from 9:30 am to 4pm 
Celebrate American Art at the Morse Museum’s generously FREE Independence Day Open House, and visit the Museum FREE of charge during the City of Winter Park’s Independence Day festivities. The Museum’s current exhibit is “Earth Into Art,” celebrating art pottery that emerged after the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The Museum Open House is from 9:30 am to 4 pm, and the City event, also FREE, is from 9 am to noon including family activities, patriotic music by the Bach Festival Choir, and picnic favorites including hot dogs and watermelon. Call 407.645.5311 or visit morsemuseum.org.

Party in the Park in Winter Garden 
July 4 – Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm 
Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on the grass for this annual Winter Garden tradition as we keep our “eyes on the sky” for the best firework display in West Orange County. The charm of Winter Garden is always fun for all ages with kid’s activities, food, and there is plenty of parking for the Fireworks display at 9:15 pm. For more, call 407.877.5432. 

‘FAVO’ – The Faith Artist Village Open House 
July 5 from 5 pm to 9 pm 
I am very happy to be part of the fun as it continues as “FAVO” offers a unique destination for those who support Orlando’s Arts community. I’ll be joining more than 30 Artists as we show our art-work and sell direct to the public at very affordable prices. FAVO was once an abandoned motel in Downtown Orlando. TODAY those rooms have been turned into Artists’ studios and on July 5, I will be there to join those Artists and show my work in the “Arts for All Spaces” Gallery. ESPECIALLY if you read it here, please drop by, say hello, and take a look at my work. FAVO is on Highland Ave. just off Colonial Drive next to Park Lake Presbyterian Church. Call 407.522.3906 or visit faithartsvillage.com

CFCArts presents “Bye-Bye Birdie” 
July 5 to July 28
What could be more “American” than a story from the 1960’s about a hip-swaying rock-star drafted to the US Army? Women love him, teens scream at the sound of his name, and in this tuneful happily-ever-after musical (that made Ann-Margret a star) the famous Rock Star is sent to a small town in Ohio to say goodbye on live TV by planting a kiss on his biggest fan. This show is hilarious, upbeat and rapturously tuneful – “be there or be square” by visiting cfcarts.com or calling 407.937.1800 for tickets. 

“Flashdance: The Musical” at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden 
July 5 to 28 
Continuing our tribute to “Americana” through music, Central Florida’s July 4 Week-end celebrates the music of Robbie Roth as we are asked to “Dance like you’ve never danced before.” The Garden Theatre presents Flashdance: The Musical -- the LIVE stage version of the unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex – welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night. Alex dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but when romance complicates her ambition, she harnesses it to her dreams. Based on the iconic movie, Flashdance boasts a score of pop hits including “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” and the title track “Flashdance” Ohhhhhh -- What a Feeling.” Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

The Key West KEY LIME Fest 
July 5 to 7 

“Key Lime Scavenger Hunt” -- July 5 beginning at 3:30 pm -- See Key West like your favorite ‘Private Eye” on this adventure with a Key West twist. Your team of 2 to 5 people follow clues that lead to famous Key West sights, iconic landmarks, and a bar or two (of course). Earn the most points and your team gets the grand prize. “Remember kid – we’ll always have Key West.” $30/per person. For more call 305.292.9994. 

“The Key Lime Pie Drop” -- July 6 at 11 am at the Key West Lighthouse
Begin this crazy day with the “Key West Art & Historical Society” as Key West's most creative minds attempt to outsmart gravity and drop a pie from the top of the lighthouse – without hurting the pie. This is a FREE event. 

“Sip & Stroll” Sign Up and Judging Info -- July 6 from 2 to 5 pm 
Are you crazy for Key Lime drinks? Of course you are. Now you can become a ‘Sip & Stroll Judge’ at the Key Lime Martini & Margarita Championships. 10 bars compete for the coveted ‘Key Lime Cup.’ Get your souvenir cup, wristband and scorecard – then visit the bars, rate their drinks, and sip & stroll. Remember, there are about 10 drinks to sample, so consider pacing yourself – or not! Drink samples served from 2 to 4 pm. Visit keylimefestival.com 

Red, White & Blues on the Plaza in Winter Garden 
July 6 from 6 pm to 8 pm 
One more way to extend your 4th of July celebration through the weekend is by enjoying classic blues with the Grimes Alley Blues Band in Winter Garden. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this FREE live music performance with scenic downtown Winter Garden as the backdrop. Location: Centennial Plaza at 101 W. Plant Street inWinter Garden. For more call 407.656.4111 Cost: FREE 

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators