This 4th of July, Sanibel & Captiva Islands hosted its 25th Annual Independence Day Celebration. Every year, the islands celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic parade down Periwinkle Way.
The main road through Sanibel is shutdown while residents and visitors align the sidewalks to cheer on local businesses and clubs driving by on decorative floats and passing out goodies along the way. This year’s theme, “For the Fun of It,” perfectly captures the spirit of the parade and the communities celebration.
Another island Independence Day tradition takes place in the afternoon: The Sanibel – Captiva Optimist Club Road Rally. This year marks the 36th Annual Road Rally, the longest-running 4th of July event held on the islands. Each year, teams compete in the road course to see who can solve the puzzle in the fastest time, with the lowest milage and the highest number of correct answers. An afterparty follows the event, where participants gather to share laughs and stories about their Road Rally journey.
A beautiful island sunset isn’t the only evening attraction on the 4th of July. The day goes out with a BANG when fireworks light up the sky at dusk. The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce organizes a grand event every year, with the sponsorship and support of local businesses on the islands. Hundreds of people enjoy watching the fireworks display from the Sanibel Lighthouse Beach, the Causeway Islands and even from the Sanibel Harbour in Punta Rassa.
However you choose to celebrate, there’s always something on the island for the whole family to enjoy on Independence Day. We hope you had a safe and exciting 4th of July. Happy Birthday America!
