In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Venice will host a special daytime Independence Day parade as part of its Centennial celebration. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of W. Venice Avenue and Ave des Parques, traveling east along W. Venice Avenue, through Historic Downtown Venice, turning south onto Nassau Street, and concluding near W. Blalock Park along Pensacola Road. Spectators are encouraged to line the westbound lane of W. Venice Avenue, both sides of Nassau Street, and areas surrounding W. Blalock Park. To preserve the hometown feel of this special Centennial and Independence Day celebration, parade participation will be limited to City of Venice residents, businesses, non-profits, and Venice MainStreet partners. Space is limited, and participation will be capped to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all. More parade information here. Following the parade, the celebration continues at 11 a.m. with a community picnic at the Venice Community Center, hosted in partnership with Venice MainStreet. Activities will take place indoors, outdoors, and at W. Blalock Park, featuring hot dogs, music and dancing, face painting, a watermelon eating contest, and additional family-friendly activities! W. Blalock Park: Music, lawn games and roaming characters from 11-12. Watermelon Eating Contests by age groups: 11:30am, 12:00pm & 12:30pm. Sign up at W. Blalock Park near Gazebo. Venice Community Center: Food trucks, music, hot dogs, face painting, balloons, airbrush tattoos and Uncle Sam look-alike contest-details below. Uncle Sam Wants YOU… to Join the Fun! Dress up as your best Uncle Sam and enter our Uncle Sam Look-Alike Contest. FREE to participate and open to all ages from baby to adult. 🏆 Fun prizes to be won 📍 Line up inside at the Venice Community Center stage at 11:30 AM 🎤 Contest begins at 11:40 AM Bring your red, white, and blue spirit, your tallest hat, and your best patriotic style. Whether you go classic, funny, creative, or over-the-top- we want to see your best Uncle Sam! Come celebrate with us and show off your patriotic flair! Venice Museum: Open with special hours on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring seasonal and Centennial exhibits, the gift shop and more! Old Betsy: Decorated for Independence Day-stop by to see the old girl wrapped in Old Glory!
