Sixty Years of Red, White, and Blue

Jane Morris, left and Michele Estevez hold artwork marking the 60th annversary of the Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade, June 29, 2019. (Key News/Alfredo Pignata)

Get your flag-waving game on, because this Thursday’s Fourth of July Parade is set be something special – the 60th running of the island’s commemoration of America’s independence from Great Britain. 

Marching bands, stiltwakers, colorful floats, and plenty of patriotism will stroll down Crandon Boulevard, preceded by a military jet flyover, officials said. The best homemade entry will get a $1,500 prize; and $500 will be awarded to the best-decorated bicycle or golf cart (it is Key Biscayne, after all). 

The event starts at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a community picnic on the Village Green courtesy of the Rotary Club. 

Fireworks start around 9 p.m. and can be seen from the Village Green, or anywhere with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The musical portion of the fireworks display can be heard on 88.9 WDNA-FM. 

The Independence Day weather forecast calls for a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Skies will be mostly sunny, with a high near 86, with winds from the East about 8 miles per hour. The chance of rain increases to 40% Thursday night, the National Weather Service reported. 

The parade is supported by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Village of Key Biscayne, the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and County Board of Commissioners.