Although COVID-19 concerns and social-distancing guidelines have caused the cancellation of large-scale celebrations, cities and businesses across Palm Beach County have come up with creative ways for families to experience the typical Fourth of July fun.
West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach will light up the night with a spectacular fireworks display on the Fourth of July. In addition to putting together an array of DIY activities and tutorials to help locals host their own person “POP” (party on their porch), the City will set off fireworks from two undisclosed locations. While some West Palm Beach residents may be able to see the fireworks from their backyards or balconies, everyone in Palm Beach County will be able to watch them while remaining inside through the City’s partnership with WPBF 25. The station’s “Project CommUNITY: Fireworks from Home” will begin at 9 p.m. and include a special program honoring the City’s 125-year history, all capped off with the 15-minute fireworks show. Check it out on Comcast channel 10 and 431, on Direct TV/Dish Network/AT&T U-Verse channel 25, over the air on channel 25-1, and streaming on wpbf.com and on the WPBF 25 News App.
Delray Beach
The options are endless throughout Delray Beach, with the City presenting numerous virtual events and activities. Compete for the title of the “most patriotic house (or business) in Delray Beach” by dressing up your abode or business in the colors of Old Glory and submitting pictures no later than July 1; a winner will be announced July 4. Instead of a live parade this year, the City is hosting a virtual one. Get involved by sending in a 15-second video of your decorated vehicle, bike, wagon, wheelchair, or whatever else on wheels. Additionally, Delray Beach residents can pick up an American Party Pack complete with family-friendly activities and accessories. Bags will be available for pick up at Pompey Park, 505 Teen Center and Hobbit Skate Park, Barwick Park, and Catherine Strong Park on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Boca Raton
In lieu of the annual Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration, the City of Boca Raton is holding a community-wide virtual celebration, “Red, White, and Blue in Boca,” now through July 4 on the Boca Raton Recreation social media pages and the City of Boca Raton’s YouTube Channel. Bring the spirit of the Fourth into your home with patriotic-themed videos on crafts, games, grilling, and more. Highlights include a fireworks experiment with the Children’s Science Explorium, a patriotic popsicle demonstration with Cielito Artisan Pops, and a festive watermelon salad recipe courtesy of Boca-based mom blogger Heather McMechan of Local Mom Scoop.
Boca Resort
Plan a star-spangled staycation at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Partake in fun family activities July 3-5, including movies on the croquet lawn, a poolside party on the Fourth, and a FlowRider surf contest on Sunday, July 5. The resort is also offering a range of wellness events, such as KarmaVibes Family Flow Yoga every morning. On the evening of July Fourth, from 6 to 9 p.m., dine on barbecue-inspired fare at a number of on-site eateries. An all-American menu will be available at 501 East, barbecue Tuscan-style will be on offer at Lucca, and a beachside barbecue will take place at the Boca Beach Club, to name a few options.
The Chesterfield
Ever the symbol of English opulence, The Chesterfield hotel on Palm Beach is channeling its inner Yankee by presenting a July Fourth Celebration package. Valid July 2-6, the offer includes a full English breakfast every morning as well as a barbecue feast on July 4. A minimum two-night stay is required, and guests who book the package will receive a room upgrade based on availability. The July Fourth barbecue dinner is open to the public at a rate of $28 per person plus tax and gratuity.
At-Home Cookouts
For those who prefer to celebrate at home, a number of area restaurants are offering pick-up options to make the grilling even easier.
III Forks Prime Steakhouse in Palm Beach Gardens has created a Backyard Burger Kit inclusive of six half-pound angus beef burger patties, buns, the restaurant’s signature seasoning, all the burger fixings, and six cookies. This can be paired with wine-to-go specials or ready-to-pour libations such as margaritas and Cosmopolitans. The kit costs $50, is available for pre-order online, and can be picked up now through July 3.
Although best known for its killer tacos, Cholo Soy Cocina in West Palm Beach is serving up barbecue American-style in honor of the Fourth. Its barbecue package costs $40, feeds two to three adults, and includes a rack of smoked baby back ribs with gochujang barbecue sauce, a quart of coleslaw, and three containers of various pickles. Pre-order now through noon on Thursday, July 2, for a Friday, July 3, pick up.
The Flagler Museum
While the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum will not be hosting its annual fireworks show this year, it will still be open for visitation on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend Independence Day exploring the halls of one of America’s finest homes, touring Henry Flagler’s personal railcar, and checking out the special exhibition “Walk This Way: Historic Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection.” Per the Flagler Museum’s new operating protocols, guests must purchase tickets ahead of their visit, and everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a face mask or covering. If you can’t make it on the Fourth, the Flagler has also released admission tickets for the entire month of July.
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