Bigger and better… Cape gears up for Red White & Boom
Organizers are again gearing up for one of the Cape’s biggest and best-attended festivals, Red, White & Boom.
The free July 4th block party and concert, presented by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and the City of Cape Coral and title sponsored by RE/MAX Realty Team, will again be held the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge with expanded VIP seating, more vendors and even more boom in what historically is the biggest fireworks display in Lee County.
“I’m thrilled about about this year, it’s going to be a blast,” said Event Chairman Brett Bisbee, chamber board member and owner of B2 Solutions.
“We have more vendors this year, and we’ve got a bigger VIP area than we’ve had in past. Vendors will be lining Cape Coral Parkway to Del Prado, and we’ll have several food courts and beer booths,” he said. “We also have at the end of the event area a free kids area, which is sponsored by the The Kiwanis of Cape Coral, which includes inflatable bounce houses, climbing walls and obstacle courses.”
And this year’s fireworks show will bigger than ever.
“We’re going to have more fireworks; we’re making it bigger and better this year,” Bisbee said.
Independence Day festivities in Cape Coral actually will kick off early with the pre-Boom Century Link Prism Freedom 5-K Race over the Cape Coral Bridge at 7:30 a.m.
Registration the day of the race is 6:30 a.m. at the VIP tent, or you can preregister on online at ftmyerstrackclub.com by 5 p.m. July 3.
Ed Ramos, vice president of Ramos Builders, is in charge of the race.
Cost for 5-K enthusiasts preregistered is $25, Youth (under 12) $20, the Kids Fun Run or “Tot Trot” and 1 mile under $5. Day of race costs $35 all for ages excluding kids races under 12.
“The Tot Trot immediately follows the main race,” Ramos said.
“My favorite part of the run is the uniqueness of running over the bridge and another part that is nice is where the little kids get to Tot Trot. It’s 50 to 100 yards, following the 5 k roughly 8:45 a.m.”
The 5-K is a chamber event, with the Ft. Myers Track Club doing the timing.
Red White & Boom start will at 4 p.m., with live entertainment, a tribute honoring service men and women and fallen heroes, and fireworks to follow.
Cat Country107.1 is lining up the musical entertainment that will be featured on the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stage. Entertainment will include Jaida Dreyer performing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (to learn more go to jaidadreyer.com) and with featured performer James Wesley to perform at 8 p.m. For more about this rising country star, go to jameswesleymusic.com.
The Fort Myers Davidson Harley Davidson Buell American tribute honoring service men and women and fallen heroes is set for 9:15 p.m.
The fireworks show will begin at roughly 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Admission is free but for those who wish to go all out with food, drink and the best seating for the fireworks display, tickets for the chamber VIP area are $100.
“That includes food and your drinks, beer, and an air conditioned tent, and the Taj Mahal of Port a Potties, which have air conditioning with a sink like your bathroom at home,” Bisbee said.
The tent will be on the north side of Cape Coral Parkway “as close as you can get to the fireworks shows.”
Parking and Boom Bus Service will be sponsored by Entech Computers. Boom Trolley Trolley pick up areas will include Club Square, Iguana Mia, Sweetbay and Big John’s in Cape Coral. Parking will be free in any of those locations.
There will be additional parking at the El Rey Jesus Church at 1629 S.E. 47th Street for $10 per car, no charge for Handicap Parking.
Officials ask that you remember the rules – no coolers, no pets, no fireworks and no outside alcohol.
The Cape Coral Bridge, as well as Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado to the bridge, will be closed at 6 a.m. Wednesday and will open back up at roughly at 1 a.m. Thursday.
For more information go to capecoralchamber.com or call 549-6900.