PLANTATION, Fla. — Broward County communities marked Independence Day on Saturday with parades, family activities and fireworks, as crowds lined streets in Plantation and festivities continued in Margate.
In Plantation, the city’s annual Independence Day parade kicked off around 9 a.m., drawing families who gathered along the route for a long-running tradition officials say spans decades.
Organizers said the celebration included roughly 70 participants, with floats, marching groups and public safety vehicles rolling through the route as spectators wore red, white and blue and braved rising temperatures.
Families told reporters they have attended for years, calling it a holiday tradition.
“We’ve been coming since she was a baby, so almost nine years,” one parent said. Another child said she liked “everything,” while mentioning the fire trucks as a highlight.
Officials said the city’s America 250-themed celebration also includes an evening concert, kids zone and fireworks display scheduled for 9 p.m. at Plantation Central Park.
In Margate, city officials continued a full day of Fourth of July events beginning with a morning parade, followed by a pool party, live music, bounce houses and an evening fireworks show.
Crowds filled streets in red, white and blue and candy was thrown from parade floats.
City officials said festivities there will continue into the evening, concluding with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Both cities urged residents to plan for road closures and large crowds as Independence Day celebrations continued across Broward County.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration at Las Olas Oceanside Park.
The event, which began at noon, features live music, beach games, contests and activities for all ages.
Later Saturday night, country star Walker Hayes is set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Before the fireworks, a patriotic drone show is scheduled for 8:45 p.m.
The celebration will wrap up with the city’s signature fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean at 9 p.m.
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