Celebrate July 4th at Tampa's Riverfront Celebration with Boat Parade, Water Ski Show and Fireworks

Celebrate the 4th of July at Tampa's huge July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa!

The countdown to Tampa’s huge 4th of July riverfront celebration is on, and you won't want to miss the spectacular July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and Fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf organised by Friends of the Riverwalk.

The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began years ago but is still practiced in many fishing and boating communities around the world to ensure a safe and bountiful season.

The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice began predominantly Catholic but is now practiced by all denominations as a blessing from the local clergy that is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season. Each boat will be festively decorated in hopes of bringing home a prize. There will be one location at Sparkman Wharf for boats to receive a blessing. Boats simply need to drive by the station to receive their blessing.

Boats will be decked out in red, white and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat trophy. Registered boaters will partake in a Poker Run for a chance to win a grand prize and several other great prizes!

The boat parade will be followed by fireworks displays at Sparkman Wharf.

Events will also take place in Tampa Heights, with activations all along the Riverwalk.

The parade begins in the Convention Center basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing locations include:

• Armature Works

• Channel Drive

• Convention Center

• Curtis Hixon

• Davis Island

• Harbour Island

• Sparkman Wharf

• Water Works Park

Timeline Of Events:

4:00 PM - Sparkman Wharf opens

5:45 PM - VIP Opens

6:00 PM - Water Ski Show (Viewing available ONLY at Sparkman Wharf)

6:00 PM - Boat Parade Begins (IMPORTANT: See times below for where/when to view the parade)

6:15 PM Convention Center (limited viewing available due to construction)

6:30 PM Curtis Hixon Park

6:45 PM Armature Works

7:15 PM Davis Islands & Channel Drive

7:30 PM Sparkman Wharf

9:00 PM Fireworks Show at Sparkman Wharf

9:15 PM VIP and Wharf will close immediately following Firework Show

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