Parade in Lake Helen; fireworks in DeBary, Deltona, Lake Helen, Pierson

BEACON PHOTO/ELLA SHEPHERD
On tap tonight — Fireworks displays are on tap in four West Volusia towns tonight. This image shows a July 3 display in Washington state, as captured by DeLand native Ella Shepherd.

By Beacon Staff
BEACON STAFF WRITERS

posted Jul 3, 2012 - 3:28:30pm

Fireworks, a parade and political activism are all on tap today, July 4, around West Volusia. The fireworks schedule is below.

The Moore-Molander-North Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9726 will conduct a Flag Retirement Ceremony today. The ceremony, a respectful and proper means of disposing of torn and faded U.S. flags, will be at 10 a.m. at the Post home, 350 S. Volusia Ave. in Pierson.

The Republican Club of West Volusia will open its Victory Headquarters today, July 4, with ceremonies, speeches, lunch and general celebration 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The West Volusia headquarters is in DeLand Plaza, at 342-B E. New York Ave.

The schedule calls for prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance at 11:15 a.m., followed by the introduction of candidates and two-minute speeches by each candidate. After that, a barbecue lunch will be available for purchase, and those attending will have time to meet the candidates.

"We hope you will join us to celebrate Independence Day and our grand opening in this most important of election years," wrote Republican Club President Marshall Bone in a press release about the event.

And, the Democrats are planning a special event for Saturday evening, July 7, in Lake Helen: an appearance by Thomas Jefferson.

"Those in attendance will have the rare opportunity to interact with one of America's Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, as performed by Dale Reynolds, an actor and historian from California," according to a press release from the Volusia County Democratic Party.

Reynolds has made his career performing the one-man Jefferson impersonation and is an authority on both the man and the time period. Those attending this ticketed event, which begins at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 127 in Lake Helen, 109 Cassadaga Road, are invited to bring their questions and attempt to stump Reynolds.

Tickets to the event, $25 each or $15 for children under age 15, are available at Volusia County Democratic Headquarters, 118 S. Palmetto Ave. in Daytona Beach, or by contacting Northwest Volusia Democratic Club President Jeff Shepherd at 386-748-5280 or shepz@mpinet.net.

The ticket price includes light refreshments, and proceeds will benefit the American Legion Post as well as the Volusia County Democratic Party.

Fireworks and other July Fourth fun:

Lake Helen July Fourth Parade

10 a.m. parade begins at Main Street and Summit Avenue, proceeds to New York Avenue, turns east and proceeds to Lakeview Drive, turns south and ends at Ohio Avenue. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. opening ceremonies; West Volusia Saddle Club Speed Show at the Equestrian Center; music; food vendor; Gong Show talent show; seed-spitting contest and watermelon-eating contest. Fireworks are at Royal Park at 9 p.m.

Family Fun Celebration

4 p.m. on Chipper Jones Ballfield at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17 North and Washington Avenue in Pierson. Food vendors, carnival games, inflatables for children to bounce in, arts and crafts, and displays.The food available will range from standard American items offered by the Lions Club, to watermelon slices and popcorn proffered by Pierson Elementary School, and Hispanic fare cooked up by the Farmworkers Association. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m.

'Freedom and Fireworks'

4-9:30 p.m. at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary. Children's area; musical performances; DeBary Has Talent contest; color guards; 9 p.m. fireworks. DeBary's own Rog Lee, along with Christopher Cummings and The Revolution will supply music, and finals for the second annual "DeBary Has Talent" are scheduled. Leslye Gale of Magic 107.7 radio will host the free evening of entertainment and fireworks. Food and beverages will be available, as will events for children.

July Fourth Extravaganza

6-9 p.m. at Dewey O. Boster Park, 1190 Saxon Blvd., Deltona. Children's activities; Caribbean Crew will perform; 9:15 p.m. fireworks. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs on which to sit. Free admission. Parking is limited; free shuttle 5:30-8:45 p.m. and 9:45-10:15 p.m. from Deltona City Hall, 2345 Providence Blvd. Call 386-878-8500.

July Fourth Fireworks

6-9 p.m. at Royal Park, on Royal Park Road, off Michigan Avenue, Lake Helen. Music and food vendors; 9 p.m. fireworks.

Independence Day Celebration

6-10 p.m. at Ormond Beach City Hall Plaza, Fortunato Park and Rockefeller Gardens, all adjacent to the Granada Bridge, Ormond Beach. Kids' corner; music; arts and crafts; 9:30 p.m. fireworks over the Halifax River. Free. Call 386-676-3241.

Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration Concert

7 p.m. at the Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach. Jim MIller Orchestra will perform. 9:45 p.m. fireworks. Free.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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