Sanibel and Captiva Islands celebrate our nation’s birthday with the Annual Independence Day Parade on Thursday, July 4th. As such, Periwinkle Way will be closed from 9am until approximately 12 noon from the western end (Tarpon Bay Road) to Donax Street. Those travelling on Casa Ybel Road should also expect to detour at Middle Gulf Drive. There are plenty of locations at shopping centers along the way…just be sure to get to your preferred location early.
Three things you will need should you view the parade, because it will likely be HOT:
1) Comfortable seating, preferably something or someplace that provides shade.
2) Water
3) Above all…SUNSCREEN!
There will also be activities, especially for kids, at Jerry’s Mall during the day, including waterslides, dunk tank, games, hot dogs, hamburgers, and karaoke!
At noon, the race begins…The 40th Annual Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club Road Rally is like a scavenger hunt/trivia contest and a slow version of the Cannonball Run! Everyone (residents and visitors) is welcome, and participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles (as there is a prize for best decorated car) as you try to decipher clues to island points of interest in the fastest and most direct route. Winners are determined by time and mileage logged. Lots of fun and prizes as it benefits local youth programs and scholarships. Registration is $40 pre-race or $45 at the starting line (Timbers Restaurant) For rules and further details, please go to http://www.sancapoptimist.org/main/road-rally-3/ or contact the Optimist Club at 239-699-8739 (Randy Carson), 239-292-4631 (Richard McMurray), or 239-472-0836 (Dani Howard).
Sanibel will host its annual fireworks display after dark, launched from the bayside of Bailey Road. Best viewing is from the Sanibel Causeway, but be advised; while there is no charge for parking on the Causeway Islands, space will fill up quickly. There will be no roadside parking allowed on Sanibel and there are no scheduled shuttles to the event.
There are still rentals available for the holiday week (June 29 – July 6) at Sanibel Holiday. Come celebrate with us, Book Direct and Save!