ORLANDO — The big July 4 party is back.
The City of Orlando’s traditional holiday spectacular celebration at Lake Eola Park will resume next month, after the July 4 2020 celebration got cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
But now, with vaccination rates continuing to rise in Florida and new Covid-19 cases falling to record lows, Mayor Buddy Dyer just announced that the City once again is ready to celebrate the July 4 holiday at Lake Eola Park. Start planning now to attend.
What Does Orlando Do On July 4?
Next month, it’s time for the 44th annual Fireworks at the Fountain event.
This City plans to offer residents, visitors and tourists alike a holiday event that runs from 5-10 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, culminating in a patriotic firework display at 9:15 p.m. Traditionally, visitors have brought blankets and relaxed on the lawn of Lake Eola Park, where there will also be food, drinks, and live performances at the Disney Amphitheater.
While the city is again hosting a live outdoors event, there will still be some social distancing measures in place.
Unvaccinated attendees and staff working at this event are being encouraged to wear a mask during this celebration. Anyone who is fully vaccinated can wear a mask — or opt not to, depending on their personal preference.
There will be signs displayed throughout the event that outline face covering recommendations and other COVID-19 specific information, and safety messages will be broadcasted throughout the park’s sound system that remind attendees of COVID-19 safety protocols.
After cancelling the event last year, the city offered an online video showing previous July 4 fireworks displays that had been broadcast live on local network stations. The city will offer something similar this year for anyone who is uncomfortable attending a live event. They will virtually get the option to watch the fireworks online, through the city’s broadcast and streaming partner News 6 WKMG or they can stream it live online at clickorlando.com.
Where Can Attendees Find Parking?
Since parking can be a challenge in downtown Orlando, parking is being made available in the garages located in downtown. Click here to see an interactive map of the different options available on that holiday.
Downtown residents are being encouraged to use the LYMMO circulator bus, which is free, to get to Lake Eola.
The city is also asking people to consider other ways of getting to the park besides using their car.
“Event attendees are encouraged to use alternative methods of transportation to visit Fireworks at the Fountain, including ride share services, carpooling, buses, and bicycles,” the city noted.
For more event information, visit orlando.gov/fireworks.
Check Out The Lake Eola Fountain
If you do attend the July 4 bash and are new to the city, check out the refurbished fountain, which dates back to the 1950s and is the centerpiece of the lake. The fountain suffered electrical and mechanical problems in the summer of 2009 when it was struck by a lightning bolt. In 2011, the fountain benefited from improvements and upgrades made by the city.
Construction of the fountain was completed in 1957, when it was known as the Centennial Fountain – and was unveiled to mark the 100th anniversary of the naming of Orlando.
It was renamed the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain in 1965, a tribute to the local businessman who had been inspired by similar fountains he had seen in Europe, and believed Orlando should have one as well.
The fountain was re-dedicated and resumed operation on July 4 2011, during that year’s Fireworks at the Fountain event. The following October, the city began daily jazz shows at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., featuring a choreographed water, light and sound show that ran four minutes and 35 seconds long.
In 2012, the city had a special booth at the park commemorating the fountain’s unique history, and attendees could buy a piece of the old Lake Eola Fountain as a souvenir, with proceeds directly benefiting the Orlando Community & Youth Trust, Inc., a non-profit organization created to support the mission of the city’s Department of Families, Parks, and Recreation. The money was also used for the upkeep and future enhancements at Lake Eola Park.
Lake Eola Park is at 195 N. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.
The City has periodically encouraged residents to visit Lake Eola and enjoy the fireworks show on July 4 — rather than setting off fireworks on their own at home.
“According to National Fire Protection research, there are more U.S. fires reported on a typical Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires,” the city noted in a news release. “In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $38 million in direct property damage.”
The Orlando Fire Department has pointed out that “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Residents and visitors are encouraged to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks. After a fireworks display, never let children pick up leftover fireworks. They may still be active.”
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the book “Of Cats And Wolves.” Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
