Jun. 28--MANATEE -- The patriotic spirit is alive and well in Manatee County as residents prepare for area celebrations and fireworks. The BeachHouse will kick off the holiday festivities 7 p.m. Friday with its 16th annual fireworks extravaganza. The event will feature food, live music and fireworks at dusk.

On Independence Day, celebrations continue with an all-day party filled with music, rides, food and more in Palmetto's downtown/riverfront beginning 11 a.m.

The holiday celebrations:

Manatee

Beachhouse Fireworks Extravaganza

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach

Party; fireworks at dusk, weather permitting. Caribbean-themed live music

Admission: VIP packages available, call for more

Information: 779-2222

Mattison's Riverside's Fourth of July VIP Fireworks Celebration

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton

Dinner includes barbecue ribs, hot dogs, watermelon, potato salad and other all-American specialities. Live music by Democracy. Fireworks at dusk with VIP seating

Admission: $49.95 per person

Information: 748-8087

City of Palmetto Independence Day Celebration

When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday

Where: Riverside Park West and Riverside Drive West, Palmetto

Food, rides, games, community welcome at 5:30 p.m. followed by a salute to the American flag, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Entertainment starts at 11 a.m. on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Riverside Drive West with the fourth annual Karaoke Contest and Rye Road, Koko Ray, Big Daddy, Soul Purpose and The Shaman Band. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

Information: 721-2138

Olympia Performing Arts Center

When: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: 512 10th Ave. W., Palmetto

Family film at 4 p.m., bluegrass/classic rock concert from 6-8:30 p.m. and an Independence Day Dance Party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Admission: Free

Sandbar Fireworks Spectacular

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria Island

Party with barbecue and music provided by a DJ; fireworks at dusk weather permitting

Admission: VIP family party packages available -- $50 adults, $25 children, regular dinner service also available

Information: 778-0444

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub Fireworks Celebration

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: 760 Broadway Street, North Longboat Key

Party; fireworks at dusk, weather permitting

Admission: VIP party packages available

Information: 383-2391

Sarasota

A Tropical Fourth of July Celebration at Selby Gardens

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota

Children's games, face painting, prizes for best patriotic wear, fireworks on the bay front. Food, beer and wine for sale.

Admission: $15 members, $18 for nonmembers; free for children 12 and younger.

Information: 366-5731, ext. 241 or visit selby.org.

Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Sarasota Bayfront Park

Admission: Free

Information: Contact Marina Jack at 365-4232

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