4th on Flagler’s Flags and Fireworks Will Mark Three Decades of Family-Friendly Festivities

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – June 21, 2018 – Flags and fireworks will be at the center of West Palm Beach's 4th on Flagler, one of South Florida’s largest free outdoor Independence Day events. Nearly 100,000 guests of all ages will not only commemorate America’s birthday but also the event’s 30-year history on Wednesday, July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. at 101 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401. In addition to the annual Military Honor Ceremony, larger-than-life games, live music and an impressive 18-minute fireworks show igniting over the Intracoastal Waterway, 4th on Flagler’s 30th anniversary will pay tribute to the years before.

“This year's 4th on Flagler will be extra special, given that we are celebrating not only Independence Day but also the tremendous success of one of the City's longest running and most iconic annual events," said West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. "We invite everyone to join us for 4th on Flagler. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to celebrate, and-- with vibrant live music, dynamic activities and games, and a phenomenal fireworks display-- it's a family-friendlyevent everyone can enjoy.”

As a throwback to three decades of memories, the City is including a water show in this year’s entertainment lineup. A nod to water ski shows from the very first 4th on Flagler events, the “JetRide Watercraft Stunt Show” will feature some of the world’s top watercraft athletes staging stunts above the water as they perform impressive personal watercraft maneuvers. For the grand finale, Chris Anyzeski, a professional personal watercraft freestyle athlete with more than 10 years of experience, will attempt to flip his personal watercraft 30 times in honor of 4th on Flagler's 30th anniversary. After the show's finale, JetRide, a personal watercraft rental company, will also award one lucky 4th on Flagler attendee with a complimentary year's membership while they are onsite.

“There is a rich history with 4th on Flagler,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, who has coordinated more than 28 of the celebrations. “It was only fitting that we find opportunities to infuse nostalgia into this year’s event, given the important 30th anniversary. Similar to recent years, guests will enjoy large and small games, live music and a heartfelt Military Honor Ceremony, but they will also enjoy elements from over the years. For families coming for years or decades, there are sure to be some familiar surprises.”

The event will salute the nation and honor its history with its annual Military Honor Ceremony, which includes a tribute to all branches of the military, presentation of the local Hometown Hero award and the unfurling of a five-story American flag. Music for the moving tribute will be provided by The Air National Guard Band of the South, a 45-member military music ensemble that supports the Air Force and Air National Guard’s mission by inspiring patriotism and fostering a deep appreciation of its rich history and legacy. The band will play at the Meyer Amphitheatre, with the Derek Mack Band opening the stage at 5 p.m.

In addition to the Meyer, guests can also enjoy music at two other locations, including Liddy Clark and Andrew Morris at the Discover The Palm Beaches Stage on the Great Lawn; and Brass Knucklehead and The People Upstairs will be at the Post Park Stage, just south of the Meyer Amphitheater.

As part of the City’s overall “Summer in Paradise” (S.I.P.) campaign, which launched in early June in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, the smallest of waterfront visitors are also encouraged to “be our guest” and participate in free imaginative play at the “Fairy Tale Playhouses.” The community art installation features 15 unique, outdoor playhouses, which have been painted by local artists and paired with nonprofit beneficiaries. The playhouses illustrate timeless fairy tales, with stories hailing from across the globe, including “Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox,” from North America; “The Boy and the Dragon,” from Canada; and “Rapunzel,” from Germany. In addition to fun, the child-size homes aim to educate about the need for affordable housing. Guests can also “sip” on additional campaign elements, including “StoryVille,” a create your own life-size fable activity; and “FlaminGO Croquet,” complete with an “Alice in Wonderland” theme and flamingo mallets.

Photo ops and selfie spots are also a priority in this year’s “Summer in Paradise” lineup. The City brought back the “Big Storybook,” outlining all involved in the community activation and noting how each artist, fairy tale and nonprofit is paired. New this year are the “Mad Hatter Teacups,” which were once car tires that have been upcycled into cup and saucer sets spread on the Great Lawn, at 101 N. Cleamtis St.. The installation was inspired by the famous tea in “Alice in Wonderland”. Also new this year, as part of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County’s “Shades of Culture” advertising campaign, visitors to the waterfront are in for a huge selfie treat. The Council commissioned an experiential activation, where residents and visitors can interact with the nonprofit’s signature aqua sunglasses – at a larger-than-life level. The oversize sunnies – coming in at 8 ft. x 20 ft. - will be on display on the Great Lawn throughout “Summer in Paradise.” The glasses were created by local artist Frank Navarrete who also designed a playhouse on behalf of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.

Parking will be available in the City’s garages, including:

• Banyan, on the corner of Banyan and Olive;
• City Center, on the corner of Banyan and Dixie;
• Evernia, on the corner of Evernia and Olive;
• Sapodilla, on the corner of Clematis Street and Sapodilla;
• and Clematis, on the corner of Banyan and Clematis.

4th on Flagler is produced by the City of West Palm Beach Parks and Recreation Department, Community Events Division.

4th on Flagler sponsors-to-date include: Discover The Palm Beaches, The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Daily News, Hilton West Palm Beach, WPBF News 25, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, 103.1 WIRK, X 102.3, Beatz 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL & 640 The Hurricane Sports Radio, Chick-fil-A Palm/Treasure Coast, West Palm Beach Marriott, JetRide, Jimmy Johns, The Town of Palm Beach, Rhythm and Hues, Related Companies, All Kids Entertainment, WPB Magazine, and Lasik Vision Institute.

About the City of West Palm Beach’s 4th on Flagler and Summer in Paradise: The City’s 4th on Flagler happens during “Summer in Paradise,” a partnership between the City of West Palm Beach Department of Parks and Recreation a Division of Community Events, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Arts & Entertainment District, Visit Palm Beach, Palm Beach Outlets, SkyBike, Northwood Village, Historic Northwest Neighborhood, Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, and Magic Garden to showcase West Palm Beach as an international destination full of events, activities, art, entertainment, shopping, dining and overall fun. “Summer in Paradise” collectively includes two months of events and happenings in the Northwest Neighborhood, Northwood Village and Downtown West Palm Beach from June 7 – July 26.

Full details on the 4th on Flagler entertainment lineup:

Meyer Amphitheatre | 105 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

• Derek Mack Band | 5 p.m. | https://www.facebook.com/derekmackbandfanpage/

The Derek Mack Band is one of South Florida’s premier show bands. A high-energy and versatile

group of musicians, the band is known for performing music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s 2000s and today. A multi-talented musician and singer/songwriter, Derek has shared the stage with top recording artists such as: BB King, George McCrae, Kool and the Gang, The Commodore’s, Taylor Dane, and Earth Wind & Fire, among others. The band’s variety of tunes promises to get the 4th on Flagler party started.

• The Air National Guard Band of the South | 6:30 p.m. | http://www.music.af.mil/Bands/ANG-Band-of-the-South/

The Air National Guard Band of the South supports the total Air Force and Air National Guard mission in war and peace by inspiring patriotism and fostering a deep appreciation of the rich history and legacy of the Air Force. This is accomplished, mainly, through professional performances by some of the nation’s best musicians. The band performs as a concert band, ceremonial band, “Space A” and “Sound Barrier” popular music ensembles, “Smooth Groove” jazz/big band ensemble, brass quintets and small jazz combo.

The Band of the South’s mission is two-fold: first, to enhance and lift the morale and esprit de corps of fellow Airmen stationed either in the United States or abroad; second, to increase the public’s understanding of the importance of air power, the missions and programs of the Air Force and Air National Guard, and the bravery, sacrifice and dedication of Airmen across the globe. While performing these missions, members of the Band of the South have performed in almost every state in the union as well as being deployed to Germany, Kandahar, Afghanistan and more. The Air National Guard Band of the South is stationed at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, TN.

In addition to entertaining guests, the band will also provide the music for the 4th on Flagler’s annual Military Honor Ceremony. 

• Military Honor Ceremony | 8:30 p.m.

Join us for this annual tradition as the City of West Palm Beach recognizes the armed services of the United States as well as their reserves and associated organizations through a moving musical tribute. The ceremony includes the honoring of our 2018 Hometown Hero, the presentation of the colors by West Palm Beach Fire Rescue and Police Honor Guards, the singing of our National Anthem, and the playing of taps to honor our fallen heroes.

Discover The Palm Beaches Stage on the Great Lawn | 101 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

• Liddy Clark | 5 p.m. | http://liddyclark.com/

Liddy Clark is a singer/songwriter who forges a fresh, new path in country music with keep-it- real lyrics and trailblazing sonic landscapes. Her music is bold, blending a world-wide-open youthfulness and “ain’t-scared” attitude, topped-off with a definitive hallmark vocal that has led to more than 500,000 social media followers.

Recently, her music has been championed by some of the biggest purveyors of talent in the music industry, including spotlight opportunities from Disney. Liddy’s trailblazer bravery, coupled with her girl-next-door sincerity, has forged a strong image that connects seamlessly with music lovers everywhere.  4th on Flagler guests are encouraged to grab a seat on the lawn to celebrate America’s birthday with some good ol’ country tunes

• Andrew Morris | 7:30 p.m. | http://www.andrewmorrisband.com/

With a musical blend that can be attributed to Andrew Morris’ background and upbringing, The Andrew Morris Band is known for consistently converting music lovers to country fans.

Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Andrew grew up loving classic country, namely George Jones. His love for classical country, which was influenced by his grandfather, has always remained, however, as he grew a little older, he also started to explore his parent’s love of rock n’ roll. His father was more of a soldier in the Kiss Army, where his mother enjoyed the smooth sounds of the Eagles. That musical background, intertwined with fresh and original material, including from the band’s newly released album, will make for fun before and after the fireworks at 4th on Flagler.

Post Park Stage | 315 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

• Brass Knucklehead | 5 p.m. | https://www.facebook.com/TheBrassKnucklehead/

Complete with a trumpet and a trombone for full effect, Brass Knucklehead is a local neighborhood ska band. Known for playing ska classics, including favorites from 90s bands such as Reel Big Fish and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the band is also known for putting a ska slant on crowd favorites. Revving it up at the Post Park Stage, guests are encouraged to stop by for some punk rock nostalgia.

• The People Upstairs | 7:15 p.m. | http://thepeopleupstairs.com/

Funk. Reggae. Rock. The People Upstairs have been playing for more than a decade, reflecting chemistry and camaraderie amongst the band. The mixture of brotherly love, low-brow comedy and musical talent makes The People Upstairs more than a band – they are an act. They combine modern rock-funk with a groovy island touch and Latin rhythm to bridge barriers and broaden appeal, often described as Chili Peppers meets Sublime.