View fireworks, listen to music, celebrate America at Central Florida-area Fourth of July festivals

America’s 236th birthday is almost here. Whether you grew up in the UCF community or have adopted it as your home away from home, countless opportunities to celebrate this timeless patriotic holiday await you. If you’re sticking around campus this Independence Day, check out these sparkling celebrations happening nearby at little to no charge.

Avalon Park Fourth of July Fireworks
Date: Wednesday, July 4, 5 p.m.

Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Place: A few miles south of East Colonial Drive down Avalon Park Boulevard
Cost: No admission cost
Features: Apple pie bake-off and hot-dog-eating contest
For more information: Visit www.avalonpark.com

Fireworks at the Fountain
Date: Wednesday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Place: Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando
Cost: No admission cost
Features: Live entertainment
For more information: Visit www.cityoforlando.net

Seventh Annual I4 Fest
Date: Wednesday, July 4, 12 p.m. – midnight
Place: Austin’s Coffee & Film in Winter Park
Cost: $5 admission
Features: 26-band live entertainment, handmade art fair and cookout
For more information: Visit I4 Fest 2012 on Facebook Events

Altamonte Springs’ Red, Hot & Boom
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Place: Cranes Roost Park
Features: Food and novelty vendors will be available at the venue
Activities for children will be available
Live musical performances by Cobra Starship, Karmin, JoJo, Outasight, A Rocket to the Moon, Neon Hitch and Chris Rene
Event will be held rain or shine
No coolers, pets or personal fireworks permitted inside the venue
Cost: No admission cost
For more information: Visit www.uptownaltamonte.com

Oviedo’s Independence Day Celebration:
Date: Wednesday, July 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Fireworks to begin at 9 p.m.

Place: Oviedo Mall
Features: Food trucks and vendors will be present
Children’s events will be available
Live musical performances by Jake and the Elwood Blues Revue and Jim Van Fleet scheduled
Human American Flag with aerial photo to take place
Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.

Flag will be “waved” at 7 p.m.

First 1,000 people will receive a free T-shirt in red, white or blue
Cost: No admission cost
For more information: call the Oviedo Recreation Department at 407-971-5575 or go to www.cityofoviedo.net

If you’re yearning to show your patriotic spirit near UCF, there’s something special for everyone this Independence Day. It’s that time of year to join the rest of the country in celebrating what makes us unique in history, not only as Knights, but as Americans. Happy Independence Day!

If you have an idea for a story or are interested in writing for the Central Florida Future, contact the News Editors, Sarah Aslam and VanessaHornedo, at news.cff@gmail.com.