Homosassa celebrates its independence early

The 2002 Revolutionary River Blast welcomes a festive red, white and blue crowd for fun on the banks.

By JORGE SANCHEZ, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published July 1, 2002

[Times photo: Stephen Coddington] Dori Gianfriddo of West Brookfield, Mass., applies the final touches to her father's belly for the Red, White & Blue Beer Belly Contest at MacRae's tiki bar Saturday.

HOMOSASSA -- A party along the riverfront Saturday celebrated Independence Day a bit early, as well as the laid-back lifestyle of the residents of this coastal community.

The Revolutionary River Blast featured a decorated boat parade, wacky contests such as the Red, White and Blue Beer Belly Contest and loads of good times at all of the waterfront party spots. The festivities were capped off at night with a fireworks show.

The crowd's festive mood was summed up by Paul Jacobs, one of the thousands of people who attended. While waiting for a water taxi at the Seagrass Pub and Grill, Jacobs, 41, of Homosassa, said:

"I'm just here to party."

The River Blast crowd wore patriotic colors proudly. A lot of bathing suits were red, white and blue. A patriotic bathing suit contest held at the Seagrass on Saturday afternoon was one of the highpoints of the day.

Another crowd pleaser was the Red, White and Blue Beer Belly Contest held at The Shed, a tiki bar at MacRae's resort. For those who had a beer belly but no artistic talent, an airbrush artist was available to create a rotund work of art.

The events continued until a moment of silence at 9:11 p.m., which preceded the fireworks.

The Independence Day festivities continue until Saturday in Citrus County.

Inverness will have a fireworks show and a special tribute to Sept. 11 at its Patriotic Evening on Wednesday at Wallace Brooks Park.

The Patriotic Evening begins at 5 p.m. with children's games such as relay races, plastic hoops, face painting and a coin dig.

The East Citrus Youth Soccer organization will sell hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn. The Rotary Club of Inverness will have soft drinks and patriotic beads and Mount Carmel Baptist Church will sell pies.

At 7 p.m., a ceremony to remember Sept. 11 will be presented by the Inverness Police Department and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Fireworks will begin around dark. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Crystal River plans food and fireworks

Crystal River will have a scaled-back version of its Family Freedom Festival, with hamburgers and hot dogs sold during the day at Hunter Springs Park on Thursday. Fireworks commence at dark.

Back to Inverness for the Uncle Sam Jam

The New Inverness Olde Towne Association will host its Uncle Sam Jam beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Courthouse Square. A decorated bicycle parade will begin at 5 p.m. and a miniature train will offer rides throughout the evening.

Events include food and refreshments from a variety of local nonprofit organizations, a blueberry pie contest at 6 p.m., live entertainment by Eddie Shannon and Company Band, a patriotic ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and a coin dig at 7 p.m.

Other Fourth of July events include:

Rock Crusher Canyon, 275 S Rock Crusher Road, Crystal River, will have an All-American cookout buffet at the pavilion from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Razz-Ma-Tazz will perform an Americana show from 6 to 9 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25, half-price for children 6 to 12. Call 795-1313.

The Beverly Hills Recreation Association will have a barbecue and pool party Thursday. Cost is $5 per member, and $2 for guests. DJs Dick and Neil will entertain.

AMVETS Post 5's cookout begins at 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lots of Helton Electric Motor and True Value Hardware, 7800 W Gulf to Lake Highway, Crystal River. Hot dogs, hamburgers, Italian sausage and beverages will be served. All military veterans, including National Guard and Reserve veterans, are eligible for AMVETS Post 5 membership. Call Sam, 382-4222, or Gordon, 795-7662.

A potluck supper begins at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Hernando Civic Club, 3848 E Parsons Point Road, Hernando. The club will provide the hot dogs; bring a covereddish and set up.

VFW Post 4337 and the Ladies Auxiliary's Independence Day celebration begins at noon Thursday at the post home, 906 State Road 44, Inverness. Lunch menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage with peppers and onions, plus salads, baked beans and watermelon. There will be a cake walk and entertainment by Harry S.

The Fourth of July picnic at the VFW Edward W. Penno Post 4864 starts at noon Thursday, at the post home, 10199 N Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs. On the menu: barbecued ribs, chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and dessert. Cost: $5. Public is invited.

-- Contact arts and entertainment reporter Jorge Sanchez at 860-7313 or sanchez@sptimes.com.

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