Clearwater marks the 50th year of Fun 'N Sun with offerings that run the gamut from alternative rock to the Florida Orchestra.
By Times Staff Writer
Published May 1, 2003
[Photo: Clearwater Public Library (1959)]
Fun ‘N Sun has long been known for its parade, which in 1959 featured this City of Clearwater float. The parade remains the signature event of the festival, but now it takes place at night.
[Times photo: Kinfay Moroti]
The colors of the Mexican flag provided inspiration for this dress at last year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration at Coachman Park. This year, the party features Latin music, Mexican dance, carnival games and food from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
The 50th anniversary celebration of Clearwater's Fun 'N Sun Festival wraps up this weekend with something for everyone: a night parade, fireworks, a free Florida Orchestra concert, a Cinco de Mayo festival and a concert featuring cutting edge alt-rock bands.
Activities kick off at 4 p.m. Friday with the 97X Ten Dollar Bill concert in Coachman Park. The bill features local and regional alternative bands. (See Hot Ticket, page XXW.)
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate.
On Saturday, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Latin music, Mexican dance, carnival games and food from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., also in Coachman Park. Admission is free.
The annual Illuminated Night Parade - the signature event of the annual Fun 'N Sun - begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Cleveland Street and Highland Avenue and moves west along Cleveland to the waterfront.
Organizers expect 20,000 to 30,000 spectators, so arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
The concluding concert features the Florida Orchestra, with Chelsea Tipton II conducting, also in Coachman Park. The orchestra will play works by Suppe, Elgar, Bizet, Dvorak, Hermann, Mancini and others beginning at 7:45 p.m. Sunday. It is free.
Fireworks follow the concert.
For more information about festival events, call (727) 562-4800.
