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What is most vivid in your mind about this year’s Fourth of July Holiday on Marco Island? For the majority of people who live in Marco or who had the opportunity to vacation here for the holiday, the most dramatic moments involved brightly colored fireworks.

July Fourth is so very special to our island. Marco Island can sometimes be divided on issues, but a wonderful community spirit always comes through for the Fourth!

Each year, members of our community join together to create an outstanding Independence Day celebration for all. For the past few years the City of Marco Island has joined in the celebration as well and financed the spectacular fireworks display that lights up our beachline, a.k.a., our skyline.

July Fourth 2008 was a true celebration of the senses. The olfactory senses were thrilled with the smell of grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and the abundance of sunblock in the air. Tasty treats brought from home or purchased at the beach were just what the doctor ordered. The feel of the sand between the toes and the Gulf waters splashing on tanned legs took care of the sense of touch.

But what about the senses of hearing and sight? Well, there’s not much that would compete with the absolutely spectacular display of firepower that we experienced this year.

Throughout the day, thousands came to Residents’ Beach and joined in the activities. They participated in games, had their faces painted, strung red, white and blue bracelets, or painted patriotic scenes. They joined together to form teams to build the ultimate sandcastle! This year’s winning team constructed a four foot high Liberty Bell, crack and all.

As in year’s past, as nightfall descended on Marco, thousands more descended on our beachfront to see the star of the show. Boats dotted the Gulf of Mexico. And the show began with a bang and went out with a bang, with lots of little, wonderful bangs in between! We must thank the City of Marco Island for ensuring that this year’s event was one to live up to.

What will next year bring to the skies of Marco Island? Economic times are difficult now, but there is no other event on Marco Island that is more community minded and that brings thousands and thousands of islanders together. No other celebration on Marco attracts the number of tourists and neighbors at our beachfront hotels. They come specifically to enjoy Marco’s terrific celebration. July 4, 2009, is 344 days away, but now is the time to plan.