Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk!
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Time: 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Sparkman Wharf
Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Riverwalk as we host a July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf. The parade route will be similar to our holiday light boat parade but will include a Water Ski Show to kick off the celebration, a poker run and a blessing station.
Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat! We will also provide prize bags for all registered boaters.
Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP tickets are available for purchase to view the water ski show, parade and fireworks with seating, drinks and food! Umbrellas are allowed but outside chairs and coolers are prohibited.
*Tickets and registration are nonrefundable. No reschedule date, the parade is rain or shine.
Schedule
Sparkman Wharf Activations – 4 PM-9:30 PM
- VIP with food and beverage
- 360 Photo Station
- Game Zone
- Uncle Sam
- DJ on the wharf
Water Ski Show – 6 PM (lasts 45 minutes)
Boat Parade Arrival at Sparkman Wharf – 7:30 PM
Blessing of the Fleet will occur when boats cross finish line at Sparkman Wharf
Fireworks at Sparkman Wharf – 9:00PM
Parade Route & Viewing Locations
The parade begins in the Convention Center basin, travels to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing locations include:
- Armature Works
- Channel Drive
- Convention Center
- Curtis Hixon
- Davis Island
- Harbour Island
- Sparkman Wharf
- Water Works Park
See map below for viewing times!
Blessing of the Fleet
The Blessing of the Fleet is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The practice began predominantly Catholic but is now practiced by all denominations as a blessing from the local clergy that is meant to ensure a safe and bountiful season. Each boat will be festively decorated in hopes of bringing home a prize. There will be one location at Sparkman Wharf for boats to receive a blessing. Boats simply need to drive by the station to receive their blessing.
2023 July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show & Blessing of the Fleet
Photos by: Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography & PamElla Photography
Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors!
We sincerely appreciate our event sponsors. Without their support, the July 4th Boat Parade, Blessing of the Fleet, Poker Run and Water Ski Show would not be possible.
