Polk County's July 4th guide: Where to see fireworks, music and more

The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching and there's no shortage of fireworks displays in Polk County this year, despite a countywide burn ban that's been in effect since May 28.

The Ledger has put together this comprehensive list of celebrations across Polk over two days to help you find a celebration that's right for you and your family:

July 3

Frostproof — Celebrate Lights on the Lake, the City of Frostproof's Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. on the shores of Clinch Lake. The events will include food and live music from Red Hot Rooster and DJ JMoney. Fireworks will set off at 9:15 p.m., subject to the weather.

Event rules: Residents are advised Clinch Lake Boulevard will be closed off at 7th Street and Lauterbach beginning about 3 p.m. The Clinch Lake boat ramps will close at 5 p.m. and won't reopen until 10 p.m.

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Lakeland — The City of Lakeland will celebrate July 4 with its annual Red, White & Kaboom, sponsored by T. Mims Corp., on Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. along Lake Mirror's Frances Langford Promenade. Live music will be provided by Gary Love and the Moonlighters before fireworks launch at 9 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring canned food items to donate to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, or VISTE. There will be a "Share Your Flair" contest to search for the most patriotically dressed attendees, with a special prize for the winner.

Event rules: Individuals may bring their own food or alcohol, but the city asks no glass bottles or containers. Tents, pop-ups, beach umbrellas, grills, personal fireworks and sparklers are not permitted. Pets must be leashed. Fireworks will go off rain or shine.

Winter Haven — This year's Rockin' Freedom Fest will be held on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Lake Silver, 199 Lake Silver Drive. There will be live music, food trucks and a show by the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team, followed by fireworks.

July 4

Auburndale — Auburndale will celebrate July 4 with a fireworks show launched from the center of Lake Ariana at 9 p.m. Thursday. As Lake Ariana Park is under construction and closed to the public, the First United Methodist Church of Ariana has invited the public to park and enjoy the show from their lawn. The church is at 316 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale.

Bartow — Let freedom ring at this year's Bartow Extravaganza Celebration on Thursday from 2:30 to 10 p.m. at Mosaic Park, 2250 S. Floral Ave. The event kicks off with a patriotic concert by Bartow's Adult Concert Band at the Bartow Civic Center, with seats on a first-come, first-served basis. A full entertainment line-up starts at 6 p.m. opened by Bethel Church of God prelude, followed by the Psalm 202 Gospel Band, Ace Jackson & the Jump Kings, then George Morris and The Lariat Band. Fireworks will be set off at 9:30 p.m.

Davenport — Davenport will host its annual Fourth of July Extravaganza on Thursday from 3 to 9:15 p.m. at the Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 E. Palm St. The event features food, craft vendors and live entertainment by the Josh Blevins Band.

Event rules: No personal fireworks are allowed and attendees are advised to bring their own lawn chairs.

Dundee — Dundee will celebrate July 4 on Thursday with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. on Lake Marie, 604 Lake Marie Blvd. Parking opens at 8 p.m.

Fort Meade — The city will celebrate the Fourth of July with a series of events. It will host its annual youth fishing tournament with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. at Patterson Park on 9th St. NE. The tournament will begin at 8 a.m.

The Mr. and Miss Firecracker Pageant for children ages newborn to 10 years of age will begin registration at 1 p.m. The pageant will start at 2 p.m.

A patriotic golf cart parade will move its way through historic Downtown Fort Meade starting at 5:30 p.m.

Fort Meade will cap its Independence Day with fireworks at 9 p.m. in Patterson Park, 9th St. NE.

Haines City — Celebrate July Fourth with Haines City's annual Thunder on the Ridge on Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. at Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave. The event features live music, food vendors and provides access to several playground areas for children. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to sit on.

Lake Wales — The city's annual Independence Day Celebration will be held Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m. at the Lake Wailes Trail, 33 N. Lake Shore Blvd. Fireworks at 9 p.m. There will be train rides, stilt walkers, food trucks, games, live music and more.

Other opportunities

The Lakeland Flying Tigers will host a Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration on Publix FIeld at Joker Marchant Stadium on July 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. The game starts at 5 p.m. versus the Tampa Tarpons, fireworks to follow the game. Tickets start at $9.

Legoland Florida Resort will host its Red, White and Boom! event celebrating July 4 with a burst of Legos in Winter Haven. Visitors on the Fourth of July will have access to a DJ dance part, special limited-time treat and a fireworks show with Lego bricks illuminating the sky with 3D glasses. These events are included with the purchase of theme park tickets.

Have an event you want to get added? Email swalsh@theledger.com.