CITY OF KEY WEST INVITES COMMUNITY TO BE PART OF A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CELEBRATION THIS SATURDAY

KEY WEST, FL – This Saturday, June 27, the City of Key West will host its official community celebration in honor of America's upcoming 250th birthday—a milestone that no one alive today will ever experience again.

While Independence Day is celebrated every year, the Semiquincentennial happens only once in a lifetime. Those who gather at Truman Waterfront Park this Saturday will forever be able to say, "I was there when Key West celebrated America's 250th Birthday."

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the celebration gets underway at Truman Waterfront Park with food concessions, a full bar, local vendors, community organizations, children's activities, games, and opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors before the evening's official program begins.

At 6:00 p.m., a patriotic parade featuring military organizations, veterans groups, first responders, civic leaders, and community organizations will step off from the corner of United and Duval Streets. The procession will travel north on Duval Street, turn left onto Southard Street, and continue into Truman Waterfront Park.

Spectators are encouraged to line Duval Street and Southard Street to cheer on the participants or gather at Truman Waterfront Park to witness one of the evening's signature moments as the parade marches into the park and transitions directly into the Official Ceremony.

The Official Ceremony will begin immediately following the parade with a welcome from Mayor Danise Henriquez. The program will feature the Parade of Colors, the National Anthem performed by Kristen McNamara, welcome remarks from Mayor Henriquez, and special remarks from Rear Admiral Jeff Randall, Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South; Captain Colin Thompson, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Key West; and Commander Jared Harlow, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West. Closing remarks will be delivered by Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln before Clinton Curry concludes the ceremony with an honorary conch shell blowing.

As daylight begins to fade over Key West Harbor, the evening will transition into Salute to America: A Patriotic Music Tribute, featuring some of the island's favorite performers celebrating America, community, and the spirit of Key West.

Key West's husband-and-wife Americana duo B-Man & mi-Shell blend folk favorites, island influences, and coastal storytelling into a heartfelt musical tribute to America. Kristen McNamara, one of Key West's premier vocalists, returns to the stage after performing the National Anthem with a powerful collection of patriotic songs and original selections. Florida country artist Ry Rivers brings his signature storytelling and modern country sound to the stage with a spirited blend of patriotic classics and original songs. Closing the evening, The Durtbags, one of Key West's favorite live bands, take the stage at 9:00 p.m. with an energetic, crowd-pleasing celebration of America's soundtrack.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, and chair rentals will also be available on-site. The celebration will feature food concessions, a full bar, local vendors, a Kids' Zone with inflatables, the Truman Waterfront splash pad and playground, shopping opportunities, and a complimentary water filling station courtesy of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. Rolling coolers and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Sunset over Key West Harbor is at 8:13 p.m., providing a fitting backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime community celebration.
Admission is free.
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This is more than another patriotic celebration. It is a moment in history that will never be repeated. Years from now, people will remember where they were when America marked its 250th birthday. Those who gather at Truman Waterfront Park this Saturday will always be able to say, "I was there when Key West celebrated America's 250th."