The painting above by John Lewis Krimmel depicts celebrations in Philadelphia in 1819. Here in Hernando County in the year 2016, much of our celebrations will be similar, with music, jubilation, flags flying high, marches, children playing, political discussions accompanied by food and beverage as well as vendors selling their wares.
While the 1819 celebration lacked food trucks and demolition derbies the camaraderie of the gathering is apparent and all seem to be enjoying themselves. Organizations in Hernando County are offering a variety of celebrations that will hopefully evoke such fellowship and enjoyment for community residents.
The Masaryktown Community Center is hosting the Freedom Fest on July 3rd 11AM to 6PM, featuring a car show, music, vendors and a food truck rally. It is free and open to the public. The Masaryktown Community Center is located at 539 Lincoln Ave. For more information about the event call 352-345-4818.
The much anticipated Firecracker Smash 'm Up will be held at the Hernando County fairgrounds starting at 4PM on July 4th. There will be a variety of live music and a demolition derby that starts at 7PM. Fireworks will start after the derby. The cost is $10 to park. If you'd like to see the derby, adults cost $10 and children cost $5. They recommend bringing chairs or blankets to watch the fireworks. The Hernando County fairgrounds is located at 6436 Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601.
If you can't live without a traditional Fourth of July parade, do not fret. You'll be able to catch the High Point parade featuring fire rescue vehicles, decorated golf carts, horses, antique cars and Scout troops. The parade lines up at the High Point bus stop near Cortez Blvd, and makes it way up High Point Blvd to Club House Road. At the conclusion of the parade, there will be a Posting of the Colors ceremony at the community center, followed by refreshments. The parade is free and open to the public. The address for the High Point Community is 12249 Clubhouse Road Brooksville, FL 34613. For more information contact Sylvia at 352-596-6006.
The Hernando County Sportsmans Club is offering a prelude of sorts to the excitement and blasts of the July 4th fireworks and demolition derby. They are having a July 4th Machine Gun Shoot starting at 9:30AM. Participants can bring their own machine gun or rent one from a vendor. Several cars, trucks and assorted targets will be destroyed. No tracers or incendiary ammo. Must be 18 years old to shoot. Please bring your own eye and ear protection, even if you are a spectator and especially for small children. Food and soft drinks will be available for purchase in the clubhouse. For additional information call (352) 597-9931. Hernando Sportsmans Club is located at 16121 Commercial Way, Brooksville, FL 34614.
Hernando County July 4th Celebrations from Years Past:
• In 1938, the Brooksville Townsend Club celebrated with a picnic featuring addresses by prominent citizens along with music and games at Wayside Park
• In 1958, Clark Cagle organized a "Persons born on July 4th" picnic in Brooksville
• In 1960, the streets of Brooksville were lined with flags. Twenty beauty contestants participated in a talent contest and parade at the fairgrounds. A ceremony at the bandshell at city park included speeches by Senator James E. Connor and Representative John Law Ayers in addition to the performance of local choirs. Festivities continued after the morning ceremony at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds festivities included fireworks at 8pm and the announcing of the beauty contest winners. There was also a dance held at the Masaryktown Community Center on July 2nd.
• In 1975, celebrations featured Go Kart races at the track off of Mondon Hill Road sponsored by the Lions Club. Special races included a powder puff race of beauticians from a local beauty shop and a celebrities race.
• On July 2nd, 1977, rain ruined the three day Brookville Civil Air patrol fair where they were planning to put on a mock World War II attack. The organizer of the event was happy that at least the rain brought an end to a drought.