Happy Birthday America and Have a Happy Day on 30A

1. Wake up at 5:30am to brave the fierce battle for the best spot on Grayton Beach.

2. After helping my dad set up, we go on a short run down each road in Grayton to scope out the other decorated cars, to see if we have a chance at being honored as the best float (unfortunately, this has never happened).

3. Arriving back from our run, we frantically wake up the lazy members of the Taylor family, explaining that we have exactly 30 minutes to make the best float in Grayton Beach.

4. Throwing on our best red, white, and blue bathing suits, we grab duct tape and the box of 4th of July decorations and get to work, while dad is yelling not to rip the paint off of the jeep (this happens every year).

 5. The Grayton parade starts around 8:30am, with plenty of candy-throwing and children waving from the sides of the road.

6. The parade ends around 9:15 am at Grayton Coast Properties, my aunt, Kitty Taylor’s business. They serve watermelon and popsicles for everyone that shows. When all of the watermelon is gone, we all agree to go home, pack our coolers, and “meet ‘ya at the beach.”

As much as I’m sure that all of you enjoyed my account of July 4th, you’re probably reading this to weigh out your own options and to create new 30A traditions for your family.

In addition to Grayton Beach, here are the Independence Day events that are being planned in each of our other South Walton communities:

ROSEMARY BEACH

7:30 am – Bike Decorating Competition

8:30 am – Bike Parade

9:00 am – Old Fashion Family Field Day (Western Green)

10:00 am – Once Upon A Thyme (South Barrett Square)

6:30 pm – Sound of the Village Grass Band (Western Green)

8:45 pm – Star-Spangled Fireworks

ALYS BEACH

6:00-9:00 pm – Free Concert Featuring the Atlanta Allstars Band

9:00 pm – Fireworks

GRAYTON BEACH

8:30 am – Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade
Bring your bikes, golf carts, etc. and participate, or just bring the kids to enjoy popsicles and watermelon at Grayton Coast Properties. When the watermelon is gone, there will be free hot dogs for everyone in front of Grant Blackwell’s house on your way to the beach.

SEASIDE

8:00 am – Annual Parade Down 30A (starting at the Plaza in Seagrove, ending in Seaside where the floats are judged)
Please note that a portion of 30A will be closed for a few hours to accommodate the parade.

7:15 pm – Stars and Stripes (Live patriotic pops performace from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra)

9:00 pm – Fireworks over the Gulf

WATERCOLOR INN & RESORT

JULY 3RD: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm — Free Easy on 30A Benefit Concert

JULY 4TH:

10:00 am – Bike Decorating (at the south end of Cerulean Park)

10:30 am – Bike Parade through the streets of WaterColor, ending at Marina Park

10:30 am – 2:00 pm – Carnival at Marina Park including water slides, dunk tank, face-painting, hot dogs, ice cream and DJ

7:00 pm – Picnic on the Beach (behind WaterColor Inn — advanced reservation required)

9:00 pm – Fireworks over the Gulf

SANDESTIN / VILLAGE OF BAYTOWNE WHARF

6:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Fireworks & Dinner Cruise aboard The Solaris

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Live Music Featuring Coconut Radio

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Kids Activities including crafts, face-painting, and balloon sculpting

GULF PLACE

JULY 5TH: Legendary Junior Marvin of Bob Marley and the Wailers with Boukou Groove. Click here for ticket info.

* Credit Jessie Taylor for the 30A information from website 30A.com