Thousands of people will crowd together today and Friday, craning their necks to catch every leap, swirl and flash of fireworks launched against the dark Florida sky.
Residents can choose how and where to celebrate Independence Day at any of the several festivals in cities across Alachua County.
In Gainesville, residents can't wait another day to see the fiery show and, in the city's tradition, they're celebrating the Fourth on the third.
Fireworks in Gainesville have been set off a day early for 18 years, said Sue Wagner, director of communications at WUFT-TV/DT, who is coordinating the city's Independence Day events. The custom began because of a conflicting Fourth of July event years ago and hasn't changed since.
Wagner said up to 20,000 people usually show up to watch the fireworks, and many spectators sit near Lake Alice to see the reflections on the water.
The City of Alachua, like most U.S. cities, is celebrating the Fourth of July on Friday.
Traci Cain, the chairwoman of Alachua's Fourth of July committee, said she and a group of residents have been meeting weekly since February to plan the city's celebration.
The city, which has a population of around 7,000, is expected to host about 15,000 people for what Cain says is the "largest small-town fireworks display in the country."
Here are some of the holiday celebrations being offered in Alachua County:
July 3:
•UF: Music and food at Flavet Field starting at 7 p.m. Fireworks over Hume Field at 9:40 p.m.
July 4:
•Patriotic music will play at Gainesville's Downtown Community Plaza at 7:30 p.m.
•City of Alachua: Festival at Hal Brady Recreation Center at noon. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
•Newberry: Sports competitions at Newberry Sports Complex all day. Fireworks start at dark.
•Micanopy: Fish fry and blood drive from 9 a.m. to dusk. Fireworks start at dark.
•Cedar Key: Clam dishes and cook-off are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
