Vero Beach’s “Independence Day on The Indian River” has partnered with The Source’s “Dog Days of Summer” for a two-part July 4th explosive day of fun in the sun for everyone…young and old…near and far! The location is the beautiful Riverside Park, off Beachland Boulevard in Vero Beach.

The setting along the Indian River offers an expansive lawn area for everyone to set up blankets and chairs and spend the day along the River enjoying cool breezes, benches, picnic tables, and grills.

While everyone awaits the quintessential blast-off of the Zambelli Fireworks at 9 p.m., thanks to the yearly sponsorship by Mulligan’s Beach House & Grill and the synchronized music on 103.7 FM, there is more food and drink, live music and activities happening all day long than ever before!

The Source’s “Dog Days of Summer” kicks off the day with a full schedule of fun from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., including Children’s Activities- Bounce Houses, Games, and Slides; a myriad of Food Trucks serving snacks, beverages, lunch or dinner and more; Live DJ Music for dancing, singing along or simply for your listening pleasure, and three lively hot dog competitions to suit everyone’s taste! “The Top Dog Competition” has invited local businesses and organizations to compete by creating an innovative hot dog using any combo of ingredients to make their hot dogs different!

The “People Choice Awards” allows the public to taste all the great hot dog creations and vote on their favorites! $1.00 = One Hot Dog and 1 Person = One Vote! “The Hot Dog Eating Contest” invites individuals, ages 18 plus, to consume as many hot dogs as possible in a limit of 15 minutes…and that includes the buns! All competitions end with a judging and prizes, all led by Emcee Tamara Darress, “The Parisian Hostess” COO of Vero Beach Marketing and Creator of The Parisian Hostess Apothecary Brand. Jumping on board for the hot dog eating portion of the events is professional eater Randy Santel, who is the record holder of 1,240 worldwide food challenge wins, and his girlfriend Katina DeJarnett, a fellow professional eater with whom he has collaborated since 2020. You can expect to enjoy eating…watching… and… competing everything hot dogs!

The City of Vero Beach’s “Independence Day on The Indian River” picks up where “Dog Days of Summer” leaves off…in the same location…starting at 5:00 p.m. until the fireworks conclude. The Bonner Mobile Bar officially opens at that time, providing wine and beer, the children’s activities are still available for play, and the plethora of food trucks continue serving great food. Live Music courtesy of “Johnnie & the Blaze,” featuring Big John as the lead singer, begins from the main stage from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The popular Silent Auction of goods and services will run from 6:00-p.m. to 8:45 p.m. while at 7:00 p.m., prizes await those that win the annual Pie Eating Contest which invites boys and girls ages 12-15, anyone over 25, and a round for all ages! Back to the last sets of the band until the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.!

Some housekeeping notes to keep in mind. There is parking available at Riverside Park and police officers will be directing the parking. Portable restrooms will be available. Feel free to bring your blankets and chairs and stay all day. Bringing your pets is not recommended as the fireworks may frighten them or hurt their ears.

The Source’s participating contenders in the Top Dog Competition and People’s Choice Awards include Happy Grill-More, Rinconcito de Tu Casa, Aretha’s Kitchen, Joes All American Tap Café, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, D & T Catering Services, Snoball’s Seafood & Wings, The Sandwich Shack and Grill, and My Mommaz Seafood Soulfood & More.

The Source’s Competition Judges include: Bruce Douglas-Christian FM, Joe Chiarella-Sihle Insurance Group; John Cotugno-Mayor, City of Vero Beach, Stacy Cook-Vero Vine/Vero Beach Marketing and Vero Foodie, Tom Miller-Treasure Coast Foodie, Randy Santel, Professional Eater, Food Challenges and Katina DeJarnett, Professional Eater & You Tuber.

The “Dog Days of Summer” is proudly partnering with The City of Vero Beach. Presenting Sponsors for The Source are: Sihle Insurance Group; The George Shinn Foundation and Suzanne Chesser, who join the other event sponsors-Charles W. Sinclair, Emmett and Margaret Anne Evans, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lindsay, Cindy O’Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lyles, James Ford Bell, Omega P.A., Tracey Collins Rueff, ABC Printing, Crown Painting, Christian FM and Kountry Kitchen.

The City Sponsors include Mulligan’s Beach House and Grill, Sibert Insurance, Image360, Boiler Room and Treasure Coast Home & Living.

For more information on the July 4th celebration, contact Tammy Bursick at The City of Vero Beach: 772-978-4700 or Brenda Sposato at The Source, 772-564-0202.