GUIDE TO A PERFECT FOURTH

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

Food, fun and fireworks — there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend.

With so many events happening in Sarasota and Manatee counties, why only celebrate July 4? Make it a weekend of American fanfare.

Here’s a way to make the most of your July 4 holiday:

JUNE 30-JULY 2

The 38th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix brings three days of racing fun from June 30 to July 2. Who can resist races between million-dollar cigarette boats?

The event kicks off with a block party June 30.

You don’t need a ticket for the offshore races, which start July 1. For more information about the Powerboat P1-produced race and other Grand Prix events, visit P1Offshore.com.

JULY 2

With a weekend full of fun, you have to keep your energy up. What better way to do that than to stop by the Suncoast’s largest food truck festival?

More than 75 food trucks will be at The Mall at University Town Center from noon to 6 p.m. for the Food Truck Festival, which also includes a family zone.

Admission is $5. For more information, visit MallAtUTC.com.

JULY 3

You might feel like you’ve had too much to eat during all the festivities. Burn off those calories at the Publix Fireworks 5K on the Lake race at 7 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park. There’s also a kids’ dash.

To register for the race and to buy an event-day parking pass, visit RaceRoster.com. The cost for the race, including chip timing, T-shirt and a glow-in-the-dark finisher’s medal, is $45.

What better way to celebrate finishing the race than staying for Fireworks on the Lake, which runs from 5-10 p.m.

Dance to live music by Kettle of Fish, enjoy a kids zone and eat even more from the food trucks. Finish off the night with a bang. Fireworks begin at approximately 9 p.m. For more information, visit FireworksOnTheLake.com.

JULY 4 9 a.m.

Start your Fourth of July off early with Longboat Key’s Freedom Fest and Hot Diggity Dog Parade

Get decked out in red, white and blue and show off your American spirit.

Check out the furry friends who will put on their most patriotic outfits in hopes of taking home a prize.

The annual 15-minute parade along Bay Isles Road, which has become known as “The Shortest Parade in America,” begins at 9 a.m. at Bicentennial Park. Following the parade, enjoy a bite to eat and a butterfly release.

For more information, call 3832466.

4:30 p.m.

After an exciting morning of watching canines compete in the parade, take a break and enjoy patriotic sounds at the “American Fanfare” concert

The Choral Artists of Sarasota, along with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, will perform their annual Fourth of July concert celebration at 4:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House Tickets are $5-$50. Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.

5:30-9:30 p.m.

Not in the mood for music? Head to Selby Gardens instead for an All-American cookout with familyfriendly activities and games. You can watch the fireworks there. Upgrade your celebration and enjoy a buffet dinner and open bar in the air-conditioned event center as well as prime seating for the fireworks.

Admission is $35 for the outdoor festivities and $200 for the indoor party. Visit selby.org.

9 p.m.

It’s the time you’ve been waiting for: fireworks. You can watch fireworks for free at the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, with seating around Island Park, the bayfront and downtown. Visit SuncoastSummerfest.org.