21st Annual Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim..July 4th (Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda: big house, theater)

[HarborRat]

Anyone going? We are bringing some Kayaks on my buddy's pontoon boat, look for the painted parrots .

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 FESTIVITIES


Spotted.HeraldTribune.com
21st Annual Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim
There is no registration and no rules with the exception of using common sense and courtesy for this annual swim across the Peace River. It’s not meant to be a race but a leisurely swim across 1.5 miles of river. Hundreds of swimmers participate, many donning red, white and blue attire. The Freedom Swim is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. with an 1:55 p.m. discussion with swimmers. Participants will swim from the beach at the north end of the southbound U.S. 41 Bridge to Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda.

Reach the public beach either by traversing the shoreline under the two bridges, or from the west side of the U. S. 41 right of way walk directly onto the beach without trespassing on the private property between the beach and the defunct Sea Horse Marina. A trolley will be running between Fishermen's Village and the public beach starting at noon. Vessels will be required to operate at idle speed in the Peace River Channel from the U.S. 41 Bridge to Marker Number 2 while swimmers are in the Channel. Participants are advised to swim with a buddy.

After that we will be out there watching the fireworks...

[TamRE]

Want to get a glimpse of what the Freedom Swim is all about, see the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfDRxYrb4ek.

Other 4th of July Events in Charlotte County
4th Fest 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Laishley Park and Marina, 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL.
Description: The event will have over a dozen water slides and bounce houses, live music on stage all day, vendors, great food, beer and the best fireworks in southwest Florida. Admission is $3.00 for fireworks at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are available for the rides and food. For more information visit their web site at: http://www.puntagordafireworks.com.
Freedom Swim
Time: Start 2:00pm
Location: The north side of southbound U.S. Highway 41 bridge in Port Charlotte and ends at Harpoon Harry’s at Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL.
Description: Participants swim, use paddle boards, noodles, rafts and kayaks to travel across the Peace River. Registration is not required and is free. Show up at 1:30 p.m. The Freedom Swim started over 20 years ago with 13 people and has grown over the years into a major event for thousands of people.
4th of July at Fishville
Time: All Day
Location: Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL.
Description: This is an annual event for Fishermen’s Village. There will be family friendly activities from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. featuring “Metamasque” face painting and children’s games presented by Big Brothers & Big Sisters. There will be live music by Jim Morris from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Mercy from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. See the fireworks display over Charlotte Harbor at 9:00 p.m. The retail shops will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the restaurants will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on Fishermen’s Village, visit their web site at: http://fishville.com/.
Bayshore 4th of July Celebration
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Bayshore Live Oak Park, 23157 Bayshore Rd., Charlotte Harbor, FL.
Description: There will be live music at the amphitheater where you can sit back and relax or dance the night away. At 9:00 p.m. enjoy the fireworks over the Harbor. You may bring a picnic for the event. Admission is free.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Symphonic Fireworks
Time: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. – Show starts at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Charlotte Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda, FL.
Description: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will be playing great music to celebrate America of the 4th of July. Enjoy the sounds in air conditioned comfort. There will be a buffet of hot dogs and hamburgers with side dishes and drinks. The food cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. The tickets for the event are $45 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling 941-205-9743 or online at http://www.charlottesymphony.com/.

[wpc691]

Swimming? I guess I've seen Jaws one too many times.

[Harbor Hopper]

I'm thinking about taking my 2yr old kayaking accross the river. Anchor the boat and launch the kayak! He will like that.

In regards to the swimming comment, yes, people swim, and never any issues. No different than swimming at the beach (other than the water color)

[mr&mrssunshine]

the 4th...pah isnt that some tin pot party celebrating some non event ....God save the Queen.


seriously to all our American friends enjoy....if it wasnt for bloody tea you would still be Brits :-)

[Big House]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

the 4th...pah isnt that some tin pot party celebrating some non event ....God save the Queen.


seriously to all our American friends enjoy....if it wasnt for bloody tea you would still be Brits :-)

Nah, we'd have kicked 'em out anyway - they don't know how to speak properly AND - we knew there would be more Yeungling for us - once they invented it.

Pretty soon, you're going to have to speak spanish like the rest of our loyal compatriots!

[TamRE]

This was last year's Freedom Swim in the news. SoFlGal participated. See her in the video. Freedom swim brings hundreds to Charlotte Harbor on Independence Day.

[mr&mrssunshine]

Originally Posted by Big House

Nah, we'd have kicked 'em out anyway - they don't know how to speak properly AND - we knew there would be more Yeungling for us - once they invented it.

Pretty soon, you're going to have to speak spanish like the rest of our loyal compatriots!

si senor muy hable espanyol muy beuno....dos cervazas por favor, yeungling , uno por el casa grande y oh si ........dos por el casa grande

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

si senor muy hable espanyol muy beuno....dos cervazas por favor, yeungling , uno por el casa grande y oh si ........dos por el casa grande

Caramba - su español es un poco oxidado ;-))

[SoFLGal]

I did the freedom swim with my family. My oldest and I swam Charlotte Harbor in 2 hours and 11 mins. No floats, no stopping or anything--just free swimming.