Celebrate in Historic Everglades City

Everglades City is always first! It was the original Collier County seat 100 years ago when the county was established in 1923.

And it is the first in the area to celebrate Independence Day.

This year the festivities are on Saturday, July 1st, starting at 10:00 AM with the Opening Ceremony on the steps of City Hall (the old County Courthouse) followed by the Patriotic Parade around the town. The theme is "100 Years of History," and there are prizes for the best entries which can be anything from golf carts to swamp buggies or decorated floats. This free family-fun event continues in McLeod Park behind the tennis courts with hot dogs, kiddies' contests, prize-giving, and a raffle.

The day is rounded out with spectacular fireworks at 9:00 PM, so you can make it a mini vacation by having a delicious dinner and staying in one of the local hostelries. See visitevergladescity.com for info and ideas.

DIRECTIONS:

Take Exit 80 on I-75, drive south on SR-29 for 18 miles, cross US-41 and continue south on SR-29 for 4 miles. Everglades City Hall is the majestic white building on the Circle.

If you are coming down US-41 (Tamiami Trail) from Naples, drive south about 25 miles from the intersection with CR-951 and turn right (south) on CR-29. Continue 4 miles to the Circle in Everglades City.

From Marco Island, go over the Goodland bridge and drive about 5 miles to US-41, then continue 16 miles south to CR-29. Turn right at the light and drive 4 miles to the Circle in Everglades City.