🎇 Star Spangled Sanford

Star Spangled Sanford

Celebrate Independence Day in Sanford with an evening of unforgettable family fun from 7 – 10 PM on Friday, July 4, at this waterfront celebration along the beautiful Sanford Riverwalk on the southern shore of Lake Monroe on the St. Johns River.  

Enjoy music, be dazzled by cirque-style street performers, indulge in  delicious food and drinks, and shop a wide variety of homemade goods and local vendors for unique and fun shopping experience for all ages.  Families can look forward to the complimentary Ladies 327 Kids Zone and all the fun that Ft. Mellon Park offers, including the playground, splash pad, and basketball courts.   Enjoy fun and games while catching up with friends, family and neighbors.  

Our Radio Partner, K92.3, will be onsite to keep things festive!  

We look forward to seeing you at Star Spangled Sanford!  Bring your friends, family, camping chairs, and picnic blankets for a relaxed and festive evening by Lake Monroe. The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show just after 9 PM!

Sanford Riverwalk

The Sanford RiverWalk, located along the southern shore of Lake Monroe on the St. Johns River, is an award-winning, 9.1-mile, 10′ wide, multi-use trail that is a beloved destination for bicyclists, runners, photographers, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts—including boaters and sailors.  Veterans Memorial Park, located on the Riverwalk, is a  meaningful destination offering a tranquil and reflective space dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The City of Sanford has received several prestigious honors for its dedication to community spaces and trail development, including:

• • • • The international Making Cities Livable Award for excellence in urban-designed trails.

      • The Readers’ Choice Award for #1 Family-Friendly Waterfront Community Destination.

      • And in January 2025, Sanford was officially designated a Trail Town by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails, recognizing its commitment to eco-tourism and outdoor recreation.

Whether you’re strolling, shopping, dining, biking, or enjoying a peaceful moment by the water, the Sanford RiverWalk is the perfect place for our community to gather. It’s also one of the best spots to catch our historically beautiful sunrises and sunsets—especially as we come together to celebrate our Nation on Independence Day!

Ft. Mellon Park

Located right along the scenic Lake Monroe waterfront, Ft. Mellon Park is one of Sanford’s most popular outdoor destinations—perfect for a relaxing day with family and friends.  It offers a huge playground with plenty of space for kids of all ages to explore and play; one the largest Splash Pads in Central Florida to cool the kids off ($2 admission per person); basketball courts, open fields, and shady pavilions, with stunning lake views and is just steps from Sanford’s Downtown District. Ft Mellon Park is the perfect place for families to gather and picnic while they enjoy our Independence Day Celebration.

Downtown Sanford

You must spend some time in Historic Downtown Sanford –  a vibrant district that seamlessly blends rich history with modern charm. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this area boasts over 50 preserved buildings dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the blend of old-world charm and contemporary amenities that make Historic Downtown Sanford – a bustling hub of activity with craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and unique boutiques – a dynamic destination!

You will also notice the City’s commitment to the Arts throughout the City with a collection of outdoor sculptures, murals on both public and private buildings, and our Utility Box Art. You will want to plan on spending the weekend with us – and returning for many more! 

Restrooms:

Public restrooms (some portable) are available in Ft. Mellon Park, along Seminole Boulevard and also located at Palmetto Ave. and Seminole Blvd.

Lost Child Protocol:

Contact any uniformed City employee – Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, etc. to report the missing child.  The employee will expedite getting a law enforcement official to you quickly.  All lost children are escorted by law enforcement to their Emergency Command Station at the City of Sanford’s City Hall, located at 300 N. Park Avenue. 

Emergency Medical Services:

In case of any emergency, please dial 911.  Emergency Medical Personnel will be available near Ft. Mellon Park’s largest pavilian on 1st Street.  Additional EMS teams will monitor the event space via carts and bicycle.  

What to Bring:

• • Small personal coolers (approximately 12″ x 12″) are allowed. All bags, containers, and coolers are subject to search at any time.
  • Wagon carts are permitted and encouraged for carrying your supplies in, and out, of the event.
  • Pop-up tents (limited to 10’x10’ without sides), large beach-style umbrellas, blankets or tarps (no larger than 10’x10’), folding beach/camping chairs are authorized.  However, all tents, umbrellas, and tarps must be taken down no later than 8 pm for the viewing enjoyment of everyone.

What Not to Bring to Star Spangled Sanford:

Guests with any of these items may be asked to leave the event space early or meet with our law enforcement representatives. 

• • No personal fireworks of any kind—including sparklers—are permitted within the event space.
  • No Drones
  • No Alcohol and/or illegal drugs.  Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from authorized vendors.
  • No Weapons, sharp objects, glassware and/or glass containers of any kind.
  • Automated transportation devices, including golf carts, bicycles, scooters, and skateboards. (Due to large crowds, we also recommend leaving personal bicycles at home.)
  • For their safety, pets must remain at home and are not permitted in the Star Spanged Sanford event space from 8 am – 11 pm.

All city ordinances remain in effect on July 4. For example, open container laws apply—alcohol must be consumed only on the premises where it is purchased. Unauthorized street or sidewalk vending is not permitted unless part of the official event in the event space.

On July 4, the event space is generally defined as Seminole Boulevard from Palmetto Avenue to Mellonville Avenue, and from the lakefront to 1st Street. 

Thank you for your cooperation to create a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration for everyone!

Come Hungry – Arrive Early!  Get ready for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and fireworks at Star Spangled Sanford!

Stay tuned for our list of vendors!  The very best of Florida’s food trucks, as well as a variety of smaller table-top or trailer food vendors, will be waiting to tantalize your taste buds starting at 6 PM – perfect for all the early birds seeking the best vantage points throughout the Star Spangled Sanford event space. You will be able to indulge in BBQ, steak & cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, snow cones, kettle corn, churros, funnel cakes, caramel apples, and much, much more!  You will also shop a wide variety of homemade goods from local vendors and artists for a unique and fun shopping experience for all ages.  Selections between baked goods, custom jewelry, 3D items, crochet items, wood crafts, as well as scented candles, soaps, and lotions will make it difficult to choose!

Vendors are welcome to apply to participate in Star Spangled Sanford by contacting our event partners at  “Ladies327, Inc.”.  Please email your product descriptions with photographs of your 10×10 booth with your product and/or food display to Kim@Ladies327.org.   

Ladies327 is the only organization that will provide vendors for Star Spangled Sanford.

NOTE:  Please be wary of fraudulent advertising for vending at this event.  Feel free to call the Recreation Department at 407.688.5120, x. 1 for verification if needed.  

2025 Star Spangled Sanford Vendor Application

July 2 | 7 AM – July 5  | 8 AM: 

Portions of the northeast section of the Downtown Sanford Marina closed.

July 3 | 5 PM – July 4 | 11 PM:

Downtown Sanford Marina and NE portion of Marina Isle closed. Boat and trailer parking is available in the municipal lot at Palmetto and Seminole Boulevard.

July 3 | Midnight – July 4 |11 PM:

Street Closures include:

• • • • Seminole Boulevard, from Mellonville Avenue to Palmetto Avenue;
      • Mellonville Avenue, San Juan Avenue, and Sanford Avenue, from 1^st Street to Seminole Boulevard;
      • Commercial Street, from Sanford Avenue to Palmetto Avenue; and
      • 1^st Street, from San Juan Avenue to Sanford Avenue.
      • City Hall parking lot is also closed with restricted access for first responders only.

July 4 | 8 AM – 11 PM:

Boat ramps closed.  Parking at 520 on the Water & Marina Isle Waterfront Assisted Living closed.

4 PM – 11 PM:  

All Marina access is restricted. Palmetto Avenue, from Commercial Street to Downtown Sanford Marina, is closed.

Free guest parking is available at designated parking lots, including the municipal lot, located at Palmetto Avenue and Seminole Boulevard, with on-street parking throughout downtown.  See the guest parking map.

Download Event Schedule

Downtown Sanford Marina – Fireworks Launch Site

For the safety of our guests and boaters, the Downtown Sanford Marina will serve as the launch site for the Star Spangled Sanford fireworks show, requiring changes to normal access and operations. 

July 2 | 7 AM – July 5  | 8 AM: 

Portions of the northeast section of the Downtown Sanford Marina closed. 

July 3 | 5 PM – July 4 | 11 PM:  

Downtown Sanford Marina and NE portion of Marina Isle closed. Boat and trailer parking is available in the municipal lot at Palmetto and Seminole Boulevard. 

July 4 | 

• • • • 8 am – 11 pm:  Parking at 520 on the Water & Marina Isle Waterfront Assisted Living closed. 
      • 8 am – 11 pm:  Public Boat ramps are closed. All remaining vehicles and trailers will be towed. Emergency Management will secure and monitor the area to ensure a safe and successful fireworks display.       
      • 4 – 11 pm:  All Marina access restricted, including the east basin. Palmetto Avenue, from Commercial Street to Downtown Sanford Marina, is closed.  

Boater Access Guidelines:

• • • • Boats already in the water by 8 AM, and located in the east basin, may enter Lake Monroe until 4 PM.

      • After 4 PM, no vessels may enter or exit the east basin due to the required safety zone for fireworks.

Boat Re-Entry Following Show: 

Boats may return to the east basin after the Fire Marshal gives the all-clear following a full safety inspection. We anticipate the all clear before 10:30 PM.  

Free guest parking is available at designated parking lots, including the municipal lot, located at Palmetto Avenue and Seminole Boulevard, with on-street parking throughout downtown.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration for all!

Fireworks Show | 9:15 PM

Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Monroe, choreographed to a lively soundtrack of fun, upbeat and patriotic music. With a professional sound system running along Seminole Boulevard, from San Juan Avenue to Palmetto Avenue, guests along the waterfront will experience the full impact of this unforgettable show.

This custom production is brought to you by Zambelli Fireworks, the ‘first family in fireworks’ – one of the most respected names in pyrotechnics. With over a century of experience and a legacy of artistic excellence, Zambelli has specially designed this show for Sanford’s scenic lakefront—featuring thousands of dazzling shells timed to the music.

Get ready for a truly breathtaking finale to our Independence Day Celebration!

Law Enforcement Officers will monitor intersections and control traffic lights for about an hour (~ 10:30) to ensure a safe and quick(er) exit strategy for everyone.  Please review the following travel restrictions to plan your exit.  Thank you for your patience!  

Southbound / Mellonville Avenue (2 lanes):  

All traffic south of 1st Street may use 2^nd Street to Mellonville Avenue – both lanes of Mellonville Avenue will be dedicated for southbound travel only until Celery Avenue.

Southbound traffic may also use 3rd Street (and roads further south) onto 17-92 and proceed southward, but without law enforcement assistance at intersections. 

Westbound / 1st Street Traffic: 

All westbound traffic on 1st Street will continue over US 17-92 remaining on 1st Street toward I-4.

Guests may NOT turn onto 17-92 at 1st Street.

Northbound / 17:92 at 1st Street: 

All northbound traffic on 17-92 will be directed into the westbound turn lane to proceed westbound on 1st Street toward I-4.  

Seminole Boulevard, Fulton Avenue, Commercial Street: 

All traffic north of 1st Street may only proceed north on 17-92 / Seminole Boulevard along Lake Monroe toward I-4. 

Guests may NOT travel southbound on 17-92.

See the Exit Illustration.

Thank you for joining us at Star Spangled Sanford!  We look forward to seeing you again soon!