4th of July at the Selby Gardens

With so many options for 4th of July this year, it was a tough choice. But we ended up at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for their Independence Day Celebration.

$18 got visitors access to all of the outdoor gardens, live music, and choice outdoor seating for fireworks over the bay. Food, beverage, and 3-D glasses or light-up pink tambourine noise-makers were extra, and it was BYOB...No, not "Bring your own beer," but "bring your own blanket." Seating was limited to lawn chairs and blankets.

The proceeds went to support Selby Botanical Gardens, though a few people did grumble that the price of admission didn't include any perks.



Personally, we would have been happy with a simple guest map, letting us know that Local Coffee and Tea was open on premises late, selling cranberry chicken wraps, chai tea and assorted healthy goodies, before hundreds of us stood in a half hour line at the Morton's Market table for a burger. More than one food vendor for the crowd would have been preferable. But on the plus side, the service was fast and efficient as members of the Morton's team arrived as early as 12noon, working in 90 degree weather, and still smiling the whole time.



There were several beverage stations serving soft drinks, water, draft and bottled beer, and wine. Two ice cream and sorbet stations, plus baked goods from the Wired Whisk were set up close to the Children's area, which included a Bounce House and varied activities. Restrooms were easy-to-find, and the lines short.

The fireworks were launched on the marina, prefaced by the band leading us through the Star Spangled Banner, hand over our hearts, and looking out over the water. The spectacular display was met by lots of "oohs and ahhs", among the politest group of people. No one yelled, "Down in front!" when gapers stopped along the path where everyone was seated, blocking the view. Instead, one man called out, "Could you please sit down, so we can all see?" And, the potentially hour-long traffic jam was cut in half, by each car waiving the other to go through, one at a time, in a unified fashion.

Other than a few "bugs" that could be worked out for next year, it was a fabulous event, hosted entirely by a team of dedicated Selby volunteers.