St. Pete Pier turns 5 with fireworks, fun run, and 2 days of Independence Day events

Celebrating July 4 in St. Petersburg

Fourth of July events got off to a soaking start early Friday at the St. Pete Pier, where two days of events are planned. FOX 13’s Matthew McClellan talked with runners who took part in the "Four Miles on the Fourth" run.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The St. Pete Pier is turning five and organizers are celebrating in a big way with two full days of events, all part of the Fourth annual Independence Day at the Pier.

What we know:

Festivities began early Friday with the "Four Miles on the Fourth" run. Roughly 3,000 runners took part in the sold-out race, which winds through downtown St. Pete and along the Pier itself.

"We started this five years ago as a way to kick off the brand-new St. Pete Pier," organizer Ryan Jordan told FOX 13 News, "And it happens to be on July 4th weekend, so we combined them."

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Friday’s party continues later in the day with live music from the 13th U.S. Army Band, food trucks, a craft beer garden, and Uncle Sam’s Market.

Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday and can be seen across the downtown waterfront. The show is free and open to the public.

What's New:

The celebration doesn’t end with the fireworks. On Saturday, July 5, the Pier will host a high-energy waterfront show featuring water-skiers, jet-ski stunt riders, and a flyboarder soaring above Tampa Bay. That performance starts at 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Timeline:

Friday, July 4

• "Four Miles on the Fourth" Run – 6:30 a.m. & 7:45 a.m. [SOLD OUT]
• Main Event – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.Family Fun ZoneCraft Beer Garden
• Family Fun Zone
• Craft Beer Garden
• Uncle Sam’s Market
• Live music & roaming entertainers
• Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5

• Waterfront show – 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.Water-ski performanceJet-ski freestyle stuntsFlyboarder over the bay
• Water-ski performance
• Jet-ski freestyle stunts
• Flyboarder over the bay