RECREATION
FUN FOR THE FOURTH
FreedomFest at the civic center on U.S. 1 at Walton Road
is the largest of the summer events. Modeled with an oldfashioned
family Fourth of July in mind, it features fireworks
as soon as the sun goes down.
“We have beautiful fireworks every year,” Prohaska says.
“We work really hard to make them great.”
A throng of thousands packs the square in front of the
civic center each year to take part in FreedomFest. If you
don’t know anybody in town, you’ll find it’s a fun way to
meet some new people and begin friendships. The festivities
start at 4 p.m. with bands and other entertainment, food and
refreshments, games and activities for families, arts and crafts
vendors and much more. Colorful and dramatic, the fireworks
celebrating Independence Day start around 9 p.m.
Take the kids or grandkids to see the St. Lucie Mets to
experience and cheer for a professional baseball team. Port St.
Lucie is where the New York Mets train in the early spring,
and the minor league St. Lucie Mets play in the summer. The
stadium, known as First Data Field, is in St. Lucie West — a
community that lies between Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike.
Weekend specials such as discount pricing for a family,
free T-shirts or fireworks help you make it a memorable
experience.
This year, Mayor Gregory Oravec signed a pledge at the
national United Conference of Mayors to bring the Major
League Baseball organization’s Play Ball program to Port St.
Lucie. It gives kids of all ages the chance to participate in special
activities for young people before a St. Lucie Mets game.
Still in the planning stages, the event may take place in late
July. It’s expected to include baseball activities where kids >>
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
Young entertainers at the July 4th FreedomFest keep the crowd happy.
A very large crowd attended
FreedomFest last year. The
people in front are leaning
on the edge of the stage.
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
Port St. Lucie Magazine 7