The flag is up! Waterside Place hosts July 4 Spectacular

I am sure many of you have had a relationship with someone who is obsessed with holidays.

Sixteen boxes of Christmas lights, or Valentine's Day heart pillows for the bench in front of the house. Halloween set-ups that would scare a Navy SEAL, or Thanksgiving turkeys bigger than a short bus.

You either get caught up in the excitement, or risk a fate worse than death.

Fortunately, my relationship with Lakewood Ranch has been somewhat similar, except for the "fate worse than death" part. I always choose to get caught up in the excitement, so thank you, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.

For the past 10 years, it seems that Lakewood Ranch gets gussied up in some fashion for each and every holiday, and I am just one of the many beneficiaries. Considering our region, it is not a prerequisite, as it wouldn't take much of a drive to enjoy somebody else's shindig. But I never have to leave home, because Lakewood Ranch always comes up big.

Except for July 4.

Now since I have noticed that SMR CEO and President Rex Jensen has all 10 fingers, I can't imagine that the Lakewood Ranch czar had a Roman candle accident as a kid and therefore bolts the doors and turns off the lights on the nation's birthday.

But it does make you wonder.

Until now.

Lakewood Ranch is making its debut in the red, white and blue market with its Star-Spangled Spectacular, which is taking place on, of course, July 4 at Waterside Place.

Considering SMR's affinity to holiday splendor, I am surprised it took this long, but when you consider July 4 comes in Florida's fifth season — you know, fall, winter, spring, summer, and Hell — you can understand why the holiday slipped down the priority pole.

The priorities have changed. Star-Spangled Spectacular isn't so much dipping SMR's toes in the Independence Day waters, but rather entering the picture with a crowd-pleasing, belly flop.

The official word from SMR is that Star-Spangled Spectacular "will transform Waterside Place into a lively carnival-inspired experience with circus acts, games, food, and family-friendly fun."

This wasn't a matter of gathering up those twisty balloon guys or face painters. SMR went right to the source — the Circus Arts Conservatory. Those folks are loading up the circus train and heading to the Ranch with, among others:

*Master of Ceremonies Jared Walker, who made his circus splash in 2018 when he was cast as the ringmaster of the Summer Circus Spectacular, and then became the creative director for the Sailor Circus Academy.

*Aerial straps specialist Aidan Bryant, who finished second on American's Got Talent Season 16 show in 2020, showcasing his straps, sphere, and hammock silk skills. He also performs something called foot archery. Alrighty then.

*Clown Juan Carlos Valencia, who comes from five generations of circus performers and who can hold his own on the flying trapeze, aerial straps, Russian swing or trampoline.

Courtesy image

*Speed juggler Nilson Escobar, who has performed around the world at places like the World Festival Circus in Moscow, Russia and the Golden Elephant Circus Festival in Girona, Spain.

Other features include sixth generation circus performer Sian España, Trio Black Diamond (all-female hand balance act), and roller skating dynamos Anita and Karoly Zeman.

The event itself begins at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to run through 9 p.m, when the Grand Finale Drone Show begins. The Circus Arts Conservatory performance begins at 8 p.m.

Now those traditionalists who bemoan the absence of fireworks might be surprised at how spectacular a drone show can be. SMR is shutting down the Waterside Park island since the drones will be flying above it and the lake. If you are so inclined, you always can chant, "Boom, Boom, Boom!"

All the other SMR event staples will be present, such as a DJ, food and beverage trucks, vendor booths, carnival games, a Kids' Zone (as always sponsored by Grace Community Church), caricature artists, and the aforementioned balloon twisters. 

Best of all, it's free.

Parking also will be free in all the Waterside Place lots, and shuttles will run continuously between Waterside Place and lots at The Out-of-Door Academy and Grace Community Church from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SMR Senior Vice President Laura Cole said Star-Spangled Spectacular was an idea whose time had come.

"This was an omission in our signature events," Cole said.

Nicole Hackel, the events and resident experience manager for Lakewood Ranch, said many residents had made inquiries about a July 4 event, and the time was right to respond.

In putting together the event, Hackel said her team had to consider the many homes that surround Waterside Place and the number of pets.

"The drone show is more environmentally friendly," she said.

She said SMR has received 61,000 hits on social media since it began promoting the event last week.

"People are excited," Hackel said.