Idlewild Lights Up the Sky July 4th

Looking for some family friendly fun this Fourth of July? Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church might have the solution you seek.

The Lutz church is planning to host Family Night on the Fourth from 5 to 10 p.m. July 4. The event features a number of activities leading up to a fireworks display after the sun sets.

“Attendees can expect things for all age groups,” said Pastor Ron Upton. “(We’ll have) blow ups, trackless trains, organized activities, kick ball.”

In addition, there will be a classic car show, live patriotic music and a food truck rally that is anticipated to include more than 30 trucks.

Idlewild, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd. in Lutz, has long played host to family events on July 4, Upton said. A fireworks show was once part of the celebration, but it was put on hiatus for a few years because it’s completely donor supported. This year, Upton said, a donor came forward to make the expanded celebration possible once again.

Family Night on the Fourth is designed to be a community event, Upton added. Attendees don’t have to be church members to take part in the festivities.

“It allows us to be more involved in the community,” he said. “Maybe they’ll (nonmember attendees) just think in their hearts ‘here’s a church that loves the community.’ It’s an opportunity for families to get together in a nonalcoholic environment.”

The celebration also fills a void in nighttime activities in the area.

"Lutz, Land O' Lakes, our surrounding area, doesn’t have one (a fireworks show)," Upton said. "It's a great opportunity to do something for our community around there."

For more information about Family Night on the Fourth, visit Idlewild online.