Show your red, white and blue!

The Merchants Association asks that all merchants have their employees dress for 4th of July tomorrow by wearing red, white and/or blue!

Let's get into the spirit. It's going to be a big day around here.

And as chaotic as the day may be (we have actually gotten complaints about too much going on), things are quite organized.

The planning committee has gone out of its way to be sure not to step on anyone's toes. The Center Grove activities (coconut scavenger hunt, hot dog eating contest, etc.) will take place after The Barnacle's picnic. The bands start playing in the park after the Center Grove events. Commodore Plaza will be closed around 6 pm, but it really won't start happening there until after the fireworks are done at 9:30 pm.

As for other events, the fireworks cruise, the Taurus grand opening, the hotel and restaurant parties and other things, those are separate events that will happen during the Grove's own town events, but by all means are welcomed and encouraged and add to the festivities of the frenetic day.

The whole schedule of events is here. Check 'em out and enjoy the day! A lot of work went into this year's 4th of July in Coconut Grove.