Light a Match

This is the time of year mannequins fear most. Right around the Fourth of July, police, fire, and safety officials drag out the plastic people, dress them in casual summertime attire, and — kablooey! — blow them to smithereens using high-powered fireworks. Watching those synthetic faces explode is enough to steer us clear of lighting the fuse ourselves. We’d much rather visit the larger and certainly more impressive displays in the area. And lucky for us, there are quite a few to choose from.

Naturally the biggest and best display will be at Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). Titled America’s Birthday Bash, the annual extravaganza has only gotten better over time. The park is open all day, and there’ll be food and beverages for sale. Fireworks get shot off a barge on beautiful Biscayne Bay at 9 p.m. Visit www.bayfrontparkmiami.com, or call 305-358-7550. For a closer view of the show, you might want to climb aboard the Biscayne Lady. The yacht leaves port at Bayside Marketplace, with a semi-inclusive fireworks cruise giving 400 passengers fabulous food, a cash bar, and two dance floors for their booty-shaking pleasure. Call 305-379-5119, or visit www.islandqueencruises.com for details.

Hialeah is presenting its own display at Amelia Earhart Park (401 E. 65th St., Hialeah). The fete also features a full day of hip-hop and Latin music performances and culminates with fireworks at night. The bash begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 10, and admission is free, but parking costs 10 bucks. Call 305-685-8389.

Maybe the only Fourth of July celebration you’re interested in is the kind that leaves your belly full. If so, make a reservation at the Regent Bal Harbour (10295 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour) for the Aqua Soleil Independence Day BBQ Buffet. It runs from noon to 7 p.m. and costs $55 a person. All the traditional fixings will be available — fried chicken, grilled chicken, ribs, taters, corn on the cob, Kobe burgers. Plus there’s a freakin’ clam bake at The View Bar next door, for $75 per person. Call 305-455-5400.
Fri., July 4, 2008