Downtown Fort Myers marks America's 250th with two-day free event

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — The City of Fort Myers and the River District Alliance are hosting a two-day celebration in downtown Fort Myers for America's 250th birthday.

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The city, local businesses and community leaders have raised nearly $250,000 to make the celebration free for all attendees. The city established the '76 Reignited Fund at Collaboratory, and Mayor Kevin Anderson contributed $10,000 from the city's Neighborhood Improvement Funds to launch the fundraising effort.

Festivities begin Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m. with an Americana-themed Art Walk featuring artisans and crafters along First Street and free live concerts at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. The celebration continues Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m. with a patriotic ceremony at the new All Veterans Memorial in Centennial Park.

Evening events include an opening ceremony at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, live music and a fireworks and drone show at 9:15 p.m.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community to come together and honor the values, freedoms and spirit that have defined our great country for 250 years," Anderson said.

The event reflects the longstanding partnership between the City of Fort Myers and the RDA, which have worked together to transform downtown into a destination for business, culture, dining and entertainment.

"We want every resident and visitor to feel welcome as we mark this historic occasion," said RDA President and CEO Lisa Sbuttoni. "We're proud to partner with the City of Fort Myers to create an experience that brings people together, supports our local businesses and showcases everything that makes downtown Fort Myers special."