Big crowds show up for inaugural Flag Day celebration in Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)-Thousands of people gathered in Punta Gorda to celebrate America’s 250th birthday as part of nationwide celebrations. 

American Legion Post 103 hosted the first Red, White, and Blue Day at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda. There was live music, vendors, and a drone show that lit up the night sky with patriotic images - including the Iwo Jima flag-raising. 

Post Commander Eric Loyd said he hopes to turn the celebration into an annual event. Organizers said they want to honor Punta Gorda’s veterans while giving small business owners a bump during the slow summer months. 

“Veterans are our top priority, and they should always be,” said Kristina Crook, who attended the event. "Those are the people that are fighting for our country every single day, whether they're active duty or our veterans."

American Legion posts across Florida are competing to host the best America 250 celebration, Loyd said. Conservative advocacy group One Nation will crown the winner. However, organizers emphasized that Sunday’s event is non-partisan.

“It is so important to take care of our local veterans and heroes,” said Cole Kelly, charter manager at Punta Gorda Ventures. 

The celebration included a dove release, bagpipe tribute to veterans, and music from the Dukes of Brinkley. The afternoon sun pushed people to crowd under tents, grabbing water bottles, fans, and hats. 

Once it got cooler, large crowds gathered in the open grass to watch the drone show and listen to music. Loyd said the community support is exciting. 

“We're wanting the community to get behind us, and the bigger we grow, the more drones that will fly in the air,” Loyd said.