Aubuchon Strong

Then, in one night, Red, White and Boom lights up the skies in and around Cape Coral. The party is one of the largest annual events in Southwest Florida. This year, more than 50,000 "guests" are expected to attend the fireworks and gastronomic celebration along Cape Coral Parkway.

"It's the single biggest one-day event in Southwest Florida," Bob Knickman said. "We're proud to be able to do that for so many people."

Knickman is the special events director for the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber coordinates Red, White and Boom, now in its sixth year on the parkway. This year's major city sponsor is a new one -Saturn of Cape Coral.

The event begins at 4 p.m. with music, while the fireworks should start around 9:45 p.m.

While the event has stayed true to its roots, this year includes some new features. The first is an American Tribute, a 15-minute program held on the main stage just before the fireworks. Mayor Eric Feichthaler will present the Color Guard and lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call of the names of local men and women serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the names of the fallen. A two-minute fireworks salute will follow.

Approximately 100 vendors will line up along Cape Coral Parkway, offering grilled food, all kinds of drinks, even information on local politicians.
"We'll have more vendors on the parkway than ever before," Knickman said.

Many of the vendors have been part of the celebration in the past, but for others, this is an inaugural opportunity to be part of a city tradition.

"This year we repriced everything," Knickman said. "We had a 500 percent increase (in vendors) over last year. With the economy being what it is, it's more affordable. It's a chance to get in front of as many people as possible."

While there is no official bean counter, past celebrations have drawn as many as 50,000 people to downtown Cape Coral, along Cape Coral Parkway from the bridge to Del Prado Boulevard. Knickman said he expects to exceed that number this year.

"Because of the economy a lot of people are staying home this year," he said.

Knickman said that organizers took the potential of increased numbers into consideration when planning logistics, like parking. This year, paid parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis off 47th Street east of Del Prado. The cost is $10 per car.

"It's the closest parking to the event," Knickman said.

Money raised from parking will go to the chamber to pay for future Red, White and Boom events, and other events the chamber sponsors throughout the year.

Entertainment includes performances by local acts the Bunche Band and Deb & the Dynamics, as well as country group Carter's Chord. The trio of singer/songwriting sisters is signed to country singer Toby Keith's Show Dog Nashville label. The group is touring with Keith and Montgomery Gentry this summer.

Todd Harlib, general manager for Saturn or Fort Myers and Saturn of Cape Coral said that Red, White and Boom was a good opportunity for the dealerships to give back to the local community.

"We wanted to sponsor a community event," Harlib said. "This is a good way for us to give back."

Harlib said he was impressed by the planning that goes into the event.
"This is absolutely a first for me," he said. "We're very happy to see the efforts a lot of people have put into this."

Harlib said that Saturn of Cape Coral plans to show a series of hybrid vehicles at the event.

Pool Doctor Services and Supplies Inc. will have a booth along Cape Coral Parkway as a way to meet present and future customers. Manager Kevin Doerr said the time was right for the company to reach out to the community.

"We decided, being in the Best of Cape (Coral) to display a few products," Doerr said. "We wanted to get our name out there."

Doerr said that the combination of entertainment, food and the fireworks that mark the culmination of the celebration is good for the community. "It's a family event," he said.

New feature will salute our soldiers.
By JL Watson • jlwatson@news-press.com • July 3, 2008