Mexico Beach Hosts the “Best Blast on the Beach”
One of Mexico Beach’s biggest holidays is the Fourth of July, and to squeeze as much fun as possible in one day, they start their festivities early. In fact one could say, this little beach town literally hits the ground running! All ages are invited to lace up their sneakers for the Sandy Shoes 5k Fun Run held Friday, July 4, at 7:00 a.m. (CDT) at Under the Palms Park on Seventh Street. This family-friendly event features an easy course perfect for both runners and walkers of any pace to enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie of fellow racers.
“We want to make the holiday all about family. This fun race allows everyone,—grandparents, parents and children—to run and enjoy the day,” said Kimberly Shoaf, president of the Mexico Beach Community Development Council. “We invite the entire family to come out and cheer on the participants. It’s a fun morning to be out and enjoying all that Mexico Beach has to offer.”
For participants that preregister before July 2, the entry fee is $15 and includes a race T-shirt. At noon on July 2, the preregistration price increases to $20. Participants will receive a T-shirt, but preferred sizes won’t be guaranteed. Race packet pickups will be available at the Mexico Beach Welcome Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CDT) on Thursday, July 3, or on race day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. Parking is located at the vacant lot across from Under the Palms Park.
All participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the hot July weather, bring plenty of sunscreen and wave their patriotic colors. For more race information or to register, visit mexicobeach.com.
After the race, grab the kids—and their fishing poles—and hop on over to Canal Park for Mexico Beach’s annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament. From 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m, all junior anglers ages 2 to 14 are invited to try their luck at hooking the big one. There is no entry fee and all participants and their families will be treated to hot dogs, chips and cold drinks.
“Fishing is such a big part of Mexico Beach,” Shoaf said. The Kids’ Fishing Tournament is always a popular event among locals and visitors and is often the most memorable highlight of their Fourth of July holiday. Shoaf added, “No matter if it’s a child’s first-ever catch or the fifteenth, the squeals of excitement never seem to wane.”
It wouldn’t seem like the Fourth of July without a spectacular display of fireworks, and Mexico Beach’s pyrotechnics don’t disappoint! Whether you watch the 8:30 p.m. spectacle on the beach, from the balcony of your vacation rental or at one of Mexico Beach’s lively restaurants, you’ll have a wonderful time as everyone wishes “Happy Birthday” to America.
“Mexico Beach’s Fourth of July fireworks are some of the best around,” boasted Shoaf. “Throughout the year we host fundraisers like February’s annual Gumbo Cook-Off that helps raise money for our fireworks, and that ensures our Best Blast on the Beach celebration is truly an unforgettable blast.”
For more information on Mexico Beach’s Best Blast on the Beach celebration, visit the Calendar of Events at mexicobeach.com.
