Step back in time to over a century ago, when the vibrant town of Punta Gorda was abuzz with anticipation for the grand Fourth of July festivities. It was the year 1922, and the echoes of a remarkable celebration the year before still reverberated through the hearts of the locals. In 1921, a staggering 6,000 individuals had gathered to commemorate Independence Day, marking a momentous occasion—the opening of the majestic Charlotte Harbor Bridge.

Now, as the new year rolled in, the town prepared to welcome an even larger crowd of 10,000 enthusiastic attendees. The air crackled with excitement as advertisements adorned the newspapers, spreading their message far and wide. From the confines of Charlotte County to the far reaches of the United States, all were cordially invited to partake in the festivities. It was an occasion that transcended boundaries and united people under the banner of celebration.

Picture this: a picturesque park sprawled in front of the elegant Hotel Punta Gorda, where a sumptuous dinner awaited the hungry revelers. But the indulgences did not stop there. A wide array of exhilarating sporting events had been meticulously planned to enthrall the crowd. There would be water polo matches, swimming races that would test the limits of human endurance, tub races filled with laughter and friendly competition, and the spectacle of fancy diving that would leave spectators in awe.

And that was not all—for the daring souls, there would be aquaplaning, a thrilling escapade where the brave would glide across the water's surface with the wind as their ally. As if that weren't enough, the organizers had even arranged for an audacious aeroplane stunt, tantalizingly dangling the possibility of a parachute jump from high above the azure sky.

Throughout the day, the stirring tunes of the esteemed Charlotte Military Band would resonate in various corners of the town, filling the air with melodies that stirred the soul. And when dusk cast its enchanting spell, a dancer would grace the lobby of the grand Hotel, bringing the curtain down on a day steeped in merriment and joy.

Alas, not everything went according to plan. The devastating hurricane that struck in October 1921 had left its mark, damaging the beloved City dock that played a pivotal role in the festivities. The planning committee had fervently hoped that the diligent contractors would restore the dock to its former glory in time for the Fourth of July. But fate had other plans, and the dock remained unfinished, casting a temporary shadow over the watersports that had enthralled the masses in years past.

Nonetheless, the undeterred spirit of the Punta Gorda community prevailed. The crowds may not have flocked in the same numbers as before, but those who persevered were rewarded with a feast fit for the occasion. Patience was the key, as all were eventually satiated with a delectable array of nourishment.

As the day unfolded, the streets of Punta Gorda transformed into a sea of automobiles, with an estimated 650 cars filling the bustling central business district. Private vehicles carried an additional 3,000 individuals, eager to be part of this historic event. Yet, it was the resolute sound of train whistles that heralded the arrival of a considerable portion of the crowd, as they journeyed from near and far. From the neighboring counties of DeSoto, Hardies, Highland, and Polk, to the familiar faces of Manatee and Sarasota, the Fourth of July celebration at Punta Gorda attracted a diverse tapestry of attendees.

Today, as the sun sets on the memories of yesteryear, the tradition lives on. Fisherman's Village stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Punta Gorda, welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe. And, as if whispering secrets of the past, the waters of Charlotte Harbor beckon with open arms, inviting swimmers to traverse its expanse just as they did over a century ago. The echoes of that historic Fourth of July celebration reverberate through time, reminding us that in Punta Gorda, the flame of tradition continues to burn bright..

The beauty of Florida has captured eyes for centuries, and citrus has long been its most cherished product. One of the earliest examples of showcasing the citrus industry’s impact on the sunshine state was through the use of citrus crate labels – and that is how the Citrus Label Tour was born.

In the late 1800s, citrus was transported to the northern states via rail. Looking for a way to attract buyers, growers coordinated with the Florida Citrus Exchange to create an artistic advertising campaign utilizing a crate label. These bright and bold pieces of art had unique and personal features, typically depicting family members, pets, and a vision of the Florida lifestyle. The labels were primarily printed Tampa, and once completed they were attached to individual wooden crates in the growers’ packinghouses.

By showcasing fresh Florida citrus, and often times the tropical allure of the state, the public was able to build connections with growers while savoring the many positive aspects of Florida. It’s been said that citrus crate labels were Florida’s first billboards.

Source: FloridaCitrusGrower

Celebrate 30 years with us!

Stop in and enjoy our open-air seating 4th of July weekend (Friday-Tuesday)!

Live entertainment, food and drink specials & festive fun for all ages plus goody treat bags for the kids!

🎆 FIREWORKS will be seen from Harpoon Harry’s on Tuesday, the 4th of July! Fishermen’s Village will present Fireworks at 9pm.

🌊 Don’t miss the annual FREEDOM SWIM!

🎶🎤Live Music

Although you may be familiar with some popular facts of the historical event also known as Independence Day, you may find it interesting to learn of some lesser known or "fun facts."

*The Continental Congress approved a Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1976, and many historians believe that date should be the official day of the United States of America Independence.

*Thomas Jefferson drafted the document on a "laptop," a portable writing table used on one's lap.

*The average age of signees was 45. The youngest was Edward Rutledge aged 26 and the oldest was Benjamin Franklin at age 70. Thomas Jefferson was 33.

*Two signers became presidents: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

*Three presidents, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe died on July 4th. Adams and Jefferson died on the same day in 1826, the 50th anniversary of the USA’s independence.