By ANDREA GALABINSKI

nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com

The RE/MAX Realty Team’s “Red, White & Boom,” Cape Coral’s free July 4 block party and concert, will again be held the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral, the annual event will feature the highly anticipated fireworks show, musical entertainment, vendors and more.

One of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in Southwest Florida, organizers are anticipating another huge crowd this year.

“We’re planning for around 25,000 people for the crowd,” said said Event Chairman Brett Bisbee, a chamber board member and owner of B2 Solutions.

“I’m thrilled about about this year, it’s going to be a blast,” Bisbee said late last week. She went on to point out that more vendors are lined up for this years festivities and the VIP area for special guests is larger.

As always, the event promises to be a fun-filled event for the whole family. A special kids area, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, will feature

inflatable bounce houses, climbing walls and obstacle courses.

The Independence Day festivities will kick off early in the day with the pre-Boom Century Link Prism Freedom 5-K Race over the Cape Coral Bridge starting at 7:30 a.m.

Registration the day of the race is 6:30 a.m. at the VIP tent, or runners can preregister on online at ftmyerstrackclub.com by 5 p.m. today, July 3.

Cost for 5-K enthusiasts preregistered is $25, Youth (under 12) $20, the Kids Fun Run or “Tot Trot” and 1 mile under $5. Day of race costs $35 all for ages excluding kids races under 12.

The 5-K is a chamber event, with the Ft. Myers Track Club doing the timing.

Red White & Boom starts at 4 p.m., with live entertainment, a tribute honoring service men and women and fallen heroes and fireworks to follow.

Entertainment organized by Cat Country 107.1 will include Jaida Dreyer performing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stage. The featured performer for the night is James Wesley, who will take to the state at 8 p.m.

The Fort Myers Davidson Harley Davidson Buell American tribute honoring service men and women and fallen heroes is set for 9:15 p.m.

The fireworks show will begin at roughly 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

“The forecast for Cape Coral on the Fourth of July is partly cloudy. There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and the high temperatures are to reach the lower 90s near the coast and about 95 inland for the area,” said Richard Rude, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said Monday. “I project it will be the low 90s for Cape Coral. The rain chance is 40 percent.”

Admission is free but for those who wish to go all out with food, drink and the best seating for the fireworks display, tickets for the chamber VIP area are $100.

The Cape Coral Bridge, as well as Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge, will be closed at 6 a.m. Wednesday and will open back up at roughly at 1 a.m. Thursday.

For more information, visit capecoralchamber.com or call 549-6900.