Gardens hosts July 4th festivities

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Performers with the Florida State University Flying High Circus demonstrate their acrobatic skills during a recent show at Callaway Gardens. The circus is set to perform for the Fourth of July weekend at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain.

PINE MOUNTAIN — Callaway Gardens this weekend will host events in celebration of Fourth of July.

Friday will feature the acrobatics of the Florida State University Flying High Circus performers at 6 p.m. at Robin Lake Beach. During the day, DJ Mikey J will offer music noon–5 p.m. for beachgoers. Live music by the Barstool Prophets – a blues, soul, funk and rock ‘n’ roll band from LaGrange – will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday will be the Independence Day celebrations and All American Fun. Robin Lake Beach will open at 7 a.m.; DJ Mikey J will play music noon–5 p.m.; the Florida State University Flying High Circus will perform 3:30 p.m. on the beach and 6 p.m. in the circus tent; and dancing to the classic beach music of the Swinging’ Medallions, part of Callaway Gardens’ Independence Day tradition, will begin at 7 p.m.

The patriotic fireworks finale will shoot off about 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

The Star Spangled Beach Party continues Sunday with more activities and country music from the Chris Collins Band, which will perform live on Robin Lake Beach at 7 p.m.

Robin Lake Beach has several activities for a fee, including Aqua Island, paddle boats, water skiing, tubing, wake boarding and lessons, rock climbing wall, spider jump, the Xcelerator four-story inflatable water slide and a flying trapeze. A limited number of beach umbrellas with chairs are available for rent as well as semi-private cabanas overlooking Robin Lake Beach.

There also are traditional Robin Lake Beach games of miniature golf, table tennis, shuffleboard, giant chess and checkers, and a new disc golf course. Also open is the Chickadee Choo Choo Train; rides are $5 per person.

Admission to the Star Spangled Beach Party festivities at Robin Lake from 7 a.m. until the fireworks finale Saturday is $30 per adult, $25 per senior, ages 65 and older; $15 per child, ages 6 to 12; and children 5 and younger are admitted free. Tax is included.

General admission, including access to Robin Lake from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m., applies Friday and Sunday: $20 per adult; $15 per senior; $10 per child, ages 6-12; and children 5 and younger are free.

Admission on all three days includes access to Gardens attractions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Callaway Connection members, annual pass holders and military personnel with valid active duty or retired identification can enter all events for half-price. Veterans also are admitted for half-price.

The Robin Lake Beach entrance is on U.S. Highway 27.