There�s no better place to celebrate Independence Day this year than on Amelia Island. The island�s schedule is packed with activities for the whole family, including fireworks, historic tours, shopping, beachcombing and relaxing.

Fireworks are always a part of any Fourth of July celebration, and what better way to enjoy fireworks than by the water. Two giant fireworks displays are planned on the island � one beachside and one along the Amelia River. The City of Fernandina Beach will host its annual fireworks celebration at the Fernandina Harbor Marina, located downtown at the foot of Centre Street. At the beach, visitors can enjoy oceanside fireworks at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Both displays are free and open to the public.

All weekend long, visitors can step back in time and explore Fort Clinch State Park as volunteers and park rangers host their monthly reenactment, Saturday, July 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. �Soldiers� will take up duty in the infirmary, blacksmith shop, jail, laundry and kitchen to recreate what life at Fort Clinch was like in the 1800s. At dusk on Saturday evening, join park rangers on a guided history tour of the fort, as they tell tales of its soldiers and their duties during the 1800s, all by candlelight. Reservations are required for this event, so be sure to contact the park in advance for information at (904) 277-7274.

In downtown and on the south end of the island, shopping is the theme of the weekend � for art, clothing and more! On Friday July 2, join the Amelia Island Art Association for the �Art� Rageous First Fridays Art Walk downtown from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Visit the many art galleries located in the Historic District of Fernandina Beach and enjoy local art, live entertainment, food and fun.

On the south end of the island, shop the annual Red, White and Blue Sale at Amelia Island Plantation�s Spa and Shops! Receive 25 percent off all items that are red, white or blue at participating boutiques throughout the holiday weekend. On Friday night enjoy the popular Friday �Happy Hour� Boardwalk Bash at the Spa and Shops. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. on July 2 and includes food, drink specials, and live music. The events continue on Saturday the third at March� Burette where shoppers can enjoy complimentary wine tasting featuring fine wines from around the globe.

Rooms won�t last long for the Independence weekend, so book early! Amelia�s accommodations include nine bed and breakfast inns, three full-service resorts, a host of family-oriented hotels, many beachfront home and condominium rentals, and two campgrounds. Plan your trip online with Amelia�s online itinerary builder, or learn more about the island at www.AmeliaIsland.org. For free visitor information, call (800) 2-AMELIA.

About Amelia Island Named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation�s �Dozen Distinctive Destinations� in 2002, Amelia Island offers visitors rich history, a 52-block National Historic District, 13 miles of unspoiled beaches, titillating wildlife, soft adventure, unforgettable golf and fabulous dining.

Amelia Island is located off Florida�s northeastern shore, and is easy to reach by car or plane; just 30 minutes northeast of Jacksonville International Airport and 15 minutes east of I-95. The island features all types of accommodations, from charming bed & breakfast inns to world-class resorts and oceanside retreats.

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Media Contact: Patrick McSweeney +1 (904) 596-2085 patrickm@sjp.com