Local community support, along with generous donations from business sponsors and individual citizens, have secured the Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration.   This year's event will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2010, beginning with the parade at 10:30 a.m.    The Sopchoppy City Park will open at 11 a.m. with live music, children’s activities, and a variety of arts, crafts, and informational vendors.

The Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration, a popular annual event hosted by The City of Sopchoppy since the early 1970’s, was in jeopardy of being cancelled this year due to a lack of finances.  However, a group of concerned residents formed a committee and spearheaded fundraising benefits, rallying enough to assure the historic Independence Day Celebration will continue in Sopchoppy.

A large parade is expected during the morning in downtown Sopchoppy, and the events at the City Park will include day long music and entertainment, along with the many vendors setting up.  The celebration will culminate with the traditional fabulous fireworks display at 9 p.m.

The music venue, organized by From the Heart Recording Studio, located in Sopchoppy, will feature a Gospel sing before the parade at 9 a.m.  The Sopchoppy City Park will open after the parade at 11 a.m., and live music will feature the local bands and musicians: vShephard Creek Band; Frank Lindamood; Tommy Curry; The New 76ers; Gove Scrivenor; Coon Bottom Creek; the Sarah Mac Band; Tobacco Road Band, and the Rick Ott Band.  The Sopchoppy fireworks display will directly follow the live music.

A karaoke contest for contestants under 21 will be held from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.  Children’s games and activities will be offered free of charge sponsored by the Sopchoppy and Ochlockonee Bay Church during the afternoon.  Arts & crafts, relay races, and games, along with the karaoke event, are some of the planned activities.

“The support of local businesses, individuals and a dedicated Sopchoppy 4th of July committee have made this event a reality this year,” said Debbie Dix, a parade volunteer coordinator for the past five years.  "The members of the 4th of July Committee have worked very diligently to make this event happen, and as volunteers, they have given countless hours of their time and resources.”

Many individuals and businesses have also contributed financially to the Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration 2010.  All donors, including individuals, will be honored on a sponsorship board during the event. Major sponsors of the event are:

Platinum Sponsors ($1000+)

WTXL: Channel  27 (ABC); The City of Sopchoppy; Opus Broadcasting; Printing On Demand; St. James Health & Rehabilitation Center;  The Wakulla News; and Wakulla Bank.

Gold Sponsors ($500)

From the Heart Recording Studios; David & Denise Moore; Sopchoppy Preservation & improvement Association (SPIA).

Silver Sponsors ($250)

Bill & Bobbie Stephens; Sopchoppy Lions Club; ESG Operations, Inc.; Posh Java, Gifts & Organics; Gary Livingston; Wakulla.com

Bronze Sponsors ($100)

Sopchoppy Homemakers; Sisters Antiques and  Uniques; Sally’s Place; Gulf Coast Lumber; Capital City Bank;  Baskerville-Donovan; Terry Rhodes; Winn Dixie

A large list of individual sponsors also gave at least $10 to the “In For Ten” campaign, and individuals have also been donating financially when parade applications are submitted.  “Every donation is appreciated, and any donation, no matter how large or small, is helpful,” said Dix.  “The success of this year’s event is made possible by every single person who gives their support.”

For more information, please visit sopchoppyflorida.com .

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