Cape Harbour will host its fifth Great American Picnic Sunday afternoon in honor of the nation’s birthday.
Food, contests and music for everyone will be featured.
The event will be held on July 3 from noon-3:30 p.m. at the Marina at Cape Harbour with Chris the D.J. with Juke Box Hero.
Live music from an acoustic guitarist will fill the air from 4-8 p.m.
The event will begin with the Cape Coral VFW Post 8463 Color Guard and the National Anthem sung by Caira Everly. She will continue to sing patriotic songs to get the crowd into the spirit of the Fourth of July.
The Great American Picnic also will feature a few contests that have become popular with attendees over the years.
The Best Patriotic Pet Contest will kick off at 1 p.m. and will be judged by WINK-TV anchor Lois Thome, along with Doggie Style owner Sean Lucas. Registration for the contest, which is free, will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Event coordinator Glenda Swager said last year they had 80 pets registered. The main theme was red, white and blue and the only cat in the contest took home the award.
“He caught the attention of everyone,” she said.
Twenty medals, each with a paw print, will be given out during the award ceremony.
An Apple Pie Baking Contest hosted by Cafe Pignoli and a Banana Split Eating Contest hosted by Run Agrounds also will be featured.
Swager said those who wish to participate in the apple pie contest need to bring their own pie for the judges.
Prizes will be awarded for the best one.
The banana split contest will challenge individuals to see who finishes their desert the fastest.
The children will have the opportunity to receive a patriotic “tattoo” during the event, along with creating thank you cards and bandannas for the military.
The Adopt-A-Troop Foundation will also be raising money and accepting donations for their organization to support military troops.
Swager said they also will have a six- foot banner on display for individuals to sign their best wishes to the troops and thank them for their service.
She said the banner will be sent to a certain platoon for the service men and women to enjoy.
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the first two levels of both towers and on the north shore of Cape Harbour.
For information call 239-945-6116 or visit www.capeharbour.com.