Palm Coast Celebrates America’s 250th at United Flagler Fourth

From a patriotic parade in Flagler Beach to historic warbirds soaring above Flagler Executive Airport, the City of Palm Coast joined partners from across Flagler County for the 2026 United Flagler Fourth, a daylong celebration marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The regional celebration was made possible through a partnership between the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Government, the City of Flagler Beach, and the City of Bunnell, with support from community organizations, veterans, volunteers, first responders, event partners, and staff from across the county.

The day began in Flagler Beach with the annual Stars and Stripes Parade, organized by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. Despite the summer heat, residents lined A1A to cheer on colorful floats, walking groups, community organizations, and local leaders as they made their way along the parade route.

The Rotary Club recognized several standout entries, including Flagler Palm Coast High School Athletics for Best Spirit; the Flagler Republican Executive Committee and Aaron Baker for Best Walking Display; the Seawolf Privateers for Best Float; and the Phuncoast Parrot Heads with the Judge’s Choice Award.

Later that afternoon, the celebration moved to Flagler Executive Airport for Fireworks Over the Runways, where the City of Palm Coast welcomed guests for an evening of food, entertainment, family activities, and patriotic traditions.

The evening ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by American Legion Flagler County Post 115. Directed by Edward Beier, the color guard featured veterans of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Melanie DiMartino then performed the National Anthem.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris invited a six-year-old Palm Coast resident to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, Mayor Norris presented the young resident with a commemorative challenge coin to mark the occasion.

The ceremony continued with a cherished Palm Coast tradition: a live reading of the Declaration of Independence. The reading brought together elected officials and public safety representatives from across Flagler County to honor the words that helped shape the nation 250 years ago.

The evening also featured the City’s first-ever Hot Dog Eating Contest, sponsored by Hot Diggity Dogs and Shakes. Ten Flagler County residents were given 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible for a chance to claim the title of “Top Dog.”

The contest drew a large crowd of cheering fans eager to see who would come out on top. In the end, one Palm Coast resident claimed the title after eating 10 hot dogs and walked away with what City of Palm Coast Multimedia Associate Patrick Appolonia described as a “10-karat plastic, 3D-printed trophy.”

“I can confidently say the first-ever Hot Dog Eating Contest exceeded expectations, mostly because our expectations were simply that everyone would keep the hot dogs down,” said City of Palm Coast Communications and Marketing Manager Shannon Martin. “Thank you to David Zummo and Hot Diggity Dogs and Shakes for providing the hot dogs, and to Patrick Appolonia for serving as our M.C. and bringing the dignity and gravitas to this event that this display of athleticism demanded. But most of all, thank you to our contestants, who bravely stepped forward, stared into the abyss, discovered it was filled with an obscene number of hot dogs, and chose to eat them anyway. Not all heroes wear capes. Some are just really hungry. We appreciate you coming out and participating, we hope yo see you again next year!”

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Flagler Executive Airport also introduced a new experience to United Flagler Fourth: a warbird showcase featuring historic military aircraft soaring above Flagler Executive Airport. The aerial tribute set the stage for the evening’s finale as fireworks illuminated the sky above the runways at 9 p.m.

Admission, parking, and all United Flagler Fourth activities were free for all to attend. The City of Palm Coast extends its appreciation to its regional partners, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Coast Public Works, Flagler County Volunteer Services, and the many staff members, vendors, performers, volunteers, and community partners who helped make the celebration possible.

“This incredible celebration would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our City staff and the many partners who came together to make United Flagler Fourth such a success,” said Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin. “We are grateful to everyone who helped create such a memorable event for our Palm Coast and Flagler County residents, and we hope everyone who joined us had a wonderful time celebrating together.”

United Flagler Fourth once again demonstrated the power of regional partnership and the strength of the community we share. From the oceanfront parade to the final burst of fireworks above the runways, the City of Palm Coast was proud to join its neighbors in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.