Civic pride marched in 1976 Jacksonville
Editor’s Note: Flashbacks is a recurring series of short vignettes contributed by the Jacksonville History Center that shines a light on the people, places and moments that have shaped Jacksonville’s rich and complex history. Each installment offers readers a glimpse into the stories – both celebrated and lesser-known – that continue to influence our city today.
Fifty years ago, America’s bicentennial was observed on Sunday, July 4, 1976. In Jacksonville, however, the celebrations lasted the entire month.
Jaxsons had a variety of events to enjoy – some at venues that no longer exist – including baseball games (the Jacksonville Suns at Wolfson Park), live performances, art shows and other events such as a bicycle race at the Gulf Life Building, “Alice in Wonderland” – a marionette show – at the Roosevelt Mall, table tennis matches at Exhibition Hall, and a picnic at Boone Park with music by Dale Crider and the Peyton Brothers.
The July 4th Bicentennial Parade is noted as the city’s largest parade to date, drawing more than 275,000 people downtown for events and activities throughout the day and evening.
Also throughout the month of July, many well-known artists drew crowds to the Civic Auditorium, the Alexander Brest Planetarium, the Gator Bowl and the Coliseum, including the Moody Blues, Loggins and Messina, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, New Riders of the Purple Sage, George Carlin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Outlaws, Neil Young and Stephen Stills, and Tammy Wynette.
Contributed by The Jacksonville History Center
