The Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Florida Keys’ 2014 Fourth of July Picnic will celebrate Independence day as well as the agency’s 30th Anniversary of offering home health and hospice services to the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys.

The Fourth of July Picnic, which raises funds to aid VNA/Hospice in fulfilling their mission of caring, is a long-held tradition for Keys’ locals and visitors and is held at the Casa Marina – A Waldorf Astoria Resort (1500 Reynolds Street).

The party begins when doors open at 5pm on Friday, July 4th. A dinner meal of typical BBQ cookout fare is included in the $25 (adults) and $10 (children ages 4-12) ticket prices. Entry without a meal is $10. Best Seats On The Beach admission ($125 per ticket) features reserved beachfront seats, exclusive dinner buffet with personal wait service, and cash bar. Free watermelon, popcorn and Pepsi products are offered with all admissions.

Bill Hoebee, a popular local radio personality, will emcee the festivities that include live musical performances, games, raffles and the largest silent auction in Key West.

In honor of VNA/Hospice’s 30 years, this year’s picnic features a special guest performer. Earl Bud Lee, an award-winning Nashville singer/songwriter (“Friends in Low Places,” “One Night at a Time”), will be performing with Skipper Kripitz and the house band to close the day’s entertainment, followed by the wonderful fireworks display provided by the Rotary Club of Key West.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the Casa Marina the day of the event from noon until 4:00 pm in the lobby as well as at the door. Earl Bmud Lee will be available for autographs and CD purchases from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the Casa Marina lobby. Advance tickets can be purchased at VNA/Hospice offices (1319 William Street), by phone (305-294-8812) or online (www.vnahospicekeys.org).