Happy birthday Arrr-merica!

With water cannons blazing in the July 4 heat, the Anna Maria Island Privateers pilot their flagship, Skullywag, along Marina Drive in Holmes Beach during the annual Independence Day Parade and Water Fight. The parade traveled the length of Anna Maria Island, from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Elijah Robinson, 2, of Kentucky, rocks a load of beads as he and his family celebrate Independence Day on Anna Maria Island at the AMI Privateer Fourth of July Parade.

Staff aboard the Bradenton Beach Police Department’s marine patrol vessel July 4 reload water blasters as they make their way through the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade. The parade traveled from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.

Vacationing from Georgia, the Dunne family came prepared for battle, including mom Joanna Dunne, left, dad Frank, Frankie, 2, and Adeline, 6.

Members of the Crewe of Hernando De Soto spray spectators from their pirate ship during the Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade.

Decked out in red, white and blue, from left, Keaton Lonecke, 14, Margot Logan, 16, Kensey Lonecke, 16, and Heather Lonecke pose during the Anna Maria Island Privateers annual Fourth of July Parade.

The Nathan Benderson Park Veterans Dragon Boat crew celebrates America’s birthday with a ride in the Privateers Fourth of July Parade. The crew, made up of military veterans, belongs to a competitive paddling club.

Holmes Beach Commissioner Dan Diggins and HBPD Police Chief William Tokajer hand out American flags to the crowd on the AMI Privateers Fourth of July Parade and Water Fight route.

The Island Monkey Bus joins the fray as passengers trade water blasts with spectators.

June Presswood, almost 4, of Perico Island, takes aim at the Island Monkey Bus in the Privateers’ parade and water fight on July 4. Islander Photo: Josey “Mom” Presswood