SOCIAL SCENE: VIP viewing for Patriotic Skies
Owners Tom and Kristin McDonald pose for a photo by their large selections of draught beer taps at the bar during the Fourth of July VIP Fireworks Viewing Party at Midtown Station in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, July 4, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
At the expansive Midtown Station, including on the covered patio outside, fireworks fans braved the weather on the 4th of July for the VIP viewing party hosted by owners Tom and Kristin McDonald.
The venue, formerly the site of Ocala Fire Rescue Station No. 1, overlooks Tuscawilla Park. The eclectic hub includes the McDonalds’ Infinite Ale Works, where they brew craft beers, and independent food hall tenants.
The city of Ocala and Ocala Main Street hosted the Patriotic Skies event on the 4th inside the park, with some activities called off due to thunderstorms. But the fireworks went on, much to the delight of those chilled out at Midtown Station across the street.
“We had a great turnout for our VIP fireworks viewing event. We sold out and had 150 people in attendance. The live music from 6-9 by Sandra & Alex paired perfectly with the food and drinks from the vendors at midtown station,” Kristin McDonald wrote in an email message after the event.
“Our favorite part of the night was watching people enjoy the party we hosted and the fireworks to wrap up the event,” she noted. “We will definitely be doing this event again, as long as the city continues to do fireworks at Lake Tuscawilla.”
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