Mayor Josh Dieguez is inviting everyone to join in the town’s 250th anniversary party for the country that will happen July 4th on the big lawn in Veterans Park.
“Happy birthday, America!” Dieguez said. “This year we’re doing things a little bit differently. We’re spending more and more money, on not just for fireworks but other forms of entertainment to celebrate this important milestone.”
Events kick off at 6 p.m. with music by a DJ at the park, at 15151 NW 82nd Ave.
Council members will hand out miniature flags to spectators who are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.
At 6:30 p.m. the ceremony begins, with presentation of the colors by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Honor Guard. The 13th Army Band will play the national anthem.
Then the band and DJ will continue to play pop music and patriotic tunes until just before 9 p.m.
Town council members will lead the countdown to launch fireworks by Light F/X Pros that are expected to last until about 9:15 p.m.
A beer and wine garden is planned for the crowd.
Food trucks will offer Mexican; Latin; Middle Eastern; Mediterranean; Puerto Rican and Italian menus. Also for sale: shaved ice; snow cones; ice cream; gourmet popcorn; pizza; churros and cotton candy,
said Felicia Salazar, chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee that is presenting the celebration.
“People should come in red, white and blue, or in colonial fashions from 250 years ago, like a soldier or farmer, or something from the frontier,” she said.
Guests should leave their alcohol, fireworks and sparklers at home.
The Special Needs Advisory Board will provide a quiet room inside the Mary Collins Community Center which is next to the park.
Actors from the Main Street Players will perform.
There will be a Kids Zone with games for little ones, inflatable slides and other distractions.
Also on display will be designs for a Veterans Monument to be built in the park. The Veterans Committee is seeking contributions for it.
Free parking will be available in nearby office parks.
“We hope to see you there,” Dieguez said.