For ten years, the annual Mayor’s Kids’ Day has been the most anticipated summer event in Pembroke Pines. Just about 1,000 children ages 15 and younger who reside throughout the City came out with their parents to participate in the fun celebratory day.
The only pre-requisite was that they had to pre-register to receive a wristband. The much sought-after band enabled youngsters’ access to a variety of activities and surprises by the many local businesses and sponsors who support the decade-long event in the city. These included finding deals and freebies such as free bowling, swimming, haircuts, ice cream, mini golf, cookies, breakfasts, discounts on purchases, food samples, raffles, and so much more.
“This is a special day to honor our youngest residents,” said Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis. “They get a chance to explore our great city by visiting participating businesses and then join me for lunch at City Hall and fun activities.”
After the four-hour morning scavenger-like hunt around town, everyone met at the Charles F. Dodge City Center where they were greeted by character mascots representing various city businesses, City Commissioners, and the Mayor himself. The eager group worked up quite the appetite before sitting down to lunch with Mayor Ortis where they indulged in classic kids’ favorites of either a hot dog or hamburger along with chips, cookies, healthy snacks, fruits and veggies. And of course, no celebration would be complete without cake!
Also, during this time, the inquisitive children got to visit with local fire and police personnel and had a chance to enter the Bright Star Money Machine. Although the machine wasn’t filled with the real green currency, it was overflowing with play money labeled with prizes. The prizes varied from backpacks, hats, school supplies, stuffed animals, and toys as well as over $200 in gift cards.
Hosted by Mayor Frank C. Ortis, of course, and supported by numerous Pembroke Pines businesses, the dusk to dawn event had a total of seventy-seven sponsors, fifty-six businesses, and twenty-one vendors including Baptist Health South Florida, Brightstar Credit Union, Subway, Publix, American Pediatrics, Naidu Orthodontics, Publix and many more.
“I got a chance to meet so many of our young residents who told me what a great time they were having. This event is a fantastic way for our community to get together, for our young people to get to know what our city offers, and for everyone to just have fun. I can’t wait for next year’s Mayor’s Kids’ Day,” added Mayor Ortis.