The City of Parkland will celebrate its 60th anniversary on March 11th with a day-long schedule of activities and events. “Parkland Day” will kick off at 10:00 am sharp with a parade, followed by a full schedule of events at Pine Trails Park beginning at 4:00 pm. Festivities will conclude with a live performance by South Florida favorite band Sugar Ray at the Pine Trails Amphitheater.
A Parkland Tradition
The first known Parkland Day celebration occurred in 1967 when Mrs. Betty Bell, a local artist, and two-term commissioner, held an event to show horses on her 2-1/2 acre property located on Trotters Lane near 87th Avenue. Two years later, the event would be held by Harold Bockhold on his 10-acre property in the Ranches.
Parkland Day grew, with the help of volunteer efforts, to include classic games such as barrel riding, apple bobbing, egg balance, cake or pie walks, and horse contests.
It wasn’t until 1973 when Bockhold, the then mayor, acquired the land on the corner of 84th Avenue and Holmberg Road, establishing the first park for the City of Parkland, which we now know as the Parkland Equestrian Center at Temple Park.
Parkland Day grew with the addition of stage performances, live music, food, and games. However, at the center of each of these events was the continuation of Parkland’s community efforts to keep our neighborly hometown feel a central aspect of each Parkland Day.
This year’s Schedule of events includes the following:.
Parkland Day Parade
The parade kicks off at 10:00am, starting at Heron Heights Elementary and ending at Pine Trails Park. Grab some fold chairs, and bring the kids to view the floats, marching bands, and displays of local schools, organizations, and elected officials.
Business Expo
Events move to Pine Trails Amphitheater at 4:00 pm. The Business Expo will feature many local businesses and organizations. It is a great opportunity to meet with local business owners, sample their goods and learn about local civic organizations.
Kid Zone
The Kid Zone will be open from 4:00 pm till 9:00 pm at Pine Trails Park. It will feature games, rides, contests and more. The little ones will be able to run free and enjoy activities in a safe, welcoming environment.
Concert
Around the time the sun goes down the music will turn up. Sugar Ray will play tunes from 7:30 pm and last till the end of the event at 9:00. Make sure you stake out a good spot and grab a dancing partner at the Amphitheater!
Food Court
There will be a food court open throughout the after events. A combination of Parkland restaurants and local food trucks will be serving favorites from around the area.
Visit www.cityofparkland.org/parklandday for more info.
