March Centennial Events

Spring is in the air Indian River County and the Centennial celebrations are in full gear. While the weather is accommodating, there is much to be done outside and thanks to the Centennials presenting sponsor, Florida Power & Light along with March’s sponsors of the Youth Sailing Foundation and the Vero Beach Museum of Art, there are great indoor and outdoor events to participate in.

 

Friday, March 1^st, 2019

Keep Indian River Beautiful will be presenting their annual Environmental Awards at the Vero Beach Yacht Club from11:30am to 1:30pm, with a special Centennial montage of environmental projects and people over the last 100 years including a Centennial Award.  Other award categories include youth, civic organizations, businesses, government partners, individuals and artists all of whom were nominated by the public.  Your truly will be the emcee and tickets are available at www.keepindianriverbeautiful.org for just $30.

Saturday, March 2, 2019   2 p.m.

“Popular Music of Vero Beach over the last 100 years”

This free, 90-minute concert will showcase area artists including the IRCHS Jazz Ensemble, the “Dolls” part of the Vero Bagpipe and Drum Corps and others. This will be a fun and entertaining afternoon of music from 1920’s to today and everything in between. All music will be of the popular variety enjoyed by young and old in our community, depending on when you were once “young”!! Donations are welcome to help benefit the Vero Beach Centennial Celebration.

 

Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 4 p.m.

Treasure Coast Chorale–First Baptist Church “Going Home” Happy 100th:  Celebrating Vero Beach Through Music, Art & Story

Founded in Vero Beach seventeen years ago, the Treasure Coast Chorale’s Music Director, Dr. Michael Carter, has planned a program that promises to remind us of the importance and love we have for our homes with a rendition of: “God Bless America” written by Irving Berlin, “This is My Country” as performed by the Morman Tabernacle Choir, a medley that features the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” and “Going Home” from Dvorak’s Symphony in E minor should evoke tender feelings along with some upbeat Gospel music for hand-clapping fun. Familiar tunes from the Beach Boys and some soundbites from long-time Floridians and from newer residents will be included with other performances to include Vero’s popular singing trio “The Dolls,” drummer Richie Mola, pianist Judy Carter and a brass quartet. A donation of $10 per person is suggested. www.treasurecoastchorale.org

 

Saturday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Party & Dance Through the Decades to benefit the Mental Health Association of IRC.

Party and Dance to music by The Rivertown Band at the impressive Oak Harbor Club. Enjoy Motown (my personal favorite) Disco, Funk and Rock along with a Pre-Party including heavy appetizers and an open bar for $150 VIP admission.  The general admission of $75 includes one complimentary drink and light bites as well as a cash bar all evening long.  To purchase tickets, visit www.MHAIRC.com or call 772-569-9788.

 

Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17, 2019

Centennial Pickleball Tournament-This four-day event will be held at Pocahontas Park in historic downtown; hosted by Pickleball University and Directed by Lucy Kitcher.  Players of all levels from beginners to advanced are welcome. Registration is now available at pickleballtournaments.com or call Lucy Kitcher at 954-534-6393.

 

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce- 100 Centennial Treasure Hunt Map Begins!

The Vero Beach Chamber is producing a map of the historic downtown highlighting 24 businesses that are participating. Contestants must pick up the map at the Chamber, located at 1959 14th Avenue, and visit all 24 businesses who will mark and confirm each visit. Contestants must make a purchase in at least 2 businesses and bring the map and the 2 receipts back to the Chamber office by 3pm on Thursday, March 21^st. Three winners will share the $1,000 treasure…$500, $300 and $200 Winners will be drawn by the Centennial Ambassador Anna Valencia Tillery!  For more information email Debbie Avery <debbieainvero@gmail.com>

Saturday, March 16, 2019 Noon to 4 p.m.

Airport Heritage Day, at the Vero Beach Airport, celebrating 90 years of fascinating history as an integral partner in the success of Vero Beach. It will be a day full of fun for the whole family!

The Experimental Aircraft Association will be on hand with an exhibit and Flight Simulator.  Also participating will be Piper Aircraft, Flight Safety Academy, Paris Air, Corporate Air, Sun Aviation, Treasure Coast Seaplanes and much more. The 2020 Vero Beach Air Show will roll out their plans for next year’s thrilling return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The Vero Beach Pin-ups in costume will offer photo ops to attendees. C.J. Cannons Restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner on that day.  Additionally, at 11am, they will open outdoor dining and feature a special Airport Heritage Day menu.

Monday, March 18, 2019 at 5 pm

Youth Sailing Foundation’s “Rock the Boat” gala fundraiser

“Rock the Boat” is an annual gala fund raiser that will be including some fun centennial flare.  Held at the Quail Valley River Club, the evening starts at 5 PM with cocktails on the patio with over 250 guests watching a sailing demonstration just off the marina docks.    There are silent and live auctions with dinner and dancing to follow.  The fundraiser raises about 50% of the annual budget that supports 150 children sailing every week during the school year.  Ticket price is $200 with $100 of that tax deductible.   stu.keiller@ysfirc.org

 

Saturday, March 23rd 10:00 a.m.

Florida Heritage Landmark Sign Dedication at Royal Palm Pointe

Councilman and Centennial Co-Chair Tony Young and family will unveil the marker.  Tony’s grandmother cut the ribbon for the first Vero Bridge (the narrow wooden bridge) on Labor Day 1920 as well as the ribbon cutting for the first Merrill Barber Bridge.  Both were launched from the pilings and later filled extension of this first bridgehead.  That causeway today – Royal Palm Pointe – and the placement of The Bridges landmark sign will have the view of the current Merrill Barber as its backdrop. The public is invited to attend this historic dedication. The dedication will be held on the east side of the popular Splash Fountain.

For more info please call Ruth Stanbridge 567-5363, stanbr@aol.com

 

For up to date information visit Vero100.org and tune into my show, The Vero Insider every wine Wednesday at 5pm n 107.9fm/1370am for in depth interviews and Centennial exclusives; cheers!