May Centennial

Recognizing the Centennial Year in May

The term crescendo means to gradually increase in intensity and Vero Beach’s Centennial Crescendo is on target to do just that come Saturday, October 26.  To that end, Finale committee members are seeking volunteers for that special day.  Those that can work on setting up and taking down as well as helping with the morning parade and other activities throughout the day.  This is the time to be in touch with Co-Chair Tammy Bursick at 978-4700 offering your time and manpower!

Under the direction of Centennial Co-Chairs City Clerk Tammy Bursick and Councilman Tony Young, our city’s celebrations are a little more than half way over with Florida Power & Light is the Centennial Presenting Sponsor and the month of May being sponsored by The Cattleman’s Association.  Please visit the Centennial website www.VeroBeach100.org regularly for times, locations and details on all activities.  Event times, dates, locations and descriptions are subject to change.

Come to the City Clerk’s office, inside City Hall, to pick up a wonderful gift for Mother’s Day!  The Centennial coloring books and posters are available for purchase at just $5.00 a piece.

Reserve your spot in the Centennial Parade!

John Michael Matthews chairs the Centennial Parade, “Vero Beach Through the Ages,” and invites local organizations, schools, clowns, musicians, and businesses to participate.  The committee is looking for floats, music, live entertainment and other creative ideas to enter the route that begins at 10 a.m. at the Vero Beach High School that will recreate the good old-fashioned jubilee our town is known for.

To fill out a participation form online, visit www.verobeach100.org, deadline is recommended by June 15 and applicants will be notified by July 16. First-come, first-served. Number of participants will be capped at 100.

May 1, 2019: Poetry Contest by Laura Riding Jackson Foundation

The Laura Riding Jackson foundation is inviting all Indian River County students (categories for elementary, middle, and high schools) to enter the “Celebrate Where I Live” Poem contest by entering a poem that features an historical person, place, event, or industry that makes Vero Beach a special place to live. Winner will receive gift certificates from the Vero Beach Book Center; First ($100), Second ($50), and Third ($25) place winners awarded in each category (elementary, middle school and high school). Winning poems will be read at the Centennial Celebration at Riverside Theater on August 8. Writing in verse. May include but is not limited to prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, song lyrics, and spoken word. Poem length must be a maximum of 50 lines. Students will submit two copies of their poem: one with their name and school and a second copy without name or school identification. Submit entries to poetrycontest@lauraridingjackson.org or to LRJ Office, 1914 14th Ave., Vero Beach, 32960. Entries may be submitted beginning March 15. Deadline for submission is May 1. Winners will be notified by May 15.

May 26, 2019: Founder’s Day-Centennial Tree Dedication

“The Founders Day Centennial Tree Dedication” will be held at MacWilliam Park at 1:30 p.m. The City Tree and Beautification Commission is recognizing the day the City was incorporated in 1919. This event is sponsored by Carlton Fields.

May 26^th, 2019: “Family and Faith Day Celebration” will run from 2-4 p.m.  A wide array of food will be sold from food trucks while the family is entertained, and children enjoy face-painting, games and other special features for the children to participate in. Nearly twenty religious establishments will be represented with informational tables as well as offering additional games for the children. Music will be provided on an outdoor stage by several inner faith groups. Attendees may feel free in bringing their own chairs to relax outdoors to enjoy the day. Programs will be handed out that day so attendees can discover all that is being offered.

Also, if you get a chance please visit the Indian River County Main Library to see the wonderful 1919-1920 timelines created by the Genealogy Department.  After seeing it firsthand with my 12-year-old son, it inspired us to take a bike ride throughout town to see the differences in many of the buildings, homes and streets from then to now. It is impressive!

Tune in Wednesdays, at 5pm on 1370am to the Vero Insider for in-depth interviews with yours truly as host including a complete background about Founders Day set to air on May 22^nd.