Margate Celebrates Fourth of July Parade Winners at City Meeting!

Margate, Florida, USA - At the July 9 commission meeting, the city of Margate proudly recognized the winners of its recent Fourth of July parade. In a joyous display of community spirit, the awards honored the contributions of local organizations and families. Family Knowledge Action (FKA) was celebrated in the private business category, with manager Alexis Blasenheim expressing heartfelt gratitude for the acknowledgment and the pleasure of participating in the parade. Meanwhile, the Fellowship Recovery Community Organization snagged the award for the non-profit category. CEO Sara Barkley reflected on their parade history, noting their nine years of active involvement and the joy of receiving this accolade.

In a delightful family category twist, the family of Michael Jones, the dedicated city parks and recreation director, garnered recognition. The commission members, including Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano, expressed their satisfaction with this year’s event, emphasizing the parade’s popularity and its positive impact on city pride. Ruzzano described the occasion as „great and beneficial for the city,“ showcasing the importance of such community gatherings.

A Day of Celebration

The Fourth of July Extravaganza kicked off with vibrant energy on July 4th, hosted by the city of Margate alongside the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (MCRA). The event was a family-friendly affair spanning the day, featuring a parade that ran from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The parade maneuvered eastbound on Margate Boulevard from Northwest 76th Avenue to State Road 7, becoming a canvas for colorful floats and festive activities.

Post-parade, families enjoyed refreshments and bounce houses provided by the MCRA. Later in the day, the excitement continued with a Calypso Cove Pool Party from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., the Northwest corner of Margate Boulevard and State Road 7 came alive again for the Fourth of July Extravaganza which included delicious food trucks, obstacle courses, and performances from bands such as Solid Brass at 6:00 p.m. The day culminated in a breathtaking fireworks display that lit up the night sky at 9:00 p.m.

Celebrating Across the Nation

Margate isn’t the only place that has embraced the Fourth of July with lively celebrations. Across the country, events took place with great fanfare. For instance, in Aroostook County, Maine, a variety of „Family Fun“ activities drew crowds for Independence Day. Houlton kicked off its festivities on July 2 with a Strawberry Shortcake Kick-off, followed by a full day of fun on July 4, featuring a parade, family games, and fireworks.

Other locations like Limestone also got in on the action, hosting everything from pancake breakfasts to evening dances with live music, while Westfield celebrated with games for kids and a parade of its own. Every town had its unique spin, from boat parades at Eagle Lake to BBQs and craft fairs, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of Independence Day traditions across the states. As events vary in scale and flavor, what’s certain is the spirit of the Fourth of July shines brightly in any community, large or small.