HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, transformed Hialeah Park into a tropical oasis for its second annual tropical nights-themed Flamingo Ball, March 3.
The Flamingo Ball, named for the beautiful birds that inhabit Hialeah Park’s infield lake, was first held in 1965 on the eve of the Flamingo Stakes horse race at the racetrack. The lavish pink social confection returned this year and last to a sold-out crowd of the city’s most philanthropic supporters and notable community leaders.
In the 1970s, the gleaming gala grew into one of the most glamorous and legendary parties in Miami attended by rich and famous families, socialites, government dignitaries, and, of course, equestrians. Distinguished partakers included Jacqueline Kennedy, Horatio and Frances Luro, Leslie Combs, Juliette and David Trapp, Oleg Cassini, Harry Guggenheim, David Brinkley, Marylou and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, and movie stars by the dozens.
This year’s tropical affair benefits HistoryMiami Museum and treat more than 200 guests to a lavish buffet of lobster and stone crabs, champagne, and signature cocktails. Guests also enjoyed a live salsa performance by Jose Fajardo, Jr., son of the legendary “Flute King” and leader of the Cuban orchestra Fajardo y sus Estrellas, Jose Fajardo.
During the event, HistoryMiami Museum honored HEICO Corporation and The Mendelson Family with the prestigious Flagler Award. The award is a tribute to Henry Flagler, a pioneer who had the vision and ambition to bring his railroad to Miami and develop a small town into the Magic City. The special awards ceremony was emceed by Emmy Award-winning news anchor Cynthia Demos.
About HistoryMiami Museum
HistoryMiami Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the premier cultural institution committed to gathering, organizing, preserving, and celebrating Miami’s history as the unique crossroads of the Americas. This is accomplished through education, collections, research, exhibitions, publications, and city tours. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, HistoryMiami Museum is a 70,000 square foot facility and home to more than one million historical images and 30,000 three-dimensional artifacts, including a 1920’s trolley car, artifacts from Pan American World Airways, and rafts that brought refugees to Miami.
For information about HistoryMiami Museum, call 305-375-1492 or visit historymiami.org.
