July 4 will mark the 48th year for the annual Cutler Bay-Whispering Pines Independence Day celebration, bringing residents together for a popular family- oriented event.
As always, it will take place at Whispering Pines Park on Ridgeland Drive, one block west of SW 87th Avenue. The parade route takes it around Whispering Pines Lake beginning at 9 a.m., although registration is at 8:15 a.m. in the school parking lot; staging and judging is at 8:45 a.m. The parade will feature various local groups and homemade floats, decorated bicycles and people in costumes.
Also at 9 a.m., the live music begins under the gazebo at the park and the super slide and bounce house will open for the kids. At 10 a.m. the parade awards, in various categories, will be presented at the park, and food and drinks will be available.
Fred Bobson, Special Events coordina- tor for the Town of Cutler Bay, said he is looking forward to the annual event.
“It really still has that hometown flavor and feel to it,” Bobson said. “I’ve been involved with a few of these and I like it because you really get that hometown feel — the camaraderie and the community getting together and making it a success. The reason it has lasted so long is because of all the hard work the community puts into it.”
Bobson said there will be a fly-over of F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft “Makos” from the 93rd Fighter Squadron based at Homestead Air Reserve Base at approximately 11 a.m., weather and other conditions permitting.
The picnic-like get-together at the park will feature hamburgers and hot dogs, cold drinks, popcorn and snow cones. There also will be watermelon and other food items, and various prizes offered for contests. The event is sponsored each year by the Town of Cutler Bay, Whispering Pines Civic Association and the Whispering Pines Woman’s Club.
Mayor Peggy Bell said she is excited to see the return of the event that is enjoyed by so many.
“Our July 4 celebration is the best example of the community, through the Whispering Pines Civic and Women’s groups, along with the town’s Parks Department, partnering to create a truly wonderful event for all,” Bell said. “I look forward to this event all year. I believe it is one of the main reasons residents love living in Cutler Bay. It is small town friendly, patriotic and unique. It reminds many of us of a simpler time, with homemade parade floats and exciting jet flybys.”
For more information visit www.cutlerbay-fl.gov or call 305-238-4166.
