Fabulous 4th Festivities

By E.F. Israel

With a centenarian for a grand marshal and fireworks bursting in the sky, the July 4 festivities drew plenty of smiles in Plantation.

The day kicked off with a parade down Broward Boulevard, ending at City Hall. Norma Fink, a 101-year-old part-time employee at the Veltri Tennis Center, served as the parade grand marshal. She was flanked by two friends from the tennis center.

“I’ve never had a better day,” she said.

Nick Sortal, elected as mayor in November of 2022, enjoyed his first parade as the city’s leader. Along the way an acquaintance provided him with a balloon hat that he wore with a smile.

The night ended with music from the Havoc 305 band at Plantation Central Park. Visitors enjoyed fare from food trucks, a children’s play area that took up an entire soccer field and the requisite fireworks show drew its share of oohs and ahhs.

Sortal pointed out that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department had a full day, setting up the parade and then overseeing the evening at Central Park. He also lauded city police, fire, public works and other employees who worked as a team to make the day special.