Maybe it’s good thing Michele Estevez is not a meteorologist.<\/p>\n
“I can publicly say now, for the first time, I was wrong,” she said jokingly Thursday, an hour after a joint announcement indicated that Friday’s Fourth of July summer kick-off community block party and barbecue fundraiser had to be postponed until the following Friday evening (June 5) from 6-9 p.m. at the Civic Center.<\/p>\n
Estevez, the Fourth of July Parade Committee leader, had previously been asked about possible rain contingencies<\/a> for an earlier\u00a0Islander News story<\/a>, but she was adamant in saying, “It is not going to rain.”<\/p>\n Actually, it still might not rain Friday evening, but with an 85% rain forecast for earlier in the day, plus steady rain Thursday having soaked the grounds, it was too risky.<\/p>\n “The event is too complex, too many pieces, so we’re not taking the chance,” she said. “It’s not just like putting up a tent. There’s electricity, music, games for kids … nothing will change (June 5).”<\/p>\n This year’s event commemorates not only the Village of Key Biscayne’s parade but also kicks off America 250 festivities.<\/p>\n The Civic Center area was being used for the first time with a more centralized location than the Key Biscayne Beach Club because of the anticipated surge in attendance, Estevez said.<\/p>\n A kids’ entertainment zone, ice cream, coffee bar, DJ Juan Mejia<\/a> and the Samba sounds of MiamiBloco<\/a>, and guitarist Aaron Lebos<\/a> and friends will be just part of the celebration.<\/p>\n And, don’t forget the barbecue, being catered by the award-winning Kendall restaurant, Apocalypse<\/a>,<\/p>\n The event, a joint effort involving the Key Biscayne Community Foundation<\/a>, the 4th July Parade Committee and the Village of Key Biscayne, event is open to the public.<\/p>\n Tickets (available only at the door) are $60 for food, drinks and an open bar; $50 for just the all-you-can drink ticket; and $25 for kids under 12, food and drink.<\/p>\n Limited edition Fourth of July T-shirts, featuring the Cape Florida Lighthouse and all the founders of the U.S. Constitution, will be available for $50.<\/p>\n “About 20 minutes before 9, there will be a surprise,” Estevez said.<\/p>\n Also hooked into Friday evening’s festivities will be the unveiling and illumination of the Village’s America 250 marker.<\/p>\n There will be rides, inflatables, all-American games, air-brushed tattoos and an All-Star Challenge obstacle course.<\/p>\n Friday’s event is just one of several upcoming on Key Biscayne, encompassing the FIFA World Cup, the Fourth of July Parade, and the Village’s 35th anniversary. It will also coincide with the second Play. Trade. Unite. trading event<\/a> for the collectible Panini soccer player stickers for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n