Fireworks lit the night sky over the Halifax River as the Daytona Beach Concert Band performed live at the City of Ormond Beach’s 250th anniversary celebration at Rockefeller Gardens on Saturday, July 4.
The damp weather did not deter celebrants from the annual event, and the cloudy skies kept anticipated high temperatures in check, even though misting stations were set up near the main stage as a safety measure.
Food trucks lined the vendor alley parallel to The Casements as kids played in the Kid Zone on the front lawn of the historic landmark. People strolled along the garden walkway, listening to patriotic music and watching kids play soccer in the grass.
The Hray family is from Ukraine and currently lives in Ohio. They were vacationing in Florida and chose to celebrate the Fourth of July in Ormond Beach.
“This is our second year celebrating in the same place,” Roman Hray said. “America 250 years. It’s awesome.”
Five minutes before the fireworks show started, Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie, Zone 1 City Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland, Zone 2 City Commissioner Travis Sargent, Zone 3 City Commissioner Kristin Deaton and Zone 4 City Commissioner Harold Briley took the stage with their families.
The commissioners’ children and grandchildren led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before Leslie issued a proclamation that referenced the Declaration of Independence. He said that as the city of Ormond Beach joined communities across the nation in celebrating freedom, it was a time to honor those who have defended them and reaffirm a commitment to the principles that unite us as Americans.
“As we gather with family, friends and neighbors, we are reminded that our strength as a nation comes not only from our history but from our continued commitment to civic engagement, community service and the shared responsibility of preserving liberty for all,” Leslie said.
As part of an annual tradition, the City Commission gathered at center stage and pressed down on the “boom box,” launching the fireworks. After approximately 20 minutes of brilliant colors and a cacophony of explosions, the Daytona Beach Concert Band performed its grand finale, accompanied by Siobhan Daly, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”