By Todd DeAngelis, Director of Communications
Parkland Day’s history dates back to when Parkland was lesser known. What it was known for at that time was for being hidden in the northwest corner of Broward County, not the easiest place to get to, and for being a place with horses and a lot of space.
Over the years Parkland has become better known, much easier to get to, and, while it still has its fair share of horses, there’s still a lot of space. On the occasion of its 60th birthday last year, the City of Parkland (City) brought back Parkland Day—a day that celebrates what Parkland was, what it has become, and what it’s always been.
What it was is that out-of-the-way place with horses and space. What it has become is a City known for its families, the quality of the schools located in the City, and the many family-oriented events the City holds. What it has always been is a place where people feel at home and welcome. And that’s what the Parkland Day celebration is about. It felt so good in 2023 when the City turned 60 that officials decided residents should feel that good about their home every year. So on Saturday, March 9, 2024 the City will celebrate turning 61 with a parade in the morning, a concert at night, and plenty of fun and activities in between.
People will again line the streets of Pine Island Road and Trails End around Pine Trails Park and enjoy a parade that will include children, schools, moving performances, horses, music, and the City’s elected officials. “It ends up being an all-day celebration of our City,” said Mayor Rich Walker. “A day when Parkland remembers what it was and is grateful for what it has become.” Walker said, “people love living in Parkland and we have plenty of events at which people see their friends and neighbors.” “But Parkland Day is a celebration of why we come together and of why we hold family-friendly events, because we love Parkland,” he said.
Last year’s event was the first in more than a decade, it seems unlikely the City will go 10 years again without celebrating Parkland Day. This year’s version will include that trademark parade that celebrates community, but there will also be plenty of community performances on the stage at the Amphitheatre at Pine Trails Park. In the afternoon and evening there will be a business expo featuring Parkland businesses, there will be rides, games, and play events for children, and there will be food booths throughout the day. In the evening a local band will provide the entertainment
People feeling at home and welcome at this event, as well as in the City in general, seems to be a theme. “If you’ve ever lived in Parkland, you know the feeling we’re talking about, it’s a special place,” Mayor Walker said. “That’s what we want people to feel at this event,” he said, “whether you live here now or you lived here years ago and come back to attend Parkland Day, there’s something special about this City and this event brings that out.”
For information on Parkland Day, visit www.cityofparkland/ParklandDay.
