Beautiful weather and a great turnout Saturday our first "Palmetto Bay at Deering Estate Memorial Day Celebration"! Hundreds of Village residents took advantage of the complimentary admission and enjoyed the delightful setting in our own backyard. Kids enjoyed a rock climbing wall, exotic animals and games, and kids of all ages relished the bay breeze and relaxation. A military parade and remembrance of our fallen soldiers drew the crowd to the stage, and led by U.S. Army Captain and Purple Heart Recipient Paul Amato, reverence was paid to those military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham welcomed guests, including a representative from County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava's office, Vice Mayor John Dubois, and Councilmembers Matson and Fiore. The Mayor presented two proclamations; The first to a veteran who works for the Village as a Lead Park Service Aid, James Dalrymple. The second was presented to Deering Estate Director Jennifer Tisthammer, who earlier this year was named "Environmentalist of the Year". Mayor Cunningham thanked everyone who helped organize today's event, and promised to make "Palmetto Bay at Deering Estate Memorial Day Celebration" an annual gathering.