In just its fifth year, the 2014 edition of the “Race to the 4th” Independence Day bash at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, proved to be one of the crowning events of the summer thus far. An estimated 20,000 festivalgoers descended upon the speedway grounds that July 4 evening making it the most well attended in its short but promising history.
The sea of people, awash in reds, whites and blues, were treated to a very lively proceeding with things to enjoy for people of all ages and preferences. The high energy vintage Pop and R&B of local favorites, Mojo Scoundrels set the appropriate mood which later gave way to the muscular, Classic Rock attack of Homestead heavyweights, Main Highway.
For anyone with an empty stomach, a plethora of food trucks were on hand offering a variety of tasty summer treats along with refreshing beverages to wash it all down.
The kids had plenty to occupy themselves with including midway style amusement rides, and rock walls to climb.
While this great party transpired, a presentation honoring Military Veterans took place upstairs in the Champions Club. Presided over by Event Chair, Councilwoman Judy Waldman, Co-Chair State Senator Dwight Bullard and Brigadier General Sean P. Mulholland of SOCSOUTH, the occasion of our nation’s independence was marked by the honoring of seven handpicked military veterans whose service to our country and to their community at large earned them a Kindness Medal along with commendations from the City of Homestead, the State of Florida and the Congress of the United States. Those who attended even got to see a live promotion of rank administered by Brigadier General Mulholland. Mayor Jeff Porter, Vice-Mayor Stephen Shelley, Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough, Councilman Jimmie Williams, III and Congressman Joe Garcia were also among the attendees.
“We have come such a long way in a relatively short time,” said Councilwoman Waldman at the event. “This is the kind of overwhelming turnout and community involvement where traditions are born. I would like to thank our many sponsors, our mayor and council, city staff and all those on the state and federal level that have helped make this the must-see event that it has become. I couldn’t be any happier right now!”
Among the sponsors who participated in this year’s event are Homestead Hospital, 360 Builders, Homestead Trading Post, Charter Schools USA, DiMare Homestead, Inc., Berry’s Paint Hardware & Flooring, Weiss/Serota/Helfman/Pastoriza/Cole & Boniske, P.L., Keys Gate Realty, South Dade Toyota, Alton Madison Property Management, ValleyCrest, Celebrity Rehab & Medical Center, Aressco Technologies, Inc., Homestead Air Conditioning and Heating Corp., Lowe’s, Atala Montessori School, Dony Electric, Temptrol & the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce.
As one might expect, the evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display where there wasn’t a bad seat in the house.
