Plenty to entertain both young and young at heart
Long-time residents of the Middle Keys frequently recount stories of crossing the old 7 Mile Bridge or listening to dredges run 24 hours a day when Key Colony was being constructed.
In 1999, residents and business leaders who desired more equity and authority of their own governance moved to incorporate the City of Marathon.
After organizing such a successful event in 2009 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary, Marathon Mayor Ginger Snead said she feels the city owes its residents an annual party in the park.
“If Key Colony Beach can do it, why can’t we?” she reasoned.
When families are monitoring the budgets more than ever and cutting back on entertainment, Snead said that a family of four could easily come out to Marathon Community Park next weekend and have plenty of fun for under $10.
Last year, the city doled out $90,000 collected from property taxes to community based organizations and social service providers.
This year’s event, commemorating the 12th anniversary of the City of Marathon’s incorporation, will take place next weekend from 11 am to 6 pm. A host of entertainment – from local musicians to a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit demonstration and a clown making balloon animals – will be available for families to enjoy.
“We’re only spending $10,000 – most of which has been spent in advertising – for this event,” Snead reiterated. “It’s important for us to be able to give back to the residents of this community.”
Without generous donations from Winn Dixie and Iberia Bank for concessions and Capital Bank for sponsoring the nearly dozen bounce houses, the celebration wouldn’t be possible.
The musical entertainment, organized by Linda Lee Byars and kindly donated by each of the performers, will include Marc Davis, Misery Loves Company, Jen, The Barnacles, Marathon Community Theatre Tap Dancing Troupe, Kreative Kids, Jessica Richard’s Dance Class and Marathon Zumba Fitness. The American Legion Color Guard will also perform.
For more information, call (305) 743-6598 or come on out to the park on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 11 am – 6 pm for fun and games for the whole family!
