District, City Create Fabulous Fourth

Ines Amengual woke up July 4 not realizing how Fabulous her Fourth would be.

In planning her family's Independence Day activities that morning she found news of that afternoon's Sugar Sand Park Block Party.

Not long afterward Amengual, her husband, and three boys joined hundreds of other families celebrating Independence Day at Sugar Sand.

“It's really good for families – especially families with little kids,” said Amengual, a frequent Sugar Sand visitor.

The Block Party constituted one of four City of Boca Raton Fabulous Fourth events. The day started with an early morning 5K run at FAU. Mid-morning action shifted to the Patch Reef Park Tennis Center, site of the first Liberty Cup pickleball and tennis tournaments.

“I thought it was a great idea to have everybody to come out on the Fourth and play some tennis and some pickleball,” said Gustavo Fernandez, winner of the 3.5-level tennis title. “I thought the level was great and everybody had a great time.”

Dozens of players participated in Liberty Cup play. Both tournaments featured doubles matches, with partners paired randomly. The total number of games won within those matches determined the individual winners.

Dan Louk hoisted the trophy in the top pickleball division. Christopher Kopko claimed the second division title.

Guill Saldarriaga won the tennis second division title, with Paolo Lopez finishing second. Giovanni Basile took home the runner-up trophy behind Fernandez. 

“It's a lot of fun,” Saldarriaga said. “It's something great to do on the Fourth of July.”

Trophies presented, it was time to party.

The Sugar Sand Block Party launched at 1 p.m., providing indoor and outdoor fun.

Many families began the afternoon riding the carousel or climbing in the science playground before grabbing food and frozen treats from the numerous food trucks.

Taking a break from the South Florida sun, families enjoyed the craft-building area within the Sugar Sand community center.

“It's indoors – air conditioned,” said Carolyn Macey, a resident of Guam who, along with her daughter Alice and son Calvin, were visiting Boca Raton and her mother-in-law, Donna. “It's really nice.”

All around Macey children donned oversized glasses, decorated picture frames and sat for temporary tattoos.

“It's lovely,” said Sheri Richter while sitting with her grandson, Jackie, at the party. “It's a perfect family day for everybody. We love it!”

The Fabulous Fourth concluded with Boca Raton's beloved fireworks show at the Countess de Hoernle Spanish River Athletic Facility, where District Commissioner Craig Ehrnst enjoyed the show.

“I've got to tell you, it was first class,” Ehrnst said during the July 15 District public meeting. “It makes you really proud to be part of this city.”

Two of the four venues for Boca Raton's Fabulous Fourth – Patch Reef and Sugar Sand parks – are owned by the District. The District also funds the Spanish River Athletic Facility.

District Commissioners are looking forward to future Fabulous Fourth partnerships with the city.

“Together we're better,” Ehrnst said.