Indian River County Turns 100: Letโs Celebrate Our Community Together in 2025!
Indian River County is hitting a huge milestone in 2025 โ weโre turning ๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐ฃ๐ค ๐ ๐๐! As a proud local, I couldnโt be more excited to see our community come together to honor this centennial. Whether youโre a lifelong resident, a new neighbor, or someone who loves visiting this beautiful area, the year is packed with amazing events that highlight our rich history, culture, and community spirit.
๐ ๐ต๐๐พ๐๐ป ๐ป๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐ผ๐๐น๐พ๐ถ๐ ๐ ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐
Established in 1925, Indian River County was carved out of what was then St. Lucie County. Named after the Indian River Lagoon โ one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America โ our county has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant community. The region is famous for its Indian River citrus which has been a key driver of the local economy for decades.
From the pioneering spirit of early settlers in Fellsmere and Wabasso to the charming coastal towns of Vero Beach and Sebastian, Indian River Countyโs story is one of resilience and innovation. Itโs also home to the first National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S. at Pelican Island, established in 1903, reflecting our deep commitment to preserving natural beauty.
As we celebrate 100 years, we honor the people, industries, and natural wonders that have shaped our community into the place weโre proud to call home.
Centennial Events You Wonโt Want to Miss -
Here are some of the celebrations Iโm most looking forward to โ and I hope youโll join in too!
๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฃ๐ช: Kicking Off the Centennial
- January 11, 2025: The Deeply Rooted event at the Heritage Center is the official kickoff. This ticketed event is sure to be a wonderful celebration of our shared roots in Vero Beach.
- January 16-19, 2025: I canโt think of a better way to celebrate our quirky local traditions than the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival. Itโs always a blast, and the small-town charm is unbeatable!
- January 25, 2025: The Sebastian Historical Society Event will spotlight the stories that make our riverside town so special.
๐ฝ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฆ๐๐ฃ๐ช: A Celebration of History and Art
- February 1, 2025: A special dedication for the A.B. Michael Marker at Wabasso Causeway Park, honoring a key figure in our countyโs development.
- February 2, 2025: The Gifford Art & Music Festival at the Gifford Historical Museum โ this is one of those events where the talent and history of our community really shine.
๐๐๐ฃ๐๐: Festivals and Family Fun
- March 14-23, 2025: The Indian River County Firefightersโ Fair at the fairgrounds is always a family favorite. Rides, games, and fair food โ whatโs not to love?
- March 14-16, 2025: The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Anniversary Festival celebrates 122 years of protecting our beautiful natural spaces.
๐ธ๐ก๐ฃ๐๐ & ๐๐๐ช: Community Spirit in Full Swing
- April 12, 2025: The Hallstrom House/Conservation Trail Event is a perfect chance to connect with the areaโs historical and natural heritage.
- May 2, 2025: Donโt miss the Trike Wars and Block Party in Vero Beach. Itโs going to be a fun-filled night for the whole community!
- May 18, 2025: The Florida Emancipation Day Celebration at the Gifford Historical Museum is a powerful way to honor an important chapter of our history.
๐๐ฆ๐๐: A Grand Finale to Remember
- June 29, 2025: The Centennial Parade promises to be a vibrant celebration of all things Indian River County. I canโt wait to see the community come together for this!
- June 30, 2025: Finally, the Time Capsule Ceremony will seal our memories for future generations.
๐๐ธ๐ฒ๐ท ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ต๐ฎ๐ซ๐ป๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ท!
This centennial year is a chance to celebrate everything that makes Indian River County such a special place to call home. From historical dedications and art festivals to parades and family fairs, thereโs something for everyone to enjoy.
You can find the full list of events and stay up-to-date by visiting the official website https://indianriver.gov/news_detail_T23_R269.php
I hope to see you out there, celebrating our communityโs incredible ๐๐๐-๐ช๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐๐ช!