Indian River County Turns 100: Let’s Celebrate Our Community Together in 2025!
Indian River County is hitting a huge milestone in 2025 — we’re turning 𝟙𝟘𝟘 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕝𝕕! As a proud local, I couldn’t be more excited to see our community come together to honor this centennial. Whether you’re 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.
𝒜 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝑒𝒻 𝐻𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝐼𝓃𝒹𝒾𝒶𝓃 𝑅𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒞𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉𝓎
Established in 1925, Indian River County was carved out of what was then St. Lucie County. Named after the Indian River Lagoon — one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America — 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 County’s story is one of resilience and innovation. It’s 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 we’re proud to call home.
Centennial Events You Won’t Want to Miss -
Here are some of the celebrations I’m most looking forward to — and I hope you’ll join in too!
𝕁𝕒𝕟𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕪: 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 can’t think of a better way to celebrate our quirky local traditions than the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival. It’s 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.
𝔽𝕖𝕓𝕣𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕪: 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 county’s development.
- February 2, 2025: The Gifford Art & Music Festival at the Gifford Historical Museum — this is one of those events where the talent and history of our community really shine.
𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕙: Festivals and Family Fun
- March 14-23, 2025: The Indian River County Firefighters’ Fair at the fairgrounds is always a family favorite. Rides, games, and fair food — what’s not to love?
- March 14-16, 2025: The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Anniversary Festival celebrates 122 years of protecting our beautiful natural spaces.
𝔸𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕝 & 𝕄𝕒𝕪: Community Spirit in Full Swing
- April 12, 2025: The Hallstrom House/Conservation Trail Event is a perfect chance to connect with the area’s historical and natural heritage.
- May 2, 2025: Don’t miss the Trike Wars and Block Party in Vero Beach. It’s 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.
𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕖: A Grand Finale to Remember
- June 29, 2025: The Centennial Parade promises to be a vibrant celebration of all things Indian River County. I can’t wait to see the community come together for this!
- June 30, 2025: Finally, the Time Capsule Ceremony will seal our memories for future generations.
𝓙𝓸𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓒𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓫𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷!
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, there’s 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 community’s incredible 𝟙𝟘𝟘-𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕛𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕪!