The Whiskey County Band ignites the night with melodies for Davie’s centennial year celebration.
From left: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz addresses the Town of Davie during the city’s centennial year celebration, next to Judy Paul, mayor of Davie, Caryl Hattan, vice-mayor and town council members Michelle Whitman and Susan Starkey.
The Town of Davie just celebrated its centennial anniversary with a big party.
“The Town of Davie Centennial Celebration” took place at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds on Nov. 8.
The event included dance performances from the South Florida Cloggers, which is a dance team based in Davie; mechanical bull riding; live music from Jon Saxx, who is a partner of the Davie Jazz Society; as well as from the Whiskey County Band, a country music band; and speeches from dignitaries.
Judy Paul, mayor of Davie, reflected on the last 100 years.
“Fast forward a century and Davie has transformed from a modest community of just over 500 residents in 1925 to a thriving hub of 107,000 people,” Paul said. “Leading such a dynamic community requires vision and an extraordinary ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of our environment and society.”
Town council members and politicians, such as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz from Florida’s 25th District, also addressed the crowd.
“[The town is] where my husband Steve and I bought our first home as we began our life together,” Wasserman Schultz said.
She shared that her statement at the event is now part of the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming a permanent, official record of Congress’ proceedings and debates.
“This 100th anniversary is a time to honor the past and the efforts of those who came before us, as well as celebrate the achievements of today and the next 100 years,” Wasserman Schultz said.
The Town of Davie also honored residents who were 90 years and older, including 102-year old Harold Smith, a World War II veteran.
Caryl Hattan, vice-mayor of Davie, was happy about the turnout for the celebration.
“I’m so proud of everyone that’s here and all our residents of Davie, and our council and our mayor,” Hattan said. “We’ve been able to keep this rodeo town. You are lucky you have a wonderful administration and a fabulous leadership in Mayor Paul and our council.”
Daniel J. Alfonso, NSU executive vice president for Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Business Services, moved from Miami Lakes to Davie in May.
He said because he works at Nova Southeastern University’s Davie-Fort Lauderdale campus, attending the event was important to know more about the local community.
“The mayor talked about how this used to be a community where farming and horses were raised,” Alfonso said. “Holding up those traditions and bringing people together to an event where they can share, get to know each other and talk to each other is good.”
Felix Gomez, a resident of Davie for 10 years, said after moving from Venezuela, he came to love the town community.
“It’s a good opportunity to share with the kids,” Gomez said. “With food, with people, it is a nice environment.”
Paul said she saw how the town has forged its own path and established a remarkable identity.
“As we stand on the threshold of the next century, I can envision even greater transformations ahead,” Paul said. “But no matter what the transformation is, we will always hold true to our heritage, great history and the marvelous pioneers who have shaped our community. Agriculture and the equestrian lifestyle are vital threads woven into the vibrant tapestry of Davie’s history.”
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