Festive Fourth of July Weekend

Families gather in Founder’s Square to celebrate the Fourth. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

The Babcock Ranch Residential Association created a memorable two-day Independence Day celebration July 4 and 5 in Founder’s Square. The celebration was jam-packed with activities, beginning with a 5K race and a golf cart parade in the morning before advancing to kids’ activities and a spectacular after-dark drone show, all on the Fourth. On Friday, July 5, summer storm clouds parted in time for a concert with three professional bands, two of which featured home-grown Babcock Jams talent.

Beating the summer heat starting at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, about 475 runners participated in the race. Next up, more than 575 decorated golf carts lined up for the colorful Fourth of July parade. During the second half of the parade, squirt guns and super soakers blasted, cooling both participants and spectators as the tradition continued for this lively annual event.

In the afternoon, festivities ramped up with red, white and blue giveaway items, activities, giant bounce houses, water slides and water features to help everyone keep cool. DJ Sir Rockwell did a yeoman’s job of entertaining the kids along with parents and grandparents, and the after-dark crowd who came to enjoy the food trucks, cold beverages and the evening light show.

Bartenders from Slater’s at Founder’s Square. Left to right: Christie Miner, Sarah Letter, Cindy Richard and Terri Paul.

“This means a lot. The way our country was formed, and the constitution was written was to provide opportunities for everyone,” Abrom Douglas said. “It builds us up, not tears us down. I’m a U.S. veteran, and the first thing I did when we moved here was put up our flagpole.”

One of Babcock Ranch’s most enthusiastic residents, Ramses Loulack Creary, also celebrated the day. The former professional basketball player and current civil engineer and fitness instructor emigrated to the U.S. from Cameroon on a sports scholarship. As a U.S. citizen, Loulack Creary appreciates this country’s diversity of people and cultures, particularly at Babcock Ranch. “There’s no place like it. When you need something, everyone comes to help you, even if it’s someone you just met.”

Over 575 creatively decorated golf carts enlivened Founder’s Square in a colorful parade. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

Rockwell whipped up enthusiasm among the crowd, who was already excited to see Babcock Ranch’s innovative first drone show. Over the past two years, the community’s residents have been treated to large-scale laser light shows for the holiday display. This year offered another leap forward for technology. Drone pilot Arturo Lorde and his crew, Davanand Mahabir and Dirck Smith of Luna Light Show, did not disappoint.

In visiting the launch site, 300 drones were carefully programmed and placed on a giant tarp ready for takeoff, ironically resembling a flag on the staging field in front of Lake Babcock. Rising silently in orderly sections lit in rainbow colors, the drones faded to black while they quickly moved into position facing Founder’s Square, packed with onlookers. When lit again, they formed images including Earth, the Babcock Ranch logo and Innovation Tower and greeted the crowd with a joyous “Happy Fourth of July.”

On July 5, the Babcock Ranch Foundation hosted an evening of outdoor live music. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

For the next half hour, the drones as- sembled to form images of Americana, including the Statue of Liberty, a space rocket, a soldier returning home and lifting a child, the U.S. flag and the word “freedom,” among other iconic images. Each one drew enthusiastic applause and nods of recognition.

During the drone show, several neighborhoods within Babcock Ranch added their own splash of color to the sky with traditional fireworks.

The next evening on July 5, the Babcock Ranch Foundation hosted an evening of outdoor live music featuring three bands: The Ranch Hands, Garganta and the Dave Isaacs Band. Each played music in its own genre, giving concertgoers a variety of Americana in songs ranging from early roots to bluegrass and the blues to country and rock’n’roll. The concert was held as a preview to its major Nashville Night fundraiser with nationally known talent set for Nov. 16. Tickets are now on sale starting at $45. Funds raised help support programs for at-risk children in Southwest Florida.

Both The Ranch Hands and Garganta are comprised of professional musicians and vocalists who either live or work in Babcock Ranch, or both. The two groups result from the Babcock Jams music initiative, which is directed by artist-in-residence, Dave Isaacs. Isaacs performs monthly and presents music workshops for residents to learn and refine their performance skills. Isaacs is a renowned Nashville singer-songwriter who also serves as a coach to well-known national recording stars and unknown amateurs alike. e

Th highlight of the evening just may have been the rendition of “Seminole Wind” performed by 15-year-old guitarist/ vocalist Evan Barrero and his sister Ava on violin as a part of The Ranch Hands set. Backed by the band, Evan’s voice and Ava’s musicianship created an evocative rendition of the song about the Everglades.

“They killed it. Ava’s instrument was a violin when she walked up on stage, but now after that, it’s definitely a fiddle,” Isaacs said.

The pair’s mother, Yanet Barrero, beamed, “My mom heart is so full. I had to hold back tears. It was so beautiful to see my two youngest on stage surrounded by the most talented and caring musicians. At first when Dave started this, I was not sure how it would sound, but he’s a music visionary. I’m so grateful for his work.”

Garganta, featuring a Latin vibe with Natasha Cabernite added some South Americana to the mix as she sang several songs in her native Portuguese language. One, called “Rain, Rain” may have brought on a drizzle.

Isaacs did get the last word, as his quartet finished out the evening and the twoday Independence Day celebration with an energetic set of country-rock songs. As light rain returned, umbrellas popped open, dotting the lawn, as the audience held strong.

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