FlockFest returns Saturday, July 6, at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, for a spectacular day of fun and support for the area’s non-profit organizations.
The 9th annual FlockFest, sponsored by The Crown & Anchor, is all about coming together in an informal gathering to enjoy incredible music, this year provided by internationally renowned DJ Deanne. The event hosted this year by FayWhat?! had humble beginnings, starting in 2015 when Steven Crawford invited some friends to the beach. “I contacted a bunch of friends for a fun time at the beach, told them to bring swan floats and be prepared for a great time,” Crawford shares on flockfestevents.org. That first gathering was just a small group of 60 people and 30 floats.
As it grew each year, Crawford thought this could be a great way to raise money for charitable organizations and in 2017 the event started to raise money for charities. Today, that is its main purpose and it has grown with additional events around the year. In 2020, Ryan Young joined the FlockFest Board as VP of Programming and Community Relations, spearheading the addition of a flagship partnership with Bar Rita on its weekly “Pride Monday” event. Young adds, “Shortly after, we added ‘Wednesday Fla-Mingle’ at Tatts and Tacos in Oakland Park. Many Flockers that live farther North wanted an option that was closer to home.”
The gatherings were a hit and as the Flock spread its wings, the good they do spread far and wide as well. Now the event has grown to more than 800 floats, 1,500 VIPs, and several thousand more attendees that participate outside in the event area on the beach and make a difference in our community.
The Beach party ticket is $125 VIP and includes entry to the event, beverages, a $5 voucher for food or drinks and a FlockFest Flamingo Float (blown up and ready for you!). A $175 VIP Combo ticket includes all of the above, plus VIP entrance to Sunday’s Splash pool party. The $1,800 Combo Party ticket includes include: a cabana, 10 VIP tickets, 10 VIP tickets to the Splash pool 10 $5 food vouchers and open bar and Flamingo Floats (blown up and ready for you!), and gift bags with exclusive FlockFest swag. There will be a collection of food trucks and beverage stations to choose from to use the voucher. A $25 general admission ticket gets you in the door for Flamingo Splash on Sunday, July 7 from noon-5 p.m.
FlockFest is holding a Cabana Contest this year. Choose a theme, whether it's tropical, nautical, or something completely unique! Don't forget to use eco-friendly materials and incorporate birds (flamingos, swans, peacocks...) into your design for bonus points! Judging criteria include creativity, theme adherence, and overall visual impact. Those attending will be able to cast their vote for the People's Choice Award. The winner gets a special prize and FlockFest merchandise! First prize is two cabana tickets to next year’s FlockFest and two VIP ticks to a Splash event of your choice. For more information go to FlockFest.org.
IN A PICKLE
Broward College inaugurates a pickleball challenge on Friday, Sept. 6 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The event will take place at Broward College’s North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd., in Coconut Creek. The event will provide a fun and challenging environment for players of all levels to test their skills and compete against others who share their passion for the game. Proceeds benefit the student success initiatives at Broward College. Registration is $200 for individual players and sponsorship packages start at $1,500. Register at giving.broward.edu/pickleball or call Elisa Stone, at 954-201-7493.
