Okaloosa County celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. The special birthday festivities were held at Emerald Grande HarborWalk Village. Invitations went out to those in Okaloosa County and surrounding areas to join the event in honor of the centennial celebration.
This was a historic event to honor Okaloosa County, which kicked off with a special edition Red, White and Blue Celebration. Those who attended enjoyed birthday activities, awesome giveaways, raffles, sweet treats, vintage WWII plane flyovers, a fire show and centennial fireworks display.
The festivities started with a patriotic entrance of the Color Guard from Eglin AFB, as The Star Spangled Banner was sung vintage style by the Village Bells, after which they continued to entertain the guests throughout the evening with classic tunes and patriotic favorites. This celebration honored local resident, Alison McDowell, who pours her passion into sustaining the health of our local waters as the Director and Marine Scientist for the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.
A fabulous airshow was held over the harbor. A vintage WWII North American T-6 Texan stunt team took over the sky to perform for the crowd with moves which were executed with exhilarating precision. The planes took many dips and dives over the harbor, which left folks in the crowd both shaking heads and applauding.
After enjoying cupcakes, face painting, games and food, folks headed to their favorite spot at the harbor to view the spectacular fireworks show, which was choreographed to patriotic music performed by the Village Bells. In typical fashion, the fireworks display had spectators clapping and gasping as the sky lit up across the harbor.
HarborWalk Village invited guests to stay and watch a fire show and enjoy a chance to meet performers. Several guests did stay and found themselves amazed by the talent and fearlessness of these artists. All who attended had a great time. Happy 100-year anniversary, Okaloosa County!
