Beachside Bonfire Fest at the Vero Beach Hotel. [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

The Vero Beach Centennial went up in flames Nov. 2 with a rousing Beachside Bonfire Fest II that complemented those that took place last November at the start of Vero’s 100th anniversary celebration. With the warm Atlantic waters lapping at their feet, folks gathered ’round bonfires at five locations along the beach.

While some settled in at one location, others traveled from fire to fire; from Citrus at the southern end, north to Waldo’s (a faux fire due to its proximity to the historic wooden structure), Costa d’Este Resort, Mulligan’s Beach House and Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. Music blared, restaurants offered special bonfire menus and drinks flowed at each location.

A sense of camaraderie developed as new friends and old reflected on the slew of events they had participated in during the year-long celebration.

“The bonfire was so successful last year that the team decided to do a bonfire wrap-up,” said Tammy Bursick, Centennial Celebration co-chair with City Councilman Tony Young.

The night was still young for some, who attended after-parties at Grind + Grape, the Boiler and Bungalow once the bonfires had been safely snuffed out.