FELLSMERE — Hundreds of residents lined the downtown streets of Fellsmere to watch the parade pass by as has become the custom in the city every April when they celebrate the town’s birth. This year, Fellsmere turns 101 – and still counting.
“They’ve had their ups and downs,” said County Historian and Fellsmere’s Grand Marshall Ruth Stanbridge of Fellsmere’s leaders – past and present, “but they’re survivors.”
She added that it’s the sense of survival that has attracted people to the City of Fellsmere over the years and keeps them there.
Fellsmere Mayor Susan Adams presented Stanbridge the Key to the City and a commemorative plaque in recognition of the historian’s support and work restoring the Old Fellsmere School and marking historic sites throughout the city.
“She’s been a great resource for us and she continues to be a great resource for us,” Adams said during the presentation. “I just appreciate that so much.”
When handing Stanbridge the Key to the City, Adams quipped, “I’m sure you know which door that opens.” The comment garnered chuckles from those who gathered around.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the city,” Stanbridge said, adding that she looks forward to continuing working with the city.
The annual Fellsmere Day Celebration got started at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Fellsmere Community Center, followed by the parade featuring various Fellsmere organizations, including the 2011 Little Miss and Mr. Fellsmere winners Remington Halverson and Ulises Sanchez, the 2012 Little Miss contestants, the Fellsmere Exchange Club, Cub Scout Pack 568, the Indian River County Airboat Association, Fellsmere Historical Church, MESA Park, and the Boys and Girls Club, to name a few.
Many float riders tossed strings of beads and candy to the parade watchers, while the Azan Shrine Temple participants stopped frequently to hand small stuffed animals to the children sitting on the side of the road.
“I’m so proud,” said Fellsmere City Councilman Fernando Herrera of how the celebration was shaping up. “The weather is perfect.”
He marveled at how the community came together to celebrate the city’s birthday and the job the Fellsmere Beautification Committee did in planning the event.
“I want it to be even bigger,” he said, noting that the event was already bigger than he expected.
While partygoers waited for the main event – the Little Miss Fellsmere Pageant – many children played on the playground and took turns in the bounce houses. The Cub Scouts hosted a Pinewood Derby, made possible by fellow Cub Scout Pack 499 from Ft. Pierce, which provided the track for the race.
Others fed their appetite with a variety of Hispanic food, including tacos, chicharones, tamales, elotes and burritos. For those less culinary adventurous, there were hot dogs and chips, shaved ice and ice cream.
This year’s pageant netted six contestants for Little Miss Fellsmere, but no boys for the Little Mr. Fellsmere event.
Serving as judges were Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth Mitchell, Fellsmere Councilman Fernando Herrera, and Boys and Girls Club Fellsmere Branch Director Keisha Rainey, who had the unenviable task of selecting the winner.
The girls ranged in age from 4 to 8 and donned gowns befitting princesses. Each one was presented with a short biography and were required to answer just one question: Why should she be selected as Little Miss Fellsmere.
“I believe I can represent Fellsmere in a positive way,” said 8-year-old Aleska Cardona, who ultimately won the pageant.
She beat out Layla Isabel Ruan, 5, Carrisse Morales, 7, La’Neicia Thomas, 5, Melisa Alvarez, 6, and Mylei Mann, 4.
“It feels great,” Cardona said after having received her tiara and sash, adding that this was her first pageant. “I just wanted to see how I’d do.”
As Little Miss Fellsmere, she said she would continue the volunteer work she is already undertaking – helping out at a soup kitchen.
Judge Keisha Rainey said they selected Cardona in part because of her poise and response to the question.
“She’s just a beautiful young lady,” Rainey said.
The annual celebration is put on by the Fellsmere Beautification Committee, with the support from its sponsors. This year’s sponsors included Oculina Bank, Fellsmere Azteca and 1st United Bank.
