Aventura Celebrates 28 Years of Incorporation: City of Aventura Commemorates Its Annual Founders Day at Gulfstream Park

By Joyce R. Forchion - LOVE Aventura

November 10, 2023

Orchids are traditionally regarded as the gift of choice for married couples celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary. Along with the flowers’ connotation of beauty, Chinese folklore suggests that they are also symbolic of the constructs of vitality, longevity, and perfection. If these qualities personified one of South Florida’s stellar cities, Aventura would be first on the list. On Sunday, November 12th, hundreds of residents commemorated the City’s 28th year of incorporation at Gulfstream Park to accommodate attendees. Accustomed to thriving as a municipality from pioneering achievements in community building, economic development, and infrastructure innovation, neighbors were in celebration mode during the family-friendly afternoon full of live stage shows during the STAR Talent Competition, assorted snacks along Food Truck Row, pint-sized rides in Toddler Town, and other whimsical games and prizes for all ages.

Recognized as one of South Florida’s quintessential locales, Aventura thrives as a neighborhood where family values, comfortable luxury, business culture, and social offerings intersect. Those who are new to town might be unfamiliar with the rich history of the City of Excellence, which is the brainchild of Turnberry Associates magnates Don Soffer and George Joshua Berlin, who conceptualized and sketched its general layout over a brief table conversation. What was once a mangrove swamp in the 1950's has transformed into one of the world’s model suburban cities. Among other notable achievements, the City birthed one of the nation’s most prolific shopping malls, which recently expanded with the inclusion of the Esplanade wing and a pedestrian bridge leading to the Brightline Station.

Aventura’s rich history takes center stage when honoring its leaders who established the City’s solid foundation. Such an example took place during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Government Center the morning of November 11th, when dignitaries and guests paid homage to men and women of valor who served in the United States Armed Forces. Year after year, the City upholds its mantle by acknowledging the contributions of those who came before us, whose legacies continue to pave the way for families to make memories within the city limits.

Aventura’s metamorphosis has elevated its public profile to the world stage, branding the Miami-Dade County location as one of the most desirable residential choices for global citizens, in addition to its emergence as a destination for holiday-themed events and programs. On November 23rd, International Special Attractions will launch its super-sized Snow Carnival at Aventura Mall after the attraction premiered in Las Vegas, creating a winter wonderland theme park headlined by 350 tons of real snow. In December, the Community Recreation Center will offer a two-week Winter Camp for children interested in “edutainment-style” activities, basketball, and dance while Founders Park will be hosting a Tennis Camp. Until next year, we salute Aventura’s 28 years of progress and eagerly anticipate what’s in store for the future.

LOVE, AVENTURA.
A column celebrating the heart, soul and culture of our community.