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Celebrating 120 Years Of Dania Beach - Kicking Off The Holiday Season In Broward's First City

November 14, 2024

Celebrate the City’s 120th birthday and the magic of the holiday season at Light Up the Night, presented by Dania After Dark on Saturday, November 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dania Beach City Hall Plaza will transform into a winter wonderland filled with community spirit and cheer. Event admission and parking is free. Complimentary gifts to the first 120 attendees, while supplies last.

Dania Beach History

Originally known as Modello, the city traces its roots back to the late 19th century when it became a hub for tomato farming and the Florida East Coast Railway. The growing community optimized a spirit of progress that played a pivotal role in its development and resilience through challenges.

The historic roots of the first city in Broward County date back to the 1880s, when much of what is now the FEC railroad line was laid through the area. In recognition of this transportation advantage, a pioneer and developer named W. C. Valentine planned a settlement called Modello and 12 Danish families moved from Chicago to settle there in 1898-1899. Three years later, 30 Danes were recruited from Oconto, Wisconsin, to colonize the settlement, and the first home was built by A.C. Frost, for whom a park is now named. Frost built the first general store in 1902 and became Modello’s first postmaster. He also built and donated the towns first two schools. The following year, Dania Methodist Church was erected, becoming the city’s first place of worship.

When the town was incorporated in November 1904, its 35 residents, most of whom were Danes, changed the name to Dania. By 1912, Dania was a thriving community of almost 1,200 people and continued to grow through the 1920s when the city suffered tremendous setbacks. In 1925, the Dania Hotel caught on fire, and the Bank of Dania failed due to embezzlers in the Bank’s Atlanta home office. The 1926 hurricane with its 200 mile-per-hour winds devastated the town, destroying the first church building completely, and subsequent damage prompted residents to vote for annexation to the neighboring City of Hollywood. De-annexation came in 1927.

Tomato Capital of the World

Early immigrants prospered in tomato farming and, as early as 1910, the Florida East Coast Railway was shipping to northern U.S. cities from "The Tomato Capital of the World." During the three-month winter harvest, over 200 farmers shipped 1,000 to 1,500 train carloads of tomatoes and V. Taoring of New Orleans set up a tomato paste factory which contributed to local prosperity.

In 1927, the first Tomato Day Celebration was held to raise funds for the new Dania Methodist Church. Attracting a crowd of over 5,000, it was so successful, that the celebration continued into the 1940s featuring messy, but official, tomato fights and a Miss Tomato Festival Pageant. In the late 1940s, the tomato boom was over, as crops began to fail from saltwater intrusion into the fields.

Antique Capital of the South

Just as the tomato industry was fading, a new type of commerce -- the antique business -- arrived when Genevieve and Willard Ely set up shop in 1945. It took 10 years for other antique businesses to follow, but it wasn’t long thereafter that Broward’s first incorporated city once again gained fame, this time as the "Antique Capital of the South," along Federal Highway.

Antique Row became not only a browser’s and shopper’s paradise but also the stores themselves are located inside buildings steeped in the city’s history including Broward County’s first movie theater.

The City has a wealth of historic architecture and a variety of architectural styles including Greek Revival (Dania Bank Building 1923); Mission Revival (Model Land Company Building 1900); Mediterranean Revival (the Martin Frost House 1913); and the Dania Beach Hotel, built by Francis Abreau in 1925. Art Deco styles are also present in the Florida Theater (1939) and the Pirates Inn, formerly the Hotel Katherine (1940).

Light Up the Night

The evening of November 16th will kick off with live music and festive activities followed by a dazzling drone show lighting up the night sky in celebration of the city’s rich history. The ceremonial Christmas tree lighting will join the light show finale. Families will have the chance to create lasting memories with a visit from Santa and his helpers, perfect for capturing holiday photos.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of free activities and treats, including an ice-skating rink, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and storytelling with Mrs. Claus. Participants are encouraged to join the Ugly Sweater Competition, with prizes awarded for the most festive outfits.

“This isn’t just a holiday celebration; it’s a special milestone for Dania Beach as we celebrate our 120-year legacy,” said Dania Beach Parks and Recreation Director Cassi Warren. “We invite everyone to come together, share in the joy, and create wonderful memories with our amazing community!

Entertainment Schedule

6:00 p.m. Collins Elementary Youth Group
6:15 p.m. South Florida Cloggers
6:25 p.m. Kwanzaa Kinara Ceremony
6:30 p.m. Elected Officials Speak to Attendees
6:40 p.m. Drone Light Show / Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:55 p.m. South Broward High School Band
7:00 p.m. Santa Arrives (scheduled to change)
7:25 p.m. Ugly Sweater Competition
7:30 p.m. TBD

Road Closure: Dania Beach Boulevard from Northwest 1st Avenue to Northwest 3rd Avenue will be temporarily closed during the drone show for safety.

Parking: Complimentary Parking and Shuttle Service will be available from the Dania Beach Casino, running continuously from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable evening of celebration and community at Light Up the Night!

For more information about the event, visit Dania After Dark or contact Dania Beach Special Events at: (954) 924-6800. Extension#: 3627.

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