Record crowd gathers for fourth-annual Cheer on the Pier

Old meets new for Flagler centennial celebration

By Observer Staff
| 10:22 a.m. April 21, 2017

Flagler Beach Historical Museum Director Teri Pruden and Event Coordinator Denise Collins are flanked by period re-enactors Dianne Jacoby (left), and Maggie Thierrien (right). Photo by Lori Vetter

“Tropical Drifter” Jim Lamb was tuned in to the crowd, with the help of Surf 97.3 folks Joe Meneo, DJ/owner Vern Shank, and David Mikulka. Photo by Lori Vetter

Advance ticket sales broke records. Hint: buy your tickets early next year! Photo by Lori Vetter

Tortugas co-owner Scott Fox and staff introduced the “Mystic Butterfly,” a new purple/pink drink with a fresh orchid on top. Photo by Lori Vetter

Tortugas co-owner Paul Chestnut and staff introduced the “Mystic Butterfly,” a new purple/pink drink with a fresh orchid on top. Photo by Lori Vetter

Russ and Barb Lentner danced to the music. Photo by Lori Vetter

The sold-out crowd numbering more than 450, with smiles and laughter, didn’t seem to mind the compressed setting on the hurricane-shortened pier. Photo by Lori Vetter

Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill’s Kim Carney, Marina “Mama” Lekocaj and Anna Romanina served up Greek salad and garlic knots. Photo by Lori Vetter

Executive Chef John Thomas of the Funky Pelican Restaurant prepared special New Orleans-style dishes to celebrate the day. Photo by Lori Vetter

Baby Collen was entranced by Mom Kate Boos’ Mardi Gras beads as Megan Farrell looked on. Dad Mark Boos is the manager of ESP Printing, a co-sponsor of the event. Photo by Lori Vetter

The festival breathed new life into the 6-months-closed pier at its pre-reopening, following structural improvements. Photo by Lori Vetter

Funky Pelican staff served up New Orleans-style tastes and beads. From left to right: Ann Porcelli, Briana Hadgaan, Cody Lynch, Kaitlin McBride, Michael Roby, Nina Espinoza, Cody Hill, Gabreil Ramirez. Photo by Lori Vetter

Costumed Victorian characters from a century ago reminded everyone of Flagler County' s centennial observance. Photo by Lori Vetter

Henry Morrison Flagler himself (a.k.a. John Stavely), was on hand to greet visitors for the centennial celebration of Flagler County. Photo by Lori Vetter

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Lori Vetter

Contributing Writer

There were two great reasons to cheer at Saturday’s fourth-annual Cheer at the Pier event: celebrating 100 years of Flagler County history, and rejoicing in the "pre-reopening" of the hurricane-damaged iconic Flagler pier. The popular fundraiser for the Flagler Historical Museum entertained a sold-out, record-breaking crowd of more than 450 advance ticket-holders with “toasts, treats and tunes.”

Warm temperatures, a lively surf, and brisk ocean breezes set the stage as area restaurants hosted special themes and refreshments. A background of colorful beach music sponsored by Flagler’s own Surf Radio 97.3 kept the fun going. Costumed period characters, from Henry Morrison Flagler to John D. Rockefeller, were also on hand to welcome residents and visitors.

Denise Collins, three-time event coordinator, said she was extremely relieved to get the pier reconstruction engineers’ last-minute go-ahead for the event. The shored-up 224-foot front section of the pier, less than half its length prior to last October's Hurricane Matthew, made for a close crowd. “We are more condensed this year," she noted, "but everybody is happy to be out on the pier on this gorgeous day!”