- April 27, 2026
Ormond Beach Historical Society is represented by head archivist Suzanne Heady, president Jayne Fifer, volunteer Rita Vogl, board member Joyce Benedict and past president Mary Smith at Founder’s Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Mary Smith portrays Mrs. Capt. James Ormond I during Ormond Beach’s first Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Seabreeze High School junior Parker Story performs at Ormond Beach Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Seabreeze High School American Musical Theatre members perform during Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Attendees visit vendors and enjoy musical performances during Founder's Day at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Debbie Kruck-Forrester, dressed as an American Revolutionary War soldier, works the Ormond Strong booth at Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Civil Air Patrolman Romaguera stands with U.S. Air Force Auxiliary members at Founder's Day in Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Supporters of Ormond Beach mayoral candidate Lori Tolland campaign at Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Attendees browse vendor booths during Founder's Day in Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Cadet Airman Benjamin Berglund stands beside Ormond Beach Police's MRAP at Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Food trucks line the field during Founder's Day in Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
An inflatable slide is among the children’s activities during Founder's Day in Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Seabreeze High School “Mamma Mia!” director Jill Kachanouskaya introduces the cast during Founder's Day in Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
The Seabreeze High School cast of “Mamma Mia!” performs during Founder's Day in Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Debbie Kruck-Forrester portrays an American Revolutionary War soldier at Founder's Day. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
The first Founder's Day celebration in Ormond Beach was held on Saturday, April 25, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, celebrating 146 years since the city’s incorporation on April 22, 1880.
The free, family-friendly event featured live music, food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone and a fireworks finale. Attendees also enjoyed performances by local students, including Seabreeze High School’s marching band, theater group and chorus, as well as Hinson Middle School’s jazz band. Mike Quick’s Blues & Soulful Grooves performed ahead of headliner Are Friends Electric.
Members of the Ormond Beach Historical Society and other participants dressed in period attire portrayed early figures in the city’s history, offering a glimpse into Ormond Beach’s past.
“This is our inaugural event,” said Mary Smith, past president of the Ormond Beach Historical Society, who expressed optimism about the celebration’s future.
Proceeds from the event benefited the Ormond Beach Police Athletic League.
