As night fell in Pembroke Pines on April 26, a hush came over the crowd outside the Charles F. Dodge City Center. Everyone looked upward as hundreds of drones lit up the dark sky, forming the glowing words “Pembroke Pines 65th Anniversary.” Cheers erupted as the drones shifted into the shape of a birthday cake, a tribute to the city’s milestone celebration.
To mark its 65th birthday, the City of Pembroke Pines transformed its city center to match its theme, “Lighting Up the World.” The event was free, incentivizing the whole community to come together for a celebration full of lights, laughter, and culture. The building and the outside were split into many different activities for people to enjoy.
The City Center was packed with oversized, LED-powered arcade games: from glowing see-saws and a Giant Lite Brite to mini golf, domino tables, and claw machines offering fun prizes. “I really enjoyed playing mini golf with my friends,” said Tyler, a middle schooler who came with some of his friends.
Kids were given special “passports” to explore seven hands-on arts and crafts stations, representing art from around the world. The Glow Lounge, a light-up dance floor, was a highlight for many people. “I had no idea they had a place to dance,” said Izabella, a teenager who came with her friends, “But me and my girlies were the best at dancing, no doubt.
Younger guests bounced between rides, inflatable slides, and face painting booths, with unlimited popcorn and cotton candy keeping the energy high. Mascots like Bluey and Peppa Pig were also at the event, offering photo ops to kids. “My four-year-old loves Bluey,” said Revera, a mom who attended with her husband and child, “So seeing the mascot version just brought a huge smile to his face.”
The Cultural Connection Market gave festival-goers a chance to shop for unique handmade crafts and goods from around the globe, while Food Truck Row served up a mix of international flavors. “I came out to this event to have fun,” said Francis, an adult who came with his family, “It helps that they got good Latino food trucks.”
On the Birthday Stage, local chorus groups and dance teams delivered energetic performances that kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. The celebration reached its peak around 8:30 PM when the whole crowd joined in singing “Happy Birthday,” with Pembroke Pines officials handing out over 1,000 cupcakes.
Moments later, the sky lit up with Pembroke Pines’ first-ever drone show, helping usher in the end of the celebration. Happy 65th Anniversary, Pembroke Pines!
