The 13th annual Boating & Beach Bash returns to Boca Raton, sadly, without its longtime leader. But the beloved event for individuals with disabilities is moving forward amid the new normal with an updated name and fresh location.
“So much has changed since our last Bash in March 2020, when we were fortunate enough to have our outdoor festival before the quarantine measures were enacted,” says Liz Schmidt, managing director of the American Disabilities Foundation. Schmidt took over in that role after founding executive director Jay Van Vechten died in July 2020.
The new-look free event is slated for May 1 at Countess de Hoernle Park. To follow social distancing guidelines and ensure all participants remain protected, attendees will enjoy the entertainment from the safety of their vehicles while being required to wear masks—thus, the event’s new name: the Beep Beep Bash.
While the entertainment portion of the event will vary from previous years, gifts and fun will be provided with the goal of honoring each attendee and their families. Since 2009, the event has hosted thousands of yearly participants to provide an afternoon that celebrates South Florida residents facing physical or mental challenges.
“We have so many returning guests who look forward to the event that is specially designed for them that we felt compelled to bring it back in some form,” Schmidt says. “For 2021, we will present the ‘Beep Beep Bash’ with hopeful plans to return to our previous format in 2022.”
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021
Where: Countess de Hoernle Park (Spanish River Athletic Complex), 1000 Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431
For more information, call 561-715-2622 or email info@boatingbeachbash.com.
