The celebration of America’s Independence Day has never been small, subdued or quiet in Miami Springs.

    The annual Miami Springs Fourth of July Parade, featuring a procession of floats, decorated vehicles and performers helped celebrate the 237th birthday of our nation.

    It was part of a busy two days in Miami Springs that also included many events at the golf course, including the Baby Contest followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The festivities began the night of July 3 with a Classic Car and Truck Show featuring well over 300 classic cars and trucks from the past set up around the Circle.

    There was no shortage of beautiful babies at the Baby Contest at the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club in the Dynasty Room. The event was set up for babies up to the age of 24 months. Registration began immediately following the parade.

    The annual Baby Contest is a fun event for the whole family. It’s a way for parents to share their child’s unique personality.

    Contestants lined up to be assessed by judges Iris Ortega, former councilwoman Grace Bain and Marcia Galan. Some were yawning, some smiling and some crying, but none seemed to be a bit concerned about the competition.

    Proud moms, dads and grandparents filling the room seemed a bit more anxious than the contestants as they changed their diapers, washed little faces and fussed with hair.

    The babies paraded in front of the judges by giving big smiles, cries, standing still, or sleeping for such categories as Biggest Eyes, Most Hair, Least Hair, Best Personality, and Most Patriotic Outfit.

    Twins Jack Wilson-Cochran and Emma Wilson-Cochran won awards in different categories, with Jack named biggest eyes and Emma named best personality.

    The contestants were so relaxed that by the end of the judging many needed a dry diaper or a full bottle.
Awards were presented to:

    In the birth to 6 months category:  Biggest Eyes, Katie Paige Aurora Rowitz; Most Hair, Isla Cali; Least Hair, Katie Paige Aurora Rowitz.

    In the 7-12 months category: Biggest Eyes, Belen Garcia-Estrada; Most Hair, Madison Howren; Best Personality, Madison Howren. 

    In the 13-18 months category: Biggest Eyes, Reef Cali; Biggest Smile, Jayda Jagessar; Best Personality, Jayda Jagessar.

    In the 19-24 months: Best Personality, Zephia Jolie Arguelles

    Most Patriotic Outfit: 1st Place, Amalia Moreira; 2nd Place, Jayda Jagessar; 3rd Place, Zara Deltoro.

    Angie Wilson was in attendance with her twins, Jack Wilson-Cochran and Emma Wilson-Cochran, 10 months.

    “We’ve got twins! I grew up here. And it’s the greatest baby pageant ever. They get to come back next year!”

    Kaitlyn Buckner was in attendance with her daughter, Amalia Moreira, 5 months.

    “It was so fun. Incredible to be here! I’m so happy she won 1st Place in Most Patriotic and 3rd Place in Least Amount of Hair. I had a fantastic time.”

•••••

    In the evening, the neighborhood filled with smoke from countless launchings of rockets. Children with lit sparklers in hand and playing tag in the dark.

    Whistles and booms heard as streams of fireworks decorate the night sky as people on lawn chairs gathered to watch a spectacular fireworks show at the Miami Springs Golf Course.

    One family in particular, the Bray family, annually gathers in front of Ann Click’s house on Deer Run with friends to watch the fireworks being lit. This year Tony Bray, age 12, played “Amazing Grace” on alto saxophone and the national anthem to begin the fireworks display.

    “This was the first time I played for the Fourth,” said Bray. “I thought it was important to play the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and my dad wanted ‘Amazing Grace.’ They all said I did a good job.”