The country’s largest FREE one-day event for people with disabilities – both visible and invisible – returns to Boca Raton on February 20 after a pandemic-related hiatus
Boca Raton, Florida – The 14the Annual Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities – the nation’s largest free one-day event for people with disabilities, both visible and invisible – will welcome its audience once again for an in-person event at Spanish River Park. Presented by the American Disabilities Foundation, the event has grown into an inclusive Spring Break event, drawing people from across the country.
The 14the The annual Disabled Boating and Beach Party will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Spanish River Park, 3001 North Ocean Blvd. (A1A), Boca Raton, Florida 33431.
“We couldn’t be happier that our flagship event returns to Spanish River Park,” said Liz Schmidt, Executive Director of the American Disabilities Foundation (ADF). “In 2021, we answered calls for an event with a sure ‘Beep Beep Bash’, but we were hoping we could get back to where the magic really happens.”
Schmidt was installed in March 2021, following the death in July 2020 of founding executive director Jay Van Vechten. Dr Christopher Noe has also been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADF.
Organizers are looking for local sponsorships, suppliers, exhibitors, entertainment and boat captains. After a two-year hiatus, the organizing committee is working to reestablish relationships and welcome new organizations to participate.
“This is a ‘feel good’ event that is expected to accommodate at least 2,000 to 3,000 people at Spanish River Park,” Schmidt said. “Although it’s outside, we’ll be offering free masks at the entrances and planning a smaller, safer footprint for 2022. Eventually, as conditions improve, we hope to accommodate our larger audience.”
Designed as a spring break for all people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, the Bash has welcomed guests from as far away as California and Rome, Italy. It is the only event of its kind, offering free and scheduled boat rides, special beach and ocean access with Mobi Mats, a children’s entertainment area, therapy workshops led by qualified specialists, wheelchair yoga, music, costume dances, therapeutic ponies. and dogs, a barbecue lunch and more. Everything is free and adapted to the particular needs of customers.
About the Boating & Beach Bash for people with disabilities:
The Bash was launched in 2009 as an event hosted by the Boca Raton City Disability Advisory Council. The City handed over the Bash in 2011 to the management of the late CEO Jay Van Vechten and his wife, Lowell. Since then, thanks to community support and donations, the couple and the Bash planning committee have pushed the event’s growth beyond the wildest expectations. Welcoming over 5,000 guests in 2018, the Bash has grown into the largest free and fully disabled-friendly event in the country with a full program of entertainment, recreation, boat rides, beach access, vendors , exhibitions, workshops and catering in the country. . It has also become a Spring Break destination event in South Florida, drawing families from as far away as California and New York City. Learn more at www.boatingbeachbash.com
IF YOU ARE GOING TO:
- 14e Annual boating and Beach Bash for the disabled
- Spanish River Park, 3001 North Ocean Blvd. (A1A), Boca Raton, Florida 33431
www.BoatingBeachBash.com; 561-715-2622
The 14the The annual Disabled Boating and Beach Party, which is free, is the country’s largest festival for people with special needs – visible and invisible – their family members and caregivers. The festivities include boat rides, beach access, sporting events, petting ponies, costumed action heroes, wheelchair yoga, a Kids Fun Zone, food, music and more. dancing evenings.
0341: A costumed princess poses with a guest at the 2021 Beep Beep Bash, a driving version of the Bash, complete with pandemic safety amenities.
712A1157, DSC_3257: Guests enjoying the boats and the beach at the annual Disabled Boating and Beach Party.
