The V Centennial Celebration of the Discovery of Florida by Juan Ponce de León in Melbourne Beach, FL “The First Landing”
The V Centennial Celebration of the Discovery of Florida by Juan Ponce de León in Melbourne Beach, FL “The First Landing”
In celebration of Juan Ponce de León’s arrival on Florida’s shores 500 years ago, the U.T.B. United Third Bridge, Inc. and The Florida Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has organized an array of events taking place on and around April 2, the anniversary date of Ponce de León’s landing. Events include the re-enactment landing, royal mass, unveiling of the Juan Ponce de León statue and Tall Ship Exhibition. The day will also feature historian, academic, and Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of History, Dr. Michael V. Gannon.
Below outlines the schedule of events. For more information, visit http://utbunitedthirdbridge.com/pdleon-schedule.php.
| Opening / Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | 3/28/2013 | 1 p.m. |
| Banquet Dinner | 3/30/2013 | 6 p.m. |
| United States Marine Corps Honor Guard | 4/2/2013 | |
| Mass at Immaculate Conception Church conducted by Father Joseph A. Nolan and Bishop John Noonan | 4/2/2013 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Re-enactment of the Landing at Ponce de Leon Landing Park in Melbourne Beach, "The First Landing" | 4/2/2013 | 2:15 p.m. |
| USMC Flyover | 4/2/2013 | 3:00 p.m. |
| United States Navy 21 Gun Salute | 4/2/2013 | 3:15 p.m. |
| Key to the City and Signing Ceremony | 4/2/2013 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Tall Ship Exhibition | 3/28/2013- 4/7/2013 | All day event |
| Unveiling of the Don Juan Ponce de Leon Statue at Ponce de Leon Landing Park in Melbourne Beach, "The First Landing" | 4/2/2013 | 2:50 p.m. |
| Cultural / Art Events | 4/5-7/2013 | 12-6 p.m. |
| Festival Celebration | 4/5-7/2013 | 12-6 p.m. |
| Exhibition of Central Florida Schools | 4/3-7/2013 | |
| Don Juan Ponce de Leon International Parade | 4/7/2013 | 2 p.m. |
| Closing Ceremony | 4/7/2013 | 6 p.m. |