Saturday (5-23-15) Ft. Lauderdale shut A1A down north of Las Olas Blvd. from 10am to 8:30pm to put on their Great American Beach Party complete with live bands, kids zone, car show, beach games and most importantly, tributes to our US Armed Forces.

 

The main sound stage was set up on A1A in front of the Elbow Room.

The main sound stage was set up on A1A in front of the Elbow Room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Classic Car Show included lots of Hot Rods from the muscle care era I grew up in. Seeing “antique” plates on cars I rode in with friends during my teens made me feel too adult. My favorite sign on one street racer said, “Objects in rearview mirror are losing!”

 

 

Both sides of A1A were packed with cool cars from the past.

Both sides of A1A were packed with cool cars from the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen conned an owner into a personal encounter with his antique work of art.

 

 

Karen muggs for the camera to make two classic beauties.

Karen muggs for the camera to make two classic beauties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A U.S. Military Parachute Team made their descent from high above the Atlantic Ocean, while Ft. Lauderdale Police and Fire boats hovered anxiously off shore. One military RIB helped patrol the area. It was unmarked, leading me to believe it was Special Forces.

 

 

Five skydivers circle above us at water's edge.

Skydivers circled above us at water’s edge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the parachutists nailed their landing mark in a cordoned off area next to us on the beach.

 

 

A perfect landing with Old Glory.

A perfect landing with Old Glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No beach celebration would be complete without pictures to prove you were there. Karen particularly liked the “OBEY” cap this young man wore following around these lovelies while repeatedly trying to get just the right picture to suit them.

 

 

The power of pretty women rests on this young man.

The power of pretty women rests on this young man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best “Ink On The Beach Award” had to go to this woman who got her body art in Spain.

 

 

The colors and detail in this body art made for an awesome ink job!

The colors and detail in these tattoos made for an awesome ink job!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The featured live band was an updated version of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. I last saw the T-Birds perform in the Cotton Bowl. I was fresh out of college and they opened for the Rolling Stones. I’m pleased to report that lead singer Kim Wilson can still belt out a mean blues tune and his harmonica chops are as powerful as ever.

 

 

The Fabulous Thunderbirds were a huge hit in the Florida sun.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds were a huge hit in the Florida sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!” from Jeff and Karen on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. Don’t forget that this holiday is about our military heroes and be safe out there while you celebrate in their honor.

 

 

An early Memorial Day celebration on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale.

An early Memorial Day celebration on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale.