Father’s Day Celebration in Immokalee

By Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — Members of the Immokalee Seminole community gathered at the Gym on the evening of May 13 in celebration of Father’s Day. The threat of an impending rain storm did nothing to dampen the spirits of the partygoers who turned out in record numbers to pay tribute to their fathers and uncles.

The facilities had been transformed with a masculine flair using camouflage tablecloths, canvas chair covers with hunter green accents and floral centerpieces, which incorporated sunflowers with woodland greenery. Alligators, fishing and hunting trophies decorated the walls.

Raffle tickets were distributed among the male members of each family group, who eventually received an opportunity to draw a number for the numerous gifts on display. The items to be awarded included fishing gear and barbeque equipment. A mountain of black party bags concealed entertainment products, men’s cologne, magazines, clothing and gag gifts which brought hoots from the audience.

With the dimming of the lights, everyone rushed to take their seats in anticipation of the photo presentation which had been assembled from community contributions. Beginning with reproductions from the Tribal Archives, the viewers had an opportunity to share a few minutes with their ancestors and founding fathers in the distant past.

Slowly delivering the audience into more recent history, the younger generation got a glimpse of their fathers and grandfathers during childhood and their young adult escapades. The background music, “It’s a Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr. and “I’m Not as Good as I Once Was” by Toby Keith brought a chuckle from the crowd. Suspense preceded each ensuing photo followed by rounds of awe and applause.

The room rocked with laughter while men cringed, as they heard some of the following remarks from their offspring “Dad, you used to be so skinny!” “Where did you get that old jalopy?” “I didn’t know that you used to be handsome.” Although these were classic statements, nothing could compete with one young lady’s mistake. “Dad, I didn’t know you were married before” followed by her mothers shout, “That’s me 20 years and four children ago!”

Several past family portraits filled the screen, reminding the participants that this was a golden opportunity for an updated version to include their extended families, grandchildren and even a few great- grandchildren.

Following the blessing, a delicious catered buffet was provided by Sonny’s BBQ featuring ribs, pork and chicken with ample side dishes. Dessert included a Father’s Day cake sporting a fisherman with his trophies and two huge pans of banana pudding.

Because of a previous engagement, President Richard Bowers was unable to attend the festivities.

However, he wished to convey the following sentiments, “We recognize many holidays throughout the year, but among the most important are those in which we pay tribute to our ancestors, both past and present. They represent our roots and from them we draw our strength, determination and self reliance which enables us to shape our future. It is from their humble beginnings that we have achieved our current success and we must never forget them.”

Co-sponsored by Immokalee Council Liaison Elaine Aguilar and the Chairman’s Office, the event was coordinated by Tracy DeLaRosa, Vanessa Aguilar, Cecilia Pequeno and Juanita Martinez with the assistance of the Recreation Department. Youth Ranch Director Kenny Joe Davis and his assistant Gabriel Acosta provided music, announcer and technical support.