Fort Lauderdale Information

While it is true that you will not normally find snowflakes and icicles in Fort Lauderdale, the city does celebrate the seasons in its own unique way. Throughout the year, the area hosts a number of different ethnic events, which celebrate the rich history of South Florida. In fact, you might want to plan your vacation around some of Fort Lauderdale's special commemorations.

In January, the city is filled with tributes to slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. King's legacy is celebrated at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Broward County Library, and in Hollywood and Coral Springs. January also brings the Dania Beach Antique Show on Main Street in Dania Beach. In February, there is a round of Black History celebrations at the Broward County Library, in Coral Springs, Hollywood, and Lauderhill. There is also a Seminole Tribal Festival and Pow-Wow in Hollywood, the Sistrunk Historical Festival, and Parade in Fort Lauderdale and the Tiger Trail Festival in Pompano Beach. March brings the African-American Achievers Award Ceremony, the NAACP Black Tie Affair, Omega PSI Phi Mardi Gras, and Reggae Soca Music Awards.

April marks the Hispanic Fest and the Kuumba Festival in Hollywood and the Caribbean American Festival in Lauderhill. In May, there is the Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium. June is famous for the Kappa Alpha Psi Black & White Ball in Fort Lauderdale and the Omega PSI Phi Sweetheart Ball. In July, families of all nationalities gather for an Independence Day celebration at Fort Lauderdale Beach. August brings the Latin Fest at Hollywood Beach and the Jamaica Grand Independence Ball in Miramar. In October, Puerto Ricans gather for a parade and soccer festival in Miramar. That same month marks the Uni Fest Caribbean festival in Lauderdale Lakes, and December caps off the year with a Kwanzaa celebration at the Broward County Library.

Thus, no matter what time of the year you visit Fort Lauderdale, you will find plenty of ethnic events to keep you entertained and informed, about your own ethnic heritage and that of others as well. In fact, Fort Lauderdale's greatest natural resource is probably its people, who exhibit an originality and dedication that make the city such a fine place to visit.

More Fun Stuff in Fort Lauderdale

Swimming with Friends - You have probably seen it on TV or at an aquatic show, but how would you like to have an opportunity to swim with dolphins? This activity can be enjoyed by the entire family and something they will remember forever.

Just imagine being a part of this exciting experience. Fort Lauderdale provides several different choices and no matter which one you choose, this is a dream come true. The first option is with Keys Adventure Tours. On this tour, you will swim with loving dolphins that are intelligent and very gentle. The water is inviting and the hand-on experience invigorating. The kids will especially be impressed with how gentle the dolphins are. Dolphins are very docile and they love people, but best of all, they do not bite. Another choice is The Florida Keys Marine Mammal programs where you can choose from four different options. First, you can start out with a beginner's package, where you will learn everything you need to know. The second option is a two-day workshop where you will swim with dolphins and more. For this workshop, you will have the added bonus of enjoying sea lions, stingrays, tropical fish, and exotic birds. Next, the three-day marine workshop is geared toward individuals who not only want to learn more about dolphins, but also want more swim time with them. Finally, you can go with a four-day marine science workshop that focuses on dolphins in both an ocean environment and those in a trained environment.

Any one of these programs will allow you to swim with the dolphins and take home unbeatable memories. The only stipulations to these programs are that children must be a minimum of eight years old, the programs are not recommended for pregnant woman, and you must be able to communicate in the English language. Each option is available seven days a week, 365 days a year.

This type of activity is one that most people only see on television or in their dreams. Although the prices are somewhat costly, you should keep in mind that this is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity. Just imagine taking pictures home showing you swimming with dolphins. Your friends and family will be in awe and what a great Show and Tell for the kids. Fort Lauderdale has many other companies that offer dolphin swimming so check around for the one that offers pricing within your budget. This expense is well worth the investment - you will not be sorry!