When the 1920s Came Alive in Miami Springs​

Under the stars and surrounded by history, A Night at the Mansion was nothing short of magical, an evening that transported Miami Springs back to the glamour, elegance, and promise of the 1920s.

Held at the iconic Curtiss Mansion, the Centennial Gala brought together residents, business owners, community leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate 100 years of vision, resilience, and hometown pride.

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An Evening of Elegance & Community

 

Guests arrived immersed in true Roaring Twenties style, gentlemen in sharp tuxedos, some sporting top hats and canes, and ladies elegantly adorned in pearls, feathers, and flapper-inspired gowns that shimmered under the evening lights. At the entrance, a Glenn Curtiss look-alike, portrayed by Tomas Hernandez, greeted attendees alongside Pan Am–inspired flight attendants, paying tribute to the aviation legacy that helped shape Miami Springs.

In the courtyard, Danny Regalado and the Fuego Trio set the mood with smooth, jazzy rhythms, creating the perfect soundtrack for a night filled with celebration and nostalgia.

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Among the distinguished guests were:

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• Natalie Milian Orbis

• Dariel Fernandez

• Dan Espino

• Gloria Oliveros from the Office of Mario Díaz-Balart 

 

As guests took their seats, they received a beautifully curated Centennial program featuring historic photos, stories from Miami Springs’ past, and heartfelt acknowledgments of the sponsors who made the evening possible.

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Honoring Our Leadership & Centennial Team

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The program opened with Alex Van Mezl, an advocate for historic preservation and the evening’s host, who guided guests through the remarkable story of Miami Springs.

Mayor Walter Fajet reflected on the city’s founding in the 1920s, its strength through generations, and the pride that continues to define our community today, reminding everyone:

“We are here today because of a vision.”

City Council members were recognized, including Vice Mayor Joseph Dion, Councilmen Orlando Lamas and Fabian Perez-Crespo, and Councilman and Centennial Liaison Jorge Santin.

Santin thanked each member of the Centennial Committee for their dedication:

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• Chair Sherry Feijoo

• Noelbys Gonzalez

• Michael Gavila

• Jaime Petralanda

• Ivonne Yee

 

He also recognized Carmen Algeciras Vadia, whose behind-the-scenes work helped secure the donations that made the evening possible.

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As Centennial Liaison, Jorge Santin has taken the reins with heart and determination, encouraging collaboration and helping drive this milestone forward with unity and pride.

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Chair Sherry Feijoo, Sherry Feijoo reflected on what a truly beautiful evening it was, gathered in the historic mansion where it all began. She emphasized that the night was the result of true teamwork and collaboration. She offered a special and heartfelt thank you to Javier Diaz, acknowledging that the event would not have been possible without his dedication, leadership, and countless hours of hard work in bringing the gala to life.

 

On behalf of the committee, Noelbys Gonzalez shared an inspiring promise:

“This is just the start. We have many events planned throughout the year.”

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Celebrating Our History and looking forward to our Future

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Beloved city historian Ken Wilde captivated the audience with fascinating stories from Miami Springs’ past, including the legendary Arabian Nights nightclub lost during the Great Hurricane of 1926.

Artist Natalie Plasencia followed with a heartfelt presentation about the creation of the Glenn Curtiss and June Bug Memorial, moving the audience to a standing ovation.

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Proclamations were presented by Dan Espino, Natalie Milian Orbis, Dariel Fernandez, and Gloria Oliveros, honoring the Centennial and the legacy of Miami Springs.

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A Culinary Experience to Remember

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Guests were treated to an exceptional seated dinner featuring perfectly prepared prime rib and tender fingerling potatoes, accompanied by an unforgettable house sauce that had guests whispering from table to table:

 

“This is amazing.”

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The meal, generously provided by Ricky Meats and Dade County Foods, was more than dinner, it was an experience thoughtfully curated and flawlessly executed under the leadership of Event Director Javier Diaz, together with the teams at Event Outfitters and Dade County Foods.

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The tables themselves were a vision of elegance. Each setting reflected the sophistication of the 1920s theme. Crisp linens, refined place settings, soft candlelight, and carefully arranged décor transformed the courtyard into a grand estate soirée. Every detail, from presentation to service, worked in harmony, showcasing the coordination and dedication of Javier Diaz and his team in bringing the evening’s atmosphere to life.

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Dessert was equally unforgettable as Elizabeth Santin of Twice as Sweet unveiled a stunning display of handcrafted sweets, artfully presented, delicately arranged, and joyfully shared. Guests lingered around the dessert table, savoring each bite and closing the evening on a perfectly sweet note.

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Dancing Into the Next Century

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The celebration continued indoors as DJ Ralph filled the mansion with music and energy. Guests danced beneath the historic ceilings until midnight, closing the evening with laughter, gratitude, and unforgettable memories.

“This was incredible,” shared Milly Perez-Crespo, President of the Miami Springs Woman’s Club.
“This is on another level for Miami Springs.”

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Supporting the Future

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All proceeds from A Night at the Mansion will benefit the Glenn Curtiss and June Bug Memorial and support upcoming Centennial events throughout the year.

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Special thanks to Javier Diaz, Dade County Foods, Event Outfitters, Ricky Meats, Robert Pardo, DJ Ralph, Danny Regalado, Fuego Soul Band, AES Creative Media, Aldo Saavedra, Adriana Fajet, Melissa Dion, Arianna Lamas, Milly Perez-Crespo, Elizabeth Santin, Mimi Pacheco, The Centennial Committee, Jorge Santin, Alex Van Mezl, Carmen Algeciras Vadia and everyone who contributed their time and talent. On this unforgettable night, Miami Springs did more than celebrate 100 years, it honored its past, strengthened its present, and stepped boldly into its next century.

 

The Centennial continues. Stay tuned for upcoming events.