The Flagler Beach Pier is one of the area’s most iconic locations, the setting for prom, engagement or wedding photos. Campaigning politicians make sure at least one photo includes the wooden pier and standout A-Frame entryway. It’s also been the home of the annual Cheer at the Pier celebration, started several years ago as a fundraiser for the Flagler Beach Historical Museum.
Set to undergo an extreme makeover of it’s own, the pier will be the site of the 2022 Cheer at the Pier on April 9, 2022. Museum director Kathy Wilcox made her pitch to area restaurants on Monday during the Flagler Beach Business Bureau (FB3) meeting, to gauge interest and ability to participate.
Stepping forward as the first in support, FB3 vice president Scott Fox, co-owner of Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar, offered up his support and that of several restaurants to help ensure the event could take place. Other restauranteurs in attendance quickly pledged their support, in spite of challenges hitting the hospitality industry such as rising costs and staffing shortages, to help the museum.
“We received approval to have our annual Cheer at the Pier on Saturday, April 9th from 2-5 pm. This is the first time in two years that we’ve been able to have it because of COVID. Unfortunately next year due to pier construction we’re not going to be able to have it at the pier, but we’ll figure that out,” shared Wilcox.
“I wanted to make sure that I had the support of the local restaurants because I do know that it’s a burden. It’s a hardship especially right now with a lack of staffing and high food costs, so I’m very, very pleased with the response that I got,” she said.
The food and beverage tasting social is well-attended for because of the signature samples and unique venue, and the entire event takes place on the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier.
“They block off the pier strictly for the event and we have tents set up with all the local restaurants. They come out and provide samples of their signature dishes, beverages and desserts. While it is a fundraiser for the museum because we are a 501©3, one of the main purposes is to encourage out of county attendees,” said Wilcox.
“It’s very exciting because we haven’t had (Cheer at the Pier) since 2019 and think it’s going to be great for the community. It’s what the community needs, to get out and about, and support our local restaurants.”
For more information, visit www.flaglerbeachmuseum.org.
