Wellington officials joined thousands of residents on Friday, Jan. 2 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the village’s incorporation. The event commemorated Wellington’s past and future, as many look to continue its growth and prosperity.
To mark the milestone anniversary, village workers organized a large, free event at Wellington’s Town Center where community members could celebrate the area that has grown into a flourishing community.
“What started as a small, thoughtfully planned community has grown into one of Florida’s most desirable places to live,” Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind said. “Through all that growth, one thing has never changed: Wellington has remained a great hometown.”
Attendees enjoyed carnival rides, games and pop-up shops. Local bands also provided live music at the Wellington Amphitheater. Singer Billy Joel, who owns property in the village, even gave a surprise performance.
“This celebration belongs to all of you who are here tonight,” Councilwoman Maria Antuña said. “It belongs to those who believed in Wellington from the very beginning — to the volunteers, leaders, educators and public servants who have given their time and heart to every resident who calls this place home.”
Back in the 1950s, wealthy accountant and investor Charles Oliver Wellington purchased several parcels of land that would later turn into the Village of Wellington. Until the 1970s, the land was used mostly for farming. Eventually, part of the land was sold for development, and a new residential community called Wellington grew steadily during the 1980s and early 1990s.
“Our community was built on champions who have said Wellington can be the premier community to raise a family,” Councilman John McGovern said. “That is what we are through and through today.”
Originally part of unincorporated Palm Beach County, Wellington residents began seeking more say over their future.
In 1995, residents voted to incorporate as the Village of Wellington, which became official on Dec. 31, 1995.
READ THE SOUVENIR COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE CELEBRATING WELLINGTON’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
“Thirty years ago, this community made a defining choice to incorporate, to take control of its own future and to build a village that reflected the values of the people who live here,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said. “Over the past three decades, Wellington has grown not just in size, but in character.”
Wellington’s council spoke on stage at the amphitheater at the start of the event to highlight how much the village has grown and committed itself to continuing that success.
“If we continue to work together, support one another and invest in the next generation, there is no limit to what Wellington can achieve,” Antuña said. “So, the future of our great hometown is bright. It is standing right here in front of us.”
The council also invited some of its former leaders to join them on stage and thank them for helping build Wellington to where it is today. The village’s first mayor, Kathy Foster, was honored on stage, as well U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a former mayor of West Palm Beach.
State Rep. Anne Gerwig, also a former mayor of Wellington, praised the village for all it has done.
“I want to say thank you to Wellington because it was the absolute best place to raise a family, to start a business, to learn how to serve in public service, and it was the best opportunity for my family and me,” Gerwig said. “Everything that I’ve done is nothing compared to what I’ve received from this community.”
After a full evening of entertainment, organizers closed the event with a fireworks display over Lake Wellington. The council stressed that it would start the new year with a continued devotion to serving the village and the community.
“We all know that we have the absolute best parks, programs and amenities, but without all of you, none of this would be possible,” Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri said. “This community is great because of the residents who call it home.”
