Family Fun at the Dolphin Days Tournament Party

As last Thursday was the last day of school for many area students including my son, Nathaniel, I was excited to celebrate the end of the school year and spend time together with him that evening; the Kiwanis Club of Homestead’s 2024 Tournament Captains Party made it even more amazing! Held at the Homestead-Miami Speedway Champions Club, the family-friendly event had all the bases covered: video games, kids gifts, a pool table, live band, raffles, silent auction, buffet, and bar. Nathaniel was wowed, and I was oh so happy – at 11 years old, he's at the age of becoming more difficult to impress, so food always helps; this however was more than either of us imagined.

After taking a spin around the Champions Club, past the different fishers in their pastel blue, long sleeved, Dolphin Days gear, and past the band rocking out, we headed to the bar to get him a Sprite. With two cherries included at his request (fancy, ain't it), he headed off to the pool table to play against a boy there. Watching Nathaniel play, it became quickly evident that this was his first time doing so. Daddy to the rescue! Showing him how to hold the stick, I looked on as my son and his young opponent hit their respective balls - stripes for Nathaniel, solids for his competitor. Before I knew it, the game was up as all solid-colored balls were in, and my son got suddenly hungry.

Walking away and towards the food, I technically explained that he actually won, because the other boy sunk the eight ball before his solids. Seemingly pleased with this news, Nathaniel and I settled in for the yummies. Barbecue roasted chicken, corn, bread, and roasted potatoes were on the menu, and soon on our plates; now on to a table. We settled one at the other end of the Champions Club, eating happily, and chatting with others sitting there.

Nathaniel’s eyes widened as french fries were added to the buffet, and he was off like a comet for a helping of them accordingly - he ate them just as fast. Hunger abated, he was then gifted with a blue bucket filled with beach gear: swim goggles, a beach towel, and an orange water gun (his favorite takeaway). Now smiling broadly, he went outside and glided through the bleacher seats, aiming his weapon proudly at imaginary foes. I watched him knowing this was all going to be a core memory, not forgotten for either of us, a father and son having an evening out. Sure, more will follow, but he'll get bigger, we'll both get older, and it was bittersweet knowing that this plastic gun slinging child of mine may not make many more appearances like this.

To ensure the experience, he showed me how to take a proper selfie of us there with the Speedway behind us, smiles on full display. On our way out, I was surprised again to learn our earlier table mates were none other than the family of Councilwoman Erica Avila; again further highlighting the family friendly fun and atmosphere of the Captains Party. Riding down the elevator, and walking out to our car, we talked about our favorite parts of the evening, as lightning flashed off in the distant sky – as electrifying and fantastic as our father and son night out. So Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, may you all have an equally awesome day, on your day too!