Under a bright, hot sun around 6 P.M. Saturday March 29, 2008 with a crowd of nearly 1,000, the grand opening ceremony of the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in West Boca Raton was conducted by Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson. (Shown in photo with Sheri Scarborough, President of the West Boca Community Council, Aaronson, Robert Schulbaum, President of the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations and Barbara Katz, President of Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations.)

The invocation was given by Paul Murray, Deacon, Saint John the Evangelist Church. Presentation of colors was made by Honor Guard and Aviation Unit of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Student Michael Dobrin led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by students Shannon Martin, Meridith Mox, Michael Natoli and Matthew Vo Pelt.

Among the speakers were State Representive Richard Machek, Tom Kruse, West Boca Chamber of Commerce,
Dennis Eshleman, (left) Director, Parks and Recreation Department and Troy McLellan, President of Boca Raton chamber of Commerce. Machek praised Aaronson and Eshleman for their efforts to bring this new West Boca public facility to completion.

In his closing remarks Commissioner Aaronson said: "This is your facility--for all the families throughout the county. We hope you will use it for the enjoyment of you and your children for many generations to come." The ribbon cutting ceremony then followed (photo above), and the entertainment began, provided by Spanish River H. S. Symphonic band under the direction of Craig White, the Olympic Heights H. S. Soundsation under direction of Brad Lister. The West Boca Raton H. S. Choral Group, directed by Jason Locker was the final entertainment group of the evening. A sensational fireworks display lit the night sky at the conclusion of the evening.

Future programs include: April 11 Movie Night, 9 PM. Sound of Music.
April 22 Boca Raton High School will perform an evening of music. 7-9 PM.
April 25 Movie Night 9 PM Eddie Murphy as Dr. Doolittle.

The 9,930 square foot amphitheater has a 1,700 square foot stage with rear screen projection capability; a state of the art sound and light system, four dressing rooms with private attached restrooms and a production office, all air conditioned.

The outdoor grass festival seating area will seat up to 3,000 spectators (bring your own chairs or blankets.) There is a covered vending area where grilling and cooking takes place with an electric hook-up and potable water. Additional facilities for the public adjacent to the amphitheater is a large group picnic pavilion, restroom building, single table picnic shelters and ample parking.

It is a facility that will truly be enjoyed by adults and children for generations.

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