Schroeder-Manatee Ranch celebrates Lakewood Ranch turning 20

In 1995, the first home was occupied in Lakewood Ranch, which looked more like farmland than the bustling community it has become.

Fast-forward to 2015, and Ranch residents can dine, grocery shop, pump gas and go to the bank without leaving the Ranch.

"Most people who are familiar with Lakewood Ranch look back 20 years and remember when it was just pastures out here," said Rachel Gray, events, promotions and website coordinator for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developer of Lakewood Ranch. "Today, it's much more than a residential area."

To celebrate Lakewood Ranch's 20th birthday, SMR is hosting a bash Oct. 23 for its 8,500-acre community.

"This is SMR's way of celebrating Lakewood Ranch," Gray said.

The event will offer a children's play area, complete with inflatable slides and other activities, as well as food trucks that serve up favorites such as barbecue, seafood, Brazilian food and Cajun food. Live entertainment will be offered along with beer vendors.

The celebration will feature a 15-minute firework show by Zambelli Fireworks, Gray said. The show will be a computer-choreographed routine to Top 40 songs.

"There will be thousands and thousands of shells and fireworks," said Mike Simmons, of Zambelli Fireworks.

In traditional SMR-style, the event will benefit a local organization. Although the birthday bash is free to attend, Gray said organizers strongly encourage attendees to bring canned goods to benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

Proceeds from beer sales will also benefit the group.

Gray hopes the event will draw more than 5,000 attendees.

To ramp up support for the event, Lakewood Ranch's Facebook page has daily trivia questions, such as, "What family has owned the Lakewood Ranch property since the 1920s?" The first 10 individuals who answer 10 questions correctly will receive prizes at the event. 

"We want everyone to come out and enjoy what we have to offer in Lakewood Ranch," Gray said. "We like community events to give people a family-friendly place to go, enjoy their evening and wind down from the week."

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].