Welcome to a very special celebration at the historic Nike Missile Site HM-69, nestled in the heart of Everglades National Park. Today, we gather not only to honor the rich history of this site, but to bring together our community together for a day of remembrance, fun, and camaraderie. The Nike Missile Site has played a pivotal role in the stories of many—veterans who served during the Cold War, the Pedro Pan children who sought refuge in America, and countless others whose lives have been touched by its unique legacy. In celebration of this place and its history, we’re excited to offer a dynamic lineup of events, including thrilling K-9 demonstrations, a spectacular auto show, an exposition featuring a range of organizations, live music, and delicious food trucks to enjoy throughout the day. Whether you’re here to reflect on the past or simply to have fun, today is a reminder of how history, community, and shared experiences shape our present and future.
Event Schedule: January 18, 2025
10:00 AM Gates Open
10:30 AM
Welcome Tent - Opening Ceremony
11:00 AM
Ranger-Led Nike Site Tour - starting from welcome tent
Auto Show- Voting begins
Food Services open
Expo Launch Pad open
12:00 PM
Music Tent - 13th Army Band
Missile Assemble Building - water rocket family activity (12:00-4:00 drop-in)
Ranger-Led Nike Site Tour - starting from welcome tent
1:00 PM
K-9 Demonstrations - next to the kennels
Ranger-Led Nike Site Tour - starting from welcome tent
1:30 PM
Barn B - Dr. Anthony Atwoods Presentation
2:00 PM
Music Tent - FM Band
K-9 Demonstrations
Ranger-Led Nike Site Tour - starting from welcome tent
3:00 PM
Ranger-Led Nike Site Tour - starting from welcome tent
4:00 PM
Auto Show- Award Ceremony
Ranger-Led Nike Site Tour - starting from welcome tent
5:00 PM
Nike Site closes
6:00 PM
Dr. Anthony Atwood at Long Pine Key Campground Amphitheatre
The stories of the soldiers of the site often involved their cars. With straight roads and mechanic shops available, the young soldiers were known for their drag races.
The Antique Automotive Club of America, South Florida Region has been invited to showcase the muscle cars of the cold war era.
Paying homage to this history, you can peruse through the historic vehicles showcased and vote for your favorite.
If you own a 50's to 70's model car and would like to participate, register your vehicle for the event by filling out this registration form.
In the middle of the Everglades, soldiers of HM-69 formed bands, entertaining themselves and colleagues.
At the Barn B launchpad, enjoy delicious favorites from food trucks under a large, framed tent while listening to tribute bands performing hits from the '50s to the '70s.
Additionally, merchandise from the Nike missile site will be available at the Florida National Park's Association tent. Feel free to purchase items and create your own tie-dye!
What is on the MENU:
Hamburgers
Hot Dogs
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Veggie Burgers
Chips
Soda
Water
Photo: 13th Army Band
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at Barn B:
13TH ARMY BAND
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM at Barn B:
Dr. Anthony Atwood
Presenting a short 30 minute presentation about Cold War era history.
Photo: FM Band
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Barn B:
FMBAND
The Nike Missile Site and the Cold War carries various meanings and significance that impact our culture today.
At Barn C, on the launchpad, diverse organizations that relate to the story of the Nike Missile Site and the Cold War will be a part of the exposition.
The Nike missiles were shipped in pieces. The containers were unloaded at the Missile Assembly Building where they were put together.
Drop by the Missile Aseembly Building to learn how rocket engines work, construct your very own water rocket, and watch it launch into the sky.
From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Dogs have played many formal roles throughout their history among people. The security of site HM-69 involved the use of sentry dogs that patroled the outer parameter of the site.
As a tribute to the site's sentry dogs, drop by the enclosure area next to the historic kennels to see the Miami-Dade and Homestead Police Department K-9 units demonstrate their abilities.
Nike Site Festival map
The Nike Missile Site closes at 5:00 PM, but don't worry...
... At 6:00 PM the festivities will continue with Dr. Anthony Atwood at the Long Pine Key Campground amphitheater for an hour long presentation.
Anthony D. Atwood, Ph.D. is the Resident Military Historian of the FIU National Security Program. He is concurrently the founding Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Military Museum. The Museum is located on the grounds of Zoo Miami, once a vast military base. The Museum building itself was JM-WAVE, CIA Headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the site of a Hawk Missile Battery. He is a native Floridian and a retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer 3. His first book State of War: A History of WWII in Florida will be published by the University of Florida Press in May 2025.
