On Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the American Red Cross and other community agencies will tell the story of the two dozen concrete houses built for residents of Islamorada after the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, as we begin to commemorate the 75th anniversary of that storm. At the Islamorada street fair and sidewalk art show, we’ll meet survivors of the storm, and we’ll learn new tips for preparing for storms today, as we note the community’s unprecedented recovery and rebuilding, including the construction of “hurricane-proof” Red Cross houses, near the Hurricane Memorial, at mile marker 81.

There will be exhibits by community safety agencies such as Islamorada Fire Department, Monroe County sheriff’s department, emergency management, National Weather Service, Mosquito Control, South Florida Water Management, Florida Keys Aqueduct, Department of Environment Protection, Matecumbe Historic Trust, United Way and the bloodmobile. The Red Cross houses are built of concrete, with cisterns, with 12-inch thick walls, and provide an example of a safe construction style, and some of the exhibitors will provide additional information about these details.

There will be fun for the family, with children’s activities such as face painting provided by students from Island Christian School and Coral Shores High School. Food vendors such as Tasters Grille and area restaurants will be available. Local artists, such as David DeHaas, Jamie Daggett and David Denick will tell the story of the Red Cross houses through their art, and will have art for sale.

Bicycle tours will be scheduled throughout the day to take visitors through the neighborhood of the Hurricane Memorial, to see more of the two dozen Red Cross houses, and to learn more about the Labor Day hurricane.

The Red Cross has been on the scene helping our community through every disaster, for 93 years. From building houses in Islamorada, to today. Learn more at the Islamorada Street Fair and Sidewalk Art Show.