Weston earns four statewide SUNsational Awards for its Parks and Recreation guide, Earth Day celebration and Hometown 5K

Weston, Florida – The City of Weston is celebrating four statewide honors after several of its community programs and events were recognized at the 2026 SUNsational Awards presented by the Florida Festivals & Events Association.

The awards recognize creative work in festivals, events and community programming across Florida. Weston received honors for its Parks and Recreation guide, its Earth Day celebration and two elements connected to the annual Hometown 5K Run/Walk.

The 2026 SUNsational Awards were presented during FFEA’s 32nd Annual Convention & Expo. More than 200 events submitted entries for consideration in a wide range of categories, including printed materials, photography, promotional items, multimedia marketing, events and programming.

Weston earned four awards across three of its community initiatives, giving the city recognition for both the way it communicates with residents and the way it presents its public events.

The highest honor went to the Weston@Play Parks & Recreation Guide. The Winter/Spring 2026 edition received first place in the Brochure category.

Read also: Fort Lauderdale United suffers heartbreaking late defeat in season opener against Sporting JAX

The guide was created as a resource for Weston residents, bringing together information about programs, activities and special events taking place throughout the city. Rather than simply listing events, the publication is designed to help residents find ways to stay active, explore the community and take part in local activities.

The guide was produced through a joint effort between Weston’s Communications and Parks & Recreation departments. Their collaboration helped bring together the information and presentation needed to create a publication residents can use when planning their schedules.

The city also received second place in the Photo Op category for its annual Earth Day, the Weston Way celebration.

The event brings residents together for a family-friendly day centered on environmental awareness and conservation. It also focuses on practical ways people can help protect the environment and care for the planet.

The recognition highlights the creative side of an event that is also designed to provide an educational and community experience. The photo opportunity gave attendees another way to engage with the celebration and create memories while taking part in Earth Day activities.

Weston’s Hometown 5K Run/Walk earned two additional awards. A photograph from the annual event took third place in the Photo category, while the event’s custom medal received third place in the Promotional Item category.

The Hometown 5K Run/Walk is held as part of Weston’s Hometown Fourth of July festivities. The race brings together runners and walkers of different ages and abilities for an active beginning to the city’s holiday celebrations.

The custom medal was created specifically for the race. It serves as a keepsake for participants who complete the event and provides a lasting reminder of their involvement in one of Weston’s annual Fourth of July traditions.

Read also: AutoNation associates and summer interns donate more than 2,500 school supplies to help Broward County students start strong

Together, the four awards cover several different aspects of community programming. One recognizes a publication, another a photo opportunity, another a photograph and the final award honors a promotional item.

The SUNsational Award entries were reviewed by a panel of professionals with experience in media, printing, website design, photography, promotional marketing and social media. Their work included evaluating submissions from organizations across Florida.

“The SUNsational Awards have recognized and celebrated the incredible work of our members for more than three decades,” said Suzanne Neve, CEO of FFEA. “Each year, we’re inspired by the creativity, passion, and innovation happening in communities across Florida. These awards celebrate the people and organizations that continue to raise the bar, creating experiences that bring communities together and leave a lasting impact.”

For Weston, the recognition also reflects cooperation between different city departments and their partners. The Parks and Recreation department and Communications department were both involved in the work behind the recognized programs and materials.

The city credited the staff and partners involved in developing its publications and events, noting that their creativity and collaboration help make Weston’s community programs and activities successful.

The Florida Festivals & Events Association is a not-for-profit organization that supports and promotes more than 5,500 festivals, events and fairs throughout Florida. Its work includes education, networking, information sharing and promoting high professional standards among those involved in the state’s festivals and events industry.

The four awards give Weston a broad showing in this year’s statewide competition. The recognition also comes from different areas of event production, showing how community programming can be judged not only by the event itself but also by the materials, visuals and promotional elements used to connect with residents.

The Parks and Recreation guide, Earth Day celebration and Hometown 5K all serve different purposes, yet each is designed around community participation. The awards provide statewide recognition for the work that goes into making those experiences accessible and engaging for Weston residents.

City officials congratulated the Parks and Recreation and Communications departments, as well as the partners who contributed to the winning entries.

For Weston, the four SUNsational Awards offer a moment to celebrate the people working behind the scenes on programs that residents see throughout the year. From a seasonal recreation guide to a summer road race and an environmental celebration, the honored projects reflect several of the ways the city connects with its community.

The complete list of 2026 SUNsational Award winners is available through the Florida Festivals & Events Association.