South Florida’s jet-setting families and power couples flocked North this past fourth of July weekend to the luxurious Eagles Nest in Banner Elk, North Carolina for the “Synergy on the Mountain” experience and activities. Miami leaders such as congressional candidate and philanthropist Dr. Rudy Moise with his family as well as night club pioneer Eric Milon with wife Stacy Milon, Erika and Michel Koopman, Leslie Wolfson, President of MIAMI magazine, businessman Philip Levine and Ashley Turchin, attorney Brian Elias, all attended the events and enjoyed a weekend at the Lodges at Eagles Nest hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains, horseback riding on the properties 1,500 acres and participating in parade celebrations. Created by Miami mogul and Eagles Nest founder and visionary, John Turchin, the three-day spectacular brought together Cirque-style performers, musicians, and nightly fireworks on the mountain at 5,000 feet. Oher celebrities included former NFL football player Vince Papale, who was portrayed by Mark Wahlberg in the film, “Invincible.”

The event offered a unique take on a family tradition, uniting nature, dance, and music. Day and night featured stilt walkers, acrobats, and aero-drummers with nature as the backdrop while performers were suspended from the trees and drummers creating an organic soundtrack at dusk for the “Rhythm of the Sunset” showcase, the precursor to a fireworks spectacular each night.

Alan Zelcer, Ruth Zelcer, Dr. Rudy Moise, John Turchin

Anne & Bud McDougal

Ashley Turchin & Philip Levine at the Ropes Course

Brian Elias, Isabella Koopman, Philip Levine, Jonah Koopman, Erika Koopman, Michel Koopman at the 4th of July Parade in Banner Elk, NC

Dr. Ruby and his wife

Rich Davis, John Turchin, Dr. Al Abaqueta, Dorene Abaqueta, Susan Turchin, and Vince Papale