A Marco Island Style Christmas

By Coastal Breeze News Staff

Christmas Island Style (CIS) has done it again, bringing Christmas to Marco Island in spectacular style. Chairman Steve Stefanides and his dedicated group of volunteers successfully organized, planned and executed the numerous events that make Christmas here on Marco so special.

All the CIS events are family oriented and evoke the feel of small town America. This is the Marco Island community at its best –families, neighbors and friends enjoying the holiday season, together.

A recap of some of the recent CIS events we hope you had the pleasure

of attending.

Cookies and Milk with Santa. On December 12, Santa and Mrs. Claus had a dramatic arrival on Marco Island, by helicopter, right on the field at Mackle Park. A crowd of children and parents watched eagerly as a golf cart swept away Santa and Mrs. Claus to meet with the children for some cookies and milk (Sorry, there are no reindeers in Florida). Kids lined up for a chance to ask Santa for that special toy, while parents took note.

Ice Skating in the Park. On Sunday, December 13 Christmas Island Style and sponsors Condee Cooling and Electric and

Daikin brought Florida-style ice skating to Veteran’s Community Park.

While most of us were sleeping Sunday morning, the Sport Fishing Club was busy setting up an ice skating rink in the park. Throughout the day, ice skates were distributed to children of all ages. The “ice” is actually a form of plastic with a texture similar to ice. Children skated round and round the rink, alone and in groups, excitement visible on their faces.

Adding to the excitement was the train brought in by Trains of America, thanks to Bill Christ, president. The train, filled with smiling faces, circled the park

all day, conducted by Bud Palmer and Joe Granda. Other activities included bounce houses, crafts and face painting. Erik Condee provided Florida snow (bubbles) to enhance the winter holiday atmosphere.

Event organizers Barbara Murphy, Bette McGilvray and Steve Josselyn did an amazing job of creating a unique event that captured the community holiday spirit. Volunteer Pam Black put it best, “What a wonderful small town America we have here on Marco!”

Annual Street Parade. After a morning of Cookies and Milk with Santa, the evening was time for the Annual Street Parade. Islanders came out to San Marco Road the night

before and marked their spots for the well-attended event the next day. San Marco Road from Balfour to Barfield was bustling with activity. Donated toys were collected for area children in unprecedented amounts. All the floats shined with originality and creativity, making the decision for the judges difficult. The winners selected are:

Best Overall in the Parade –

Marco Bay Yacht Club

Most Holiday Traditional –

Marco Lutheran Church

Most Original –

Newcomers Club of Marco Island

Most Entertaining –

Celtic Spirit School of Irish Dance

Most Original by Children’s Organization –

Greater Marco Family YMCA

Best Lighting Display –

Marco Island Sail & Power Squadron

Best Overall Band Performance –

Florida Brass

Best Marching Band –

Lely High School