Celebrating Community Spirit

Janet and I had the pleasure of joining our wonderful friends Sandi and George at the 38th Annual Christmas Island Style Tree Lighting festivities last Saturday evening at Veterans Community Park. The event drew an overflowing crowd; describing it as packed would be an understatement. Everyone who attended on that perfect picture evening left delighted and satisfied. 

Christmas Island Style has played a pivotal role in sponsoring many beloved holiday activities for islanders, guests, and their children. These traditions date back to the enthusiastic efforts of volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce and Dawn Norgren of Island Title, who helped launch this historic series of events. Their vision laid the foundation for the cherished celebrations that continue today. 

With help from dedicated individuals such as Dave Rice, Joel Gerwirtz, Marion Blomeier, Paula Robinson, and many others, the groundwork was established for the wonderful traditions we now enjoy each year. 

Currently, Wanda Burson chairs the Christmas Island Style committee, supported by Vice Chair Gregg Schneider, who has been a mainstay of the group for over 38 years. Greg is always quick to acknowledge the support he receives from his boss, Donald E. Condee II, and his son Eric, who is also a member of the CIS Committee. 

Condee Cooling and Electric, founded by Don Condee II’s father, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking another milestone for the community. 

Mrs. Burson continues to lead a strong team of volunteers: Greg Schneider serves as Vice Chair, Barb Dasti as Treasurer, and Pat Cavanagh as Secretary. Together, this resilient group of 30  volunteers carries forward the enduring traditions set forth by the original founders of Christmas Island Style. 

The event on Saturday evening stands out as one of the finest I have attended. The pride among the audience was palpable, with parents beaming as their children entertained the large crowd. The audience responded enthusiastically, making it a truly memorable celebration for all involved. 

Besides organizing and running the many activities during this special time of year, the committee is also tasked with the responsibility of raising all the funds to support those events. The original tree was graciously donated by the island’s Italian American Society, for which we have always been appreciative. They would also be very supportive in raising the tree, which was originally placed in the parking lot of what is now the small Publix in Town Center, due to Publix’s generosity and kindness. 

As the event grew in popularity, it became evident to the committee that they would have to find a new event location for the tree and the annual celebration which the community enjoyed so much. 

The tree eventually found its permanent home in what today is known as Veterans Community Park. Today, it is located in the third and permanent location within that Park, and it stands as a reminder of the cooperation the committee has always had with the city. 

However, there is another part of this story thathasn’t been shared with you. As the original tree that was donated by the wonderful members of the Italian American Society grew older, it also grew a little more tired. It became incumbent upon the committee to pull together a fundraising drive to raise the necessary resources to purchase a new tree for the community. 

That was accomplisheddue to the generosity of the community that is Marco Island. Community groups, organizations, school children, and residents came together to donate the funds to purchase the spectacular tree you see today. Those efforts were so successful that they were also able to purchase a second tree to adorn Founders Park at the corner of Barfield and Collier Boulevard, therefore providing the community with a proper welcome to the island during the Christmas Season. 

As you drive down Collier Boulevard during this special holiday season, you’ll notice the wonderful banners that celebrate this glorious time of year. Those, too, were the work of the Christmas Island Style Committee about 20 years ago. The old banners that had hung on the previous light poles would not adapt to the new light poles the city had installed.  

The main artery of the island should not be withoutcelebratory banners which had previously adorned the roadway.Once again, the committee would design, contract for,  and raise the necessary funds to allow for the new banners. 

Santa Claus has also been flying into Marco Island for several years now, and it has been courtesy of the CIS Committee. For a few years, Santa would land in the big Publix parking lot on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving.  It was always a great night filled with excitement and wonderment.  

The wonderful staff at Mackle Park spoke to the committee as they sought some suggestions to help with Cookies and Milk with Santa. Soon Santa would start arriving First-Class via the helicopter provided by the Christmas Island Style Elves on the Saturday morning of the Christmas Street Parade, just in time for a photo or two sitting in the front seat of the amazing flying sled. 

Yes, Christmas is a special time of year here on Marco Island with no shortage of festivities and smiles for all. Get out and enjoy some of the fun, and tell a volunteer or two how much you appreciate what they do for the community.