Picture Perfect Evening for Tree Lighting

Not to wear out an old phrase, but it truly was “Chamber of Commerce Weather” on December 5th when the Christmas Island Style Committee presented another perfect Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration for the community. 

The committee’s volunteers worked right up to the last-minute insuring that all would be ready for the popular event, this after a one-year absence from the festivities due to the pandemic which griped the nation in 2020. The change of venue this year was due to the construction at Veterans Community Park and didn’t seem to bother anyone in the least. The field quickly overflowed with proud parents, grandparents, residents and visitors as they gathered to watch the youngsters perform with broad smiles and cheers of approval.

Longtime MC “Jimmy Long” would kick off the festivities with the popular Lee Greenwood song, “Proud to be an American” to the delight of the crowd. Wanda Burson would then welcome attendees and thanked them for their support and turned over the festivities to Long as he introduced the various group throughout the evening.

The crowd would be delighted as the numerous dance academies performed for those in attendance as well as the Marco Island Charter School musical presentations and the Marco Island Academy’s performers.

Later in the evening Burson along with the committee’s treasurer Barbara Dasti would present the volunteer group from the Our Daily Bread Food Pantry with a check for $1000 in support of their work feeding those in need.

Throughout the evening the excitement would grow in anticipation of the ceremonial tree lighting, which began when Pastor Casey Nowlin from the Marco Island Family Church blessed the darkened tree. Until then, it would stand muted in the background as it awaited the traditional  count down which was led by Santa and Mrs. Claus. When the countdown reach zero the tree would magically burst into a brilliant display of multi-colored and white lights to the cheers and applause of all.

Attendees would mingle for a while more, while exchanging greetings between each other as they watched the younger children dance to Jim Long’s music as committee members started to clean up and break down the area after another long day.

The next big event will be held on Saturday evening, December 11, as the committee is busily preparing for the Annual Christmas Street Parade. The parade will begin at 6:30pm and run from Balfour Drive and run easterly to the intersection of Barfield. There will be a closing off of the parade route prior to the start of the parade so please find your spots early and remember to take away any trash you create and don’t liter along the parade route.