Annual holiday celebration to feature fun, fellowship
For nearly three decades, island residents and visitors have come together on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to mark the approaching holiday with some music, fellowship and fun.
The Annual Thanksgiving Celebration will take place on Nov. 18 starting at 6:45 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. First held in 1991, the event is free and open to the public and will feature a non-denominational service, musical performances by groups, tasty treats and more.
“It was a great way to bring all the community together,” event coordinator Mary Bondurant said. “To be thankful for what we have on Sanibel and for the people and to be thankful for our community.”
She noted that normally over 100 people attend each year.
“Everybody just leaves with a really good feeling,” Bondurant said.
As in prior years, attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or even monetary donations to benefit the food pantry at F.I.S.H of Sanibel-Captiva on Sanibel.
“There’s a huge need in our community for the food pantry,” she said, adding that the need has only risen as a result of the water quality situation this summer. “It’s even more important this year.”
Guest speaker F.I.S.H. Board Chair Nicole McHale will talk about the needs of the island and how F.I.S.H. strives to meet those needs with the help of donations from those in the community.
“She’s going to speak on the red tide impact on our neighbors,” Bondurant said.
Lasting for about an hour, the program will include a proclamation from Mayor Kevin Ruane and a prayer by City Manager Judie Zimomra. Representatives from the houses of worship will participate.
“The Rev. John Danner leads, with the other clergy of the island, a Thanksgiving kind of thoughts,” she said. “He brings together a presentation on Thanksgiving and how it it intertwines in our life today.”
One of the highlights of the celebration is the music and audience sing-a-longs.
Led by Director Ellen Whitten, the BIG ARTS Community Chorus will perform “The Promise of Living” by Horace Everett and Aaron Copland, “Gloria!” by Carole Stephens, and “Somewhere In My Memory” by Leslie Bricusse and John Williams. Erik Entwistle and Rich Mattern will accompany.
The Seahorse Chorale from The Sanibel School will also take the stage.
“We are looking forward to performing at the Thanksgiving Celebration,” Joey Giangreco, director of the school’s Music Department, said.
The students will perform: “We Will” by Jim Papoulis, with a featured solo by Preston Hanni; “Homeward Bound” by Marta Keen, with a featured solo by Camryn Peach; and “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burnin'” by Greg Gilpin. In addition, eighth-grader Camryn will perform “Count Your Blessings,” which is traditionally performed by a soloist every year at the holiday celebration.
“We will also combine with the BIG ARTS Community Chorus on the piece ‘Give Thanks’ at the conclusion of the program,” he said.
The program will conclude with cider provided by Bailey’s General Store and cookies from Jerry’s Foods. New this year, Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream will provide samples of ice cream.
Bondurant extended her thanks to Marj Nordstrom and Caroline Woods.
“If they hadn’t started this over 25 years ago, the community wouldn’t be doing this,” she said, noting that she first assisted with and now oversees it. “It’s my hope the community continues the legacy.”
First organized in 1991, the first-ever celebration took place on Thanksgiving Eve. While the turnout was a success, it was moved to the Sunday before the holiday to make it easier for people to attend.
To draw more attendees, flyers were posted throughout the island, including at the resorts.
In future years, the program grew as city dignitaries and island clergy were incorporated, along with performances by the BIG ARTS Community Chorus and Seahorse Chorale from the island school.
Bondurant encouraged the public to come out on Sunday.
“Support the community and all of the people involved in putting the program together,” she said. “Come and feel good about what Sanibel does – how the community gives back to our neighbors.”
For more information, contact Mary Bondurant at 239-839-3633.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way.