Anniversary celebration to continue with holiday tree lighting
The island community is invited to kick off the holiday season — and continue to mark the yearlong celebration of the city of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary — with a special event set for this weekend.
In partnership with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and The Community House, the city will present the 50th Anniversary Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. at the Sanibel Community Park.
The celebration is free and open to the public.
“It’s one of our events in the series for the 50th anniversary,” Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller said. “We’ve never done a tree lighting ceremony like this on the island, so it’s something unique to bring the community together.”
After a brief welcome, the BIG ARTS Community Choir will lead attendees in a sing-a-long of two holiday songs, “Winter Wonderland” and “Silver Bells,” to get the crowd into the seasonal spirit.
“They’ll have Sanibel specific lyrics, so that’ll be fun,” she said.
Mayor Richard Johnson will offer a few remarks, then lead the countdown for the lighting of the community’s holiday tree. This year, the city hired a company to erect the magnificent 20-foot tree.
“We’ll also be lighting the Shared Use Path at the same time,” Miller noted.
Again, attendees will have the chance to sing-a-long to “O Christmas Tree.”
“We will have Santa and Mrs. Claus. We also have a bunch of surprise holiday characters that will make appearances,” she said, adding that the Grinch may be one and there will be photo opportunities.
The tree and other holiday decorations will be on display through the month of December.
“We chose the date of Nov. 30 to make sure that everything would be up and lit prior to Luminary,” Miller said, adding that residents and visitors can take advantage of the setting for photos.
From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the festivities will move inside The Community House.
Executive Director Emily Ankerson explained that the city approached it about the event.
“We just thought it was a great idea to open up the house to be part of that celebration,” she said. “We thought it was a great opportunity to participate in the celebration of Sanibel’s 50th anniversary.”
In the Founders Room, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be set up in front of the fireplace to meet with children and take photos. A photo booth will also be available to capture additional memories.
There will be holiday activities and crafts, with the participating groups to include the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Children’s Education Center of the Islands, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Community Housing & Resources, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, Sanibel Public Library and Sanibel Recreation Center.
“Different organizations, different nonprofits are going to have tables where they’re going to have family-friendly activities,” Ankerson said. “We might have the Shellcrafters doing activities.”
Live music for the evening will be provided by The Florida Keys. Local to the Fort Myers area, the band performs popular songs from the 1960s to present day tunes. Steel drums are a fan favorite.
MudBugs Cajun Kitchen will serve up food, and the city will offer bottled water.
“And we’re going to have a cash bar,” she said of TCH.
For those with a sweet tooth, Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream will provide dessert.
“It’s Christmas cookies and hot cocoa,” Ankerson said.
The public is invited to come out, be part of the anniversary festivities and spread holiday cheer.
“It is going to be a great opportunity to bring the community together,” Miller said. “It’s something that’s very unique, it’s never been done before, and it’s also in celebration of a huge benchmark for the community.”
“Come celebrate Sanibel and the season with your neighbors and friends,” Ankerson added. “Come socialize a bit and enjoy the different things the organizations are offering.”
Parking will be available at TCH and in the BIG ARTS lot across the street, with overflow parking at the Sanibel library and City Hall. Handicap parking will be set up at the Sanibel Community Park.
Carpooling is encouraged.
For more information, contact 239-472-0345 or Andrea.Miller@mysanibel.com.
For more information about the yearlong anniversary events, visit 50YearsofSanibel.com.
The Sanibel Community Park is at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
TCH is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
City of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary Tree Lighting Ceremony
When
Nov. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where
Sanibel Community Park, 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to the community
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email