Winter Fest and Park Lighting Ceremony
By Susan Simpson, Cultural & Human Services Director

The Sunny Isles Beach holiday season came to light on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at the annual Park Lighting Ceremony at Samson Oceanfront Park during our Winter Fest celebration. At 6:20 p.m. Mayor Norman Edelcup, with the assistance of his fellow Commissioners, Vice Mayor Lew Thaler, Commissioner Roslyn Brezin and Commissioner Gerry Goodman flipped the switch that sent a darkened park into a glorious display of holiday lights.

Palm trees are wrapped in thousands of little white lights, lighted snowflakes adorn the sidewalk light poles, imitation palm fronds are lighted on the top of the pavilion, a lighted globe with ‘Peace on Earth’ is front and center in the park, and holiday banners send messages of Peace and Season’s Greetings.

The highlight of the evening was the arrival of Santa Claus. As he entered the park in a red convertible with his official police escort, he was swarmed by parents and children who were excited to see him. He graciously stayed for over an hour taking pictures with children, adults and families. When he was finished with his photo ops, he assisted the M.C. of the evening, Chief Fred Maas, Interim City Manager, with the raffle prize drawings.

Several lucky winners won prizes which included; gift certificates for the Rascal House, teeth whitening from Dental Health Group, a fifty dollar cash prize from Post N’ Pack, and a 3 day / 2 night stay at the Marco Polo Ramada Plaza Beach Resort. Other gracious sponsors included; Linda J. Lupo-Walden, MBA / Certified Public Accountant, East Coast Jewelry, Century 21 Oceanfront Realty and Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort. Our local Starbucks was on hand with donated coffee and cookies to keep everyone warm. We thank all of our sponsors. Without them the event would not have been such a hit!

Appreciation is also extended to the Sunny Isles Beach Public Works Department who worked for days to prepare the park for the event and the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department for all of their assistance the night of the event including Santa’s escort and the safe crossing of pedestrians to and from the park. Thanks to both departments, the event went smoothly and safely.

And where would we be without our volunteers? Our regulars, Bobbi and Gene Sweed came adorned in their Panther red w/ holiday hats. Our volunteer city staff helped to take pictures with Santa and serve up some tasty treats. Thank you to all of you who braved the weather to make this a great evening for all.

View Photos of the Winter Fest Event

TOP