It just doesn't really seem like the holidays without snow...

By Anna Levin, Events Coordinator

That’s exactly what the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Cultural and Human Services Department was thinking when we welcomed the winter season at the annual Winter Fest on December 6th, 2008 at Samson Oceanfront Park. Whether families came for the first time or as a tradition, there was a lot to do Saturday at this free community event. The festive lighting ceremony and holiday music were some highlights of this extravaganza that heralded the arrival of Santa Claus to the community. More than 500 children and young-at-heart lined up to take pictures and give requests to Ol' St. Nick.

The return of our Winter Wonderland made the perfect setting for a winter celebration in warm Sunny Isles Beach. Other activities included games, rides, holiday arts & crafts, and winterlicious food for sale. Special thanks to our silver ribbon sponsors, Ramada Marco Polo Beach Hotel and Epicure Market and to our vendors, Denny’s Catering, Il Torre Pizza, and Costco.

The Cultural and Human Services, Athletic Division hosted a special awards ceremony during the event for our program participants.  They distributed awards to the cheerleading and soccer participants who participated in our recreational programs for the fall of 2008.  The coaches picked a most valuable player, a most improved player, and a good sportsmanship award for soccer and a most spirited award for cheerleading from each team.  The Most Valuable Coach for soccer was James McNair and for cheerleading was Michelle Mellgren.  The Coach of Year was Steven Dale, who coached the Under-6 soccer team and the Runner-Up Coach of Year was Harris Freedman who coached the Under-8 and Under-10 soccer teams.  Matt High, Athletics Program Coordinator said, “This has been a great and successful fall athletic season for the City of Sunny Isles Beach.  We have done well in soccer finishing first in the Under-10 and Under-12 age groups as well as both, Pee-Wee (5-8 age group) and Junior (9-12 age group) cheerleaders finished first in their competition in West Palm.  I know the participants not only had fun, but also learned a lot in their respective sport.”

On behalf of all the organizers, we hope you enjoyed the festival and we wish you a very a Happy Holiday Season and New Year!

For more information on upcoming Special and Athletic Events, please call Cultural and Human Services at 305.792.1706 or visit us at Pelican Community Park, 18115 North Bay Road.