Snow will fly and Santa Claus will make his annual appearance at Key Largo’s Murray Nelson Government Center on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Organized by the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, the 16th annual Light Up Key Largo welcomes the community to this free, family-friendly event with a slew of holiday activities. With the return of Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as kids’ activities come a new surprise everyone will need to see behind the center at Peace Park at 5:30 p.m.
Activities kick off at 4 p.m., as kids can witness and play in the fluffy stuff generated by a snow machine. Stations will be set up for the tykes to decorate cookies, and train rides will take families around the grounds. A bounce house and slide will also be available for kids.
The big man in red will again hear the kids’ wishes beginning at 6:30 p.m. Santa will be located toward the front of the Murray Nelson Government Center at Santa’s Enchanted Forest. Families will be able to snap photos while the kids read off their list of wants.
Hundreds will gather to count down to the lighting of “Holly” the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. Recently, volunteers took time out of their schedules to fluff branches in preparation for the building of the 45-foot tree. Elves from Wire Nuts Electric fixed some of Holly’s wiring, while the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative built the tree. Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys and Rain or Shine Movers also pitched in to help transport the tree to the Murray Nelson Government Center. Publix Key Largo also supported the effort.
All children attending can take their choice of either a free hotdog or hamburger. Free hot cocoa will be supplied by First Baptist Church Key Largo. M.E.A.T. Eatery, Italian Food Company, Sandbar Donuts and Polar Ice will be on hand to supply food and treats.
Parking for Light Up Key Largo will be available at Key Largo School, located at MM 105, with free shuttle service provided.
Light Up Key Largo organizers are seeking volunteers to help make the evening a magical one for kids and their families. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Cari Sanders by texting 305-399-2265 or emailing lightupkeylargo@gmail.com.
More information is at Light Up Key Largo on Facebook.
