Key Largo’s Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center will transform into a winter wonderland on Saturday, Nov. 23 for the 15th annual Light Up Key Largo.
Organized by the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, the event serves as the beginning to a slew of holiday festivities in the Upper Keys. With the return of Santa Claus and kids’ activities come changes to make for an even better experience.
The fun will begin at 4 p.m., as young attendees can witness and run through the fluffy snow 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.
Santa Claus will again hear the kids’ wishes. The man in red will be located toward the front of the Murray Nelson Government Center at Santa’s Enchanted Forest. There, families will be able to snap photos while the kids read of their list of wants.
The night will be highlighted by the lighting of “Holly” the Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m, where hundreds will gather to count down to the tree’s illumination. Recently, 30 volunteers took time out of their schedules to fluff branches in preparation for the building of the 45-foot Christmas tree “Holly.” 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 and the Catch also supported the effort.
The evening will also feature performances by Spotlight Dance Studio from 4 to 5:20 p.m. and after the tree lighting from 6:10 to 8 p.m. The Mangrove Swamp Band will return to perform a number of holiday tunes throughout the evening.
All children attending can take their choice of either a free hotdog or hamburger. Free hot cocoa will also be supplied by Cupacabana. MEAT 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 to 305-399-2265 or emailing lightupkeylargo@gmail.com.
Fore more information, visit Light Up Key Largo on Facebook.
Photos by JAVIER EXPOSITO/filmjavier.com
