For the 15th annual Light Up Key Largo, the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center in Key Largo will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, November 23.
The Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation is organizing the event, which kicks off a number of holiday celebrations in the Upper Keys. Changes are made to make the experience even better with the return of Santa Claus and kid-friendly activities.
Young guests can watch and run through the fluffy snow produced by a snow machine when the fun starts at 4 p.m. Train rides will carry families around the grounds, and stations will be set up for the kids to decorate cookies. There will also be a slide and a bounce house for children.
The children’s wishes will be granted by Santa Claus once more. The red-clad figure will be found at Santa’s Enchanted Forest, near the front of the Murray Nelson Government Center. Families will be able to take pictures there while the children read their wish list.
When Holly the Christmas tree is lit at 5:30 p.m., hundreds of people will assemble to watch the tree light up, making it the night’s high point. In order to prepare for the construction of the 45-foot Christmas tree Holly, thirty volunteers recently took time out of their schedules to fluff branches. The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative constructed the tree, and Wire Nuts Electric elves restored some of Holly’s wiring. Rain or Shine Movers and Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys also contributed to the tree’s transportation to the Murray Nelson Government Center. The Catch and Publix also backed the initiative.
Additionally, Spotlight Dance Studio will perform during the evening from 4 to 5:20 p.m. and again from 6:10 to 8 p.m. following the tree lighting. Throughout the evening, the Mangrove Swamp Band will be back to play a variety of seasonal songs.
Every child in attendance is eligible to receive a complimentary hotdog or hamburger. Cupacabana will also provide free hot cocoa. Food and snacks will be provided by MEAT Eatery, Italian Food Company, Sandbar Donuts, and Polar Ice.
Light Up parking Key Largo will be accessible at Key Largo School, which is situated at MM 105. A complimentary shuttle service will be offered.
To help make the evening a wonderful one for children and their families, Light Up Key Largo organizers are looking for volunteers. Volunteers can reach Cari Sanders via email at [email protected] or by texting 305-399-2265.
To learn more, head to Light Up Key Largo’s Facebook page.
Images courtesy of filmjavier.com/JAVIER EXPOSITO
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