The snowbirds are flying back in droves and family and friends from afar are visiting Sarasota for the holidays.
Traffic on 41 and 75 is bustling, cash registers are ringing across town and Sarasotans are celebrating the coming holiday season with our own special brand of the pristine, powdery sands of Siesta Beach.
A wonderful opportunity to introduce newcomers to our beautiful city is coming up on Saturday, December 10 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thousands of locals and visitors alike will flock to view the 25th annual Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on Sarasota Bay. Marina Jack sponsors this event, which is considered by many to be the “official” kick-off of the holiday season.
Beautiful boats are lavishly decorated in the spirit of Christmas with colorful , sometimes whimsical and creative, lighting displays that often take months to design and weeks to install. The competition is fierce, with trophies and cash prizes awarded in five categories of judging. A perpetual trophy for “Most Creative” is awarded, then displayed at Marina Jack until next year’s event.
The best spots for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park. For those who’d rather watch from home (fireplace or pool or either will fit the season in Sarasota!), the Parade will be broadcast live on SNN Local News 6, beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about the Parade, call 941-365-4232 or visit sarasotachristmasboatparade.com.
This event and so many others over the next few weeks and months are a testimony to why people choose Sarasota as a ‘new home’ destination. Sarasota is a year-round paradise, from diverse holiday celebrations through theatre, ballet, symphony presentations; outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, biking and swimming; kid- and family-friendly venues like the GWiz! kid’s science museum, Jungle Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory, Historic Spanish Point, and, of course, the incomparable beauty of Siesta, Turtle, Lido, Longboat Beaches and the 30 miles of beachfront that embrace our city.
Encourage your visitors to join you in paradise by putting a bow on that new home. Prices are unbelievably competitive and mortgage rates are at all-time lows. Its definitely a buyer’s market. Celebrate the season with friends and family, this holiday and for years to come.