It’s a common saying that it’s not the destination that’s important, but the friends you make along the way.
Many of the upcoming events in the surrounding communities will be perfect setting for locals to make new friends or spend quality time with their current crew.
Feel Festive and Celebrate Community During the Lady Lake Festival of Trees
With the feeling of holiday cheer growing each passing day, the Town of Lady Lake is inviting residents to create a community-built forest display for the second annual Festival of Trees.
“The Festival of Trees is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, get creative, and spread holiday cheer,” Aly Herman, Director of the Lady Lake Library, said. “This event allows people to share their joy while promoting their organization. We invite you to highlight your unique talents and bring a touch of holiday magic to the Lady Lake community.”
Families, friends, schools, organizations and businesses were all invited to apply to participate in the festival by Nov. 8 before decorating a 5-to-9-foot tree. The trees will be on display from Nov. 18 to Jan. 3 at the Lady Lake Library,
“Last year, we had trees featuring Lady Lake history, under the sea, book themes, traditional Christmas, and beautifully branded trees representing local businesses,” Elisha Pappacoda, communications director of Lady Lake, said. “We give the participants creative authority to decorate their trees, and we look forward to seeing their impressive décor.”
Once the display is public on Nov. 18, residents and library visitors will have the chance to vote for their favorite tree. An award will be given for the best tree design following a vote count.
Wildwood Welcomes Community During Thanksgiving Celebration
For those who want to show their thanks to the people who protect and serve the city of Wildwood, the Wildwood Police Department is hosting the Wildwood Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood.
Participants in the event will come together for a free thanksgiving dinner that will be served from 12 to 2 p.m.
“It will be a little different this year. When I started this two years ago, we were handing out boxed food and dinners. But this year, I wanted to do more for those who don’t have families,” said Sgt. Crystal Acevedo, of the Wildwood Police Department. “We are being sponsored by the nearby living facilities and they will be bringing turkey, ham, green bean casserole and dinner rolls.”
With over 270 people registered to participate in the thanksgiving dinner, Acevedo said this event is a great way for community members to get to know their neighbors and have a great time after enjoying good food.
Fall festivities for the event begin at 1 p.m. and will include bounce houses, hayrides, shaved ice, face painting, corn hole, family photos and more.
There’s still space to register for the event. Registration is required and can be done at wildwood-fl.gov. Registration is open until space for the dinner is filled.
Be Merry and Mingle At Fruitland Park Library’s Mistletoe Mingle
The holidays are the perfect time to make new friends.
The Mistletoe Mingle hosted by the Fruitland Park Library will give those looking for a fun night out and an opportunity to meet new the best of both worlds.
“The goal is to spread holiday cheer and show that our library has so much more to offer,” Liam Wagler, adult programming coordinator for the Fruitland Park Library, said.
On Dec. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., there will be hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks at the library, 604 W. Berckman St. Fruitland Park.
Along with the sweet dessert options, guests will enjoy the sweet songs from Brandon Cummings, circulation librarian.
Wagler said “the public loved him,” recalling how Cummings was pulled into performing last year in the eleventh hour after the originally booked performer had unexpected health issue.
Guests are encouraged to wear festive or cocktail attire.
Tickets for the event is $20 per person for this 21-and-up event. For more information or to purchase tickets for this event visit fruitlandpark.org or contact the library at 352-360-6561.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
