Santa Claus visits North Redington Beach
By JEANNIE CARLSON
Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007
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| Photo by TIM BURNS |
| Natalie and Nathan Doyel sit on Santa’s lap during the North Redington Beach tree-lighting ceremony. |
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NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – A quiet hush fell over the crowd assembled at the gazebo in Harold Radcliffe Park at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7.
Mayor Bill Queen began the countdown to the third annual lighting of the North Redington Beach Christmas tree. The entire Board of Commissioners was on hand for the festivities as well as town clerk Mari Campbell and former Mayor Harold Radcliffe.
Commissioner Curtis Blocker flipped the switch at just the right moment and the lights came on the 12-foot tall evergreen decorated with red velvet bows. Icicle lights dangled from the eaves of the gazebo and holiday tunes filled the air.
With the tree lit, the scene was set for the arrival of the guest of honor. Santa arrived in a red firetruck, ringing bells and saying, “ho! ho! ho!” to everyone. Santa sat in a special red velvet covered chair in front of the Christmas tree and distributed presents to the children who lined up to see him.
Queen gave out blinking Santa pins to the grownups and the children received light-up bracelets and necklaces. Special treats of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, petit fours, soft drinks, hot chocolate and coffee were offered to all.
Among the children who came to see Santa was Katie Edmonds, 4, whose dad, Lee drove Santa to the event in the firetruck.
Natalie Doyel, 6 weeks old, sat on Santa’s lap for the very first time without a whimper. She had some moral support by having her brother, Nathan, 3, sitting right there with her. The siblings are from Redington Beach.
Watching the delighted faces of the children with Santa, Queen said, “This is fun!”
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Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007
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