The Village of Palmetto Bay officially launched the holiday season with three events for residents to take part in and enjoy. Village officials participated in all.
The village celebrated “Holiday Lights and Dine” at Village Hall on Friday, Nov. 30. A ticketed event, it featured the lighting of the village’s Christmas tree by Mayor Eugene Flinn, Mayor-elect Karyn Cunningham, Councilmember David Singer, Council member-elect Marsha Matson and, of course, Santa Claus.
There was a buffet feast and children with their families were able to meet with Santa in his “house,” as well as enjoy performances by Ballet at the Park’s Scenes from The Nutcracker and Frozen by Wonderland Parties.
There also were face painters, balloon sculptors and various crafters who helped the children decorate and mail letters to Santa.
“The tree lighting has become one of my favorite local holiday events,” Mayor Flinn said. “It is my pleasure to enjoy the holidays with Palmetto Bay families of all ages. It continues the tradition of many of our special events, enjoying small town USA here in greater Miami-Dade County.”
On Saturday, Dec. 1, Palmetto Bay’s “Light up Your Holiday’s” celebration took place at Village Hall. The free public event featured the chorus from Howard Drive Elementary School as well as games, rides, Santa and even “snow.” Children also enjoyed face painting, crafts and writing letters to Santa.
The inaugural Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Palmetto Bay Village Hall took place on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.. Rabbi Zalman Gansburg of Chabad of Palmetto Bay and Deering Bay and his family were joined by Mayor-elect Karyn Cunningham, Mayor Eugene Flinn, Vice Mayor John DuBois, Councilmember David Singer, and Councilmembers-elect Patrick Fiore and Marsha Matson for the ceremony. A single flame was passed one-by-one until everyone in attendance had a burning candle. The last one to be lit was carried to the menorah and it was illuminated.
“For the second year in a row the village hosted our Christmas Tree Lighting at Village Hall,” Cunningham said after the three events. “In this season that is heralded by joy, peace and friendship, we also held our first-ever menorah lighting to celebrate Hanukkah. Both events were celebrated with food, music, and enjoyed by residents of all ages and denominations. What a great way to start the holiday season!”
Cunningham, Fiore and Matson officially were sworn into office in their new positions on the Palmetto Bay Village Council on Dec. 5.
