This year Cedar Key is celebrating with various events, all of it leading up to Christmas.  On Friday evening, November 27, we had our first kick-off event with the lighting of the Christmas tree at our City Park.

The tree is a native grown cedar.  It was grown by Don and Carol Joyce (owners of Haven Isle Gift Shop on the island)  It stands 22 ft. high and has a circumference of 55 ft.  We had a countdown from ten and when the lights flashed on, oooohs and aaaaahs filled the crowd. 

The tree had to be transplanted from the Joyce's property and replanted in the City Park.  Our friends, Edie and Joe, (owners of Kona Joe's Island Cafe) donated the money to get this accomplished and will have a placque permanently placed next to the tree.  They were both recognized for their donation and Edie received some nice yellow roses.

It was nice to see such a good turn-out for our event.  Many were locals but we also had a good amount of visitors.

Shawn was there with Smokey, along with quite a few other dogs that enjoyed an evening out with their owners.

It was pretty nippy that evening and I made sure I was warm, complete with hat and scarf.  The cooler weather added to the holiday feeling.

Edie and Joe with friends, John and Gaylyn.

The tree lighting event was followed with hot chocolate and cookies and I think our first annual ceremony was very successful.

This coming Saturday, Dec. 12, we have more festivities going on.  A boat parade, caroling and even a visit from Santa Clam. (Hey, we're a fishing village, not the North Pole!)  If you're going to be in the area and would like to join us, visit the Cedar Key Website for more information at the link I gave here.  During the day we'll have various venders at City Park selling arts and crafts.  I only hope the weather cooperates and the rain stays away.

Join me here next time and I'll share my book event from last week at The Knitting Place in Venice, Florida.  See you then...............