HOLMES BEACH – The weather was perfect on Friday evening, and people seized the opportunity to gather at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce to light the Christmas tree, mingle with friends, sing carols and remind Santa they had not been the least bit naughty this year.
Revelers enjoyed snacks and drinks while CrossPointe Fellowship sang holiday favorites and children from age 2 to 102 sang along and danced. It wasn’t just the Chamber that was in the holiday spirit, nearby stores stayed open late so shoppers could take their time.
“We had to do a scaled-down version of this last year due to the pandemic, and the year before that it drizzled on us, but tonight is absolutely perfect,” said AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder. “It gets bigger every year; it’s a huge community event.”