HOLMES BEACH – Hundreds of people flocked to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s parking lot for the annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. In previous years, the tree has been a tree-shaped strand of lights that was erected in the chamber parking lot, but this year there were big changes.
When The Sun spoke to chamber President Terri Kinder at last year’s ceremony, she said it was the chamber’s goal to get an actual tree for 2023 and they accomplished exactly that. The only caveat for this year was the tree needed to be anchored to the ground, so it couldn’t be in the chamber parking lot.
“Big changes this year; we’re very excited about this,” Kinder said. “An anonymous donor donated that beautiful tree to the City of Holmes Beach. It’s 24 feet tall and needs to be staked, so we decided Hancock Whitney Bank across the street was the best place for it to be. Holmes Beach did a fantastic job putting this tree up and putting it together, and Hancock Whitney Bank has an amazing partnership with the city and the chamber. We’re just so excited.”
Kinder told The Sun in 2022 that they would have to do a significant amount of fundraising to upgrade the previous tree, but thanks to the anonymous donation, the chamber didn’t have to spend any money. City staff erected the artificial tree and Hancock Whitney Bank is providing the electricity to illuminate it. According to Kinder, this was the largest attendance for a tree lighting thus far, with hundreds of people attending, enjoying food and drinks, and mingling with friends and newly met friends from the Island community.
“It just keeps getting bigger every year,” Kinder said moments before the tree was lit. “I’m excited to see everybody’s reception because I think they’re going to be thrilled with this new tree.”
In addition to the tree, the Anna Maria Island Privateers were on hand with their sleigh and a special visit from Santa Claus, who met with children of all ages wishing to get their Christmas lists in his ear before the big day. Leading up to the lighting of the tree, CrossPointe Fellowship entertained the crowd with live music, singing holiday favorites with the backing of a full band. It may not have been cold, or even cool, but the Island showed its Christmas spirit, snow or not.
