BRADENTON BEACH – The Christmas season officially began on Bridge Street with the Nov. 18 lighting of the city Christmas tree.
Prior to the event, the Magic of Manatee chapter of the Sweet Adelines serenaded the crowd with a variety of Christmas songs. They sang, “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” inviting attendees to sing along to “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
The late John Shaughnessy, a former Bradenton Beach mayor and commissioner who passed away in May, was honored at the tree lighting.
Emcee and local businessman Sherman Baldwin introduced Shaughnessy’s widow, June, and spoke of the former mayor’s vision for Bradenton Beach.
“He would be so proud and happy to be here on a night like this,” Baldwin said. “The vision he saw for this street and Bridge Street pier is nothing short of amazing.”
Joe Cuervo, the former owner of the Drift In, was given the honor this year of lighting the tree.
“He also brought a vision to this street, always a positive influence and is definitely a part of what makes this street what it is today,” Baldwin said of Cuervo.
Cuervo wished the crowd a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The illuminated tree brought cheers from the crowd. The 42-foot tree, located at the post office on Bridge Street, lights up the night sky with more than 20,000 lights.
Following the tree lighting, the movie, “Elf,” was played on an outdoor screen.
The holiday event was sponsored by the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the city of Bradenton Beach and local merchants.
Bradenton Beach Police Chief John Cosby said the tree lighting typically attracts around 1,000-1,200 people to Bridge Street.
