ANNA MARIA – Pine Avenue will be awash in holiday festivities Friday afternoon and evening. The fun begins with the city of Anna Maria’s Santa Stops Here holiday event at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 10 from 4-5:30 p.m.
As the name implies, Santa Claus will pay a visit to City Pier Park and he’s bringing free gifts for the children.
The winners of the city’s Bright Holiday Lights holiday decorating contest will be announced during the Santa Stops Here event, which will also feature free refreshments and a holiday sing-along.
As the Santa Stops Here event winds down, the annual Holiday of Treasures Open House gets underway from 5:30-8 p.m.
The event will feature participating businesses along and around Pine Avenue offering free appetizers, light bites, beverages and musical entertainment to those strolling along and taking in the holiday sights and sounds.
Some of the goodies will highlight signature menu items served by Pine Avenue establishments. In past years, free burgers and hot dogs have also been part of the free food offerings. Beach Bums has traditionally offered free burgers and hot dogs fresh off their outdoor grills. The free hot dogs traditionally served at Two Scoops have also proved very popular.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Museum will offer free cookies and refreshments and Santa will make his rounds along Pine Avenue. The free family event is sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the Anna Maria Island Sun.
