HOLMES BEACH – More than a thousand people braved chilly temperatures at Manatee Beach to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at the 56th Annual Easter Sunrise Service.
The annual event was organized by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island and performed by members of Roser Memorial Church, the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation, Harvey Memorial Church and CrossPointe Fellowship.
Russell Brier and Morgan Lawson provided music for the service with help from Chuck Caudill.
Last year, the Kiwanis Club canceled the service due to the COVID-19 pandemic and attendees this year were urged to observe social distancing as they found a place to sit. There was an advisory in the program telling them they assumed liability for their actions and held the organizers harmless.
After the service, Kiwanis member Dave Miner was enthusiastic, saying the turnout was larger than expected and may have been a record.
Record or not, some saw it as a return toward normalcy that was shattered by the coronavirus more than a year ago.
