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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
In partnership with the city of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary Workgroup, the Sanibel Recreation Center hosted the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 at the Sanibel Community Park.
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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
Festive Mayor Mike Miller greets those gathered on Nov. 29 for the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting at the Sanibel Community Park.
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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
Jael Pulgarin-Leon, with the The Sanibel Sugarplums, points her family out in the crowd for fellow dancer Amelia Phillips.
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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
A crowd of community and neighbors gathered on Nov. 29 at the Sanibel Community Park for the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting.
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CASEY BRADLEY GENT
Santa Claus was on hand to see that Sanibel’s Christmas tree was lit at the perfect moment.
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Neighbors and community members streamed into the Sanibel Community Park on Nov. 29. Music by The Keys Duo filed the evening air as families gathered for the Annual A Very Sanibel Tree Lighting.
Organized by the Sanibel Recreation Center, in partnership with the city of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary Workgroup, the park’s lawns were filled with onlookers — young and old, alike — by 6 p.m. as they awaited the official lighting of the island’s Christmas tree.
“I have owned a home here for 30 years,” attendee William Brooks said. “I was one of the first homeowners to get a permit to repair my home after (Hurricane) Ian. So, this celebration is a fun thing to do.”
The topic of Ian was a prominent theme throughout the event. From the families who came to watch the tree lighting, to Mayor Mike Miller in his address before the crowd, one sentiment remained clear: Sanibel and her people are stronger than a 100-year storm.
“Tonight, we are here to celebrate how far we have come since Hurricane Ian, and then Milton and Helene,” he said. “We are about neighbors helping neighbors. It is the spirit of Sanibel. Strong. Compassionate. Unbreakable.”
Miller added that the island is the only place on Earth where gopher tortoises cross the main roads, and every single vehicle on the road will sit and wait for them to safely pass. He said the people and the wildlife of Sanibel make the island an incredible place to live.
Attendee Ryan Lambert, one of the engineers tasked with renourishing the island following the devastation of Ian, agreed.
“My family and I have only lived here for six months now. But I have fished off the island my whole life,” he said as his daughter tumbled in the lawn next to him, eagerly waiting for the tall tree in the center of the park to come alive with light. “It’s good to be home.”
Before Santa Claus and Miller counted down the tree lighting, The Sanibel Sugarplums — a group of 7-year-old dancers from the rec center, under the direction of the Coastal Dance — performed to a tune from “The Polar Express.” The BIG ARTS Community Chorus also took the stage to sing carols with attendees. In an ode to island life, the lyrics to “Silver Bells” were amended to read, “Sanibel, Sanibel … It’s paradise with a smile.”
Then, the countdown began. Children gathered with Miller, Recreation Department Director Andrea Miller and Santa Claus to see the island’s Christmas tree come to life. Nearly everyone cheered as the tree, circled by snowflake lights and poinsettias, blossomed into a bright beacon of light and holiday resilience.
Following the lighting ceremony, The Community House welcomed inside those in attendance.
Treats by Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream, appetizers from Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen and A Bit of Bailey’s, and a handful of craft stations continued the holiday spirit indoors. Through the windows, views of the island Christmas tree and adjoining bike pathway — also awash in light — danced in gold.
Smiles and laughter bounded off the walls as families posed for pictures in front of the tree.
Blingle Premier Lighting was hired to decorate it and the city’s Shared Use Path.
“I love Christmas and I love lights,” owner Cheryl Alker said. “Owning a company that makes people happy, it is joyous.”