For the 28th year, the Siesta Key Village Association will present Light Up the Village on Saturday, November 24, 2012 from 6 to 9 PM. Siesta Village will be decorated in full holiday splendor with the Christmas tree lighting taking place at the Gazebo, located at Ocean Blvd. and Canal Road, at approximately 6:15 PM. Santa Claus will be arriving on a float in the newly expanded holiday parade which will begin at Avenida del Mare and Beach Road at 5:40 PM traveling north on Beach Road onto Ocean Blvd. into the Village. Many businesses and local groups will be participating in the parade and welcoming Santa to Siesta Village. If you would like to participate, please call the parade coordinator at 941 346-7401. After the lighting of the Christmas tree, Santa will reign at the Siesta Center to greet all children. The first 250 to see him will receive gift bags donated by Beach Bazaar. At Santa’s Village there will also be a clown, face painting and games with prizes. Photos may be taken with Santa. Ocean Boulevard will be lined with luminaries and shops and restaurants will offer refreshments and special holiday bargains from 6 to 9 PM. There will also be live music at various venues plus carolers and demonstrations of gymnastics and martial arts. Free transportation will be provided courtesy of the Siesta Island Trolley from Siesta Public Beach to the Village from 5:30 PM to 10 PM making it easier for all to participate in the festivities. This special event is sponsored by the merchants and businesses of Siesta Village plus friends of Siesta Village and is open to all free of charge.