Block party ushers in holidays in downtown Sarasota

By Ian Swaby
| 11:15 a.m. December 2, 2023

James Madden, Julia Mergen, Culver Casson and Steffen Robinson of The Christmas Carolers offer a performance.

Sarasota
Neighbors

The Christmas lights adorning the trees at Selby Five Points Park were not the only show of holiday spirit in the park Dec. 1.

During Fresh & Frosty, one of the monthly Fresh Fridays events held in downtown Sarasota, the block also came alive with attendees dancing, wearing festive attire, enjoying holiday treats and more.

“The goal tonight was to create a block party atmosphere to kick off the holiday season,” said Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark.

The event featured performances by artists including The Christmas Carolers from Tampa Bay and Sarasota singers Serenna Jones and Jackie Blanche, as well as offerings from restaurants like Toastique and Sarasota Wine Co.

Also on offer was an inflatable snow globe, in which attendees could be photographed free of charge.

“It’s great — I love it,” said Sherry Smith, who said it was “for sure, without a doubt” a good introduction to Sarasota after moving to the area on Monday.

Michele Knuese and Lisa Janssen walk through the scene.

Connie Schedit and Joe Janusz get into the festive spirit with dancing.

Taylor Glenn of Coconut Cartel pours a glass of rum.

Christmas decor abounded in Selby Five Points Park

Pilar Komishane and Laura Anderson of Toastique

Jim Wormley, Monica Baldwin and Jacalyn Ochoa

Kirk Maust, founder of DanceEntourage, and Ana Munroe enjoy a dance.

Sean Shannon and Robyn Holl of Art O Vation Hotel

Michael Avery, Sherry Smith and Brandi Young dance together.

Jorge Banuelos, Emily Myers and Mark Myers

Bill Kwon talks with Carley Holtsinger and Brooke Levine of Sarasota Wine Co.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.