Downtown Sarasota lights new Christmas tree

By Ian Swaby
| 8:30 p.m. December 8, 2024

Lauren and Kim Smith, visitors from Pennsylvania, pose for a selfie in front of the tree.

Sarasota
Neighbors

As they stood in front of the newly illuminated Christmas tree, Debra Ashby and David Collins saw their first year in Sarasota concluding in a positive final chapter, even with the challenges the community had endured earlier in the year.

Light Up the Night, held Dec. 6, was the latest in the series of Fresh Fridays block parties in Downtown Sarasota, but this month, it brought a special focus, featuring a lighting for the Downtown Improvement District's (DID) new, much larger Christmas tree at Selby Five Points Park.

Stepping onto the stage for the lighting were board members of the DID, City Commissioner Kyle Battie and Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark.

Chris Voelker, Chair of the Downtown Improvement District, said she wanted the event to be the start of a custom of going downtown each year to watch the lighting of the tree, which she calls "the most spectacular tree in town" at about three times the size of the original tree, which was around 20 feet in height.

"We're very thankful to everybody who came out tonight and that the city helped us to create the magical night that we had tonight," she said.

The evening also featured live music by The Rockefellers, a giant inflatable snow globe which allowed attendees to climb inside for photos, a snow machine and high-end food and drink vendors.

Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark, which collaborates with the DID for the events, said he thinks the city should create a sense of place, and said the company wanted to offer a holiday event like none before it.

"We've been so excited to have a top-notch band, along with incredible entertainment opportunities and food choices as well, but I think most importantly, it's all about gathering friends, gathering family, gathering your new neighbors, and being part of the city," he said.

"I love it," said attendee Kendal Gerard, regarding the new tree. "I just moved here a week ago. I love the togetherness of the community. All the support really makes it a great place to live."

Chris Voelker, Chair of the Downtown Improvement District, board member Eileen Hampshire, Vice Chair Ronnie Shugar and Commissioner Kyle Battie prepare to light the tree.

Bev Smith and Andrea Banks react as the tree is lit.

Debra Ashby and David Collins enjoyed having the tree for their first Christmas in Sarasota.

Commissioner Kyle Battie, Downtown Improvement District Vice Chair Ronnie Shugar, Chair Chris Voelker and board member Eileen Hampshire, and Next-Mark President Joseph Grano.

The new tree in Selby Five Points Park is about three times the size of the original.

Emilio Mila, May Ann Dewes and Brenda Brown look at the new tree.

Autumn Tselios leads the band The Rockefellers.

Linda Lamm, Andrea Banks, Cynthia Harcourt and Kendal Gerard

Michael Johnson pours a drink at the State Street Eating House + Cocktails booth.

Bob and Ruth Firth take a selfie in front of the tree. "It's the biggest tree we've ever had. It's beautiful," said Ruth Firth.

Jerry and Diane Seay of Tampa come to Sarasota for Christmas every year to spend it with their friend of over 20 years, Bob Peterson.

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.