Light Up the Village lights up children’s faces on Siesta Key

32nd annual event kicks off the holiday season on the island

Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Santa Claus hears the Christmas wishes of children from his perch at Siesta Center. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens

The holiday season officially has begun in Siesta Village, thanks to Santa Claus’ arrival during the 32nd annual Light Up the Village event held on Nov. 26.

Mark Smith, chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, told The Sarasota News Leader this week that the parade “was one of the best, if not the best” since that became part of the holiday festivities several years ago.

Sgt. Jason Mruczek of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, who heads up the substation on the Key, said in a brief interview with the News Leader that he felt the parade entries moved a bit faster down Ocean Boulevard this year than last year.

Catherine Luckner waves from the rear of the Siesta Key Association fire truck. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Catherine Luckner waves from the rear of the Siesta Key Association fire truck. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens

One reason for that faster progress, perhaps, was the fact that the Siesta Key Association (SKA) had a “new old” fire truck — a point SKA Vice President Catherine Luckner happily had reported to the News Leader. Therefore, directors of the organization did not have to worry about giving this one a push. Unlike the previous truck — which was owned by a former SKA board member — this restored 1948 model proved to be in good working order.

Smith noted that he was more concerned about the stability of the fire truck Morton’s had entered in the 2016 parade. “It didn’t look to be in as great a shape as the SKA fire truck,” he said. But Eddie Morton had assured him that it would run without a problem, Smith added, and it did.

Morton's Siesta Village also entered a fire truck this year. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Morton’s Siesta Market also entered a fire truck in the parade this year. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens

And while Santa has had some travel difficulties in the past, Smith continued, the Jolly Old Elf “got there in time” this year.

All in all, from the Sheriff’s Office’s perspective, Mruczek said, Light Up the Village went well.

“I was real happy with the way it turned out,” Smith added. “It was great to see all the kids. … That’s why we do it.”

Peter van Roekens of the Terrace East Condominium Association was kind enough to share photos of the event with the News Leader.

A Sun Ride Pedicab driver waves to onlookers. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
A Sun Ride Pedicab driver waves to onlookers. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The parade featured a variety of modes of transportation. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The parade features a variety of modes of transportation. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The Blue Skye Pipes and Drums group marches down Ocean Boulevard. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The Blue Skye Pipes & Drums group marches down Ocean Boulevard. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
What would a Siesta Key holiday parade be without a boat? Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
What would a Siesta Key holiday parade be without a boat? Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Residents of 'Whoville' wave to the crowd. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Residents of ‘Whoville’ are all smiles. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
A family awaits the start of the festivities. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
A family awaits the start of the festivities. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The parade and Santa's visit drew visitors of all ages. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The parade and Santa’s visit draws visitors of all ages. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The young at heart snare a spot on Ocean Boulevard to watch the parade. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
The young at heart snare a spot on Ocean Boulevard to watch the parade. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Santa Claus' arrival is always one highlight of the parade. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Santa Claus’ arrival is always one highlight of the parade. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Parents accompany their children in the line to speak with Santa Claus. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Parents accompany their children in the line to speak with Santa Claus. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
A martial arts group demonstration by youngsters is part of the festivities. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
A martial arts group demonstration by youngsters is part of the festivities. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Santa poses with another visitor eager to share her wish list with him. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens
Santa poses with another visitor eager to share her wish list with him. Photo contributed by Peter van Roekens