City Of Boca Raton 2010 Holiday Experience Begins in Downtown Boca

Nov. 19, 2010 - PRLog -- Twinkling lights, festive parades, free entertainment for the entire family, seasonal music, tasty food delights planned by the City of Boca Raton in Downtown Boca set the stage for a memorable 2010 holiday season.  The City’s Recreation Services Department, along with many support organizations, civic groups, and individual volunteers, have planned a wide variety of free activities for the residents of Boca Raton, its neighbors, and multitudes of guests who visit during the winter season.  These include:

Official Launch Event of the Holiday Season-Friday, November 26th, 5 p.m., Mizner Park Amphitheater in Downtown Boca
The festivities begin as hundreds of miniature lights appear throughout the City to officially begin the 2010 holiday season in Boca Raton.  The “lighting up” of the City will take place as City of Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel officiates at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Look for the beautiful fairyland setting as lights begin to twinkle in the park, along major highways and other landmark locations around the City---at the precise time of 6:00 p.m.--as the Mayor “turns on” the light switch!

Also planned for the evening will be walk-about musicians, stage entertainment by the Boca Raton Community High School Band under the direction of Laura Antoni-Beard, followed by a special whimsical holiday stage show by ZMC Productions from 7-8 p.m.  The show brought to you by Zella Lehr, “The Chipmunk’s Nutcracker Review,” will feature a cast of spectacular dancers, cartoon characters, wooden soldier stiltwalkers, Frosty the Snowman, and rocking Rudolph.  The show also features Zella’s musical director and keyboard whiz, Phil Cristian.  Along with lots of food and fun for the entire family, there will also be handmade arts & crafts displays for holiday gift-giving.  Mr. and Mrs. Santa will make an appearance to tend to each child’s holiday wishes and will be available for picture taking. There will also be opportunities for children to decorate their own personal holiday ornament and create other take-home crafts. In addition, children can enjoy various rides, facepainting, balloonmaking, sand art, cupcake decorating and share in other family fun activities. The Boca Raton Garden Club will showcase the club’s 17th annual Boca Raton holiday ornament which will be on sale at the event.  In addition, wreaths and poinsettias will be displayed for purchase.   Many other surprises and “fun” experiences will make up the evening event, including a special collection drive, optional to anyone throughout the holiday season----the “TEDDY BEAR and TOY TURNOVER.”  Families are invited to donate a newly-purchased “TEDDY BEAR or TOY” which will be “TURNED OVER” to the Marines’ “Toys for Tots” collection for holiday distribution.  



40th Annual Holiday Street Parade-Wednesday, December 8th, 7:30 p.m.  In Downtown Boca (starting at S.E. 8th Street; ending at Mizner Park)

Community businesses, churches, schools, and civic organizations are all invited to come together in the spirit of holiday cooperation and fun as parade participants begin at  S.E. 8th Street and proceed north on Federal Highway to Mizner Park marching to the theme of “Holidaze Tropicale.”  There will be a line-up of local bands and choirs, “musical” entertainers, dancers, cheerleaders, baton twirlers, various drill teams, and a wide array of colorful floats---over 40 of them---all well-lighted for the occasion.   Many surprises are planned for the evening, including some special “tropicale” treats and an extra large animal balloon (20-foot Sun-Sentinel delivery dog), who will join over two thousand participants to brighten up the season in true “holiday favorite” style.

Sponsors of the holiday events, organized by the City Recreation Services Department, include The Boca Raton Tribune, Sun-Sentinel, WRMF97.9 FM, Florida Health & Chiropractic Medicine, Aurora Nurses Home Health Care, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District.  Special support sponsors for this year’s parade are Brandano Displays, Inc. and Doolan’s Amusement Company, snowmakers for Santa’s visit.  In addition, several area restaurants and businesses have made plans to join in and support the holiday festivities…be watching for special offers from participating businesses.



34th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade, Saturday, December 18th, 6:30 p.m. Intracoastal Waterway (beginning at Boca Raton-Delray border; ending at Hillsboro Boulevard)

Beautifully-decorated vessels making their way south on the Intracoastal Waterway beginning at the Boca Raton-Delray Beach border past Spanish River Boulevard, Lake Wyman, Red Reef Park, Silver Palm Park, Camino Real, and ending at the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge just south of the Palm Beach County line in Broward County.  A spectacular traveling fireworks display will lead the boats down the parade route. Free bleacher seating for viewing is available at Red Reef Park located on A1A and Silver Palm Park located on East Palmetto Park Road.  Presenting sponsor this year is Summit Brokerage, with additional financial support from Marine Industries of PBC, Boca Resort & Club, Barry Epstein Public Relations, Skechers USA, Atlantic Intracoastal Navigation District, Beverly Hills International Inc., Pyrotecnico, Florida Health & Chiropractic Medicine, Aurora Nurses Health Care, and additional sponsors who have donated services and supplies.



Boca Raton GreenMarket, Each Saturday, December 4th, 11th, and 18th at Royal Palm Place (southwest parking lot), from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsored and organized by the Children’s Museum of Boca Raton, shoppers can  purchase local farm-to-table fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide assortment of plants,  gourmet foods, oils & vinegars, fresh pasta, soaps & lotions, fresh seafood,  specialty arts & crafts, various gift-giving items, fresh-cut flowers, freshly-baked goods, holiday wreaths and assorted greenery, along with holiday gift baskets.  Each GreenMarket also features various community organizations, food and health information, children’s fun activities, and food tastings.



For more holiday event information, visit www.downtownboca.org, visit the City website www.myboca.us/rec/special events, or call (561) 393-7827.