Weekend activities usher in holiday season

Its officially, the holiday season is upon us and this past Friday, Nov 27 through Sunday, Nov 29 the historic City of Apalachicola was swirling in activities that helped ushered in the 2009 holiday season.

It all started at 4:00PM on Friday, Nov 27, when Santa arrived at Riverfronts Park via shrimp boat to the delight of the crowd, while students from Pam Nobles Dance Studio performed a skit in the streets.

Carolers slowly gaited through the sidewalks of downtown Apalachicola spreading holiday cheers, while back at the park Santa and his elves took note of children Christmas wishes.

The Mayor did the honors of throwing the switch to light up the annual Christmas tree and Tommy Ward owner of 13 Mile Oyster Company served free pastries and hot cider that his wife Patty prepared.

On Saturday, Nov 28, Santa made a return trip to Riverfronts Park to aid the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department with a raffle fundraiser.

Raffling off items donated by Downtown Apalachicola Businesses, Fire Captain Ginger Creamer flanked by members of the fire department called out the pre-purchased raffle numbers as the winners eagerly took possession of their prizes.

Both the Downtown Businesses and the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce sponsored the three-hour long event.

On Sunday, Nov 29 under a beautiful and sunny Apalachicola sky, combined with the ambiance of Riverfronts Park Big Bend Hospice conducted their 2009 Service of Remembrance to close out a full weekend of holiday festivities in Historic Apalachicola.

The service began at 3:00PM with the opening prayer delivered by Big Bend Hospice Chaplain the Reverend Karen Pellett who also conducted the Ceremony of Shells and spoke words of hope to those in attendance.

Each year Big Bend Hospice local Franklin County Advisory Council coordinates the annual service to reflect back upon those love ones who are no longer with us and to give families solace to move ahead.

The non-denominational service created in an environment that welcomed everyone regardless of individual faith or beliefs and consisted of readings, music, and a shell ceremony to honor lost loved ones.

Following the service was an informal reception where those in attendance had an opportunity to mingle with each other, hospice staff, volunteers, and with family members who have suffered a lost.

Members of the Franklin County Advisory Council include, Karla Ambos, Judy Cook, Donnie Gay, Sandi Hengle, Beverly Hewitt, Pam Mahr, A.J. Smith, Sandra Smith and Joe and Jeanette Taylor.

Al in all it was a wonderful holiday weekend in historic Apalachicola and a great time of year.

Photos by Gail D. Johnson