Communication Builds Our Community
Communication Builds Our Community
Annual Downtown Holiday Event Features, Music, Fun, and "Snow"
Carrie Ingley shares the magic with her young son, Henry, at the 2022 version of Make it Magical. The event happening this Friday is expected to draw more than a thousand visitors to downtown Lake Wales.
A delightful evening filled with colorful holiday décor, music, happiness, and yes, snow, will fill the streets of downtown Lake Wales with families getting themselves deeply into the holiday spirit. The annual "Make It Magical" event, hosted by Lake Wales Main Street and a host of sponsors, has become a holiday tradition for area residents who pour into the downtown streets to share in the festive air.
The 9th annual event will happen this Friday night, December 8, along Orange, Park, and Stuart Avenues between Market Street and Scenic Highway. The evening's activities begin at 5:00 pm and offer a free fun time to enjoy the best of the community.
Live music from Paul Gavin Music and the Lake Wales Jazz Connection, sponsored by the Lake Wales Arts Council, will fire up the holiday spirit. Other entertainment includes the Lake Wales Highlander Jazz Band from 5:00 to 5:25, and the Ridge Brass, who will perform between 5:30 and 6:00. At 6:00 the Gnarbuckles will perform, all leading up to the Jazz Connection show.
Lines typically form quickly for the free train rides down Stuart Avenue as "snow" machines shower white flakes from atop taller buildings to swirl in the breezes to complete the fantasy. Organizers promise "exciting activities, crafts, and even a visit from Santa himself."
Lines also form at Santa's specially-constructed headquarters for the chance to take photos of the kids with the jolly old elf.
Scores of area civic clubs and other vendors will offer gift ideas and treats, many free for the tasting, so "visions of sugar plums" become reality. Food vendors will also be present offering tasty treats, and downtown restaurants will be open to offer food and even favorite beverages for the grown-up kids.
An accompanying window-decorating contest for downtown merchants will add to the holiday charm, allowing visitors to vote for their favorites by clicking on QR codes displayed in each window. Prizes will be awarded to the People's Choice and by the Main Street board.
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