While hundreds of children qued up to tobbogan down the huge "snow slide" the adults shopped at the holiday street vendors booths that were set up on each side of Cleveland Street. In addition to the holiday shopping, visitors also enjoyed a variety of holiday entertainment provided by: Francis Wilson Playhouse, Artists in Action Int’l, Clearwater Academy Choir, BB’s Dance Factory, Ruth Eckerd Hall and more.
Santa made his grand appearance by hitching a ride on the "Winter Wonderland Express" a trackless choo choo train provided by the Clearwater Community Volunteers who held their Grand Opening of the 16th Annual Winter Wonderland on Fort Harrison Ave.
During the “Holiday Light Up” Mayor Frank Hibbard opened with, “Santa is here! What a great crowd on Cleveland Street, the best Christmas present I could ever have! “We’re just glad everybody’s here…. I know things are a little tough right now, but in the valley you learn what’s really important. And what’s really important is family and the community and giving back to other people. So, as we go into this holiday season I pray that you will look out for people who you can help and just enjoy your family. And, remember what is really important!
“You see all the great things that are happening on Cleveland Street and in Downtown, it is going to continue and we hope that all of you will be a part of it…now, lets get these lights going!”
This event is just the start of many more to come. Every 4th Friday of the month the Clearwater Downtown Partnership will host a Cleveland Street event featuring food, shopping and entertainment.
Special recognition goes out to Opus South Corporation and Waters Edge 1, LLC for their generous contribution in making this event possible. The Clearwater Downtown Partnership is an independent voice of citizens, businesses, and property owners who are interested in supporting the economic vitality of Downtown Clearwater. It brings stakeholders together to develop, advocate and implement policies that build an exciting, vibrant and diverse downtown, and plays an essential role in keeping the business and residential community educated, informed and involved in the continued success of the downtown.
Membership donations will go directly towards projects that will create tangible result in downtown.
For more information or to become a member, visit www.clwdp.org
- Tampa Bay Informer
The Good News Newspaper
