The St. Pete/Clearwater area will be draped in white this Holiday season by something other than the gleaming, powder-perfect sand that lines its 35 miles of award-winning coast line.
In a shocking development called a miracle by some, flip-flop clad visitors and locals alike are expecting a barrage of snow throughout the area.
Of course, this snow won’t fall from the sky and won’t last long in this weekend’s warm weather, but it’s still enough to spread Holiday cheer throughout the area.
Complete with 40 tons of man-made white stuff, two giant slides and a special play area for the little ones, downtown Clearwater’s “Miracle on Cleveland Street” begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. Santa Claus will also visit the free, family-friendly event that features live music, actors portraying characters from “A Christmas Carol” and a Christmas train.
Clearwater’s annual Holiday Light-Up and a wreath decorating contest in downtown's Station Square Park will also be held Friday.
The quaint community of Oldsmar is expecting flurries of its own on Friday for its “Christmas Wonderland” at R.E. Olds Park. Visitors can slide or sled down the giant snow slope, get their picture taken with Santa or enjoy live entertainment, pony rides and inflatable bounce toys.
With snowflakes falling on the Pinellas Trail, Dunedin’s “Old-Fashioned Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 12, will have live entertainment and horse and carriage rides along delightful downtown’s Main Street. The event’s Jingle Bell Village stars Santa and includes children’s holiday crafts and a chance to make your own s’mores.
Acclaimed saxophonist Eric Darius will help ring in the Holidays in Safety Harbor at the annual “Snowfest” celebration, held at the Safety Harbor Baseball Complex on Saturday. A huge ramp blanketed with 30 tons of snow is primed for sledding, while a special snow area awaits toddlers and handicapped children. Proceeds from the event will benefit terminally and seriously ill children and their families.