Celebrate the Holidays in Paradise

Coconut Point hosts 2nd Annual Holiday Celebration and Tropical Parade

 

By Cheryl Mandell

 

The Estero community is coming together in a big way this year to celebrate the holidays in paradise. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Coconut Point Mall will host its second annual all-day tropical extravaganza featuring live music, a car show, vendors and food tents, a parade down Fashion Drive, dancers and performers from local schools and organizations, plus hula dancers, fire twirlers, a Hawaiian-style sing-along and so much more.

This year, Coconut Point Mall teamed up with the Rotary Club of Estero and Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce to provide holiday joy for kids from 1 to 92, as the classic carol goes. Embracing the tropical temperatures and the holiday spirit of giving, these organizations are proudly hosting this special day of merriment to benefit numerous local charities.

Steven Mayer, president of the Rotary Club of Estero, echoes the sentiments of his organization. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Coconut Point Mall to present this event to the community,” Mayer said. “The event builds on Rotary’s tradition of giving back to Southwest Florida through our support of local charities and involvement in our schools.”

Kicking off the celebration, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Rotary Club of Estero is hosting an exciting holiday car show with unique cars from local car clubs lined up and down Fashion Drive. Estero Rotarian and community pillar Joe Pavich is excited to be organizing the show.

“Not only is Coconut Point’s holiday celebration one of the biggest events in our area, but the difference is that, in the past, we’ve used the parking lot behind the movie theater to show the cars,” Pavich said. “This year, they’re closing down Fashion Drive to vehicle traffic, and the car show is going to be on the road in front of the stores. It should be a great event for the businesses and guests, for everybody.”

The car show is free, but there is a suggested donation for viewing, 50/50 raffles and other fundraising activities, proceeds of which will benefit various local charities supported by Estero Rotary. Pavich is hoping for “a couple hundred” cars to participate. Car enthusiasts should not miss this special three-hour afternoon event.

The sidewalks will be filled with arts and crafts vendors, along with Coconut Point’s food vendors, including Ted’s Montana Grill, Mamma Anna Trattoria, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Five Guys and more. Music from local DJ Tommy Tunes will be playing throughout the show and beyond.

The afternoon fun continues with entertainment for the whole family. At 3 p.m., New Horizons Children’s Choir will kick things off at Coconut Point’s center stage, singing festive favorites. Powerhouse Dance will entertain the crowd, and there will be karate demonstrations from Oak Creek Charter School. The Bonita Springs Charter School Choir will sing, and the Bonita Springs Middle School Center for the Arts steel drum band will usher in the evening’s tropical theme.

During the 3-5 p.m. time slot, families can enjoy the kids and teens sections with age-appropriate activities. Creative World School will be hosting fun games and events for children, and Murray the Kiss Moose will be reading stories and posing for photos. Older guests will get a kick out of The Hot Flashz – Lee County’s original 45-and-older, nonprofit entertainment troupe that will dazzle with high energy dancing!

Along with various community performances, the exciting tropical entertainment at center stage includes the Alliance for the Arts Polynesian dancers, fire twirlers and more. Revelers will also enjoy a “12 Days of Christmas” sing-along, Hawaiian style. What better way to usher in the most wonderful time of the year in paradise?

As the sun sets, prepare to be dazzled by the lights and sounds of the highly-anticipated tropical parade, which begins at 6 p.m. The parade starts at the mall’s north end near the West Elm store and proceeds the entire way down Fashion Drive to Dillard’s. The lively, colorful procession features high school bands, baton twirlers and floats from local organizations such as Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Shriners, Rotary Club of Estero and more. Last year, the parade was attended by 2,000 members of the community.

Katy Errington, President and CEO of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, is looking forward to the holiday cheer. “This festive celebration is back and brighter than ever!” Errington said, “The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is excited to take part, joining local businesses and the community to kick off the holidays with joy and excitement.”

No holiday celebration is complete without a visit from Santa! Promptly after the parade, Santa will arrive in a special, surprise way. Last year, Santa arrived by Jeep; how will he make his grand entrance this year? It’s anyone’s guess! Santa will head to the center stage at 7 p.m. to commence the tree lighting, led by Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Estero Mayor Jon McLain and representatives of Estero Rotary and the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce. Afterward, guests young and old can take photos with Santa at his station in Holiday Alley.

What brings you the most joy during the holidays? The songs of the season? The twinkling lights all around? Maybe it’s the look of wonder on children’s faces as they see Santa, or the undeniable spirit of giving and camaraderie that this season brings. The holiday celebration at Coconut Point includes all of these things and more, together in one magical day.

“This event is going to be one to remember,” said Pavich. “We think this is going to start an annual tradition for years to come.”

From Dillard’s all the way to West Elm, Fashion Drive will be closed to traffic for the whole day to accommodate the festivities. Guests should park in the front lots, and enter and exit through Cinema Way only. Special handicap parking will be available that day. There will be a shuttle operating through the front parking lot, as well. For more information, search events at simon.com/mall/coconut-point.