Island Spirit

Home again, home again, jiggidy-jig, and primed for Christmas events here on the island - especially now that my cold is better and I'm no longer talking like Elmer Fudd.

I'm so excited about all the festivities scheduled! If you are planning a visit to the beach during the month of December -- and especially if you are a local -- you must check out the list of events on page five of the current issue of Island Times.

There will be three opportunities for children to attend a free Gingerbread House Make & Take at Tiki Island, located between the Hampton Inn and Sidelines. All you are requested to bring is a bag of hard candies for decoration. From noon til 2:00 p.m. on either December 2, 9, or 16, don't let your children miss an opportunity to create their own gingerbread house. I'll definitely be there on either December 9 or December 16 - just to help the children decorate with spiced gumdrops and red-hots, of course!

There will be photo-ops with Santa at the Hilton on December 2, from 2-4 p.m. and again at the Boardwalk on December 9, from 2 - 4 p.m. And you know I have to show up for a photo with Santa.

The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce invites you to Season Your Holiday with Island Spirit this year. Businesses and homes on the island will be twinkling with enough lights to put a smile on even a Grinch's face, so please come and enjoy the displays in December.

Part of the fun this year is a Passport to Santa's Island. You may stop by any Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce member business or the Visitor's Information Center to pick up an empty passport.


When you 'travel' to a participating business, they will stamp your passport. With ten stamps, your passport will be full. Hmm...I could knock off at least five stamps in one afternoon after perusing the list.


Return your fully-stamped passport to the Visitor's Information Center and be eligible for wonderful prizes at a drawing on January 1 after the Polar Bear Plunge. If you are a visitor, not to worry. You do not have to be present to win.

The Grand Prize includes hotel accommodation, dinners, gift certificates and merchandise worth nearly $1000! And I know for sure that one additional prize will be a 27" x 23" framed print of Evening Saunter by Barrier Island Girl.

As you know, I love this island and the people. This is a great way to support local businesses while enjoying time with your family. I'll keep you up-to-date on my blog of holiday events such as an Open House or parades, just in case you forget. Check for photos of the festivities and, if you should see me there -- I'll be the one with the camera and a big smile -- please say hello!