Maitland City Talk

“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style…” only at Lake Lily, which took place this past Saturday, Dec. 4! The city of Maitland celebrated the holidays with another successful Season of Light put on by our experienced and talented Leisure Services team.

Lake Lily Park was incredibly adorned with spectacular lights throughout the park. Trees, entryways, the gazebo, the garden club and much more shone brilliantly with the artful decorations and twinkling lights.

The Maitland Middle School Stage Band and Wind Ensemble began the evening and thrilled the crowd with beautiful holiday music in anticipation of the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Many thanks to Eric Mendez and Lisa Hopko for their role in bringing joy through music to the city of Maitland.

A very special guest took time out of his busy schedule to join us, but once his sleigh landed, due to the lack of snow, he needed assistance from the Maitland Fire Department to get him to Lake Lily. After the arrival of our special guest from the North Pole, Vice Mayor Howard Schieferdecker and I assisted Santa in the countdown to lighting the tree. And since Santa’s travel budget for associates was limited only to Christmas Eve, Santa’s helpers could not attend. So, we selected honorary elves from the crowd: About 20 children assisted and did a magnificent job at the switch!

Entertainment throughout the evening continued as the Maitland Middle School Chorus provided beautiful songs during the course of the evening. Although every child sang beautifully, I particularly enjoyed the singing of one of the singers — I believe her name was Kaley. Maitland Middle Dance Troupes were also incredibly entertaining.

Santa graciously donated his time for photos in his sleigh for any and all families in attendance. But he could not do this alone — word has it that many of his elves were spotted around the park, so Santa engaged them to assist with the families.

As it turned out, the mayor and vice mayor were not the only members of the Maitland City Council to participate in the fun. Upon closer inspection, the elves helping Santa were none other than our very own Councilwoman Bev Reponen and Councilman Phil Bonus. Many thanks to members of our City Council for their help in making this event very special.

The Maitland Art and History Association celebrated the holiday season with a special event. Free tours of the Waterhouse Residence Museum and the Carpentry Shop Museum were offered to all in attendance.

The planning for this event begins early in the year. It takes eight months to prepare with five days total just to put up the lights in the park! Chuck Jordan, Mari Smith and all in Maitland Leisure Services worked their wonders once again, and along the way, saved the taxpayers’ dollars by investing in decorations such as sculptures, trains, tin soldiers, gingerbread men, snowmen and elves, all of which would have been rented year after year.

Thanks to all who participated and attended this year’s event. We look forward to other events throughout the holiday season! Have a very enjoyable holiday and a happy New Year!