It started snowing on Avenue A, NW about 1:00 today (Thursday, December 20) and as you can see from the photo above, there is major drifting involved. The forcast calls for continued snowfall as crews prepare for tonight’s “Snow Central” event presented by the City of Winter Haven.
You’re invited to bring your mittens and snow shoes and enjoy the snow, games, music and a visit with Santa downtown tonight from 6 - 9 p.m.
Admission is free with a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Salvation Army or a new unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots.
It looks like Winter Haven will get even more airtime. In addition to the movie currently being filmed at Cypress Gardens, a PBS series will be filming here on December 12.
The Public Broadcasting System’s “History Detectives” series will film in the Winter Haven area next Wednesday. Segments for the popular series will film at the Winter Haven Public Library (a research sequence), American Legion Post and at Fantasy of Flight. They will be filming interviews with a World War II veteran from California that flew B-24 Bombers during WWII in Europe.
Filming will also take place in Sebring. If and when we determine an air-date for the segment we will publish that information. Mr. DeMille … we’re ready for our close up!
After lengthy logistical considerations we have arrived at the conclusion that the Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade needs to stay in dry dock. It all boils down to one factor: public safety.
Pulling a series of lighted boats through streets lined with cars, kids and carolers is just too dangerous to take the chance. If we clear the streets of cars then there is no where for people to park. If people throw candy from the boats … and they will … they will hit not only cars but people. Candy will bounce into the street. Kids run after candy.
We all want the holidays to be a joyous time and for that reason we have decided that if Mother Nature had wanted us to have a boat parade … it would have rained more.
You just can’t keep a great parade down! The Christmas Boat Parade … threatened by low water levels … will have a new “twist” this year. It will take place ON LAND!
Based on interest expressed by a variety of residents, boats will be decorated on their trailers and caravan through downtown and around Lake Howard Drive. (The exact route will be announced after consultation with the Winter Haven Police Department.)
The parade will take place on Saturday, December 1, assembling downtown near City Hall. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., circle the Central Park area and the Carols In The Park Tree lighting and then proceed to circle Lake Howard. Several special entries are planned and Cypress Gardens Adventure Park will provide a boatload of Christmas Belles! There will be prizes for boats judged best in show!
Bob and Amy Lanpher have agreed to Chair the effort for this the 25th Annual Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade! The Winter Haven Nautical Club and Marine Supply are also assisting in organizing boaters. To participate boaters must pre-register with the Chamber at 293-2138. You will need to provide your name, telephone number and email address.
There is no charge to participate but the boats must be decorated with holiday lights. Arrangements will be made for Santa to join us on one boat so participants are asked not to bring other “Santas.”
Complete details will be announced on November 20. For now, interested boaters and “land lubbers” need to call the Chamber to register: 293-2138.
Some of you may remember the song “Downtown” by Petula Clark. A popular 1960s hit it became the mantra for many downtown promotions before the National Main Street program declared the song had just been used too much. That was 20 years ago and the song is enjoying new relevance as Main Street cities successfully bring their downtowns “back to life.”
Main Street Winter Haven working with the City has brought new energy, beauty and vitality to Downtown Winter Haven. At Main Street’s recent annual meeting there was a “new release” of “Downtown” by a variety of talented Winter Haven folks. There are some surprising cameo appearances as well. You’ll enjoy watching…
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