We’ve all heard the phrase “The show must go on”. But last weekend we saw it in action as, after holding off for most of the day, rain began falling at a pretty good rate just as the Lighted Golf Cart Parade, traveling down Peach St., crossed over Tazewell Ave. and headed into Central Park for the 2018 Grand Illumination. But no worries, everyone just kept going, undaunted, this unique- to-Cape-Charles Parade and Illumination kept moving forward, offering dazzling lights and decorations, wonder and joy to the many kids and adults who ventured out to see it. Tots bundled in zipped up strollers, parents with umbrellas at the ready, headed into the Park. Over at the Gazebo, plenty of hot chocolate on hand to warm cold hands although fortunately temps were pretty mild. In fact, in retrospect, rain doesn’t seem so bad, actually a silver lining- – thank heavens it wasn’t sleet !
It was a wonderful evening, with candles lit and a moment of silence held in memory and honor of loved ones and first responders. Then the traditional countdown, a flip of the switch – – voila’ ! Holiday lights strung around the Gazebo and the trees were revealed in their shining glory. (A shout-out here to Citizens for Central Park, without whose hard work we would not have this amazing community amenity.)
Definitely a highlight of the event was a rousing performance in the Gazebo by the impressive Tidewater Concert Band. What a splendid treat to have live orchestral holiday music, 30 musicians strong ! The Band was great, playing favorites of the season, the percussion section making Little Drummer Boy and Do You Hear What I Hear particularly delightful, loved their rendition of Feliz Navidad with its upbeat tempo and joyful wishes. Super Kudos to those who arranged the booking of this Band, I really hope that having the Tidewater Concert Band back every year could become a favorite Cape Charles Grand Illumination tradition!
Of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a visit from the jolly old Elf himself. Pretty sure the little kids and big kids alike loved seeing Santa and Mrs Claus who dispensed hugs, danced do-se-do with youngsters and posed for many a photo, kids smiling ear to ear ! ( Another Shout Out, this time to Trina Veber, Santa’s better half since the very 1st Grand Illumination. On that freezing evening, December 4th, 2010, so many folks, young, old, toddlers and teenagers alike, poured into Central Park for the celebration. Chris Bannon, aka Mr. Cape Charles, dressed jauntily in a bright red Santa hat and jacket, was the first Master of Ceremonies. Mayor Dora Sullivan threw the Illumination switch for the very first time and Trina & Larry Veber made the first “surprise” Santa visit, passing out candy canes, sitting for photos, listening to kids earnestly whisper Christmas hopes and dreams in their ears. )
Not to sound too sentimental, as a lot of water has passed over the dam since that first Illumination, yet I believe that the same spirit of goodwill, hope and holiday joy that was present when the very first Memory Candles were lit 8 years ago still prevails today. In that spirit, Blue Heron Realty Co. wants to wish you a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad from the bottom of our hearts.
P.S. if you’re interested in seeing photos from that 1st Grand Illumination in Dec., 2010, click the link http://www.easternshorevablog.com/2010/12/ to our Life and Real Estate blog and open the Dec. 2010 Archive in the right- hand navigation bar.
