By Rich Pollack
It’s not often that Highland Beach residents get a chance to rub shoulders with the town’s movers and shakers all in one place, but that’s what will happen early next month at the annual Mingle & Jingle holiday gathering, which will also celebrate the town’s 75th anniversary.
The Mingle & Jingle, set for 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, will be double the size of last year’s event, according to organizers. It will include several booths staffed by town and condo leaders, as well as those representing several industries involved in the condo recertification process.
Members of the Highland Beach Town Commission are set to staff one of about 10 booths, and another booth will include presidents of several of the town’s condominiums. The Police Department and representatives from the recently created Fire Rescue Department will also be on hand.
“Our residents have never before had this kind of access to the leadership of the community,” said Jason Chudnofsky, president of the Highland Beach Police and Fire Foundation, one of the leading organizers of the Mingle & Jingle.
Members of the police and fire foundation and the town library will also have booths at the event, which will be in the parking lot of St. Lucy Catholic Church.
“This is a one-stop-shop chance for residents to get valuable information about the town,” Chudnofsky said. “It’s also a chance to come together to meet neighbors and other members of the community.”
This year’s event, for the first time, will include a handful of businesses representing industries including insurance, roofing, construction, air conditioning and painting. The Coastal Star will also have a booth.
“Those who come will have a chance to leave as a better-educated consumer,” Chudnofsky said.
The Mingle & Jingle will once again feature food trucks. The plan calls for seven trucks representing a variety of cuisines. Town staff will also serve up hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks. All food is being provided at no cost.
“This is a way for the town to thank the residents for their support and to show appreciation for their helping us make Highland Beach 31/2 miles of paradise,” Chudnofsky said.
In addition, the event will have double the seating of last year as well as live music.
As part of a commitment to “giving back,” residents are invited to participate in a toy drive, bringing new, unwrapped toys to the town’s fire station between now and Dec. 24.
To make getting to and from the event easier, four trolleys will run along State Road A1A throughout the night.
This year’s Mingle & Jingle will also be a celebration of the town’s founding 75 years earlier, in December 1949.
That celebration, which will extend into next year with several other community events, will focus on community and on bringing residents together in recognition of all that makes Highland Beach “a great place to live,” Chudnofsky said.
“Togetherness is one of our themes,” he said
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