News

In Highland Beach, (l to r) Rosalie DeMartino, Commissioner Dennis Sheridan and Deputy Clerk Valerie Oakes put final touches on the Town Hall tree. A Light Up the Holidays event is Dec. 10. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Rich Pollack

A holiday tradition is returning to Highland Beach, back by popular demand. 

Started in 2005 by the town’s cultural society board, Light Up the Holidays was a celebration that included the lighting of a Christmas tree in front of Town Hall as well as entertainment. 

But when the board disbanded in 2011, the Light Up the Holidays celebration was discontinued. 

It will be back this year, however, on Dec. 10 after town commissioners fielded calls from disappointed residents.

“We had several requests to bring it back,” said Commissioner Dennis Sheridan, who is chairing the event along with Commissioner Lou Stern. “It’s an activity that town residents really enjoy.”

Town commissioners agreed to allocate up to $1,500 for the celebration, with money coming from the town’s reserves.  

This year’s festivities, which will take place in front of Town Hall, will include performances by baritone singer Lou Galterio, Cantor Margaret Schmitt and the Lawrence of Florida Four Scissors barbershop quartet. The Rev. Gerald Grace of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church will give the invocation.  

In addition to the Christmas tree, a menorah and a manger scene will be placed in front of Town Hall during the holiday season.

Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be provided for those attending the Light Up the Holidays celebration, which begins at 4:30 p.m. 

To find out more about Light Up the Holidays, call Town Hall at 278-4548.