Brooksville becomes a veritable and festive winter wonderland Thursday, December 7th from 5-8pm, as the Christmas on Main: Brooksville Tree Lighting is celebrated in downtown Brooksville.
Presented by Brooksville Main Street, this free of charge event will fill the avenues with mystical Yuletide magic. The happening–with many activities taking place outside the Hernando County Courthouse, 20 North Main Street in Brooksville–will feature a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will pose with photos at Mulligan and Associates. The sounds of the season will resound through the voices of The Live Oak Theatre, and the windows of Patricia’s Boutique will come magically to life.
As guests enjoy the spectacle of the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, they will be welcome to shop and explore downtown businesses and restaurants, and get some holiday shopping done courtesy of 100 vendors (many fine artisans) and food trucks on site at the event.
“This is a Brooksville tradition, a family holiday event that Hernando County has come to know and love,” said Randi Olsen, who will co-host the Christmas Tree Lighting with Stephanie Sager. “You’ll always see the Christmas tree come alight. You’ll always hear the sounds of singing, of Dell Barnes playing, you’ll always see the windows coming alive. One of my favorite parts is the countdown to the lighting. This, is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.”
This year’s event, promises Olsen, will offer more musical performances than ever before–courtesy of her own Live Oak players, which this year will represent a mixture of new and seasoned performers with this signature community troupe.
“As they say in my favorite holiday movie Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” she quoted. “We will be singing holiday classics like Jingle Bells. And new this year, we’ll be having a singalong.”
A longtime participant in this seasonal happening, Olsen now counts herself as part of a BMS committee that has planned and coordinated the Christmas Tree Lighting festivity. And at this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting, Olsen reveals, a guiding force in this and other Brooksville happenings will be honored in grand fashion.
“We’re going to be honoring Great Brooksvillian Barbara Manuel,” she said, adding, “This entire committee has pulled together to make this event happen this year. We’re making it happen.”
Christmas on Main committee member Nikki Bell takes great pride in the event that has become part and parcel of Hernando County tradition.
“Christmas on Main is the largest Christmas event in Hernando County,” said Bell. “We host about 100 vendors including food and craft. Like Oak theater performs, Santa will be there for pictures and Patricia’s Boutique comes to life. This event is free for all who attend.”
Bell sees this event as a gathering that unifies the community.
“We bring thousands of people from across the county and outside the county to see the lighting of the Christmas tree,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for the local downtown businesses that stay open late to accommodate the crowd.”
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1334888023770841/.
