Those who couldn't make it out to the famed tree lighting at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City joined Mayor Bob Buckhorn along with several other community leaders for the Ybor City version on Wednesday evening.
A ceremony to light the 34-foot holiday tree in Centro Ybor began with carolers Jackson Crawford, Erin Lowe, Shay Cambre and Paul Iankov; courtesy of Busch Gardens. The quartet performed a second time after Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in their stretch Hummer limo, which was followed by an armored truck loaded with presents.
After the tree lighting ceremony The Ritz Ybor hosted the Fourth Annual Miracle on 7th Avenue to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Last year they raised $100,278 and this years goal was to raise $125,000-plus. Raffles, a silent auction, holiday-themed cocktails and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus were all ways to donate to this great cause. Sunday's and La Table Du Chef provided complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
- Nicole Abbett
- Mayor Bob Buckhorn receives this year's naughty list!
This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 5, 2012.