For the first time since I moved here in 2001, I had the opportunity to attend two Sarasota Holiday events. I found myself regretting that it had taken me so long.
We spend our days by the beach, which makes many think of us as a resort town. We enjoy a rich business, arts and culture environment, which makes others think we are a city. But at the parade, Sarasota Main Street looked eerily like small town mid-America.
Strolling down lit streets, it was comforting to see so many people lined up, side by side, enjoying the beautiful evening long before the parade began. I would only travel a few feet before seeing a familiar face to greet, even if I didn't know their name. There was a closeness there, a solidarity. We love our town and were out in force to enjoy it. As the parade progressed, you couldn't help but notice the quaintness of it..little children from a dance school pranced by, a small float with a local choir belting out Christmas carols, and the equestrians riding horses bedecked with garland. Small in number, large in joy and community. I was in tears as three local Marines marched past in full dress uniform, waving at the crowd who rightly rose to their feet with cheers of appreciation.
The following week, the same crowd was out at the Bayfront to view the Holiday Boat Parade. Local mariners enter a friendly competition for charity, and decorate their boats as festively as they can. It was a balmy night, and you would never have known how crowded it was by the friendliness and camraderie. I didn't hear one cross word, one angry tirade, all night. Just glowing, singing boats sailing along our beautiful Bayfront, celebrating this special season.
A few days later I found myself at the mall, battling lines, cringing as two cars raced for the same parking spot, and thinking how overpriced teenagers clothes are. But I can simply think back to those two special nights when we were all just common citizens of our amazing Sarasota at a special time of the year. Regina Brassil, REALTOR
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