Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/223368
LIGHTING UP THE FACES A Taste of Germany presents a Toy Shop float, appropriately enough. All photos contributed by Peter van Roekens SIESTA VILLAGE'S KICKOFF OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS BUSTLE TO OCEAN BOULEVARD By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor Siesta Key Village Association President Cheryl Gaddie had warm words of praise this week for the volunteers and business owners who pulled off a very successful Light Up the Village on Saturday, Nov. 30. to Sarasota County Sheriff's Deputy Chris McGregor for his and his fellow officers' help. "It was really great [with] probably one of the biggest crowds we ever had," Gaddie said during the organization's regular meeting on Dec. 3 at the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar. "Everything went off really, really well." Additionally, Gaddie thanked the business owners for keeping later hours that evening. "It makes the Village very festive," she pointed out. Roz Hyman of Siesta Center — the SKVA treasurer and a longtime volunteer with the Village's holiday season kickoff — also took the opportunity to express appreciation "No matter how hard we try to be organized, we're not, and it still goes off," Hyman added of the event, drawing laughter. The biggest kudos went to Beach Bazaar. "It would not happen if it were not for you guys," Gaddie told Steve Hoffman, the shop's manager. Though he was not there for the Dec. 3 meeting, Beach Bazaar General Manager Wendall Jacobson received accolades as well.