Island gets into the spirit
From the dolphin lights on the Matlacha Bridge to the live nativity at CW Fudge Factory to the 2,000-plus luminaries lining the roadways, Matlacha was aglow with the Christmas spirit Dec. 24.
“This is our second Christmas Eve Live Nativity,” CW Fudge co-owner William Tidball said, “and the turnout is better than last year.”
In addition to the live nativity, the evening also featured a Christmas Carol sing-along, hot chocolate and free samples of fudge and popcorn.
“This is our way to give back to the community,” CW Fudge co-owner Carlos Gomez said. “The community has supported us so well over the last two years we really wanted to give back. This live nativity was also a way to gather friends who are without family during the holidays and come and enjoy time with the CW Fudge family.”
Residents and visitors enjoyed the island holiday celebration.
“This is our first time on Christmas Eve on Matlacha and it’s really wonderful,” Chris Harlan said. “We recently moved to Pine Island and I’m sure we will be back next year and every year. The live nativity with the Christmas music is breathtaking.”
“There are more than 2,000 luminaries,” Matlacha resident Dick Maher said of the annual holiday tradition. “We spent most of the afternoon getting everything ready for tonight. Santa’s ‘elves’ made this possible by gathering at 2 p.m. at the empty lot on the corner of Velma Street and Island Avenue to fill the luminary bags with sand and candles.”
Each volunteer brought along his or her small garden shovel and a stool and then, using Santa’s sleighs, the luminaries were delivered throughout Matlacha.
At dusk, the luminaries were lit and homes in the area tuned in radio station FM 106.3 for outdoor music, adding to the merriment.
“I want to thank John and Cheryl Honc for donating the sand and to Brian and Shelley Shipley for providing the open lot for the gathering,” Maher said.
“It’s a beautiful night in Matlacha,” Tidball said. “I hope everyone will drive through the island to see more than 2,000 luminaries. It’s absolutely beautiful. I’d also like to thank all of our helper elves over the last few days that helped us make popcorn and prepare the store for this many people. Merry Christmas!”
CW Fudge Factory is at 4548 Pine Island Road. For additional information, call 239-283-9911.