Santa and some of the crew at the annual Beacon of Hope Holiday House last weekend. PHOTO BY JONATHAN HUNT

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

The Beacon of Hope held its annual Holiday House of Hope event Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-6, at the Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia. This year’s theme was simply “Christmas,” as after almost a year of the nation’s battle with COVID-19, Beacon board members felt it was time to simply celebrate.

Despite the pandemic, the event turned out very well overall according to Beacon board member Elsie Stearns.

“The vendors did really well,” said Stearns. “I think people are out supporting the locals just like we had hoped.”

She said all the vendors told her they loved having the third tent this year and having the entire event outside was perfect.

“In the future, we will likely make this an entire outdoor event.”

Stearns said the general consensus from vendors as well as shoppers was that it was safer to shop the Beacon Holiday House event wearing masks outdoors than any major store where shoppers would be inside.

Stearns also said there were families in attendance with children who were able to do crafting with volunteer Pine Island Elementary staff on Friday night. Because of the increased cost of a third tent, Stearns said many of the local businesses absorbed the expense with their generosity in stepping up and sponsoring the tables for more than ever before.

Stearns said she is very thankful to local businesses for their assistance as well as the vendors.

“They didn’t know if they were going to make $10 or a hundred,” said Stearns.

“We have to acknowledge the Wells family for opening the doors to Tarpon Lodge for us again along with Shoreh Durkin and the whole restaurant staff,” said Stearns, who also said she wanted to thank Palmco and Steve James for providing the Mast trees that lit the sidewalk.

Among the list of entertainment for event was violinist Jay Sol, who volunteered to come out and play; the Matlacha Hookers, who came out caroling as shoppers perused vendor tables; and Michael Rose was also there volunteering as Santa for the children.

“The event was so well attended,” said Stearns. “Especially for having had it for the first time on a Sunday. We had a really nice size crowd — about half of what we normally see, which we felt was really safe under the circumstances. All in all, we feel the community was remarkably supportive in coming out to keep their holiday shopping local, after the year we’ve all had. The Beacon of Hope board would like to thank and recognize those that came out under the conditions to keep the light shining brightly.”