Luminary tradition continues in Matlacha
For the last 24 years, residents of Matlacha have spent Christmas Eve walking the streets of their village to light luminaries for all to enjoy. The tradition continues again this year thanks to some dedicated volunteers. Among them is Matlacha resident Deb Kundall.
“I began helping to deliver, light and pick up the luminaries every year since I moved to Matlacha. It is a wonderful tradition,” said Kundall. “We hope that people will come out and either walk or drive through our neighborhood to enjoy them.”
The luminaries will be placed along the roadways along Island Avenue and its connecting streets. Truly a family tradition, the luminary lighting has since been passed down to the next generation of Matlacha residents. Kacey Herrin, 20, has been participating in the luminary tradition since she was a small child.
“When we moved to Matlacha in 1995, our neighbors had told us about the luminary tradition and I was very excited to help out. There were not many kids involved then and I loved tagging along with my mother and sister on Christmas Eve. I was very little then and could only fill the bags with sand, but as I got bigger I moved up to helping carry the bags and placing them around the neighborhood,” Herrin said. “This tradition is unique to Matlacha and I just love it. When all the candles are lit, I enjoy watching all the people walk the streets or drive through with only their parking lights on to enjoy the luminaries. It looks like a runway lit up for Santa to arrive.”
Another long-time volunteer, Don Kunth also became involved when he moved to Matlacha in 1992.
“When I first moved here I volunteered to help pick up the bags on Christmas morning. These days I still help out on my street by pushing my wheelbarrow and filling it with the debris from the night before,” said Kunth. “I think this is a neat way to get the whole island involved. There are so many wonderful people who help out and make donations so that the tradition keeps going.”
Among those who have contributed over the years is Honc Industries, which supplies the sand for the luminaries.
“Honc supports many island events including the luminaries, education, fishing tournaments and the work done by our community organizations. This is just one more way we can help out our community,” said Ray Clary from Honc. “We are always happy to help out any way that we can to promote and support the things that go on here on the island.”
On Christmas Eve volunteers will converge on the vacant corner lot on Island Avenue to fill bags with sand and candles and then deliver them throughout the neighborhood. Then at dusk the candles will be lit and will continue to glow throughout the night.
All are welcome to assist with the delivery, lighting and pick up of the luminaries or to just visit the neighborhood to enjoy them.
For more information or to volunteers, call Deb Kundall at 292-6886.