Cape Harbour: Holiday Fest to feature new event
Kick off the holidays early at the 10th Annual Holiday Magic 2015 and first-ever Snow Festival.
Taking place today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cape Harbour, the Holiday Magic celebration will feature a Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus and his workshop, along with live entertainment.
Hosted by Fathoms Restaurant & Bar, the Snow Festival will follow on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
“It’s one of those things to give back to the community,” Timothy Hoffman, one of the owners of Fathoms, said of the celebrations. “It falls into the holiday season, and it’s a nice thing to do.”
There is no cost to attend the events, and parking is free.
Last year, an estimated several hundred people turned out for Holiday Magic.
“At least a couple of hundred kids showed up,” he said.
Today, Santa’s workshop will be set up from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Pavilion at Cape Harbour. Families are encouraged to bring along a camera so they can capture their family photos for the holiday season.
“We have a phenomenal Santa,” Hoffman said. “He looks the part.”
“The kids love it,” he added.
There is no charge to visit Santa, and pets are welcome.
“It’s open to every child,” Hoffman said.
At 7 p.m., the Christmas tree will be lit up by thousands of twinkling lights.
“It sort of kicks off the holiday season,” he said, adding that the tree serves as a focal point for the development. “Cape Harbour gets decorated with a very sort of festive feel and ambiance.”
From 6 to 10 p.m., Riverside will perform live on the center stage.
“It’s one band that will play,” Hoffman said. “It’s a mixture of everything.”
On Saturday, the first-ever Snow Festival will take place.
“We wanted to do something that was a little bit different for the kids,” he said.
Approximately six tons of snow will be brought in.
“Kids who have been born and raised in Florida, they’ve probably never seen snow before,” Hoffman said. “It’s for the kids to get in and play with – it’s something unique.”
There will be an inflatable slide and children’s activities, including face painting, a complimentary photo booth, and an arts and crafts table. Two professional ice carvers will also be on hand.
He noted that some activities may require a nominal fee.
Live entertainment will be provided by the local musical duo Gatlin.
Snow cones, hot chocolate and cookies will be available.
“I think if we can get 500 to 1,000 people, we would be thrilled,” Hoffman said, adding that Fathoms would like to see the event become an annual celebration. “We hope to grow it next year, as well.”
Rumrunners, Fathoms Restaurant & Bar, The Marina Club Restaurant and The French Press will be open during the events to serve up food and drinks. The shops at Cape Harbour will also be open.
For more information, call (239) 945-4330 or visit online: www.capeharbour.com.
Cape Harbour is at 5703 Cape Harbour Drive.