By Katrina Elsken
Lake Okeechobee News
What a difference a year makes. In 2020, many traditional holiday celebrations had to be put on hold due to the concern about the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. This year, with COVID-19 vaccine free and widely available – and 70% of Floridians over the age of 5 vaccinated – holiday events are back!
In the towns all around Lake Okeechobee, holiday decorations are up and community members are enjoying parades and festivals.
Last year, kids shouted their Christmas wishes to a socially-distanced Santa. This year the little ones kids are happily climbing onto Santa’s lap for photos. Some are even posing for photos with the Grinch!
The past weekend brought the Christmas on the Caloosahatchee festival in Moore Haven, the Christmas Festival and Lighted Christmas Parade in Okeechobee, a Santa visit to communities south of the lake on the Sugar Express and other holiday fun.
This coming week will bring more Santa visits, a lighted boat parade, a Toy for Tots event on horseback, outdoor movies and more. For a list of upcoming holiday celebrations all around the Big Lake, the Dec. 15 edition of the Lake Okeechobee News.
