I attended the LIGHT UP COOPER CITY activities at the Memorial Park at City Hall last evening.

I have attended every LIGHT UP event except for one since its inception many years ago!  The crowds have grown each year.   The happy, friendly and smiling faces  greet one as you walk through the luminaries throughout the Park  to the seating area.  They need to put up more seats for next year!

The Parks and Recreation Director, Ken Richardson, introduced Mayor Debby Eisinger who, in turn, introduced Commissioners Lisa Mallozzi, John Sims and Jeff Green.  Commissioner Jamie Curran was otherwise busy "assisting" Santa Claus.

The light switch was pulled by an Embassy Creek School Kindergartner who was dressed in a lovely red holiday dress.  The appropriate "OHs" and "AHs" were heard from the crowd as the Park's trees suddenly glowed in the darkness.

Santa Claus arrived (I received a one-arm hug from him as he passed) and he proceeded to his special seat in the gazebo   to greet and talk with the very long line of children and their parents.  The children were laughing, jumping, some probably nervous about their behavior of the last year, all excited in anticipation of HIS arrival.

The children's chorus sang, performed  and dressed their very holiday best to perform for Mom, Dad, Aunts and Uncles, Granparents and friends.

Then on to the Community Center to view the tables of possible holiday gifts.  "Homemade" crafts of a number of varieties:  Jewelry, fragrant soaps and candles, beautifully crocheted and knitted baby clothing and  blankets, afghans for Mom or Dad,  also a table of gorgeous candies.  And don't forget Gayle's Ceramic gift display.  She makes beautiful ceramic  gift items.

The line of parents and children wound its way from the front door through the Community Center to the outside door:  THE CHILDREN'S TRAIN  RIDE around  its track tooting  as it went.  All to the delight of the parents and watchers but especially the children! 

There were bounce houses  for the children at the outskirts of all the Park activities.   Everything to delight the children and the family.

It was also my time to greet neighbors and friends whom I do not get to see often throughout the year.  The excitement of the Holiday was with us! 

I walked a block south on 90th Avenue to my home and was absolutely amazed at the numbers of vehicles parked in every inch of space,  All nearby parking areas were filled to the brim!

Another year.  Another delightful evening at City Hall  for our special Cooper City residents.  Especially the children!

Gladys Wilson