'Light Up Flagler' draws holiday crowd to NSB tourist core with song, dance and merriment

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(Photo by Dale Smith)The Tiny Tots from the Dance Factory entertained the crowd on Flagler Avenue dancing to holiday music. A mechanical Santa’s sleigh with bright lights attracted young and old alike.

Editor's note: The following story was submitted by contributing writer Dale Smith:

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Parking was at a premium on all side streets around Flagler Avenue Friday night. It was apparent there was one big party going on. Parents and their children, students, and all those in the holiday spirit, gravitated toward the beachside shopping venue for the annual "Light Up Flagler," which drew about 1,500 people.

At far left, Old Saint Nick stands guard at the entrance to Clancy’s Cantina, 301 Flagler Ave.  In the middle photo, Glassblower Jason Lott demonstrates how to create unique glass products on the front porch of Galleria di Veto, 309 Flagler Ave., where glassblowing classes are held and original art pieces are sold. Local residents Sandy Cleary, Donna Thacker, Cheryl Rich, and Novell Cleary get into the holiday spirit sipping complimentary wine.

From block to block, music was enjoyed; mostly holiday favorites, but pop and country music also made the crowd stop and tap their toes as they strolled from Peninsula Avenue east to South Atlantic Avenue. Traders couldn’t be missed because of the tavern’s life-size Clydesdale standing outside its doors. Further west, Santa’s sleigh welcomed the youngsters as miniature reindeer bobbed up and down.

Still further up, the large Santa in front of Clancy’s Cantina, beckoned all to enter or to pose for a snapshot. DJ Dennis Sheperd entertained the crowd with non-stop music while introducing the acts in front of the gazebo at Pine Street. He also announced the winners of best holiday displays.

New Smyrna Beach resident Nick Schulz and his 2-year-old daughter, Kyra, enjoy the holiday sights and sounds on Friday night as they stroll Flagler Avenue. Terri’s Twirling Tornadoes dance to both pop and holiday music. DJ Dennis Sheperd keeps the music going throughout Light Up Flagler, and as  master of ceremonies introduces the many entertainment acts in front of the gazebo at Flagler and Pine Street.

Top prize for best decorated building went to Gone Bonkers, 314 Flagler, with the best window display going to Gifts. Sealand Real Estate, 216 Flagler Ave., was judged to have the best cookies. New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer and City Commissioner Judy Reiker were the judges of the contest.

For the seventh year in a row, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus greeted families in front of their mechanical sleigh. In real life, they are Pastor and Mrs. Woody Keiser of Port Orange and founders of Dream-A-Wish Foundation, who make their rounds during the holiday season.

Ashley LeBlanc, a junior at New Smyrna Beach High School, sings to the holiday crowd. She is the daughter of Claudette and Tom LeBlanc of New Smyrna Beach. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, aka, Pastor Woody Keiser and Patricia Keiser of Port Orange, hug and talk to everyone who stops by to greet them during Light Up Flagler. This is the seventh year they have brought their holiday cheer to New Smyrna Beach. Chisholm Elementary students sell chocolate bars on Flagler as part of a school fundraiser. From left to right are  Hannah Arieti, 4th grade; Cami Roberts, 3rd grade; Tammy Spiropoulos, parent volunteer; and her daughter, Erin Spiropoulos, 5th grade. Money raised will help fund the school’s Lady Cats dance team.

Dream-A-Wish visits 22 schools to deliver presents to each child who is physically or mentally impaired. As of April 2010, 134 dreams have been fulfilled for area children, ranging in age from 3 to 17.

Pastor Keiser said that Christmas is “as big for us as it is for the special needs children we serve.” More information on Dream-A-Wish Foundation can be found on their website, www.dream-a-wish.org.

About the contributing writer:

Dale Smith is a resident of New Smyrna Beach, who has reported on local news in Volusia County since October 2009.  His writing background includes a mix of journalism and public relations in several community newspapers and a p.r. firm in northern Virginia. He attended Barton Academy in Barton, Vt., and the Cambridge (Mass.) School of Broadcasting for radio & TV broadcasting.