NSBNEWS.net Video by Sera King. Cutline: Check out the festivities on Flagler Avenue's big night in this video.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Quaint Flagler Avenue was not only lit up earlier tonight by the holiday lights, but by more than a thousand smiles as families gathered on the beachside tourist hub to celebrate "Light up Flagler."
Adelle Alleti, owner of Gone Bonkers on Flagler, was one of many merchants thrilled with the turnout. "It's a wonderful night for families to get out and into the Christmas spirit with their neighbors," she said. "That's what a small town is all about, bringing everyone out, especially in these hard times."
One of the main themes of the 5:30 p.m. event that lasted more than two hours with storefronts showing their wares to a walking mass of people, was to "shop locally," Alletti said "because we're all having a hard time."
As part of the evening's festivities, Sandy Beach Salon was chosen as "best window" on Flagler and New Smyrna Beach Florist as best building.
It was a festive night with many young families walking with baby strollers and others with the family dog. There was the occasional teen skate-boarder, but everyone was behaved and police reported no problems on a seasonably warm evening near the ocean shore.