Naples festival celebrates start of holiday season

"It's really beautiful," said Poasea, 23, who vacations in Naples each fall. "It's like an illusion but prettier."

But this snow was unlike any other. It was Florida snow; the soapy kind.

The Third Street South Festival of Lights kicked off with a large crowd of locals and tourists who joined in the celebration to mark the beginning of the holiday season.

An estimated 26,000 people crammed along the Naples shopping district to witness a snow shower, a tree-lighting ceremony and enjoy the tunes of local high school and church bands during the 27th annual festival.

"This brings the community and the businesses together," said Vicki Tracy, the event coordinator. "It's the official unofficial beginning of the season."

Miami Beach resident Ron Steller, who was visiting friends in Naples, came out to join the festivities, which drew hundreds of vehicles caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

"It's really a wonderful event," said Steller, 41. "People look forward to the holidays all year long. This is a good way to mark the start of the season."

Patty and Les Blake, seasonal residents from Chicago, especially enjoyed Monday's warm but breezy weather, a huge contrast from the Windy City.

"It's a special time for everyone," said Les Blake, 68. "Thanksgiving is here and then there's Christmas. Where else would we go?"

For Joan Myrtle of Bonita Springs, the holidays are not just about family gatherings, shopping and participating in festivals. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, Americans have so much more to be thankful for, she noted.

"I think it's really about peace for yourself, for your neighbors, your country," Myrtle said. "Let's love each other and our country. We've been through so much since 9-11. We need to remember we live in a wonderful nation. Think about how many people can't celebrate the holidays."

Tracy said each year the event is a "very expensive and hard undertaking."

"It's our own way to say 'Thank you' to the town," she said.

The main sponsors for this year's festival were Third Street South Merchants Association and Neapolitan Enterprises, Tracy said.

More than 150 entertainers volunteered their talent for the party. Among those who either played instruments or sang for the crowd were Naples Christian Academy, First Assembly of God, Barron Collier High School Jazz Band and St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Naples police Sgt. Phil Valdario said that, except for heavy traffic, there were no problems during the festival.

"It's like the Fourth of July, and when traffic breaks it's going to be a jam," he said. "But everything is going well."

Except for Thanksgiving Day, festivities along Third Street South continue through Saturday, Nov. 29. For more information, call (239) 649-6707.