Merchants make merry in Holmes Beach

Grant Daleiden doesn’t quite know what to make of the fellow with the big white beard. Grant was visiting great-grandmother Loraine Larson of Holmes Beach and got a chance to meet Santa at the Dec. 2 downtown holiday open house hosted by an array of merchants surrounding the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives. Santa’s visit and the Privateers were hosted by The Feast restaurant.

The ladies are always minding the store at Mister Roberts Resort Wear, 5330 Gulf Drive. Sister owners Linda Clayton, left, and Signa Bouziane greet shoppers with saleswoman Jane Bonneson Dec. 2 during the Holmes Beach holiday open house.

Youngsters get into the groove with John Moher, “The Calypso Kid,” as he entertains shoppers Dec. 2 at the S&S Plaza in Holmes Beach.

The women of Acqua Aveda Salon, Spa and Store, 5311 Gulf Drive, mug for the camera Dec. 2 as the Holmes Beach open holiday house gets underway. The salon offered barbecue sliders and assorted beverages at the celebration.

Santa and his sleigh, courtesy of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, arrive to the Island Shopping Center on Marina Drive Dec. 2 for the downtown Holmes Beach holiday open house. Santa visited with children and adults alike, with help from some scallywag pirates and wenches, handing out gifts to the little ones.