Crowd converges for Christmas on Bridge Street
The Bradenton Beach 42-foot Christmas tree brightens Bridge Street Nov. 22 . Mayor John Chappie lighted the tree after a countdown emceed by Derek Williams, owner of the Drift-In AMI. The tree is at the post office building. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson
Winter Kelly Nov. 22 applies a festive look to the face of Finley Rupp, 8, of Sarasota during Christmas on Bridge Street, a special event presented by Bradenton Beach merchants. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
Rejane and John Monetti of Holmes Beach bring big holiday energy as they staff a vendor tent outside their Bridge Street shop, Monetti Apparel, during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration.
Megan Fischbach, Angela Rodocker and Julie Murrell embrace the holiday spirit in matching elf outfits during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street festivities in Bradenton Beach.
Penelope Flattery, 3, right, joins friends Vanna, 6, Sophia, 7, and Gregory Jr., 3, for a photo with the Grinch during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach.
People turn out in droves for the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach, packing the historic district for the lighting of a 42-foot Christmas tree. The event, organized by the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association in conjunction with the city, filled the street with vendors, music and holiday activities. More inside, page 10. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson
Patrons at the Drift-In AMI tiki bar give a wave to the camera during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach.
Members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers pose in full pirate attire during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach.
Santa poses the time-honored question — “What do you want for Christmas?” — during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach.
Chase and Leigh pose with their children, Steele, 3, and Slade, 9 months, for a festive photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Nov. 22 Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach. The family, visiting from Ohio, joined a long line of attendees waiting for holiday photos beneath a 42-foot Christmas tree. Go online to islander.org for more photos. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson