And with a wink

Young visitors to Santa at the Dec. 12 Anna Maria Holiday Walk got a wink and a nod, and sometimes a “jellyfish” fist pump. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

The holiday tree at the Historical Park — home to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society — remained dark until 6 p.m. Dec. 12.

The holiday tree is officially lit by Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short and Santa Claus at the Dec. 12 Holiday Walk with music, fanfare, applause and a large crowd on hand to celebrate.

Paisley Murie, 5, of Montana warms up to a Santa hug at the Dec. 12 Anna Maria Holiday Walk. Paisley asked Santa for a “collection of unicorns” for Christmas.

Canine “kid” Cali, with his tail wagging fiercely, and “dad” Brian Sullivan of Cortez pause on their rounds at the Dec. 12 Anna Maria Holiday Walk for a visit with Santa. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy