Lighting the way to the holidays

With the moon rising, Bradenton Beach’s 42-foot Christmas tree is illuminated Nov. 18 on Bridge Street. Joe Cuervo, operator of the Drift In, 120 Bridge St., lighted up the tree. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Sherman Baldwin, emcee of the Nov. 18 Bradenton Beach Christmas tree lighting, fires up the crowd before introducing the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines choral group. The group performed traditional Christmas songs before the tree lighting. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

The Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines performs “Jingle Bells” Nov. 18 at the Bridge Street Christmas Tree Lighting in Bradenton Beach. The a capella group performed Christmas songs before the 6 p.m. tree lighting. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Fiona White, 7 of Bradenton, is delighted with the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka Jeff Zelna and Jamie Bond, at the Bradenton Beach tree lighting. The Santa visit was hosted by the Anna Maria Island Privateers. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Tamela Behm Vrinios, left, Ted Berg, Candymaker Peter Vrinios, and Melissa Delany Nov. 18 shape candy canes at the Fudge Factory, a confectioner on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson

Face-painter Winter Kelly decorates the face of Braxton Stupec, 7, of Sarasota, Nov. 18 during the Bradenton Beach Christmas tree lighting event on Bridge Street. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson