Christmas in Cortez with FMM, FISH brings holiday cheer

The Rowlett Chix of Rowlett Elementary Academy perform under the direction of Cathy Baudrit during the Dec. 9 Christmas in Cortez celebration at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Ellery McAllister, 6, of Cortez has her face painted Dec. 9 by Diane Ingram of the Manatee County Agricultural Museum during the Christmas in Cortez event at the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.

A nautical Christmas tree complete with a steering-wheel topper decorates the main hall of the Florida Maritime Museum Dec. 9 for Christmas in Cortez. The event was sponsored through Friends of Florida Maritime Museum by the intuitive Foundation, The Islander newspaper, Bradenton Herald and Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors.

Santa AKA, Ken Erickson, Dec. 9 listens to the Christmas wishes of brothers Braden, 6, and Easton, 3, during the Christmas in Cortez Dec. 9 celebration at the Florida Maritime Museum.

Santa AKA, Ken Erickson, Dec. 9 listens to the Christmas wishes of brothers Braden, 6, and Easton, 3, during the Christmas in Cortez Dec. 9 celebration at the Florida Maritime Museum.

Siblings Brody, 3, and Maelyn Macaulay, 4, catch air Dec. 9 in a gingerbread bounce house at the FMM Christmas in Cortez event.

Ellery-Mae Russell, 6, breaks into a smile Dec. 9 as she sits with Santa Claus at the FMM Christmas in Cortez event. The holiday themed event featured family-oriented games and activities, face painting, live music, holiday crafts and a chance to visit with Santa Claus.

Twins Brynn, right, and Bryer Lamb both, 5, of Cortez visit with Santa while onlookers await their turn during the Christmas in Cortez event at The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.