The 9th annual Light up Estero, scheduled for 4 – 7 p.m., Saturday, December 2, is always a fun, festive occasion with holiday music, the arrival of Santa and lighting of the Christmas tree.
But, did you know there are several important charitable goals for this special community event? One has always been for the Rotary Club of Estero to raise funds for scholarships for Estero High School students who plan to attend a local college or trade/technical school.
This year they also are collecting pet food and supplies for the food bank at Interfaith Charities. The need for these supplies is still very great even a full year after Ian. You may help by bringing pet food and/or supplies to the event or the Rotary is hoping there might be groups within our many gated communities that might help to support this effort.
And thirdly, the Rotary partners with the Estero Fire Rescue to collect new, unwrapped toys for their annual holiday toy drive. Residents may drop off toys at any one of three locations in Estero: FInemark Bank, Village Hall or the Embassy Suites Hotel at Corkscrew & I-75. Or they may contact Gary Israel at glipdg51@gmail.com
This year’s tree lighting program will highlight three local musical groups: The Three Oaks Middle School Jazz Band, the 3 Oaks Academy Chorus and the New Horizons Children’s Choir. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing as well as a raffle to win one of three $50 gift cards or one $100 gift card to Miromar Outlets, as well as other valuable prizes.
Of course, there will be food trucks, bounce houses for the children, a special appearance by ‘Santa’s Elf’ and Way Too Tall Torrie, holiday carol sing-along, lighting of the Christmas tree and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa via an Estero Fire Rescue fire truck.
Come enjoy this free community event at the Estero Community Park. Bring your friends and family. You may wish to bring your own chairs, but chairs will be available.