tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16235178.post-26048114426329272642007-12-12T17:49:00.000-05:002007-12-27T08:41:51.226-05:00For the first time since I moved here in 2001, I had the opportunity to attend two Sarasota Holiday events. I found myself regretting that it had taken me so long.<br /><br />We spend our days by the beach, which makes many think of us as a resort town. We enjoy a rich business, arts and culture environment, which makes others think we are a city. But at the parade, Sarasota Main Street looked eerily like small town mid-America.<br /><br />Strolling down lit streets, it was comforting to see so many people lined up, side by side, enjoying the beautiful evening long before the parade began. I would only travel a few feet before seeing a familiar face to greet, even if I didn't know their name. There was a closeness there, a solidarity. We love our town and were out in force to enjoy it. As the parade progressed, you couldn't help but notice the quaintness of it..little children from a dance school pranced by, a small float with a local choir belting out Christmas carols, and the equestrians riding horses bedecked with garland. Small in number, large in joy and community. I was in tears as three local Marines marched past in full dress uniform, waving at the crowd who rightly rose to their feet with cheers of appreciation. <br /><br />The following week, the same crowd was out at the Bayfront to view the Holiday Boat Parade. Local mariners enter a friendly competition for charity, and decorate their boats as festively as they can. It was a balmy night, and you would never have known how crowded it was by the friendliness and camraderie. I didn't hear one cross word, one angry tirade, all night. Just glowing, singing boats sailing along our beautiful Bayfront, celebrating this special season. <br /><br />A few days later I found myself at the mall, battling lines, cringing as two cars raced for the same parking spot, and thinking how overpriced teenagers clothes are. But I can simply think back to those two special nights when we were all just common citizens of our amazing Sarasota at a special time of the year. Regina Brassil, REALTORTrue Real Estatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01179881692015855368noreply@blogger.com