Jacob Howard
Staff Writer
Wintertime has finally arrived. Many first-year Mocs may be wondering, “What is there to do to celebrate in Lakeland?”
Downtown Lakeland hosted its 43rd Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade Thursday night The parade held fireworks over Lake Mirror as floats and bands made their journey downtown towards the RP Funding Center. The parade’s theme was Christmas at Swan Lake, with floats incorporating the theme into their design. Participants in the parade were awarded for their decorative efforts in categories that included: the most original float, best professional float and the judge’s choice for their favorite float. While this is one of the biggest events during the holiday season in town, students who want to participate in local festivities still have time before winter break arrives.
Dec.16 at 6 p.m., Downtown Lakeland is hosting First Friday: Holiday Spectacular at Munn Park. The downtown area will be filled with local artists, food trucks, and car shows, and downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. The park has been decorated to match the holiday festivities so students can walk through the lights. The planners of the event advised that parking is limited, so it may be best planning to attend with a group.
Southern Homes is hosting “Coffee Truck & Christmas Tree” on Saturday morning, Dec.7 at the Gresham Farms Model Center. The event starts at 9 p.m. Attendees have the opportunity to get a real 24-inch holiday emerald green tree or a rosemary tree. The Bedford Beverage Co. will be in attendance, a mobile beverage trailer vendor where participants can create their specialty coffee. Brooklyn-themed coffee and desserts tomorrow morning, reservations to RSVP for the event are free for the first 50 reservations.
After a nice cup of coffee head to Lakeland Public Library outside of Lake Morton for the Grinchmas Bingo Party. Some Whoville-style bingo will begin at 11 a.m. and a holiday craft will shortly follow. The event is free of charge.
While the events mentioned beforehand are found around town, there are still ways to feel the holiday spirit without stepping off campus. FSC’s Music Department is hosting The Christmas Gala: Home for the Holidays in Brandscomb Auditorium on Saturday evening. The concert will host traditional and innovative arrangements from the school’s orchestra, symphony, and jazz bands with assistance from the choir to perform some holiday classics. Admission is free for students and audience members are encouraged to sing along during Saturday, Dec.7 night’s show.
At the Lakeland Linder International Airport, students in can experience a unique aviation-themed celebration at the Aerospace Center for Excellence. On Dec. 13–14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Polar Express: Air Mail Edition will combine storytelling, interactive activities, and holiday cheer. Guests will go on a simulated flight experience aboard a Boeing 727, deliver their letters to Santa, and enjoy festive treats like hot chocolate and cookies. The event also features an educational twist, with a special display tracking Santa’s journey around the globe.
As the fall semester begins to close, winter time in Lakeland is far from over.
If interested in finding more events in town, check Lakeland (lakeland.gov) and Downtown Lakeland’s (downtownlkld.com) web pages for different events.
