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The Holiday Fantasy of Lights beams a welcome as I drive south into Broward County towards Fort Lauderdale after dark, and I smile at the hopeful sign. Last year, the creative decorations lining a mile of road that winds through Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek was darkened due to hurricane damage. Now, the sparkling and playful displays of Santas, dancing bears, and other holiday cheer are back for the family to enjoy. It reminds me of the surprise treats that await you in this community during the season if you keep an eye out for them - especially the ones with a multicultural flavor. A favorite for my family since the kids were young is the annual Christmas Pageant at the First Baptist Church in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The show is staged like a big-budget Broadway show in several acts. It features secular and sacred aspects of Christmas with songs, ice skating, and a re-enactment of the life of Jesus performed by a culturally and racially-diverse cast of hundreds of humans – plus several live animals who, fortunately, are also just as well-trained. For a production with more intimacy, and a different perspective, the Mount Olive Baptist Church presents The Black Noel. Mount Olive is the largest black church in Fort Lauderdale, and one of the oldest. Free Kwaanza events begin the day after Christmas at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center and other libraries around the county. And, the festivities continue into January with parades for the Three Kings celebration, staged by Hispanic residents from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and various other Hispanic countries. Yes, Virginia, the year-round vacation mecca of Greater Fort Lauderdale has the winter holiday spirit, too – just picture it without the snow.
-Kitty Oliver
-Kitty Oliver
posted by GuestBlogger-GFL at 8:46 AM
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