On December 3, 2021 we attended the tree lighting ceremony on Oak Island at Middleton Park. We arrived at 5;15PM and found the park was already packed with eager families awaiting the start of the ceremony. The local band Dave’s Not Home kept the energy up with a mix of both Christmas classics and old school rock. Meanwhile food trucks and craft tents were in full swing to keep residents and visitors entertained.
Leading up to the ceremony the mayor addressed the crowd with holiday well-wishes followed by a very clever and hilarious Oak Island rendition of The Night Before Christmas. At 6PM the tree was lit and Santa arrived, very appropriately, on a boat pulled by truck. Families continued to dance and sing along as children lined up to get a chance to chat with Santa–from a distance.
In the end, it was beautiful to see so many people and their pets coming together to enjoy friendship, a sense of community, and a great kickoff to the holiday season.
