Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 12-6-19

Local
Volunteers Assist Metropolitan Ministries During Thanksgiving Holiday
On Saturday, November 23, 2019, members of New St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. Alec Hall is the Senior Pastor, volunteered their services to ensure others had a Happy Thanksgiving holiday. The volunteers helped sort and package food items, and carried them to the cars of those who had been chosen to receive a Thanksgiving Basket by Metropolitan Ministries.
Among those on hand for the joyous occasion were shown on the front row: Alana Braithwaite, Nicole Braithwaite, Hollis Braithwaite, Shirley Golden, Hope Morrow, Rev. Timothy Morrow, First Lady Yvette Hall, Maiyah Hall, Helena Brown, Anita, Betty, and Tommietta King. Shown on the back row were: Willie Jackson, Willie Brown, and Harold Adams.
Tampa’s Tree Lighting, Santa Fest And Christmas Parade This Weekend
Tampa is kicking off the holiday season with the City of Tampa’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the 38thAnnual Santa Fest and Christmas Pa- rade!
Tampa’s Tree Lighting Cer- emony will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019, with festiv- ities beginning at 6 p. m. at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Sing along with Late Night Brass as they perform favorite holiday carols. Magic 94-9 Morning Show’s Danielle and WFLA New Channel 8’s Keith Cate will join Mayor Jane Castor to officially light the Tree at approximately 7:20 p. m.
Just after the Tree lights up, the holiday family-favorite movie, Elf, will be shown on the big screen. The movie is presented by the Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc. Stick around after the movie for a choreographed light show in the park.
Tampa’s Christmas Parade will roll in on Saturday, De- cember 7, at 11 a. m. This year’s parade is the largest Christmas
Parade ever with 90 colorful units and three marching bands! There will be beads, candy and other goodies tossed to onlookers as the floats, Krewes, dance groups, Girl & Boy Scouts, Star War, princesses & superheroes, and others take part in this much anticipated annual event.
Be on the lookout for Hills- borough County Public Li- brary’s MILO Bus and Jr. League who will be passing out books along the parade route!
The parade begins at Madi- son and Pierce Streets, and ends at Curtis Hixon Wa- terfront Park. The best viewing area is along Madison Street from Pierce Street to Tampa Street.
Parade viewers are encour- agedtoarriveby9a.m.to avoid road closure and to get a good spot along the parade route.
After the parade, the fun continues in Curtis Hixon Wa- terfront Park with thr 38th An- nual Santa Fest. Bring your little elves to Santa Fest for a free keepsake photo with Santa sponsored by the Friends of Tampa Recreation; continuous holiday entertainment, interac- tive games, bounce houses, a rock wall, presented by Ad- ventHealth, and Meet & Greets with your favorite characters.
New this year – kids can test their physical skills on the inflatable obstacle course and their sleuthing skills on the Candy Cane Photo Hunt. Find all the candy canes and win stocking!
Tampa’s Tree Lighting and Santa Fest are sponsored by Magic 94.9, Tampa Bay Times/tbt, and presented by the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department and Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc.
For more information, please visit the Friends of Tampa Recreation on the web at www.friendsoftamparec. org or on Facebook.
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2019