Lights of Love

Bert Fish Medical Center will host the 22^nd Annual “Lights of Love” event tomorrow, December 1st. The reception is in the Schildecker Lobby of the Hospital. Food and refreshments will be provided along with activities for children including a visit from Santa. The festivities start at 5:30pm and the tree lighting will be at 6:30pm.

This annual event is sponsored by the Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation. This family-friendly event is open to the public.

Bert Fish is located at 401 Palmetto Street in New Smyrna Beach.

Light Up Flagler

It is Christmas time in New Smyrna Beach! Get geared up for the parades on Saturday with a stroll down Flagler Avenue for the annual Light Up Flagler event. The merchants of Flagler Avenue will light up their storefronts for the holiday season. Many offer sales on merchandise, samples, wine tasting and more!

This event starts Friday night at 5:30pm, Flagler Avenue is closed to traffic. Parking is available at the corner of Flagler and Peninsula and in the beach ramp parking lot. Santa Claus will be in attendance and there will be entertainment on the corner of Flagler and Peninsula! This is a great way to start the Christmas season in New Smyrna Beach!

Christmas Parade and Boat Parade

This year's annual Christmas Parade is this Saturday, December 3rd at 4pm. The parade starts on Flagler Ave at the Beach Parking lot and winds its way along Flagler Avenue, across the North Causeway and ends at Canal Street. This fun-filled community event is great for the whole family!

Following the Christmas Parade is the Boat Parade it begins at dusk and is viewed best along the River near Riverside Park. Both of these events are free

Zumba for Austin

Do you Zumba? Want to help a local family?  

Austin Le Mon is a 13 year old boy suffering from stage 4 bone cancer and has lost his leg to this devastating disease. He and his Mom are traveling back and forth to Gainesville for treatments and could use some help for the holidays!  

Come out to Big Planet Pizza on December 10th from 5:00pm-7:00pm and Zumba for Austin. For $10.00 you can Zumba your head off (or whatever else you may want to lose) and help this local family. You can watch for free! There will be raffles, entertainment and of course great food.

All donations will be gratefully accepted!

Shop for a Cause

Gifts with Humanity which is located at 318 Flagler Avenue is holding a shopping event today to benefit The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. Come in the shop from 5:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. and enjoy wine and cheese and shop from their wonderful selection of handmade jewelry, home decor and accessories. Ten percent of their sales will be donated to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation!

This is a wonderful way to support your local business and a great organization at the same time!!

Coastal Market

The Coastal Market is tomorrow from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm on Canal Street. This fun-filled family event will feature The Party Train Express taking the kids on rides up and down Canal Street, food and entertainment, great decorations and shopping! Check out the Christmas on Canal Street website for a complete schedule of events and entertainment!

Spark the Spirit

New Smyrna Beach area Christmas special events start tonight on Canal Street! Santa arrives at Christmas Park at 6:00 p.m. and will have special hours throughout the season for your convenience. Also this evening is the tree lighting ceremony, there will be caroling, horse drawn carriage rides and businesses will be open extended hours for your shopping (and eating) convenience! 

For a complete list of Canal Street Events check out Christmas on Canal Street

Santa's Schedule: 

   Friday, Nov. 25, 6-8 p.m.
   Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
   Friday, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m.
   Saturday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m.
   Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m.
   Friday, Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m.
   Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-4 p.m.
   Friday, Dec. 16, 6-8 p.m.
   Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-4 p.m.  
 For more information on Santa, please contact the City of New Smyrna Beach Parks and Recreation Department at 386.424.2175.

12th Annual Firefighter Auction

Looking for a Fireman? Head on over to Peanuts on December 1st at 7:00 pm and you might just win one! The 12th Annual Firefighters Dating Auction is your chance to bid on a firefighter, EMT, local bartender or server. All proceeds go to the New Smyrna Beach High School Scholarship Fund. City Mayor Adam Barringer will kick off the festivities promptly at 7:00.

Peanuts is located at 421 Flagler Ave. This event is sponsored by the Local IAFF 2271 and is a great, fun way to support our local students!

Small Business Saturday

This Saturday, November 26th is Small Business Saturday. 

Our community is packed full of small businesses. Flagler Avenue, Canal Street, US 1, pretty much on any street in New Smyrna Beach or Edgewater you can find a small business. Small Business Saturday asks you to make at least one purchase on November 26th in a small business. GREAT IDEA! We should all do it.

Here in New Smyrna Beach we need to take it one step further. Instead of just doing it on Saturday we need to do it every single day! Eat in our restaurants, shop in our locally owned shops, buy local and put your money back in our community. Many of our small businesses are struggling and we all have the power to help them with our cash!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Margaritaville

If you are getting ready to get your Holiday shopping on I have a suggestion for you. Head over to the Margaritaville Eyewear Store and grab some glasses. I received a pair of these (just like those above) not to long ago and I love them. They have a huge variety of colors and styles available and if you shop this week many of them are 50% off.  They come packaged ready to give as a gift in a nifty wooden box. You can also get them as a gift for yourself if you like. I love mine!

I do not receive affiliate or any other compensation for this post. It is purely my opinion on a great pair of glasses.

2011 Holiday Baseball Camp

The City of New Smyrna Beach Parks and Recreation Department is holding a Holiday Baseball Camp from Tuesday, December 20th through Friday, December 23rd. The camp will run each day from 9:00am-12:00pm at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

Coaches include NSB Head Coach Nick Regilio, Assistant Coach Kenney Lutz and former Deland High Coach Lonnie Tidmarsh. The cost is $100.00 and includes a camp shirt.

Children ages 7-15 may register at NSB Parks and Rec located at 1000 Live Oak St in New Smyrna Beach. They are open weekdays from 8:30-4:30. Please register by December 13th to guarantee a shirt.

If you have questions you can contact A.T. Marucci at 386-424-2175 or Coach Kenney Lutz at 610-905-2341.

Thank You From The Frog!

"Forever Relying on God" is what the F.R.O.G. stands for in F.R.O.G. Ministries. A few years ago I checked out the "Frog" when they were located on Canal Street. Since that time they moved to 415 N. Ridgewood Avenue in Edgewater. They are still a Freestore and they still accept donations. Their website is a wonderful resource if you need to find sources for community help and information.

Yesterday I received this message from Dawn Clark, she is the founder of the ministry and she asked that I post it for the community to view.

"I wish to let the local residents of the surrounding areas now that F.R.O.G MINISTRIES (a free store/resource center) and R.E.A.N.N.A. MINISTRIES (emergency women/child abuse safe place) are humbled by the out-pouring of donations and kind letters of support.

This year we have seen the numbers rise exponentially in unemployment as the country struggles to support its citizens. We are thankful again for sharing what you can with the needy. F.R.O.G. MINISTRIES is open to everyone and no qualifying is required, just a need.

God Bless Everyone & Give Us Extended Grace

Sincerely,

Shepherdess Dawn Clark, Founder of F.R.O.G. MINISTRIES/ Kat Selph, Founder of Womens Emergency Services of Central Florida

You can reach Dawn at 386-957-3822 or by email 

Thank you to F.R.O.G. Ministries for all it does for those that need a little help in our community!

11th Annual Community Meal

The 11th Annual Thanksgiving Day Community Meal will be held at Hollister Hall at the First United Methodist Church in New Smyrna Beach. The church is located at 215 Palmetto Street. Dinner will be served from 11:30 am until 3:00 pm. The meal is free, donations are accepted and will go back into the Community Hot Meal Program.

Several local churches volunteer to put on this annual event along with the weekly community meal program that serves our community.

Don't Want to Cook?

If you are not into the cooking thing this holiday there are several places to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner.

Norwood's Restaurant
The Garlic
New Smyrna Beach Steakhouse
Denny's
North Turn in Ponce Inlet

Enjoy!


 

Around Town-Weekend Events

There is plenty to do this weekend at the beach....

The Elks will hold a holiday Arts and Crafts Fair from 9am-5pm, on Saturday, November 19th. The Elks is located at 820 W. Park Avenue, Edgewater.

The American Legion is holding a Turkey Dinner on Sunday. November 20th at Post 17, 619  W. Canal Street. Enjoy a full turkey dinner for $7.00.

The Governor's Cup 200 race is at NSB Speedway this weekend. The full schedule is available on their website.

The 15th Annual Charity Ball is this weekend. Details on their website.

There is a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday on Flagler Avenue. Check out the local shops and get your Christmas gifts locally!

Farmer's Markets are at both Old Fort Park in NSB and Hawk's Park in Edgewater.

Support your local business!

Festival of Trees

The New Smyrna Beach Garden Club is holding its annual Festival of Trees on Friday and Saturday November 18th and 19th from 9 am to 3pm. This special event is held at the Clubhouse located at 2000 Turnbull Bay Road. 

The Festival includes over thirty decorated trees and more than twenty wreaths. All are available via silent auction. There will be raffles, a bake sale and a "Golden Elephant" sale.

NSB Family Fun in the Sun Meetups

The NSB Family Fun in the Sun Meetup Group has several great events planned over the next couple of months.

November 20th - Picnic in the Park - 12:00 noon - Riverside Park 105 S. Riverside Dr. Join local parents for a picnic at beautiful Riverside Park, the kids can play and you can meet some new local people.

November 26th - Jungle Adventures Theme Park - 10:00 am - 26205 E Hwy. 50, Christmas, FL. This is a fun place, when my kids were little we took them there all the time, they loved all the gators, snakes and other animals!


December 10th - Full Moon Bonfire on the Beach - 4:30 pm - Hiles Blvd. Beach Ramp. Join the local Meetup Members for a bonfire on the beach...remember your chairs!


Check out the group here, they have a lot of ongoing fun activities for parents and kids of all ages. This is a nice way to meet other parents from the community and get your kids out too!

Around Town-Weekend Events

There is no end of things to do this weekend at the beach!

Farmer's Markets are going on in Edgewater at Hawk's Park and New Smyrna Beach at Old Fort Park.

Flamingo Follies is today and tomorrow on Flagler Ave.

The Radio Control Club is having an open house today from 10am-3pm at the club's flying field, 520 Highlander Dr, Oak Hill. Refreshments will be available.

Sophie's Circle Pet Food Drive, parade and pictures with Santa is today on the North Causeway.

Edgewater Permaculture Society is holding it's 4th annual Plant Swap from 2pm-4pm tomorrow at Hawk's Park. Bring anything garden related to trade for free. This is a fun community event!

It is Homecoming Weekend in New Smyrna Beach, there are several activities today and tomorrow.

The East Coast Cruisers are on Canal Street today from 4pm-8pm.

The Volusia County Fair concludes this weekend at the Deland Fairgrounds.

Enjoy the weekend and support your local business!

Sophie's Circle "PETS-Giving"

Take your pet over to the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach tomorrow for pictures with Santa, the Mutt Strut Parade, raffles, games and more. Bring a donation for Sophie's Circle Pet Food Pantry. Sophie's Circle is gearing up to feed hungry pets through the Holiday Season and all year long. They need your help!

Thank You!

Thank you to all who serve! 

Thank you to their families!

Eat Yogurt!!

My very favorite yogurt shop is giving 20% of all profits on this Friday, Veteran's Day in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Take your kids on their day off and feed them some FANTASTIC yogurt for a great cause.

Mango Tango is located at 364 Flagler Ave. Great yogurt, great cause! 

Support your local business!

Flamingo Follies

This Saturday and Sunday is the 21st Annual Flamingo Follies! Over 100 local and national artists and vendors will display their work on Flagler Ave. From 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, you can get your Christmas shopping done while supporting our local business. Entertainment, food and beautiful weather combine for a great weekend!

Veteran's Day Paddle

 

 

Enjoy the beauty of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon with a one of a kind paddleboarding adventure tour hosted by East Coast Paddle this Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11 at 10a.m. The whole family will be able to discover the sights and sounds of the backwaters of New Smyrna while walking on water. From blue heron sightings to dolphin and manatee encounters, uncover nature in a brand new way – by paddleboard! The tour will launch from JB's Fish Camp.

 

 

To register call 407-432-6332 or email Cheryl at East Coast Paddle.

Gifts of Love and Operation Santa

Gifts of Love and the Edgewater Fire-Rescue Association's Operation Santa projects are in full swing for the holidays.

Gifts of Love annual Christmas Toy sign-up has begun and runs through December 9th. Applicants need to go to the United Church of Christ at Washington and Faulkner streets in New Smyrna Beach from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Applicants must bring Social Security cards for all members of the family, proof of residence and proof of income. Please bring two toy ideas for your child. The program is open to residents of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill and Samsula.

Sign-ups for help from Edgewater's Operation Santa are scheduled to take place at the Fire-Rescue Association Fire Hall, 2616 Hibiscus Drive, from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 9, 16, 30 and Dec. 7. In addition sign-ups will be accepted from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 8. Applicants must provide the child's birth certificate and Social Security card and a picture ID, proof of income and proof of residence for adults.

Find out how you can help or to donate by calling Gifts of Love at 386-423-5257 or the Fire Association at 386-409-3333.

Canal Street Events

This Saturday, November 5th is the Gallery Walk on Canal Street. Stroll Canal Street from 10am-4pm and enjoy live music by Abbie Lynn in Christmas Park from 11am-1pm. get some early Christmas shopping done and listen to some great music. Then from 4pm-8pm enjoy the galleries on Douglas, with art, refreshments and entertainment.


Support your local business!