CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
The 36 th Annual Christmas
By Hayli Zuccola
Christmas around the World
For three days , Live Oak ’ s annual Christmas on the Square celebration brought a touch of holiday magic and a small sense of normalcy to an otherwise tumultuous year . Though a short period compared to the seemingly never-ending duration of 2020 , the event helped festival-goers get into the yuletide spirit – even if just for a weekend .
The holiday cheer began on Thursday , December 3 , as the sun began to set on downtown Live Oak . Patrons gathered at Millennium Park around the slowly-growing Christmas tree planted in 2019 and awaited the much-anticipated lighting ceremony . The twinkling tree helped illuminate the night sky and provided a glimmering backdrop for the Jingle Bell Fun Run / Walk , which brought cheers from the crowd of spectators . The first night of the unforgettable weekend came to an end with a movie in the park , which this year featured the Christmas classic “ The Polar Express .”
The Friday festivities began at 4 pm with the unveiling of over 150 arts and crafts vendors who displayed one-of-a-kind creations like hand-painted oyster shell ornaments ; wooden benches , birdhouses and wagons ; snowman decorated gourds ; and gator eggs . Food vendors , an agriculture exhibit and live entertainment also graced the lineup , but it ’ s the renowned Snow on the Square spectacle hosted by Busy Bee , which churns out over 30 tons of white slush to put a chill in the air and provide a pillowy walkway , that ’ s always the crowd favorite . The evening continued with an appearance on the Square
from the Big Man himself at Santa Land by Lowes and a dazzling fireworks show sponsored by Florida Public Utilities to close out the night .
For those who missed out on Friday ’ s late-night bash , Saturday ’ s schedule began bright and early at 8 am with the second appearance of the annual arts and crafts show , mouthwatering food vendors and the agricultural exhibit . It also welcomed the car and truck show as well as live entertainment in the form of dance and musical performances .
The three-day weekend came to a close at 6 pm with the lighted Christmas parade whose theme was “ Christmas around the World .” Suwannee Riverside Elementary ’ s float was adorned with multiple trees , flags and holiday greetings from various countries – an arrangement that gave them the title of favorite nonprofit entry . The honor of favorite commercial float went to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative , whose design encompassed a giant teddy bear operating a bucket truck that circled a large , rotating , glittery earth . The recognition of best overall went to Ward ’ s Fabulous Lights , which was a three-section train-style float flooded with colorful bulbs and canine , penguin and unicorn passengers that made it a sight to behold .
The 2020 Christmas on the Square may have looked a little different – hand-washing stations , masks made available and spaced-out vendors to promote social distancing – but through it all , Live Oak was able to keep the tradition of immersing locals and visitors alike into a winter wonderland complete with lively music , unique shopping , delicious food and plenty of lights . All in all , the 36th Annual Christmas on the Square was a success , but let the countdown begin for the 37th .
110 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2021-2022