Santa is coming! On Sunday, December 8, the Landings community will celebrate the commencement of the Holiday season with our annual Concert and Tree Lighting event at Picnic Pointe. The Landings Yacht Club (LYC) founded this very special event many years ago which signals the official start of the Christmas season in The Landings.
The event, organized, produced and directed by Landings residents and dozens of volunteers, begins with a 4:00 pm “mix -and-mingle” at Picnic Pointe, with music provided by the Landings Strings guitar group. Admission is complimentary, with Holiday cookies, treats and hot apple cider for all provided by the LYC, LTPA and LYGTC.
At 5:00 pm, the amazing Gatlins take the stage, leading us to the ceremonial “hitting of the switch” that will brightly illuminate our beloved Picnic Pointe and marina channel. Darryl and Andrea Gatlin tour the country with their wonderful music and will elevate our Holiday spirit with popular and fun songs and the music of Christmas. Darryl, along with brother Don, have been nominated several times for Country Duo of the Year and have performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Their music is wonderfully varied; with a mix of pop, standards, Broadway show hits, and country. Their performances are greeted with rave revues and will be a perfect addition to the event.
After sunset, we will light the beautiful Landings Christmas tree, using our new Flagpole constructed after Hurricane Ian. When lit, the tree can be seen for miles. A team of volunteers from LYC have designed and will build the mammoth-lumen lighted tree. Following the lighting of the tree, the Gatlins return to the stage for more music and fellowship to close out the evening.
The LYC and LTPA have again partnered with the Iona Fire District Holiday Toy Drive effort and attendees are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for newborns to 12 years old. There will be a collection trailer at the entrance to the event ready to be filled to capacity.
This event has such a rich tradition, says LYC past commodore and LYC Holiday event co-chair Scott Dustin. “We are proud to lead the event and expand its size and scope and welcome everyone in the community to The Landings’ second largest outdoor live entertainment experience. By joining forces with the LTPA (Landings Tennis and Pickleball Association) and LYGTC, we have expanded the size and scope of the event, and we expect a sizable gathering of friends, neighbors and family.”
Reservations are not required, but attendees should bring their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the festivities. A member bar will be offered. Coolers and outside food and beverage are not permitted. As progress continues for our Wheelhouse completion, look for potential special food and beverage offerings at the event.
Jon Hart, LTPA President says, “The LTPA is proud to join with the LYC to bring resources and talents together to make this very special. The wonderful tradition the LYC founded is becoming a spotlight event to kick off the Holiday and welcome folks back to campus for the winter season.”
