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Christmas Stroll Is Back In Dade City

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 21, 2007

DADE CITY - A local seasonal treat, Church Street Christmas, is back, starting tonight.

The free event is part holiday stroll and part holiday concert and decidedly family friendly. It will be held each evening along historic Church Avenue, through Sunday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

From 7 to 9 p.m., the city will block vehicle traffic along the avenue from Eighth Street to 17th Street. That allows pedestrians ample room to admire residents' outdoor decorations and 27 giant holiday greeting cards, designed by area artists and sponsored by local businesses.

A mix of professional musicians and community and church choral groups and singers will perform each evening at different spots along Church Avenue, so named because it's home to several Christian denominations.

This will be the 29th year for the event. Last year, a group of residents stepped in to revive the stroll when interest appeared to be fading, and the event was widely regarded as a success.

"All the comments we got were positive," said Harriet Riddaugh, a resident and a volunteer.

It's impossible to get an accurate attendance record because the stroll is free, and people can enter from multiple points. Still, organizers are hoping to see more people on the avenue this year. Organizers booked more entertainment acts and extended the stroll two blocks farther than last year.

For a schedule of performers, go to www. churchstreetchristmas.com. The forecast predicts mild temperatures each evening.

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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