It was the city's time to shine

Good weather and high spirits took center stage at McCall Park on Dec. 3 as Lights of Love illuminated the live 24-foot cedar tree on Drane Street along with the city's seasonal light displays strung from Wheeler Street to the historical depot.

Rain that postponed the city's Christmas parade, originally scheduled for Dec. 4, was nowhere to be seen as clear skies greeted more than 1,000 people of all ages who came to enjoy the scene. Christmas carols and songs were performed by the combined children's choir and adult praise teams from Plant City's First Baptist Church. Mayor Rick Lott hosted the event sponsored by local businesses, the city and individuals who made contributions to the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation.

Hundreds of people made donations to the foundation, each donation represented by colored lights on the Lights of Love tree.

"This is the 11th annual celebration of the Lights of Love event," Lott said from a small stage facing the park from the sidewalk on the north side of Drane Street. "We want to thank all the people who helped bring this together, including the sponsors, the foundation, the singers and the city workers who put up all these beautiful decorations."

Lott introduced the Rev. James Smith, the chaplain at the hospital, who opened the event with a prayer, specifically calling to mind children in the community and soldiers serving overseas.

Fred Johnson, who along with his wife, Tammy, was co-chairman of the event, spoke of the character of Plant City.

"Our community represents the spirit of Jesus by the lighting of the tree here tonight," Johnson said. "The people in Plant City show initiative, gentleness, generosity, benevolence, compassion and faith."

The donations made to the Foundation for the Lights of Love will be used specifically to support the hospital's pediatric ward, Johnson said.

The pastor of First Baptist, the Rev. Michael Lewis, counted down the last few seconds before 6:45 p.m., when the tree and the park's lights were illuminated.

Pete Battaglia, the music minister at the church, and Teresa Jefferson, a volunteer choir director at the church, led the choirs in "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," "Happy Birthday, Jesus" and an assortment of popular Christmas favorites.

"Christmas is a season that brings us together," Lott said. "It is a time we can show the love and spirit that we have for giving to those in need of our help."

As the choir continued to sing, people walked along Drane Street and the linear sidewalk in the park looking at the lighted displays. A long line of children and their parents waited for a visit and photograph with Santa and Mrs. Claus (Gary and Gina Blake) who used the park's train depot museum as Santa's workshop. Santa and Mrs. Claus met with children from 5:30 until after 9 p.m., and didn't stop until the last child was seen.

Plant City High School 2010 calendar cover girl Analise Coffee walked through the park with the other calendar girls selling the school's colorful calendar.

"We are glad to be a part of such a beautiful event," Coffee said. "The tree and all the lights and the singing can quickly get you in the Christmas spirit."

Other Plant City royalty in attendance included the 2009 Little Miss Plant City, Kenlee Andreu, and court members Ashlyn Yarbrough, Caroline Brummer, Selena Berrios and Ashtyn Steele.

"This was another special night in Plant City," said resident Charles Closshey, who attended with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Charleene.

That sentiment was shared with many in the crowd, including city Commissioner Bill Dodson and his wife, Silvia; state attorney Mark Ober; city Commissioner Dan Raulerson; and Chamber of Commerce employee Al Collinge.

Judy Martin, the administrator of the hospital foundation, said proceeds from the Lights of Love this year raised $19,000. Martin can be contacted at Judy.Martin@baycare .org.