
After a two-year hiatus from city sponsored events due to Covid, The City of Oakland Park returned with a bang with their 5th annual Oakland Park Holiday Village this past weekend. Needless to say, the event was a hit with Oakland Park residents who were happy to see familiar and happy faces at Jaco park.
With just a slight chill in the air, it was absolutely perfect weather for our community to start celebrating the season. The weekend long festivities kicked off at Jaco Pastorius Park Friday evening, December 3, with the City Commissioners assisting Santa Claus with the official lighting of the Christmas Tree Menorah and Kianara.
Jaco Park had us all in the Christmas spirit, being beautifully decorated for the season and showcasing our 40ft lighted Christmas Tree near the entrance of the park.
This event brought together our neighborhood children who were able to enjoy the carousel, snow slide and Ice skating, while the grown-ups enjoyed live bands, dancing and our very own Big Dog Station serving up spirits.
Of course, Santa Claus was a huge hit with the kids, as he delighted them with the promise that he will definitely be visiting them this year.
Marly Apostolis, a 36-year resident of Oakland Park, summed it up perfectly, “It was such a delight being at the Oakland Park Tree event after not having it last year! It was lovely seeing all of my friends and neighbors out and about and enjoying each other again.”
Deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s office as well as Oakland Park Fire Rescue were in attendance to keep us all safe. Kindly, two Oakland Park firemen agreed to provide a photo op with a couple homeless puppies (Thelma & Louise) who were at the event looking for their forever family.
Fifteen local Oakland Park Business’ participated in a Christmas Tree decorating competition which resulted in the following winners:
Once the winners were determined, Allied Kitchen and Bath generously donated their box truck to deliver all fifteen decorated Christmas to local families in need.
With smiles and fun being had by all, most in attendance hope that this is the beginning of bringing back some normalcy to our community, after a rough couple of years.
Stay tuned to LivingInOaklandPark.com for information on up and coming events or sign up for our newsletter and text message updates and be the first to know!
Tami Wray was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and grew up in the Northwest area of Indiana on the beautiful Lake Michigan. Mrs. Wray relocated to Wilton Manors in 1988 with her mother and now considers Oakland Park her permanent home.
Along with raising two beautiful daughters and one step-daughter, she has spent her entire career working in the real estate field as a property manager, real estate paralegal and insurance professional.
One of her greatest passions is the rescuing of abused and homeless animals and promoting the need for spaying and neutering pets and adoptions of senior pets.
Mrs. Wray currently resides in Oakland Park with her husband Chris, two daughters and her rescue pets; four dogs, two cats and a ferret. Life is never boring!
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