Two ribbon winners in the Parade decorating contest, featuring the theme of “Sun, Sand, and Surf.” Lisa Stark photos.
Deanna St. John of the SCC Woman’s Club poses with her personal Santa.
Sunshine Girls from Kings Point, from left: Renee Holm, Cindy Dezort, Diana Franks and Valery Whipkey.
Ladyhawke Band, featuring lead vocalist and violinist Victoria Ginty, performed at the event.
SCC resident Karen Johnson created a Grinch Christmas theme for her holiday golf cart.
A participant in the Best Dressed Pet Contest.
Chef Kevin Harris of Taste of Gourmet Cafe, St. Petersburg.
Stephen Cooper photo.
It was a jolly time indeed at the historic Golf Cart Parade and WinterFest in Sun City Center, presented last Saturday by Minto Communities. This year’s theme was “Sun, Sand & Surf” and featured carts artfully decorated by Sun City Center residents with characters like sun-tanned Santas, Dr. Seuss, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Sunshine Girls, and mischievous elves tossing beach balls and flower leis.
The ever-popular parade of golf carts, which started in the Community Association parking lot parallel to N. Pebble Beach and ended in the Cherry Hills bandstand area, has become a highlight of the holiday season for residents of Sun City Center.
“It’s amazing what they can do with a golf cart these days,” remarked an impressed spectator, one of hundreds that lined the parade route to watch scores of festive carts cruise through Sun City Center, flinging candy, beads and other goodies out to the crowd.
Thanks to Minto, prize money was bigger than ever, with American Express gift cards totaling $6,000 awarded to 18 decorated golf cart parade winners for creativity and festive impact. Five lucky raffle winners received gift cards of up to $400 just for participating in the parade.
The golfcart parade was followed by the fifth annual WinterFest, which included live music by lead vocalist and violinist Victoria Ginty and the Ladyhawke Band, plus more than 40 vendors featuring unique food items, pet contests, massages, caricature drawing, photo booths, and imaginative handcrafted jewelry and arts and crafts.
“Who needs a white Christmas?” said the Sunshine Girls, laughing, from Kings Point (Renee Holm, Cindy Dezort, Diana Franks and Valery Whipkey). Even with above-average temperatures in the mid-80s, the holiday spirit is obviously still alive and well in Sun City Center.
2015 Holiday Parade Winners
Individual Category
First: Ron Ringenback
Second: Glenna McFarland
Third: M. Keltz
Fourth: Liz Burki
Fifth: Todd Wizelman
Sixth: Keith Kendall
Seventh: Barbara Lewis
Eighth: TIE — Gary Kimball
Sherry Brooks
Ninth: Maureen Talon
Tenth: Susan Roberts
Clubs/Organizations/Groups
First: Kings Point Quilters
Second: Irish Connection
Third: Pickleball Club
Fourth: SCC Swimmers Club
Fifth: SCC Woman’s Club
Business
First: Sun Radio WSCQ 93.6
Second: SCC Security
Third: United Community Bank
