- November 2, 2024
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Jo Heneger does Tahana Parker’s makeup backstage.
Jaime Still, Barbara Young, Ruth Dunn, Linda Boyd, Anna Marie Lewis, Ericka Davis, Annette Moore and Pandora Utley
Director of Pageantry Cameron Parker poses with daughter Jocelyn Parker
Wilmer Pierson sings in the opening number of the 43rd annual FirstSarasota Baptist church singing tree.
Lorna Combs and Harold Garber sing in the opening number of the 43rd annual FirstSarasota Baptist church singing tree.
The opening ensemble sing during the 43rd annual First Sarasota Baptist church singing tree.
Samantha Arpino mimes a swimming motion to represent the “seven swans of swimming” portion of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The audience was split into groups to act out portions of the classic song.
Samantha Arpino gasps as the lights on the singing tree are lit.
The singing tree had over 20,000 lights woven into its frame.
Jaime Still descended from the ceiling during the performance.
Jaime Still descended from the ceiling during the performance.
The singing tree
Nicole and Samantha Chaulsett sing Christmas carols.
AJ and Debbie Donahue
Colin and Hank Cochran
Colin Cochran
FirstSarasota’s singing tree has come a long way in its 43 years. The original, made out of wood, has been replaced by a steel frame complete with 20,000 Christmas lights.
It’s certainly a spectacle, but for Director of Pageantry Cameron Parker, its significance is greater than its aesthetic.
She can’t imagine a Christmas without it. Now 39, she has participated in the performance since she was 8 years old. Her husband now helps with parking and her children participate in the performance itself.
“For me it is a Christmas tradition,” Parker said. “It’s the start of Christmas … it reminds people what it’s all about.”
