By Emily Lisska
mail@floridanewsline.com
The fifth annual Mandarin Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6 at the Mandarin Community Club features a soaring live tree, Santa and his helpers, and the popular area musicians Smooth Vibes. A new pavilion added to club grounds this year provides a place for families to enjoy an early evening snack or meal from a handful of area food trucks and vendors.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ first Hall of Fame inductee Tony Boselli will throw the switch at 6:30 p.m. to light Mandarin’s 20 foot tall Fraser fir. The tree is believed to be the tallest live-cut outdoor Christmas tree in Jacksonville.
Prior to the tree lighting, visits with Santa and his special elves will take place inside the historic Mandarin Community Club, where parents have the opportunity to take photographs. Nearby, children can create a letter or “request” to Santa.
The 101-year-old Mandarin Community Club originated the Christmas tree lighting at its historic property at the corner of Mandarin and Brady roads during the Covid pandemic. The idea was suggested by its youngest board member at the time, Brett Nolan. In the event’s first year in 2020, attendees pulled up and sat in their vehicles, much like a drive-in theater of decades past.
Now, five years later, the tree lighting hosts hundreds on the grounds, and many consider the event a kick off to the holidays.
“In the Christmas tree lighting’s fifth year, some surprises are planned for this newly honed Mandarin tradition,” said Nolan, now the club’s vice-president. “We’re grateful to Mr. Boselli for lighting our tree this year.” In 2023 Mayor Donna Deegan served as the dignitary to light Mandarin’s tree. That event is a finalist for a City of Jacksonville 2024 Neighborhood Award.
Food vendors at the event include the Empanada Lady, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and limited Chick-fil-A sandwiches, with the “cow” on hand for photos and fun. Hot and cold drinks will be available.
While the event is free with gates opening to the public at 5 p.m., non-perishable donations for the Mandarin Food Bank are requested. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a chair or blanket as seating is limited. Carpooling to the event is encouraged.
Also on the grounds, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society will open the 1911 Mandarin Post Office and General Store showcasing a hub of community activity a century ago. The Mandarin Community Club is located at 12447 Mandarin Road.
If you go: Gates open at 5 p.m. The tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Santa is available in the club from 5 p.m. until the tree lighting. Don’t forget your non-perishable contributions to the Mandarin Food Bank and to carpool due to limited parking!
Photo courtesy Olis Garber with Olis Garber Photography.
Mandarin Community Club board member Susie Scott stands beside Mayor Donna Deegan, and Councilman Michael Boylan as the mayor through the switch to light Mandarin’s Community Christmas Tree.
