By Brett Nolan
mail@floridanewsline.com
The Mandarin Community Club was honored with a Neighborhood Champion Award by the City of Jacksonville Neighborhoods Department for its 2023 Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting. The award, presented at the 50th Anniversary Neighborhoods USA Conference, recognizes the event’s significance as a treasured tradition in Mandarin.
Since its inception in 2020 to promote unity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christmas Tree Lighting has evolved into a beloved annual event held each December. The celebration has grown significantly, incorporating new features each year, such as a community food drive to aid local families, a children’s movie night, performances by local musicians, and vendor booths highlighting small businesses. These additions have solidified the event as a cornerstone of Mandarin’s holiday season, fostering community spirit and connection among residents of all ages.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Mandarin Community Club announced a new partnership with Florida Indian River Groves to host a citrus fundraiser leading up to the Christmas Tree Lighting, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5. This initiative will support both the club’s century-old organization and Florida’s historic citrus industry, which has faced challenges from citrus greening, hurricanes, and urban development, contributing to a notable decline in orange production over the past 30 years.
This fall, families can pre-order boxes of grove-fresh citrus, including navel oranges, pink grapefruit, and mandarin oranges, all hand-picked in Florida. Orders will be available for pick-up at the Christmas Tree Lighting, blending holiday festivities with the chance to enjoy Florida’s renowned citrus. The fundraiser aims to bolster community programs while supporting an industry vital to Florida’s heritage.
The Mandarin Community Club is actively planning the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting, promising another joyful celebration for the community. Residents are encouraged to stay updated by visiting www.mandarincommunityclub.org and club announcements via social media.
