INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Indian River County’s current stretch of balmy weather doesn’t exactly make it feel like December, especially for transplanted northerners, but if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, all you need is a visit to McKee Botanical Garden.
The garden is hosting the sights and sounds of Holidays at McKee, which continues Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.
From teeny tiny babies to seniors, more than 500 visitors strolled through the garden, enjoying the ethereal glow from thousands of twinkling lights wrapped around majestic palm trees all along the Luminaria lit pathways and reflecting on the waterways.
The hushed sounds of crickets and frogs were interjected periodically by laughter from children, excited to be let loose along the softly lit paths.
Visitors were also getting a sneak peek at the new Sculpting Nature exhibit, which will officially open in early January and is scheduled to run through April 30.
“There are more than 30 large scale sculptures by a variety of artists,” said Kelly Susino, McKee’s marketing and events manager. “It’s their interpretation of the relationship between art and nature. Pieces range from the very literal to abstract and are in a variety of mediums.”
Guests were given a special treat on Friday night, as talented members of the Vero Beach High School String Orchestra, under the direction of Matt Stott, performed Christmas songs and classical music throughout the entire evening outside the festively decorated Hall of Giants.
And of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without Santa Claus, patiently listening to earnest little ones as they rattled off their wish lists. A few weren’t quite sure what to make of the jolly old guy, preferring the more grandmotherly Mrs. Claus and her sweet candy canes.
In addition to Santa, the Education Center drew onlookers who gazed in fascination at the large scale model train display, crafted by and on loan from Harry Halbert, Jack Nutbrown, Peter Tyson, Eric Menger and Tom Hadden.
Brackett and Company sponsored the purchase of the tracks a number of years ago, and there has been a holiday train display ever since. The perfect little train station, shops and houses are fabricated to scale, just as full-sized buildings would look. It’s all an amazing work of craftsmanship, with three layers of trains, an intricate trestle bridge, tunnels, and lots of little characters who bring the village to life.
“It takes about 100 hours to put it up,” said Nutbrown, sporting a shirt embroidered with the name, Nevadun RR. “That’s my personal railroad,” he added with a wink.
“People really like this sort of thing; they just love it. It’s so nice for families,” said McKee board member Charlotte Terry, greeting the steady stream of visitors. “Where else can you do this? It’s encouraging to see so many kids playing outside; it’s18 acres of nature. I’ve never seen so many empty strollers; the kids are all out of the strollers and running around. It really puts you in the holiday mood.”
If you can’t make it this weekend, the Garden will open again for “Nights of Lights,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 27 through Thursday Dec. 29 for another chance at a memorable garden experience.
General admission applies for both events. For more information, visit www.mckeegarden.org or call (772) 794-0601.
