VERO BEACH — Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow darted from one twinkling display to the next – followed closely behind by doting parents and grandparents– not wanting to miss minute of the festivities at Holidays at McKee: An Old Fashioned Celebration.
Staff and volunteers go all out each year, decorating one of Vero’s most treasured historical landmarks in its sparkly best for the festive event.
Opening night enticed hundreds of visitors, lured in by the sounds of an ornate vintage Wurlitzer street organ, pumping out lively holiday tunes.
“It was here the first two or three years, and we had a lot of people ask about it, so we brought it back,” said Christine Hobart, McKee Botanical Garden executive director.
Thousands of LED lights created a soft glow – wrapped around majestic palm trees, dripping as icicles from landmark structures, lighting winding paths with candy canes and twinkling animal statuary, and reflecting into waterways along luminaria lit pathways.
“I feel like I’m walking through a winter wonderland,” exclaimed one woman as she passed by.
Two new inflatables made their debut this year – a lounging 20 ft. snowman outside the Education building and a 20’ Christmas tree towering over a good enough to eat ginger bread family.
Camera buffs were out in full force, experimenting with lenses and capturing the lights with a little magic of their own.
“It’s almost like a cathedral; the lighting is wonderful,” said Roger Sobkowiak, as he manipulated his lens while shooting an arbor covered in glimmering white lights.
And of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus – patiently listening as children earnestly rattled off their wish lists. Littler ones, occasionally a bit apprehensive of the big guy, were quickly reassured by a sweet smile from Mrs. Clause.
Another favored holiday tradition at McKee is the captivating large scale model train display in the Education Room, crafted by and on loan from Harry Halbert, Jack Nutbrown, Peter Tyson, Eric Menger and Tom Hadden.
Trains run on three levels and more than 200 feet of tracks alongside perfect little train stations, shops and houses fabricated and crafted to scale, just as full-sized buildings would look. The intricate craftsmanship features an elaborate trestle bridge, tunnels, and lots of little characters who bring the village to life.
“We added a tunnel on the bottom and a couple of buildings,” said Nutbrown. “The stuff is expensive but we try to do a little bit more each year.”
“And we extended the road; it now goes from the village to the other side. Now the farmers can drive into town,” added Tyson with a smile.
For many, this was also their first chance to view the Fräbel REIMAGINED exhibition of more than 200 pieces by acclaimed flame-work glass artist Hans Godo Fräbel, which will remain on display through April 30, 2013.
The stunning sculptures, nestled into the landscape and carefully perched in ponds and waterways, were beautifully enhanced by the twinkling lights.
“I thought it was wonderful; it’s the first time we’ve been at Christmas,” said Karen Smith. “We loved seeing the lights and the Fräbel sculptures. I think it’s an undiscovered gem in Vero at Christmastime.”
“My daughter would have loved running along the paths with the candy canes when she was young,” added husband Mark Smith. “It reminded me of candy land.”
McKee board member Jeffrey Lockhart and wife Donna spent most of the evening under the lovely portico, greeting visitors and handing out information about upcoming attractions, but did manage to sneak away for their own tour of the gardens.
Jeffrey Lockhart, who also chairs McKee’s estate planning committee, said they have already been successful at raising more than $2 million in planned giving pledges, noting, “We are trying to get people to think of McKee when they’re doing their estate planning.”
“This is an event we don’t miss volunteering for,” added Donna. “We enjoy seeing all the families enjoying themselves; it appeals to all ages.”
Opening night drew approximately 500 visitors, and the forecast for the weekend was even bigger crowds with a wintry nip in the air. Holidays at McKee continues Friday and Saturday, Dec. 21 & 22 from 6 to 8 pm.
Next week McKee will host Nights of Lights, a special illumination of the Fräbel exhibit from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 to Saturday, Dec. 29.
General admission applies.
