SEBASTIAN — Thousands of Sebastian and area residents strolled along US 1, Indian River Drive and other Sebastian streets, traveling from one business to another sharing in the sights of holiday decorations and finding out about stores they might not otherwise have visitied.
“It’s a good way to start the season,” said Kevin Simpson, who participated in the 23rd annual Sebastian Light Up Night Friday evening with his wife, Desiree.
For the last several years, they’ve made time to visit the different businesses in the city as a way to get out and enjoy the community, he said.
Their first stop of the night was Crab-E Bill’s Indian River Seafood, which opened earlier this year as part of Sebastian’s working waterfront project.
“We love their seafood,” Desiree said.
Down the road, visitors to Dapper Dog Pet Styling met the new owner, Darlene Halberg.
“It’s fun,” Halberg said of participating in Light Up Night. “I’m meeting a lot of people. It’s just fun. It’s really a lot of fun.”
Halberg took ownership of the shop and changed its name about two months ago.
“I’m having a riot doing it,” she said of running the shop.
Monnett Eye Center, which won Best Traditional Christmas Decorations Indoors, flew in Santa and Mrs. Claus especially for the event.
“Santa, I believe I’ve been a very good girl this year,” said one woman who stopped by Monnett.
“Then I’m sure you’ll get everything you want,” Santa said, adding to her husband, “You heard that, right?”
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Beth Mitchell said she was happy with the turnout for the event.
“There’s been a lot of traffic,” Mitchell said of the people coming into the Chamber’s office. “Everybody has been phenomenal.”
For mom Lisa Sargent and her daughter, Olivia, Light Up Night served as a way for them to spend some time together seeing what they could see.
“We’re enjoying it very much,” Sargent said. Olivia nodded in agreement.
“It’s community,” Sargent said of Light Up Night. “It’s the reason you get out.”
Olivia’s favorite stop was Paradise Florist and Gifts, she said, because the Christmas popper she received had an ornament hidden inside.
Sargent, on the other hand, said her favorite was the GFWC Junior Woman’s Club.
“That was beautiful,” she said of the club’s decorations.
The club received the Special Judges’ Honorable Mention.
