2016 MCAT Tour of Lights returns to Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL – Sometimes, the best of ideas become reality because somebody makes the effort to speak up.

That’s what Ted Nowosad did back in 2002: He asked the Manatee County Commission to help seniors see the sights of the holiday season. Ever since, the Manatee County Area Transit has hosted the Tour of Lights in Nowosad’s honor.

The 2016 Tour of Lights will take place Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17. Approximate 2,000 people take part in the annual tradition.

The 90-minute ride through local neighborhoods in west Bradenton is free. Riders need only to bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy for admission. The food will be donated to local social service networks while the toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program.

Seating is limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis. Passengers should arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. and should be ready for departure by 6:30 p.m. at Building 29 of State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W. Volunteers will be positioned adjacent to waiting buses to collect toys and food items before passengers board their bus.

All buses are provided and operated by Manatee County/MCAT and the Manatee County School district.

For more information on the 2016 Tour of Lights, call (941) 747-8621. For more information on Manatee County Area Transit, visit www.mymantee.org/mcat or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ridemcat.

Image via Manatee County Area Transit Facebook page