Scrooge-Like Forecast Puts Damper On Some Holiday Events

BRADENTON, FL — A Scrooge-like forecast put a damper on some holiday events scheduled to take place on Friday. Multiple event organizers contacted Patch to say their events were affected by the weather.

Manatee County Area Transit's popular Ted Nowosad Tour of Lights has been scaled back from two days to one this year with a cancellation of Friday's tour of lights.

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Saturday's (Dec. 15) tour will continue as planned, according to organizers. The event includes a 90-minute fun-filled commute through west Bradenton.

The ride is free.

"Riders should only bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toys for admission," explained MCAT officials. "The food will be donated to local social service networks and the toys will be taken to Toys-for-Tots."

Meanwhile, the third annual tree lighting at Fred "Glossie" Atkins Park in Sarasota on Friday was also postponed. The park is located at 2581 Washington Court.

"We apologize in advance for the inconvenience, but due to the rainy weather today, we will not be installing the Newtown Holiday Tree," said city officials on Friday. "We will try again on Monday, Dec. 17."

The event was scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. on Friday. Call 941-365-2200 (ext. 3220) or send an email to Rowen.Elliott@sarasotafl.gov.

Photo courtesy Manatee County Area Transit