Festive Week Ahead in the Harbor

For months after this site launched, everyone we ran into told us the summer schedule of special events in Safety Harbor paled in comparison to the fall and winter event slate.

One needs to look no further than this week's lineup to understand how true that information was.

There are three major events scheduled in the Harbor this weekend, and that's not including the holiday parade and fire truck Santa convoy that take place the following week.

The fun begins on Friday evening with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the John Wilson Park Gazebo. The event kicks off at 6 p.m.

Being new to the Harbor, Patch has yet to experience this community bonding ocassion. But if it's half as spectacular as prior holiday events, we can't wait to see it.

Immediately following the tree lighting, Harborites can stroll on over to the grand opening of the new Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center on South Bayshore Boulevard.

The open house will feature free refreshments, the opportunity to become a member of the revamped museum and demonstrations and explanations of some of the classes and workshops that will be available.

As if that isn't enough, the next day is the giant Snow Fest outdoor winter carnival at City Park across from the Safety Harbor Community Center.

The festival, which began as a way for a local mother Jennifer Tresh to honor the memory of her daughter who succumbed to brain cancer at the age of five, promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, with carnival rides, bungee jumps, live entertainment and real snow (made from shaved ice).

Whew, that's a lot of fun, family-friendly activities for one town in one week.

But as one city official put it, it's all part of the holiday season in the Harbor.

"Safety Harbor is proud of our community spirit and quality of life," City Manager Matt Spoor said via email.

"What better way to celebrate both than with events focused around the Christmas Holiday Season!?"

For more information on these and any upcoming events, visit the special events section of the City of Safety Harbor website.

Got an event of your own, or just looking for fun things to do? Check out the Events Calendar on Patch, where you can post for free!