It must be that wonderful time of the year again! The Christmas Season has begun, the lights have been going up, people are humming Christmas Carols, Santa is popping up all over the place, you just never know where you will run into the that Jolly Ol' Fellow! Christmas in Florida brings us wonderful weather, yes, even beach weather, so get out and take advantage of the cooler temps, the light breezes and the bright sunshine, it will brighten your day! Christmas is a time of "giving", so if you have the means and/or the opportunity to make someone else a little happier this this year, please do. There are so many in need, whether it is for food, shelter, gifts for children, or even just friendship. Tis' the season to to jolly, so let's help make it jolly for everyone with "random acts of kindness". The next time you are in the position to help, whether it is a friend, a co-worker or a perfect stranger, be there for them. Remember that just your "smile" can brighten the day of others!The Decorations...
We hope you enjoy the lights that we have put up at the entrance of the park. It is fun to decorate and to be able to enjoy the the lights at the park after watching the beautiful Aripeka Sunset. We love to see your homes beautifully decorated for the season, so go ahead, put them up, let's make Aripeka West shine brightly this Christmas Season.
And don't forget to decorate the boats...
Dunedin
Holiday Boat Parade
December 6th, 2014 6:00pm - 9:00pm ( Always the First
Saturday of December)
Beautifully decorated, lighted boats will leave Marker 1
Marina at 6pm and proceed south through the Intra-Coastal waterway to Marker 2,
turn around and arrive at the Dunedin Marina at approximately 7:30pm. Presented
by the Dunedin Boat Club, Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department and Marker
1 Marina. Festivities also include Holiday music, S'Mores and Santa arriving on
the last boat and preside over the Tree Lighting ceremony! Free to attend.
Bring lawn chairs. For boat registration, call (727) 692-6440. For general
information, call (727) 812-4531
Hernando Beach
Boat Parade
December 12th, 2014 6:00pm
The parade will start at 6 p.m., leaving from behind the
yacht club, 4163 Shoal Line Blvd., then proceeding through local canals and to
the public boat ramp. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and Hernando County Sheriff's
Office will assist. The Hernando Beach Yacht Club will host the annual Hernando
Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Afterward, there will be hot dogs, chili, chips
and drinks available at the club.
Entry fee is the donation of a new, unwrapped toy. Trophies
will be awarded for the best original theme, best lighted boat and the funniest
boat. There is no cost for spectators. For information, call Fleet Captain
Arron Nangle at 352-916-0001
Homosassa
Holiday Boat Parade.
December 20th 2014, 5:30pm
Madeira Beach
Festival Of Light
December 13th , 2014 6:30
Lighted and decorated boats will light up the waterways. The
parade will begin behind the Madeira Beach recreation field at 6:30 pm and end
at John's Pass. Website
Palm Harbor / New Port Richey
Lake Tarpon Holiday Boat Parade.
December 20th 2014 7:30pm
Dockside Boat Parade will be making a come-back this year!
In a new and better location! The Parade is scheduled for Dec. 20th
at the Dockside which is now located at the Magnuson Hotel and Marina in New
Port Richey. It was formerly the Ramada. It will take place on
Saturday, December 20th and benefit Wheelchairs 4 Kids. We are still
working ot the details, but we do know that there is a beautiful Winner's Cup
that will have the winning boat's name and Captain engraved on it and that will
be displayed in the Dockside Sports Bar N Grill for all to admire and envy!!
I will keep you in the loop as registration fees and what they include is
determined.
Also, for those who don't have a boat of their own - they
can rent one at Windsong Boat Rentals located right on site.
Check out our events page for more info. Happy Holidays! Website
Redington Beach/Indian Shores
Boat Parade
December 21st 2014, 6:00pm
Starting at Tom Stewart Causeway Docking at the Pub.
727-391-3875 Website Contact Missy
Clake for more details.
St Petersburg
27th Annual Illuminated Boat Parade
December 13th, 2014 6:00 pm ( Second Saturday of december)
Organized by the Rotary Club of St Petersburg, the annual
Bruce Watters Jewelers Holiday Festival and Illuminated Boat Parade returns to
downtown St. Petersburg this December 13, 2014. The Holiday Festival begins at
3:00pm with great live entertainment, plenty of food and drinks(including beer
& wine), a variety of children’s activities and the spectacular 27th Annual
Illuminated Boat Parade at 6:00pm. Proceeds from the Holiday Festival and
Illuminated Boat Parade benefit local charities through the Rotary Club of St
Petersburg Charitable Trust, a 501(c)3 non-profit.
The parade travels from Bayboro, passing in front of the
Pier, near the shoreline in and around the Vinoy Basin and back out into Tampa
Bay. For more information or to enter your boat in the parade, please visitwww.stpeteboatparade.org,
email us at info@stpeteboatparade.org or call 727-822-3277
Tampa
Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade
December 7th, 2014 6:00 ( Free)
Paddlers & Boaters alike are welcome and needed for
this magical boat parade on the beautiful Hillsborough - anything that floats
qualifies! Decorate your boat and put in at Lowry Park boat ramp at 6:00pm to
be part of the parade that goes upriver with an incoming tide to the Sulphur
Springs City Pool Park off Nebraska Ave. To ensure safety of all participants,
paddlers lead this parade, followed by powerboats.Spectators may enjoy the parade
of lights over the water -6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at: Lowry Park, from their
riverfront docks (riverfront residents are encouraged to decorate their docks
and enter their boats in the parade) or at Sulphur Springs City Pool Park -
Nebraska Avenue south of Bird St., where there’s plenty of parking, room for
viewing the parade.
Twinkle In Tampa Bay: A Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Channelside Boat Parade
December 20th 2014
The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade takes place on the 20th of
December at 6:30pm along the water at the by Davis Island, Harbour Island and
the Channelside District. Come watch these festively decorated boats illuminate
the sky and spread holiday cheer. Come down to Channelside Bay Plaza and enjoy
the parade from the open wharf! You will be able to see the parade along the a
great stretch of land from Davis Island to Channelside. Channelside Bay Plaza,
located in the Channelside district of Tampa, is near downtown Tampa and easily
accessible from the Selmon Expressway as well at I-4 and I-275 and a great
place to enjoy yourself before or after the parade. Parking is available at
several public parking lots. At Channelside you can find a wide variety of
restaurants from Hooters to Bennigan’s and everything in between. Across the
street from Channelside is a multi-level parking structure.
Tarpon Springs
Boat Parade
December 12th, 2014 4:00pm -9:00pm
We now combine it with a new event (this year, our 3rd
annual!) Snow Place Like Tarpon. The boat parade comes into Spring Bayou
around 8:00 pm, as always, but we now have live reindeer, falling snow, food,
vendors, carriage and hay rides and about 30,000 people! I have never
seen a more successful first-time event!!! We have expanded it a block
this year, going the full three blocks from Ring Avenue to Spring Bayou and
down Safford Street. The kids' area will also have Christmas movies, as
well as inflatables, games, food and a lot of fun!
Treasure Island
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade
December 20th, 2014
Treasure Island's Holiday Boat Parade is like Las Vegas on
the water - dazzlingly decorated boats of all kinds circle the city on one
special night, Saturday, December 20, 2014, in friendly competition for top
prizes awarded that evening at the Treasure Island Yacht & Tennis Club.
Residents with Treasure Island waterfront homes host humungous boat parade parties but if you haven't received an invitation, not to worry - there are plenty of prime viewing spots on the island. Website
Residents with Treasure Island waterfront homes host humungous boat parade parties but if you haven't received an invitation, not to worry - there are plenty of prime viewing spots on the island. Website
The Treasure Island Causeway Bridge will close to vehicular
traffic at 7pm on December 20, 2014 for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to allow
the boat parade to pass through.
Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee River Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13 2014 at 6:30 p.m
The parade, open to all boat owners, starts at the Weeki
Wachee Marina and travels past Rogers Park to the Bayport Pier.
Price: Entry fee is an unwrapped toy or cash donation, to be
donated to the Dawn Center; no cost for spectators.
Our Winter Project...
This winter we are planning to do a Fundraiser to help support the Aripeka Community Center. We are just in the planning stage right now, but there will be live music, food, raffles and more. As we get everything organized we will keep you posted. Date and time are still to be determined. Be prepared for some fun! If you are interested in helping in some way or have ideas to share, please let us know.
We will be looking for a few Sponsors who would like to donate prizes and other items needed to make this event successful. We will also need some help with set up, cooking, clean up, etc. Let's get together and celebrate Aripeka!
Pearl Harbor Day...
President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Congress of the
United States:
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the
United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and
air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the
solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its
emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced
bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his
colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent
American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue
the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or
armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan
makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even
weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has
deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and
expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused
severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives
have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the
high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack
against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive
extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for
themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions
and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed
that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught
against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this
premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win
through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the
people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost,
but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us
again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that
that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding
determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us
God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked
and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed
between the United States and the Japanese empire.
Soups On for Christmas...
Aripeka West's Annual Christmas Soup Party is set to kick off the week before Christmas!! On Wednesday December 17th at 6 PM, come one, come all to the RV Park to enjoy some tasty soups, breads, salads and deserts. Please bring a pot of soup to put on our grill above a bed of embers to
keep it warm.
In the past we have had many varieties of soups, so
anything from Asparagus to Zucchini and everything in between will be
fine. Remember to place your soup in a pan that can sit on the grill
about 2 feet above the embers, there will be no flaming fire so most metal pans
will work fine! If you do not have a suitable pan, try the "thrift " stores in the area, they have lots of pans
that will work for very little money!
We are also planning our "White Elephant Gift
Exchange". We will draw to see who picks first and so on and then
the fun begins! These are our Rules for the exchange.
Aripeka West’s White
Elephant Gift Exchange 2014
THE GIFTS:
1. There is no theme for gifts, any gift
you pick out will be fine
2. The gift should be valued as close to $10.00 as is reasonable.
3. The gift should be something someone would actually want or use. It should be in new condition.
4. The gift should be wrapped or in an envelope before arriving to the party. Gift bags are OK but must be completely sealed.
2. The gift should be valued as close to $10.00 as is reasonable.
3. The gift should be something someone would actually want or use. It should be in new condition.
4. The gift should be wrapped or in an envelope before arriving to the party. Gift bags are OK but must be completely sealed.
6. Please place your
gift under our Christmas tree when you arrive at the party.
THE GAME:
1. Each
guest who wishes to participate must contribute a gift. Everyone gathers around
the Christmas tree.
2. Choose a number on a paper slip from our bowl of numbers. On the first turn, the guest with paper slip #1 chooses a gift, opens it, and all admire it.
4. On the second turn, the guest with paper slip #2 gets the choice of "stealing" any unwrapped gift (#1's) or choosing a wrapped one. If #2 steals #1's gift, then #1 must open a wrapped gift.
5. On the third turn, the guest with paper slip #3 gets the choice of "stealing" any unwrapped gift (#1's or #2's) or choosing a wrapped one.
2. Choose a number on a paper slip from our bowl of numbers. On the first turn, the guest with paper slip #1 chooses a gift, opens it, and all admire it.
4. On the second turn, the guest with paper slip #2 gets the choice of "stealing" any unwrapped gift (#1's) or choosing a wrapped one. If #2 steals #1's gift, then #1 must open a wrapped gift.
5. On the third turn, the guest with paper slip #3 gets the choice of "stealing" any unwrapped gift (#1's or #2's) or choosing a wrapped one.
The game continues based
on the following:
1. If a
gift is stolen from you, you can steal a gift (within limits, described below),
or open a wrapped one.
2. The turn proceeds until a wrapped gift is chosen.
3. A gift cannot be immediately stolen back from the guest who just stole it.
4. The fourth "owner" of a gift gets to keep it. The gift is "dead" after it has been stolen three times.
5. "Owners" of "live" gifts must keep them visible and hold them up when requested.
6. The gift exchange ends when the last wrapped gift is opened. Usually, guests are encouraged to perpetuate the gift stealing as long as there are "live" gifts, but no one is obligated to do this.
2. The turn proceeds until a wrapped gift is chosen.
3. A gift cannot be immediately stolen back from the guest who just stole it.
4. The fourth "owner" of a gift gets to keep it. The gift is "dead" after it has been stolen three times.
5. "Owners" of "live" gifts must keep them visible and hold them up when requested.
6. The gift exchange ends when the last wrapped gift is opened. Usually, guests are encouraged to perpetuate the gift stealing as long as there are "live" gifts, but no one is obligated to do this.
Please Take lots and lots of pictures for post on Facebook for all to see!
This year's "Contest" will be decorating your
Christmas Hat! Whatever type of "hat" you choose, just throw on
the decorations! Your hat might be a Santa hat, then again it might be
Reindeer Antlers or a Wreath or a Christmas Tree, oh just let you imagination
run wild, pick your headgear and decorate! Everyone has a vote, and we
will announce the winner right before the White Elephant Gift Exchange. Please vote
for your favorite "hat" and drop it in the box provided.
Please use our "Photo Booth" and take a few shots, there may even be some "props" available!
Wishing everyone at Aripeka West
a very Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year!!
Food & Football Party...
On New Year's Day to start 2015 off right, we will be serving some "Lucky" foods and watching some football in the RV Park. Please join us around 1 PM.
Calander of Events...
Calander of Events...
