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Thousands Attend First Holiday Walk

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By LAURA CONE

The Sun

Published: December 24, 2008

Fifteen-year-old Tyler Denny served orange juice to those who patiently waited in a long line that snaked out the door of the Florida Room during the first Sun City Center Holiday Walk.

"Enjoy your meal," Denny told a guest. "Have a nice breakfast."

Wearing a Santa hat, Denny said he wanted to help out his grandparents because Christmas is "a time for giving."

In the kitchen a few feet from Denny, John Sherburne whipped up more than 1,500 pancakes in the early morning.

Ann Marie Leblanc, who organized the Holiday Walk, hurried back and forth between the kitchen and Florida Room.

The event, which took place at the main complex of the SCC Community Association, included breakfast, holiday music by the SCC Performing Arts Club, a slide show of "My Sun City Center" led by John Bowker and a tour of open club rooms. The Front Porch Pickers performed on the gazebo.

"It is just beyond our beliefs," Leblanc said. "He had not expected to make any profit, but the profit will go back to help the clubs. This is a club day."

Even though her term as a member of the board of directors for the SCC Community Association ends in December, Leblanc said she plans to help out with next year's Holiday Walk.

Pam Tipton, a member of the SCC Art Club, handed out candy canes and directed people to the different clubs.

"I think it's a fabulous idea," said Tipton, who stood near her "Key West Cigars" acrylic painting for sale. "There are not any outside vendors coming in. It's just good old community."

Paul Wheat, the president of the CA, said the CA was happy to sponsor the event.

"I'm happy it's a success," said Wheat, adding Leblanc deserved the credit. "It's more in line with what we should be doing."
Nancy Lang of SCC, who helped serve breakfast, said she was overwhelmed by the crowd.

Wearing a colorful holiday sweater, Debbie Jones of Tampa listened to holiday music with her mother Betty Jones of SCC.

"It's a nice day to spend with mom for Christmas time and look at the crafts," Debbie said.
Betty Jones said the event helped her get into the holiday spirit.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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