BUNNELL, Fla. (December 16, 2023) – Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson summed it up in a just a few words when comparing Bunnell to a Norman Rockwell painting.
S’mores ready to be made, picnic tables transformed with festive decor, a passport with stops highlighted as snowflakes, and children running through the obstacle course and piles of snow bubbles as the sounds of their laughter carried through the park, it was the quintessential, small town Christmas celebration.
Unhurried, families strolled through the park, talking with vendors on site, posing for photos with the giant Smokey Bear or just catching up with neighbors while sitting down to enjoy a bite to eat or evening snack.
“God preserved the weather for us to have a blessed Christmas festival in the City of Bunnell. We have all these people here celebrating with the city,” said Robinson. “We’re in the spirt of Christmas in the city of Bunnell and the people coming out tonight are seeing Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus. He came through Bunnell two weeks ago, with candy for the kids wishing Merry Christmas to them. He thinks Bunnell is special because he’s here tonight.”
The holiday “Christmas in Bunnell” theme was so inviting, Carla Beatty and her family drove over from Putnam County to take part in the celebrations. Waiting for the train, three generations of family were happy to be making memories together. Carla Beatty
“It’s pretty special,” said Beatty, joined by daughter Sarah Reedus and grandson Rocky. “Being together, doing things, I think it’s awesome.”
“It will be good memories for the children,” said Rocky Reedus.
“We love doing family stuff together at Christmas,” said Sarah Reedus. “It’s things that you remember doing as you get older, then carry it down to the kids. They’re heartfelt moments when you think about it,” she said.
Sarah Uremovic was joined by family including her son, niece and nephew, and looking forward to spending the evening together.
“It’s great for everyone in the family because everything is more like community here,” said Uremovic. “Everything’s not costly so it great for families that can’t afford to do things with their kids, especially around Christmas time.”
Held at JB King ParK in Bunnell, some attendees reported never having been to the location, and Mayor Robinson called it one of the city’s hidden gems.
“We bought this property with grant money and we rehabbed it with grant money and the county actually put in a walking trail over here that is gorgeous,” shared Robinson. “It’s not very long but it’s got the oaks. You should come and walk it during the day. It’s very short but it’s beautiful. We take our dog over here. There’s tennis courts where we play tennis here, and basketball courts. People come here and they have parties, it’s a beautiful place.”
Robinson has one Christmas wish for the new year.
“Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men.”
