Chesapeake Beach, MD – A tradition that began in the late 1980s continued Sunday evening, Nov. 27 as Chesapeake Beach held its 29th annual “Light Up the Town.” The yuletide event at Chesapeake Beach Town Hall began around 6 p.m. with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The town’s outgoing mayor, Bruce Wahl presided over the program, which featured seasonal selections performed by the Beach Elementary School (BES) Fifth Grade Band and Strings under the direction of Marilyn Beeson. As usual, the town hall was packed for the short concert.
Afterward, the crowd indoors joined the throng waiting outside for the official light up ceremony. After a quick countdown, the decorative lights were illuminated. Wahl told TheBayNet.com that Public Works employees and contractors worked several days to put up the lights throughout the town limits. Town residents and businesses are encouraged to add to the glow with their Christmas light displays. The town’s “Brightest Beacon on the Bay” contest offers prizes to residents—single family homes and townhomes—local businesses and even boats—deemed the best by a panel of judges. Winners will be announced before Christmas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus met with the kids in the Century Tent next door to town hall following the light up. Carols were sung by the Twin Beach Players Youth Troupe. Versatile musician Robert Snider accompanied the carolers.
On display in the town hall lobby was the Chesapeake Beach Oyster Cultivation Society’s 2016 Oyster Shell Tree. The shells hanging on the tree were designed and painted by BES fifth-graders.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
