Ho ~ Ho~ Ho~

Look who arrived early in the city of Anna Maria, FL. We were all just minding our own business when there arose such a clatter on Pine Avenue that we sprang from our desks to see what was the matter. When suddenly appeared Santa and his helper on a bucket-truck with not a single reindeer! Only on Anna Maria Island would you see such festive attire simply to hang our seasonal banners for our locals and visitors alike. Thanks to our Anna Maria city workers, Bobby Reynolds (Santa) and Gary Thorpe (Santa’s Helper), who made my day. It is always so exciting to see Santa all suited up and it seems to bring out the “kid” in everyone! The entire Island lights up at night with tiny white and colored lights with a typical Island flair! You can only smile and feel the excitement of the holidays. From Island Real Estate we wish you a wonderful holiday and may peace be the magical word for 2009.  

Written by Melinda Bordes ~ 914-705-0146~ Whether buying or selling on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas  I can assist you with all of your real estate needs. A slice in paradise would make a wonderful gift for any age!! It is time you thought about being a part of this wonderful community!   

Christmas – Island Real Estate style

Each year Island Real Estate has several get together’s and Christmas is no exception.  This past year we held our Christmas Party at the fabulous Harrington House in their dining area.  Harrington House is a perfect spot for any holiday gathering as their decorations are first class and are always beautiful.  The Harrington House Christmas tree is always a must see on Anna Maria Island as it is set up in the corner of the large living area and boasts at least 20 feet high.  The Island Real Estate “family” always has a great time together and the great food of Harrington is always a help.  Take a look at the pictures below for Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, inc Christmas festivities.

Anna Maria Island Christmas Parade

Every Year the privateers organize a Christmas automobile parade that starts at the Anna Maria City pier and ends at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach City.  Anyone can join in the fun and normally candy or beads are thrown to the spectators.  Of course this is yet another festivity that gets islanders in the mood for Christmas.   In addition to the auto parade, there are several boat parades that take place on and off the island.  Its always great fun!

Island Real Estate in the Christmas Parade – Picture taken in front of our office in Holmes Beach.

Is this an entry in the Christmas Automobile parde or the Boat parade or both??

Participant in the Christmas Boat Parade.

Anna Maria Island – Christmas

Holmes Beach Plaza schedules Christmas Festivities every year.  The businesses of the plaza serve drinks, appetizers, and lay out crafts for the children of Anna Maria.  Take a look below for some pictures of the festivities…We would love to host you during Christmas.  After all, the more the merrier! 

 Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow…  

Santa Lives on Anna Maria Island in the off season, so its easy to get his help during Christmas…

It’s easy to get in the “spirit” of things with free drinks and crafts at the Holmes Beach Plaza during Christmas…

Bradenton, FL Easter Egg Dash

If you have never witnessed 100’s of children running over 100′ to 36,000 Easter Eggs you should come stay on Anna Maria Island Easter Week and make the 10 minute drive out to G.T. Bray Park 9:30 AM EST on Easter Sunday.  There at G.T. Bray Park, they run an unbelievable operation where 36,000 Easter Eggs are laid out over 4 baseball fields.  They categorize children by ages to ensure the fairest of play.  This year they had 10 grand prizes.  The grand prize…a period of time in the Money booth.  Whatever you catch is yours and believe me there were not coins in the money booth.  Along with the Easter Egg dash they brought the Easter Bunny himself, a large pirate ship sure to get everyone ready for the dash, blow up play areas, as well as games where prizes are given out.  My son gained a prize for smiling and saying “please.”  If you just cannot wait until next year take a look at the video and pictures below.  It just might get you through the year but I dare you not to smile when staring at the pure elation on the children’s faces running towards the thousands of Easter Eggs. 

Link to Easter Egg Dash You Tube Video