In a tradition that dates back decades, the Coral Bay community gathered at the town’s basketball court Monday to sing, socialize and celebrate the Christmas season. And in another Coral Bay tradition, Santa arrived in the fire truck.
The event brought out young and old as well as lifelong, long-term, and new Coral Bay area residents.
"This was something that was started by the older generation to bring the community together," organizer Alvis Christian said.
Guy Benjamin, now 96, talked about the early years of the community sing-along.
"It started out on the East End," he said.
Soon all the villages in the Coral Bay came out to "show what they could do," Benjamin said.
According to Benjamin, his group, the Benjamin Chorale, was the best.
"We sang our hearts out," he said.
Several of the nearly 100 people who attended the event spoke about the need for tradition. Aldria Wade was pleased that in a time when traditions seem to fall by the wayside, this one continued. "It’s just meeting folks and singing and the Christmas spirit," she said.
Peter Muilenburg said he wouldn’t miss the event. "It’s a community tradition," he said.
Susan Silverman said she came out to be part of the community "and to see our friends and neighbors."
This was the first Christmas Kerstin Usher will spend on St. John. She said that she and her family attended to celebrate Christmas.
Each neighborhood and community group took turns singing Christmas carols. Some were a little ragged. Others were in harmony, thanks to years of singing together in local churches.
"Silent night, holy night," sang the members of Calvary Baptist Church.
While the adult groups were good, the more youthful ones got the most attention.
"Frosty the Snowman was a jolly, happy soul," a group of kids from the Montessori School sang.
