The Christmas Tree Lighting at Brownwood.

[graciegirl]

Hundreds of people gather to watch as... - The Villages Daily Sun | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vdailysun/photos/pcb.1215376081993594/1215373721993830/?type=3&theater)

Click arrow on left side of the picture to see all of the pictures of this event.

P.S. It was free. NO charge as will be the other two, free as well.

[ROCKETMAN]

From the pictures on village news looked like a small crowd paying the bucks for preferred seating. Looks like you had a better view from grandstands. See how it goes when they have it at Sumter Thursday.

[John_W]

I watched on my computer, the webcam had a great view. I was watching Florida/Florida State and LSU/Texas AM on TV and I kept checking back since it was really dark by 6pm it wasn't until about 8pm that they turned on the lights.

I had been to the Lottery Night back in 2013 when the Flamingos performed and they estimated that crowd at 7,000 and it appeared that last night was just as big as the streets were jammed with people besides the square itself. I did notice by the time the lights were finally turned on, the crowd had thinned a bit.

The VIP tents I noticed were totally empty at the time the lights were turned on. Just as I had posted, they didn't have a very good vantage point, especially when the entire dance floor was filled with people. I think those who sign up for the tent are there just to socialize with friends.

The Villages Webcams Squares (http://www.stockers.ch/thevillages/)

[rustyp]

Hundreds of people gather to watch as... - The Villages Daily Sun | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vdailysun/photos/pcb.1215376081993594/1215373721993830/?type=3&theater)

Click arrow on left side of the picture to see all of the pictures of this event.

P.S. It was free. NO charge as will be the other two.

The VIP tent at Brownwood cost $. There will be a $ VIP tent at Sumter also. SS will not have a VIP tent.

[njbchbum]

From the pictures on village news looked like a small crowd paying the bucks for preferred seating. Looks like you had a better view from grandstands. See how it goes when they have it at Sumter Thursday.

I believe that the VIP tent was set up for those who chose to make a donation to local charities and was NOT a payment for preferred seating. ["The Entertainment Department also now lists four charities connected to the events – Ronald McDonald House, Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, Operation Shoebox and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Charity."
[from the media that cannot be mentioned] Tents are only supposed to support 40 or 50 guests which is why the area is small and set off from the main viewing area.

[rustyp]

I believe that the VIP tent was set up for those who chose to make a donation to local charities and was NOT a payment for preferred seating. ["The Entertainment Department also now lists four charities connected to the events – Ronald McDonald House, Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, Operation Shoebox and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Charity."
[from the media that cannot be mentioned] Tents are only supposed to support 40 or 50 guests which is why the area is small and set off from the main viewing area.

I believe it was/is a defined donation. Kind of like my donation on April 15th. Do the prefered seaters get to deduct their donation to charity ?

[dewilson58]

. Do the prefered seaters get to deduct their donation to charity ?




Yes .

[Mrsmac4]

This is our first official year as residents to visit the Christmas Tree lighting at Brownwood. Previously I have been once with a friend who is a resident. That being said I was surprised how many people were there who are not residents. It seemed to me that my money will be going to entertain the general public and their children. There were no areas to put our chairs. Most people we spoke with were not Villages residents - some coming from miles away. That's all great - in the spirit of Christmas etc. but I was a bit annoyed. We have recently moved from Celebration where all special community events were for residents and we needed to show our resident id. Why isn't this put in force here? I certainly did not come to entertain the general public at my expense. Perhaps a substantial fee for outsiders would be a happy medium.

[graciegirl]

This is our first official year as residents to visit the Christmas Tree lighting at Brownwood. Previously I have been once with a friend who is a resident. That being said I was surprised how many people were there who are not residents. It seemed to me that my money will be going to entertain the general public and their children. There were no areas to put our chairs. Most people we spoke with were not Villages residents - some coming from miles away. That's all great - in the spirit of Christmas etc. but I was a bit annoyed. We have recently moved from Celebration where all special community events were for residents and we needed to show our resident id. Why isn't this put in force here? I certainly did not come to entertain the general public at my expense. Perhaps a substantial fee for outsiders would be a happy medium.


The squares are public and always have been. The expense for the entertainment on the squares comes from the merchants ON the squares along with a small stipend from the Florida Tourist Tax. There was no money from any residents pockets used for this at all.

[bagboy]

This is our first official year as residents to visit the Christmas Tree lighting at Brownwood. Previously I have been once with a friend who is a resident. That being said I was surprised how many people were there who are not residents. It seemed to me that my money will be going to entertain the general public and their children. There were no areas to put our chairs. Most people we spoke with were not Villages residents - some coming from miles away. That's all great - in the spirit of Christmas etc. but I was a bit annoyed. We have recently moved from Celebration where all special community events were for residents and we needed to show our resident id. Why isn't this put in force here? I certainly did not come to entertain the general public at my expense. Perhaps a substantial fee for outsiders would be a happy medium.

I would suggest that you attend the new residents orientation and learn the ins and outs of The Villages, the CDDs, bonds, etc. You can find a wealth of information by logging on to Village Community Development Districts (https://districtgov.org/)
No point in being annoyed by things that aren't true.

[vintageogauge]

The non-residents are probably complaining about all the snowbirds being back and larger crowds due to all the new residents south of 44. To me a crowd is a crowd, doesn't matter where they come from, I just don't like crowds so once was enough for me 3 years ago, I'll go see the lights next week.

[Marathon Man]

This is our first official year as residents to visit the Christmas Tree lighting at Brownwood. Previously I have been once with a friend who is a resident. That being said I was surprised how many people were there who are not residents. It seemed to me that my money will be going to entertain the general public and their children. There were no areas to put our chairs. Most people we spoke with were not Villages residents - some coming from miles away. That's all great - in the spirit of Christmas etc. but I was a bit annoyed. We have recently moved from Celebration where all special community events were for residents and we needed to show our resident id. Why isn't this put in force here? I certainly did not come to entertain the general public at my expense. Perhaps a substantial fee for outsiders would be a happy medium.

Wow. Now that you have learned a bit of how things are here, may I suggest that you continue by first attending CDD orientation, and then Resident Academy. Also, look into the 80/20 ratio as it relates to 55+ communities. Become informed and you will save yourself a lot of aggravation.

[Bogie Shooter]

Wow. Now that you have learned a bit of how things are here, may I suggest that you continue by first attending CDD orientation, and then Resident Academy. Also, look into the 80/20 ratio as it relates to 55+ communities. Become informed and you will save yourself a lot of aggravation.

What he said.

[Velvet]

...

[Velvet]

The VIP tent at Brownwood cost $. There will be a $ VIP tent at Sumter also. SS will not have a VIP tent.

Not happy to hear this about the tents.

[graciegirl]

Not happy to hear this about the tents.

According to most statistics, last night there were about 6000 people who didn't sit in the VIP tent and 50 who did. It sold out quickly.

[Velvet]

I like the idea of everyone coming to see the lights free of charge, no special privileges for such an event, it is not a sports event or something. Everyone equally welcome.

[JoMar]

I like the idea of everyone coming to see the lights free of charge, no special privileges for such an event, it is not a sports event or something. Everyone equally welcome.

And they were

[600th Photo Sq]

Hundreds of people gather to watch as... - The Villages Daily Sun | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vdailysun/photos/pcb.1215376081993594/1215373721993830/?type=3&theater)

Click arrow on left side of the picture to see all of the pictures of this event.

P.S. It was free. NO charge as will be the other two, free as well.

I honestly do not see or get what the big deal is about lighting up a Xmas Tree at a " Gathering ". At the Square.

The tree lights go on hands clap, cheers, and............ meanwhile, people go away thinking.......now what.

Meanwhile, I will in the next few days put 1400 lights on my live holly tree without any fanfare and put the lights on a timer and welcome the happy compliments from the neighbors.

I shake my head at times when some make such a big deal out of nothing.

The person who was the chosen one to turn on the switch @ Brownwood was is and feels " Special " .

And those who were there well ahhh yes blissfull Memories :blahblahblah:

[anothersteve]

I honestly do not see or get what the big deal is about lighting up a Xmas Tree at a " Gathering ". At the Square.

The tree lights go on hands clap, cheers, and............ meanwhile, people go away thinking.......now what.

Meanwhile, I will in the next few days put 1400 lights on my live holly tree without any fanfare and put the lights on a timer and welcome the happy compliments from the neighbors.

I shake my head at times when some make such a big deal out of nothing.

The person who was the chosen one to turn on the switch @ Brownwood was is and feels " Special " .

And those who were there well ahhh yes blissfull Memories :blahblahblah:

So why would you want to diminish what others do to get in the mood/spirit?
Steve

[EdFNJ]

According to most statistics, last night there were about 6000 people who didn't sit in the VIP tent and 50 who did. It sold out quickly. The newspaper said "hundreds." I don't think they could fit 6000 people in, around and on all the streets there. Not sure where those stats came from but I wasn't there so maybe it could have been that large. Who knows? Maybe the person who came up with those numbers will be on Dancing With The Stars in a few months! :D :D

[graciegirl]

The newspaper said "hundreds." I don't think they could fit 6000 people in, around and on all the streets there. Not sure where those stats came from but I wasn't there so maybe it could have been that large. Who knows? Maybe the person who came up with those numbers will be on Dancing With The Stars in a few months! :D :D

Here is a picture. If you look at the bottom right of the picture you will see cones marking a "walkway" to the "tent" that seated fifty people.

[skip0358]

If someone or some group wants to spend money to sit in a special place under cover with limited seating so be it. It's a donation to Charity besides. You don't have to get POd about it you'll never see a Circus tent go up and no way can they start charging everyone to go see it. Where can't you sit or stand and not see the tree light in the square? All of the Bars & Restaurants have outside seating. If I had wanted to go I'd have been at one of those places period. Enjoy the lite show that's why they do it period. If you don't like the crowds or don't like the tents stay home and watch it on your computer. Happy Holidays however you enjoy them!

[retiredguy123]

Here is a picture. If you look at the bottom right of the picture you will see cones marking a "walkway" to the "tent" that seated fifty people.
I started counting them, but lost track after 12. I think I counted one guy twice.

[CWGUY]

I started counting them, but lost track after 12. I think I counted one guy twice.

:icon_wink: That could have been me that you counted twice..... I'm kind of a big guy. I made a resolution last New Years to loss 20 pounds ....... only have 25 lbs.to go! :clap2:

[hviergever]

What a disappointment this show was compared to previous years. We stood in the corner across from 5 Guys and heard very little or nothing, maybe a little of the lady leading the carols. The pictures on the front page appear to have been taken at rehearsal.... No candles, no colourful twirlers, drummers, (we got here at 5:30...did we miss them?). When I saw the tents for the paid seats, my thoughts were Shakespearean, Much Ado About Nothing.... What a source for division in our community.... If there had been a PR rep on the issue and explained to us all what the minimal plans were, I think the controversy could have been stopped in its tracks. Who here, along with me, thought those special seats were going to be at least half the middle sections of the grandstands. You know, the great seats, and probably several hundreds in total. And why at 8:00 pm? 7:00 was perfect. Standing around for that extra hour was such a waste waiting for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to happen. Actually, there should be embarrassment all round for thi flop. We used to go to at least one other lighting the color and the effort shown by the usual entertainers, but it's not gonna happen. I am also surprised no one else has commented with these sentiments yet on this thread....... Let the flaming begin.

[KRM0614]

You’re kidding right ? The entire fee was for charity ? Who took the tax deduction not the person who paid the fee - if this is true then be transparent and show the homeowners the fee payers how much you collected and how much went for expenses donations etc

I don’t believe it - when did people lose common sense ? Too much sun ?

[graciegirl]

What a disappointment this show was compared to previous years. We stood in the corner across from 5 Guys and heard very little or nothing, maybe a little of the lady leading the carols. The pictures on the front page appear to have been taken at rehearsal.... No candles, no colourful twirlers, drummers, (we got here at 5:30...did we miss them?). When I saw the tents for the paid seats, my thoughts were Shakespearean, Much Ado About Nothing.... What a source for division in our community.... If there had been a PR rep on the issue and explained to us all what the minimal plans were, I think the controversy could have been stopped in its tracks. Who here, along with me, thought those special seats were going to be at least half the middle sections of the grandstands. You know, the great seats, and probably several hundreds in total. And why at 8:00 pm? 7:00 was perfect. Standing around for that extra hour was such a waste waiting for SOMETHING, ANYTHING to happen. Actually, there should be embarrassment all round for thi flop. We used to go to at least one other lighting the color and the effort shown by the usual entertainers, but it's not gonna happen. I am also surprised no one else has commented with these sentiments yet on this thread....... Let the flaming begin.


For Free, TAKE.
For Buy, COMPLAIN.

[graciegirl]

You’re kidding right ? The entire fee was for charity ? Who took the tax deduction not the person who paid the fee - if this is true then be transparent and show the homeowners the fee payers how much you collected and how much went for expenses donations etc

I don’t believe it - when did people lose common sense ? Too much sun ?

50 people in the VIP tent paid to sit there and part of the fee went to charity. 50 out of all these people paid. ALL of these people you see in this picture were there FOR FREE.

[anothersteve]

I am also surprised no one else has commented with these sentiments yet on this thread....... Let the flaming begin.

Maybe because no one, or very few, feel the way you do?
Steve

[Mrsmac4]

Very good. Thanks for the info. I will get on with learning more of the ins and outs of Village life and $$$ as soon as we get through all of these boxes! There is no reason to be annoyed - my bad.

[ckcapaul]

[QUOTE=hviergever;1698580] When I saw the tents for the paid seats, my thoughts were Shakespearean, Much Ado About Nothing.... What a source for division in our community.... If there had been a PR rep on the issue and explained to us all what the minimal plans were, I think the controversy could have been stopped in its tracks. Who here, along with me, thought those special seats were going to be at least half the middle sections of the grandstands. You know, the great seats, and probably several hundreds in total.

It was explained on here by many that is was a tent off to the side. Holding a small amount of people

[EKosmo]

If one wants to make a donation to charity there are numerous ways to do it. The VIP seating is not appropriate! I sense a direction here that could possible lead to preferred parking, VIP lines at the Beverage Shacks and other money generating tactics!

The concept of Community is being cracked little by little! The equal opportunity for all residents is slowly changing. Be vigilant! The special intimacy and friends is being eroded. The uniqueness and equableness of TV was the attraction that for many was the big draw to moving here!

Why change what has been a Great set-up ?

[rustyp]

50 people in the VIP tent paid to sit there and part of the fee went to charity. 50 out of all these people paid. ALL of these people you see in this picture were there FOR FREE.

How much floor space did the chosen few (50 VIPs) take up including walkway and escorts as compared to how many poor villagers could have fit in the cheap seats ? What's next - priority executive golf ? Were the table and chairs set up in the streets for all to use like the past ? Slowly I turn. Step by step. Inch by inch.

[graciegirl]

If one wants to make a donation to charity there are numerous ways to do it. The VIP seating is not appropriate! I sense a direction here that could possible lead to preferred parking, VIP lines at the Beverage Shacks and other money generating tactics!

The concept of Community is being cracked little by little! The equal opportunity for all residents is slowly changing. Be vigilant! The special intimacy and friends is being eroded. The uniqueness and equableness of TV was the attraction that for many was the big draw to moving here!

Why change what has been a Great set-up ?

The "Great set-up is NOT changed.


I think that people often make mountains out of molehills. Sometimes we are pressured to use the view of the few rather than the opinion of the majority because of current new standards often forced on us by Television commentators and the printed page.

Even if there were only 3000 folks there, only fifty CHOSE (were not forced) to buy tickets for drinks and snacks. Most people don't even buy drinks at the drink stands when they go. They get up from dinner with the grandkids and stay for the festivity and go home to have cookies at the grandparents. It probably isn't a HUGE money maker for the private entertainment company that runs it or the merchants on the square that fund it with a small stipend from the Florida tourist tax.

[Bogie Shooter]

You’re kidding right ? The entire fee was for charity ? Who took the tax deduction not the person who paid the fee - if this is true then be transparent and show the homeowners the fee payers how much you collected and how much went for expenses donations etc

I don’t believe it - when did people lose common sense ? Too much sun ?

You are kidding, right.
What business is it of homeowners?

[tikigal]

I thought the Christmas Tree Lighting in Brownwood was not in the spirit of Christmas, but in the Spirit of making money.
1) Really, an arcade at a Christmas tree lighting, and vendors peddling their wares.
2) not lighting the Christmas tree until 8:40 at night. It should have been lit at 5:00.
3) not one Christmas carol or mention of the holy day occurred. Has the Villages gone Atheist?
4)VIP seating, and shame on those who fell for it. We sat there for free every year. It is a community event, that the counties pay thousands for a band to entertain us:and we enjoy the music. So... no chairs for the locals, just for the people who paid to have a free drink, a seat, and a roped in area. Come on, this is nonsense!:MOJE_whot:

[graciegirl]

I thought the Christmas Tree Lighting in Brownwood was not in the spirit of Christmas, but in the Spirit of making money.
1) Really, an arcade at a Christmas tree lighting, and vendors peddling their wares.
2) not lighting the Christmas tree until 8:40 at night. It should have been lit at 5:00.
3) not one Christmas carol or mention of the holy day occurred. Has the Villages gone Atheist?
4)VIP seating, and shame on those who fell for it. We sat there for free every year. It is a community event, that the counties pay thousands for a band to entertain us:and we enjoy the music. So... no chairs for the locals, just for the people who paid to have a free drink, a seat, and a roped in area. Come on, this is nonsense!:MOJE_whot:

It looked like all of these people were enjoying it. I think all people celebrate Christmas differently and only God knows what is in their hearts. The bleachers had a place folks could sit if you got there early. All of these folks, all of these humans pictured in this photograph did not have to pay to be there. NOT one. There was a small tent that seated fifty folks who could pay and in return get drinks and snacks and at least part of their money went to charity.


The event was FREE. The tree lighting was FREE. It wasn't dark at five. Dear me.

[CFrance]

I would suggest that you attend the new residents orientation and learn the ins and outs of The Villages, the CDDs, bonds, etc. You can find a wealth of information by logging on to Village Community Development Districts (https://districtgov.org/)
No point in being annoyed by things that aren't true.
(Tongue in cheek) OH, but it's more fun!:icon_wink:

[rustyp]

Is this true ?
- No Christmas carols
- No red and green candles
- No tables and chairs set up in the streets
- No Village Twirlers
- No stilt walkers
- No Four Deva's singing a special Christmas set
- No holiday countdown

Slowly I turn. Step by step. Inch by inch.

[JoMar]

Can we close the Brownwood discussion and start complaining about LSL tree lighting?

[graciegirl]

Is this true ?
- No Christmas carols
- No red and green candles
- No tables and chairs set up in the streets
- No Village Twirlers
- No stilt walkers
- No Four Deva's singing a special Christmas set
- No holiday countdown

Slowly I turn. Step by step. Inch by inch.

Allow me to show you that you need not have worried. All these pictures are from the tree lighting in Brownwood THIS year and also carol singing led by ………..I can't remember. Someone will help me out.

[BonitaB443162]

Some here "would b!+ch if you hung 'em with new rope".

If you don't like it, don't go.

If you like it, go.

If area, non-resident people were barred from attending as one person wants, then they'd complain that "the developers are discriminating against people who don't live here".

The event is free of charge. Take it or leave it!

Don't be an ingrate.

[rustyp]

////

[dewilson58]

Can we close the Brownwood discussion and start complaining about LSL tree lighting?






:bigbow:

[rustyp]

It looked like all of these people were enjoying it. I think all people celebrate Christmas differently and only God knows what is in their hearts. The bleachers had a place folks could sit if you got there early. All of these folks, all of these humans pictured in this photograph did not have to pay to be there. NOT one. There was a small tent that seated fifty folks who could pay and in return get drinks and snacks and at least part of their money went to charity.


The event was FREE. The tree lighting was FREE. It wasn't dark at five. Dear me.

Me bad. I was taking the info from post #39
"I thought the Christmas Tree Lighting in Brownwood was not in the spirit of Christmas, but in the Spirit of making money.
1) Really, an arcade at a Christmas tree lighting, and vendors peddling their wares.
2) not lighting the Christmas tree until 8:40 at night. It should have been lit at 5:00.
3) not one Christmas carol or mention of the holy day occurred. Has the Villages gone Atheist?
4)VIP seating, and shame on those who fell for it. We sat there for free every year. It is a community event, that the counties pay thousands for a band to entertain us:and we enjoy the music. So... no chairs for the locals, just for the people who paid to have a free drink, a seat, and a roped in area. Come on, this is nonsense!"

Good to see the twirlers. One of my favorites. How about the red and green candles and Villages toasting each other while singing carols as the tree was being lite. Did that occur ? Remember when the streets were cleared and a sea of table and chairs were put up so you could bring snacks like Christmas cookies to share with each other. Those were free VIP seats.

[CWGUY]

Me bad. I was taking the info from post #39
"I thought the Christmas Tree Lighting in Brownwood was not in the spirit of Christmas, but in the Spirit of making money.
1) Really, an arcade at a Christmas tree lighting, and vendors peddling their wares.
2) not lighting the Christmas tree until 8:40 at night. It should have been lit at 5:00.
3) not one Christmas carol or mention of the holy day occurred. Has the Villages gone Atheist?
4)VIP seating, and shame on those who fell for it. We sat there for free every year. It is a community event, that the counties pay thousands for a band to entertain us:and we enjoy the music. So... no chairs for the locals, just for the people who paid to have a free drink, a seat, and a roped in area. Come on, this is nonsense!"

Good to see the twirlers. One of my favorites. How about the red and green candles and Villages toasting each other while singing carols as the tree was being lite. Did that occur ? Remember when the streets were cleared and a sea of table and chairs were put up so you could bring snacks like Christmas cookies to share with each other. Those were free VIP seats.

:ohdear: Wrong..... someone paid for them! :oops: I think it was the "Entertainment Dept." that people like to bad mouth! :ho:

[CWGUY]

Can we close the Brownwood discussion and start complaining about LSL tree lighting?

:coolsmiley: Spanish Springs is tonight. It's entirely free ..... but if we try hard we can find something to complain about! :popcorn:
I'll go first. "I heard the Developer is turning off the heat and it's going to be cold! :1rotfl:

[CWGUY]

Allow me to show you that you need not have worried. All these pictures are from the tree lighting in Brownwood THIS year and also carol singing led by ………..I can't remember. Someone will help me out.

:shrug: Was it Billie Thatcher? :ho:

[asianthree]

It would be nice to hear from those who chose to attend. Either the free, or the paid tent for fundraiser in our opinion important charities.
Is it really cold and people chose to complain about the tree lighting without going. Or did they go to the lightning and it was too cold, then complained.

We are enjoying the cold north (26degree with freezing rain) until next week, then we can see the trees, hopefully in warmer temps.

[alehew]

It's a public square and all area should be allowed to come you were not a resident when you first came. Dont come here to change the things you dont like just because you moved in. We have a big halloween celebration also and there are alot of children from neighboring areas so please dont complain just be happy.

[jacksonbrown]

We attended the SS event, arriving at 5:30 and left after the Villages Twirlers And Drum Corps finished their fine performance. The crowd was less than last year, maybe because of the cold weather. BTW, I had a conversation with a gent who related that around 2002 or 2003 that Mr. Schwartz worked with Budweiser to have their Clydesdales team / wagon appear in front of Katie Belles. He went on to say that a snowmaking machine produced snow for an artificial ski slope. Interesting.

[rustyp]

It's official. Page A15 in The Villages Daily Sun today "We were at Brownwood but Spainish Springs was even better". One more lighting to go.

[anothersteve]

I was there last night also. It was pretty damn cool AND festive.
Steve

[Marathon Man]

You’re kidding right ? The entire fee was for charity ? Who took the tax deduction not the person who paid the fee - if this is true then be transparent and show the homeowners the fee payers how much you collected and how much went for expenses donations etc

I don’t believe it - when did people lose common sense ? Too much sun ?

Enough already. Geez.

[graciegirl]

It's official. Page A15 in The Villages Daily Sun today "We were at Brownwood but Spainish Springs was even better". One more lighting to go.

"Each tree lighting festival in The Villages is the product of months of planning and preparation on behalf of The Villages Entertainment department. And this year, the special events staff decided to do something a little different. Each tree lighting festival will have its own theme – a sugar plum Christmas on Saturday in Brownwood, a classic Christmas on Monday in Spanish Springs and a coastal Christmas on Thursday in Lake Sumter Landing. Read more in today's Daily Sun.
— Photo by Amy J. Correnti, Daily Sun"

All three tree lightings are Free to attend and available to all who want to be there. Gracie Gantner and no I don't work for anybody, I just love this place.

[Rbrump]

Not a gated community! If you went with a friend before, you should have known that.

[Velvet]

All three tree lightings are Free to attend and available to all who want to be there. Gracie Gantner and no I don't work for anybody, I just love this place.

As it supposed to be if the theme is Christmas tree lighting. I watched last night. Very happy with how it went down and No VIP
places like at sports events. :)

[Bogie Shooter]

Me bad. I was taking the info from post #39
"I thought the Christmas Tree Lighting in Brownwood was not in the spirit of Christmas, but in the Spirit of making money.
1) Really, an arcade at a Christmas tree lighting, and vendors peddling their wares.
2) not lighting the Christmas tree until 8:40 at night. It should have been lit at 5:00.
3) not one Christmas carol or mention of the holy day occurred. Has the Villages gone Atheist?
4)VIP seating, and shame on those who fell for it. We sat there for free every year. It is a community event, that the counties pay thousands for a band to entertain us:and we enjoy the music. So... no chairs for the locals, just for the people who paid to have a free drink, a seat, and a roped in area. Come on, this is nonsense!"

Good to see the twirlers. One of my favorites. How about the red and green candles and Villages toasting each other while singing carols as the tree was being lite. Did that occur ? Remember when the streets were cleared and a sea of table and chairs were put up so you could bring snacks like Christmas cookies to share with each other. Those were free VIP seats.
And people bitched because some went and saved those tables...……………….

[Velvet]

Did they have to pay for the tables? I missed that.

[JoMar]

Did they have to pay for the tables? I missed that.

No but as Boogie said, people bitched about that too. There is an entitled and selfish attitude here and unfortunately, they are the most vocal and get the attention. The majority here aren't, which makes living here a joy.

[hviergever]

I guess you're right Steve..... carry on!!

[rustyp]

And people bitched because some went and saved those tables...……………….

And forever people "bitched" about saving seats in the square. It took a long time but the preannouncement is the best to date. You can not save seats prior to entertainment unless a member of your party is there.

[dewilson58]

And forever people "bitched" about saving seats in the square. It took a long time but the preannouncement is the best to date. You can not save seats prior to entertainment unless a member of your party is there.




Sure you can.

[Two Bills]

What a lot of hot air over 40 reserved, paid for seats on two squares.
There are many more free seats 'reserved' every night of the week!

[anothersteve]

And forever people "bitched" about saving seats in the square. It took a long time but the preannouncement is the best to date. You can not save seats prior to entertainment unless a member of your party is there.


"With the return of snowbirds and the approaching of the extremely popular Christmas tree-lighting events nearing, the District Office issued a reminder last week:

While personal folding chairs are allowed at events on the squares, the setting up and leaving of chairs prior to 3 p.m. is prohibited. If you are using the chairs provided, seat saving is not permitted prior to the beginning of entertainment, unless a member of your party remains with your seats. Do not block walkways and be courteous towards others to ensure safe passage by all."

Steve

[dewilson58]

What a lot of hot air over 40 reserved, paid for seats on two squares.
There are many more free seats 'reserved' every night of the week!






:bigbow:

[Velvet]

What a lot of hot air over 40 reserved, paid for seats on two squares.
There are many more free seats 'reserved' every night of the week!

Not the same, one was monetizing Christmas tree lighting a tradition that should be free to all. There in was the problem.

[dewilson58]

Not the same, one was monetizing Christmas tree lighting a tradition that should be free to all. There in was the problem.






Nothing new unless you live under a rock.


We all sin.

[Two Bills]

Not the same, one was monetizing Christmas tree lighting a tradition that should be free to all. There in was the problem.

Monetising a tree lighting?
The whole show was free.
40 people paid to reserve a seat. What is the problem?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Monetising a tree lighting?
The whole show was free.
40 people paid to reserve a seat. What is the problem?

They paid for a seat under a tarp at a table AND drinks AND appetizers. It wasn't just a seat. It was something people would have had to pay for, even if it wasn't available on the actual central square.

Anyone who wanted drinks could've gotten them cheaper at either of the town square bar huts. Anyone who wanted appetizers could've gotten their choice from any of the restaurants around the square, instead of only the limited options provided if they paid the $50 for the reserved seat.

$50 got 1 chair at a table plus 2 drinks plus appetizers, all under a flea market tarp.

[Velvet]

I understand but it would have been more classy if there was no paid section. It would show respect to a tradition and I guess that is not important. I hope they will reassess it next year.

[Marathon Man]

They paid for a seat under a tarp at a table AND drinks AND appetizers. It wasn't just a seat. It was something people would have had to pay for, even if it wasn't available on the actual central square.

Anyone who wanted drinks could've gotten them cheaper at either of the town square bar huts. Anyone who wanted appetizers could've gotten their choice from any of the restaurants around the square, instead of only the limited options provided if they paid the $50 for the reserved seat.

$50 got 1 chair at a table plus 2 drinks plus appetizers, all under a flea market tarp.

I don't understand why anyone cares about the choices made by others. It's their money. They can spend it as they choose.

[Bay Kid]

Poor dead horse.

[ckcapaul]

Poor dead horse.

:bigbow:

[John_W]

I understand but it would have been more classy if there was no paid section. It would show respect to a tradition and I guess that is not important. I hope they will reassess it next year.

Tradition? Use to be you could just walk into Katie Belles if you were a resident, grab a table, order a pitcher of beer and a pizza and listen to Uncle Bob or whoever was playing. Now you need a reservation, a table with a cloth and will spend about $20 a pearson on a meal. What happened to that tradition? I loved the old Katie Belles, if you didn't like the band at the square, go inside and check it out. Now, it's a big production with certain hours and reservations. I've been one time and I'm not going back and I almost never go to SS square. Fifty people in a tent at Brownwood is not breaking tradition, that place didn't even exist until 2013 and it's still being developed.

Then

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/79281021_1467868690044325_283719475079938048_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=eyhi07IO3-cAQlfD1isi_Fpo1W4jsoSBeOJOVtsCqG5u7D0AQgxP69IDA&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=b2af81971be280c6fb78d2a4b2698fb1&oe=5E6FD15E

Now

https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0f/3c/be/30/dinner-table-with-musical.jpg

[Velvet]

Wow! I love Katie Belles! No dance floor now?

[CWGUY]

Wow! I love Katie Belles! No dance floor now?

:ohdear: It moved up stairs some time ago. Where have you been? Never mind...... :faint:

[bevlaur]

I don't reply on TOTV usually, but having been here 15 years, felt like I wanted to express my feelings on this Christmas tree lighting discussion. I personally would not want to pay for seats with drinks and appys, but there are those who did. How many times have you seen persons pay for things they want, or want to do and you disagree. Saying the Morse family looking to make more money as some expressed is really quite funny.
This change and others that have occurred in all the time we have been here is to be expected. Wherever you were born, or lived, or came from - is it still the same as you remember it? Don't think so, and lots of changes in TV in our time here - some I like and some I don't, but things do change in all our lives. This will continue always, and so does your right to express your opinion, after all we do live in America!!:)

[Marathon Man]

People are still talking about Katie Belle's? Geez.

[dewilson58]

People are still talking about Katie Belle's? Geez.






And still talk about Harold and the good old days.




:ohdear:

[John_W]

People are still talking about Katie Belle's? Geez.

I was trying to change the subject because the moderator for some reason has let this thread run amok. Between two threads on this site and 4 threads on Villages Facebook about the VIP Tent, it is getting old quick. When I read a poster talk about tradition in a square that is only 6 years old, it made think of Katie Belles and how that place was totally changed for the worse.