The Christmas Tree Lighting at Lake Sumter Landing was free to all.
 

The Villages Daily Sun added a new photo. - The Villages Daily Sun | Facebook

Except fifty folks who bought VIP tickets.

Pisa.

???

Leaning Tower of ________.

OH. Was it?

Developer's fault.

We knew that. Well actually I didn't but I know you are kidding.

I am so glad I love Christmas.

I misread your post and read it as a free-for-al
my bad

No...probably will happen when the millennials get old enough to live here. lol.

Just kidding. We have some mighty fine millennial grandchildren.

(Wanna see their pictures?) ;)

I had to say it before a Debbie Downer says it.

Have a Very Merry GG!!!!!

Is 50 folks buying VIP tickets to the tree lighting any different than "preferred pool" fees or "preferred tee time fees"? This is the real world, no different than box seats at a game, or back stage passes at a concert. People with enough money like these perks. It is okay.

Food for thought. In the words of a poster by the name of Orangebone from another site:

"I think The Villages is growing large enough that more activities should be separated by social and economic class. We need to begin charging for more free events so we can limit the size of the crowds that are descending on all the town squares. Charging wealthier people money for formerly free activities can generate additional income plus begin to separate the Villages community into the haves and have nots. Special treatment based on money is everywhere, why not here in The Villages? We aren’t all equal anymore here in the Villages, some have little money and live on fixed incomes, others have large investments, pensions, large IRA’s and can afford a richer lifestyle. Why shouldn’t the Villages take advantage of that?

I'll reemphasize these are not my words or necessarily my point of view just perhaps the second side of a two sided coin.

And, of course, Christmas is the time where those who can afford it should be treated with deference from the hoy polloi.

I think that the people who planned this place have made it so we are not divided by money or live like money divides us. I really don't know anyone who cares whether you have a bunch or not much.

I think we are all old enough to see how things really work. Old enough not to have the wool pulled over our eyes. Old enough to accurately access this situation. If I had to choose between the way this place is run, and a similar sized town run in the usual way, I would have to choose here.

I don't think Mark Morse is Attila the Hun OR Mother Teresa, AND I have to think he earns what he gets. His job can't be without constant stress, worry and effort with so many crucial and important tasks facing him 24/7 and 365. I think it just looks easy and comfy from a distance. I wouldn't want it and don't need what he makes. He and his sisters have made it so I live like he does, we all do.

The second side is corroded...………………………...

Championship courses etc are owned by developer. Squares are owned by CCD and leased out for $1 a year to developer owned company.

Money has always talked. The original concept of TV was similar to cruise ships or all inclusive resorts. Everyone had equal access to all the included amenities, whether you had an inside cabin (i.e. manufactured home or patio villa) or a penthouse suite (i.e. premier home.)
Then ships and resorts began implementing special, pay extra, private dining for the select few while the rest of us are stuck with the cheaper basic buffet. It is the way of the world and TV is just following along. However, I believe too much separation between "classes" so the wealthy can feel more special just leads to envy and jealousy between the haves and the have-nots and leads to more inequality. It's a slippery slope.
That said, anywhere that is so packed with people that it's standing room only or long wait lines (restaurants, squares, rec center classes, etc) is too crowded for me and I completely avoid. More and more, I take my business and spend my $$ "off the compound." For all the amenity fees, maintenance, taxes, and ridiculous bonds we pay for the "lifestyle" - no, I am NOT getting my money's worth and I am no longer enamored by TV like I was 2003-2007. It is what it is.
Peace and Season's Greetings!

If you are looking for respite from the crowding during this, the high season, you will have to look somewhere not in Florida.

I thank you and your family for your service.