[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by G.R.I.T.S.

I’ve lived here about 20 years and it still escapes me why the loud carnival games have a place here during the tree lightings. The only reason could be the boatload of $$ that is collected. Maybe that’s the price of annoyance. Still come, though. It’s a special thing to share with fellow Villagers!

We enjoy the trees at the squares at a later date when it’s not a crazy, crowded, carnival atmosphere, and we can easily find parking.

[Brynnie]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

We enjoy the trees at the squares at a later date when it’s not a crazy, crowded, carnival atmosphere, and we can easily find parking.

Believe it or not, 20 years ago the tree lighting was a tasteful, respectful occasion in both Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing. Villagers gathered in joy and fellowship and sang Christmas carols, led by talented vocalists from The Villages entertainment cast. The countdown and the lighting were exciting, especially for the kids who were there visiting grandparents. There were no loud, obnoxious drunks and no one hawking their wares. DEI was not a fad then, but somehow everyone was naturally included. Sure has changed now that TV has become a resort of sorts. We don't bother going anymore.

[Velvet]

It was a community back then, I remember, visiting my parents. Now TV is a city with all the attributes of urban behavior.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by Brynnie

Believe it or not, 20 years ago the tree lighting was a tasteful, respectful occasion in both Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing. Villagers gathered in joy and fellowship and sang Christmas carols, led by talented vocalists from The Villages entertainment cast. The countdown and the lighting were exciting, especially for the kids who were there visiting grandparents. There were no loud, obnoxious drunks and no one hawking their wares. DEI was not a fad then, but somehow everyone was naturally included. Sure has changed now that TV has become a resort of sorts. We don't bother going anymore.

Oh please give me a break , even while living other places at times ,I’ve always had a home somewhere in villages since 2001. The place back then was nice but staying more than a few months a year was all I could handle ( boring ) .Have you been back to your hometown ,did it change, of course it did , people can embrace the change and look for the good in it or wallow in the negativity . I’m in the mid 80’s and out to dinner or the squares most nights and‘don’t spend one moment here worrying about crime or drunks , so yes the Villages got bigger and maybe it’s not Mayberry anymore and that’s a good thing , because what we have now is better and more fun