Manatee Village Video Offers ‘A Digital Old-Fashioned Christmas’

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The Manatee Village Historical Park, located at 1404 Manatee Ave. East in Bradenton, has released a digital version of its annual holiday celebration.

Staff at Manatee Village have played around with the name of the in-person gathering, which features vendors, a visit with Santa and other programs, over the years, said Rachel DesRosier, events and marketing coordinator. At various times it’s been called “Cracker Christmas” or “An Old Florida Christmas.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to switch gears this year, staff went with a name that obviously tells people what to expect: “A Digital Old-Fashioned Christmas.” The video was released on Manatee Village’s YouTube page Wednesday.

Though people couldn’t gather in person for the event, it was important that Manatee Village acknowledge the holidays in some way, DesRosier said. “We wanted to provide something free and try to still capture that feeling. It is the season. It is the holidays. Let’s watch something fun, even though we can’t have them come and experience it in person.”

The 13-minute-long video features three segments, she said. The first features Dr. Jeffrey Brown, Manatee Village’s curator, reading a unique version of “'Twas the Night Before Christmas.” DesRosier and other staff members tweaked the poem to incorporate Manatee County imagery and cultural tidbits.

“You’re not going to see reindeer and Santa in this (version),” she said. “The whole thing is perfect for both adults and kids. It’s silly enough and fast enough that kids should enjoy it, but still has enough grown-up qualities to it that I think they’ll enjoy it, too.”

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The video also includes two tutorial segments. Viewers will learn how to make orange and clove pomanders, sweet-smelling holiday decoration, and snow drop cookies. The holiday video will remain posted to YouTube through Jan. 3.

Manatee Village has been hit “pretty hard” during the pandemic, DesRosier said. Though it’s reopened, guests can only visit weekday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and they need to register in advance. The park remains closed on Saturdays, which is usually a busy day that brings in significant donations.

Staff has hosted digital events throughout, the pandemic, though. DesRosier is hopeful they can meet in person again next year. In the meantime, supporters can donate to the organization on its website.