Editor: Each holiday season offers Marsh Creek homeowners the opportunity to join in adorning our gates, bridges and parks in festive attire just as the greater St. Augustine community celebrates the Nights of Lights. If you’d like to be a part of our community’s decorative effort, please continue reading…

By Ann Reid

This year, Nights of Lights is arriving about two weeks earlier than usual, which has prompted the elves to really scurry! But all will be in place and shining bright by November 15th.

This marks my fourth (or fifth!) year heading up the group that began with a few repurposed wreaths—pine cones spray-painted silver, white, and gold, a handful of snowflakes, and a few inexpensive accents. We met in the community park, made do with what we had, and had a blast. About eight volunteers gathered that year, cobbling together some unforgettable decorations—especially the “clown” wreaths of many-colored ornaments. Some loved them… others, not so much! 😄

I’m proud to say that our decorations have become more beautiful and cohesive each year. A huge thank-you to the Board for supporting this effort and increasing the budget—it’s made a wonderful difference!

Now, as we move into another season of sparkle, it’s time for me to pass the torch to a new coordinator. The role is easy to manage and comes with plenty of creative freedom — and the reward of seeing Marsh Creek shine each holiday season. With John Gongla handling all the lighting and more (our behind-the-scenes hero!) and Mary Ellen Danielson and I helping with supplies and shopping, the new coordinator will have a strong team and a simple transition.

If you’ve ever admired the wreaths and lights and thought, “That looks like fun,” this is your moment! I’d love to see someone step in with fresh ideas and holiday enthusiasm. We’ll be starting no later than November 12th to put up decorations, so if you’d like to learn as we decorate this year, that would be the perfect time to jump in.  

We are also in need of ceramic pots, about 12 x 12, for the poinsettias at the guard houses.  If you have any your would like to donate, Ann will pick them up.  They don’t have to be in perfect condition.

Here’s to another bright and beautiful season at Marsh Creek — and to the next generation of elves ready to make the magic happen! 🎄✨

Warmly,
Ann Reid / annmikereid@gmail.com