Christmas in the Park: A Port Orange tradition since 2003

The Port Orange community gathered for a night of holiday fun and jazz.

By Zach Fedewa
| 2:20 p.m. December 3, 2018

Luka and Jake Knisley have fun inside the life-sized snow globe at Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo by Zach Fedewa

Ciani Argrett, Eli Fiorese, Joe King, Theo Efstathiadis, Dylan Sweeney, Jaida Harper, Adam Ashley, Ally Dumet, Gabby Redding, Jacob Romeo, Joseph Perez and Victor Perez make up the Warner Velvet Blues Jazz Band.

Gammy Malone, Madison Liles, Izabella Smith, April and Uriah Smith wait with candles in hand for the horse-drawn carriage at Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo by Zach Fedewa

The Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater hosted the Warner Christian Academy Blues Jazz Band for the city's annual Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo by Zach Fedewa

Port Orange residents go on a tractor ride around City Center during Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo by Zach Fedewa

Kye Costanza smiles with Santa and Mrs. Claus outside of the Amphitheater during Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo by Zach Fedewa

Port Orange residents go on a horse-drawn carriage around City Center during Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 1. Photo by Zach Fedewa

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Since 2003, the Port Orange community has gathered at the Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater at the City Center Municipal Complex to boost their holiday spirit at the city's Christmas in the Park event.

This year was no exception. On Sunday, Dec. 1, Port Orange continued its tradition of providing free horse and carriage rides, tractor rides, photos with Santa and a performance by the Warner Christian Academy Blues Jazz Band.

"The Warner Velvet Blues Jazz Band are like carolers at Christmas, only in Jazz form, and who doesn't get moving and happy when listening to Christmas Jazz?" said Sonya Shearer, first director of Warner Christian Academy Jazz Band. "It's a perfect way to bring joy to life in the community."

Wendell Raulerson, second director of the jazz band, said that the group routinely performs community concerts around the Daytona Beach area. The band plays at the mall, homeless shelters and charity events.

"Performing allows us to give back to others and use the gift that we have," Raulerson said.