In 2025 Molly was voted one of “Sarasota’s Top 12 Realtors” by SRQ Magazine. Molly has earned the elite designation of being a Keller Williams Luxury Qualified Agent. The Keller Williams Luxury Division is entirely focused on bringing the best results to the highest level of clientele and their luxury properties. With $95M+ of real estate sold Molly proudly represents a wide variety of properties at varying price points across the gulf coast of Florida.
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting more deeply than ever on what this season truly means. For me, this December carries a special kind of anticipation and gratitude; the arrival of my son, Lennox, due December 16th. It’s a reminder that the most precious gifts in life aren’t wrapped in paper or tied with ribbon; they’re the moments, the people, and the love we’re given to cherish.
In a season defined by generosity and grace, I’m inspired by those who give from the heart. Father’s Destiny International reminds us that true giving is the kind that empowers others to build, lead, and thrive long after the holidays have passed. It’s a beautiful reflection of how impact multiplies when love takes the lead.
For Lakewood Ranch baker Jessica Stratos, founder of Sunbloom Sourdough , giving begins in the kitchen. Her loaves rise from memory and meaning; a tribute to her late mother and the warmth she created through food. And through The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, nearly 100 women have joined forces to uplift others, awarding $53,000 in grants to local nonprofits supporting women, children, and families. Their unity is proof that community flourishes when compassion becomes action.
This issue and this season is a celebration of all forms of giving: time, talent, kindness, and presence. Whether it’s through volunteering, baking, supporting a local business, or simply holding your loved ones a little closer, may you find joy in every shared moment.
As I prepare to welcome Lennox into the world, I’m reminded that life’s greatest blessings often come quietly, through love, connection, and the people who make each day worth savoring. Thank you for being part of this journey and for allowing Lakewood City Lifestyle to be part of yours.
Wishing you a season wrapped in love, gratitude, and togetherness.
With heartfelt appreciation,
JESSI NEITZEL, PUBLISHER @LAKEWOODCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Jessi Neitzel | jessi.neitzel@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Sean Averso | sean.averso@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Michelle Parnell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Visual Lift Media, Nicole Mac Photography, Photo Guru SRQ
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Learn how
Proverbs 3:5-6
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the Best of
ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL
This holiday season, skip the big-box bustle and embrace the magic of shopping small. Our Wrapped in Local Love gift guide showcases one-of-a-kind gifts from right here in our community—each crafted with passion, purpose, and personality. Whether you’re searching for something sparkling, soothing, or simply special, you’ll find inspiration in every page, beautifully wrapped in the warmth of Lakewood Ranch.
Modish Salon
Kérastase holiday gift sets deliver salon-quality care with built in savings of $30+ in every box. Plus, when you spend $150, you’ll receive a free Dry Shampoo or Texture Spray, the ultimate holiday treat!
Sprinkles’ Seasonal Dozen makes the perfect holiday gift, featuring festive flavors like Christmas Cookie, Gingerbread, and Chocolate Peppermint cupcakes—beautifully boxed and ready to share with family, friends, or colleagues.
Fat Ash Cigar
Light up the holidays with timeless indulgence. All cigars just $8 this season — plus enjoy a complimentary humidor with purchases over $200 or a free lighter with $100. Because every celebration deserves a smooth finish. Only at FatAshCigar.net
20 Minutes to Fitness
Give the Gift of Health this Holiday Season! Where Doctors Go to Stay Fit. “I absolutely recommend 20 Minutes to Fitness to my patients.” Dr. Claire McGill. Try 20 Minutes to Fitness for FREE. Visit 20MinutesToFitness.com or call: Lakewood Ranch 941.309.8989 or Sarasota 941.361.1000.
Banded Shades also known as dual shades or Zebra shades offer alternating fabric and sheer bands that create precise light and privacy by simply rotating the shade. Banded shades offer versatile functionality, come in various band sizes and opacities, and can be customized with different colors, textures, and motorized options.
Dazzle her this holiday with spectacular diamond earrings from Diamonds by Doron, 2ct. t.w. I-J color clarity VVS/V. With quality and elegance that shines in every piece, these earrings are a timeless gift, sure to impress and delight.
This holiday, why not give the gift of organization? With More Space Place, she can finally have the closet she’s always dreamed of. Offering free in-home consultations and designs, More Space Place makes it easy to give a thoughtful, functional gift she’ll love. Visit closetsand wallbeds.com to learn more!
With this year’s curated collection, you’ll discover gifts that embody elegance, meaning, and modern style; perfect for making spirits bright and creating moments worth remembering long after the holidays.
1hr In-Home Design Consultation - Now $125 for the holidays! Give the gift of beautiful spaces this season. Treat yourself or someone special to a personalized consultation. During your 1-hour session, we’ll walk through your space, discuss your design goals, and provide expert guidance to help you reimagine your home with beauty, function, and flow for the new year! Gift Certificate Available - Offer valid through January 31, 2026 Booking Call Us (941) 216-5308
The Lia Leggings by Not Only Pants blend sculpting support with a subtle metallic sheen. Chic enough to dress up, yet strong enough for your toughest workout. Available in sizes S–5XL, Not Only Pants offers a full collection of buttery-soft, squat-proof styles that celebrate every shape and size. Website: notonlypants.com
Rev up their style with a gift from Sage Auto Studios! Whether they’re interested in body kits or performance upgrades, Sage Auto Studios has a range of products to enhance any vehicle. A great choice for the car enthusiast on your list.
For the ultimate gift of relaxation, give a Squeeze massage. Offering deep tissue, heat, aromatherapy, and more, each massage is fully personalized to melt away stress. This thoughtful gift is perfect for anyone in need of self-care and unwinding.
Looking for a gift that offers luxury and flexibility? Sarasota Premier Aesthetic gift cards are a perfect choice, providing access to skincare, injectables, facials, or laser treatments. A thoughtful gift for anyone looking to elevate their skincare and self-care routine.
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ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In a season defined by generosity and gratitude, Father’s Destiny International reminds us that the most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbons or bows. True giving, they believe, is the kind that empowers others to build, lead, and thrive long after the holidays have passed.
Founded on faith and fueled by entrepreneurship, Father’s Destiny International exists to awaken God-given destinies through a new kind of giving; one where belief in people and
the power of purpose create lasting change. Their mission is simple yet profound: to ignite transformation from within by combining faith-driven leadership with entrepreneurial training.
The story began a decade ago in Uganda, when founder Dan Bafia met Julius, a local man on the verge of losing his home. When Julius said, “God will provide,” Dan responded not with pity, but with purpose, asking, “If He hasn’t yet, how will He in the future?” That honest conversation about faith and responsibility planted a seed that would grow into a movement. What started as a small loan between two men became a partnership rooted in trust, entrepreneurship, and the belief that true dignity comes through opportunity.
Today, that seed continues to flourish, not only in Uganda but through the next generation. Dan’s daughter, Ashley Sanders, a local Realtor, Broker and Operating Principal for KW Coastal Living III, carries forward the same heart for faith, leadership, and service that inspired her father to begin this journey. Ashley’s passion for connection and community mirrors the organization’s vision: to empower others to use their God-given gifts to make an impact that lasts.
Through Father’s Destiny International, lives are being transformed across eastern Uganda in three core areas: Education, Sports, and Health & Wellness. From sewing and salon schools that equip women to start their own businesses, to youth sports programs that build leadership, and healthcare initiatives that provide life-changing access to care—every effort reflects a model of empowerment over dependency.
At the center of everything is entrepreneurship, the spark that turns faith into forward motion. Father’s Destiny believes that mission-driven business is the most sustainable path to long-term change. Through local partnerships, they’re seeing communities rise from survival to leadership, creating hope that extends far beyond borders.
Ashley says, “Father’s Destiny now has 22 acres of land that we’re actively harvesting, with the goal of making our community giving completely self-sustaining through our farms—and then expanding to reach even more villages. Today, we support 550 students with school supplies, have graduated over 100 students from our schools, and provide food and essential supplies to more than 300 elderly women and widows who have no means to support themselves. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, visit fathersdestiny.org .”
This December, as we reflect on giving and gratitude, Father’s Destiny International reminds us that generosity is more than an act, it’s an awakening. When we give with faith and purpose, we don’t just change circumstances. We change destinies.
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By BETTY CUNIBERTI
Against the advice of every friend who appeared to have more than a dozen brain cells, I took an early retirement buyout from my job as a columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch a year or so ago. But what could I do with these golden years to justify throwing in the towel a decade early? I needed GOALS!
The first that sprung to mind is the usual one -getting into a regular exercise routine so I might not drop dead before Social Security kicks in.
How about joining a fitness club? The experts advise us to go to the gym several times a week. But the thought of running thousands of miles on a treadmill to nowhere, lost in a vast, sweaty sea of flat-bellied 30-somethings fills me with inspiration to move quickly to the next goal. Besides, wellintentioned folks my age who think they can do the physically challenging stuff they did when they were 25 are injuring themselves in record numbers. And now we’re lining up for knee and hip replacements and surgery to repair the damage.
And let’s be clear: it’s not just that running or doing aerobics will rip an old fogey’s knees or back to shreds. It will also drive us stark raving bananas, and we’ll quit. One time I signed up for an exercise class and never went at all. Fitness centers that require memberships make big, big money off well-intentioned no-shows like me.
WHAT REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. I read an article about a 63-year-old gentleman who, after nine months of a fitness program that involves only one 20-minute strengthtraining session a week, broke par for the first time.
In a flash, it all came together - my aging body that once turned heads and now turned stomachs, my passion for golf, my need to exercise regularly or die, my hatred of exercise classes, and well, exercise. But 20 minutes a week of something that even old folks with pain issues can do? So, I went to the 20 Minutes to Fitness studio in Clayton, Mo. There was not one treadmill or stationary bicycle. A Personal Trainer took a detailed health and fitness history and explained the studio’s use of a revolutionary fitness technique known as slow cadence, high intensity strength training.
Especially for people over 40, the key to fitness is replacing lost muscle without damaging fragile joints or ligaments. 20 Minutes to Fitness is a smart, safe way to do just that. A big reason is its highly specialized equipment. Originally developed for spine care and osteoporosis, the machines are calibrated to work specific muscle groups without putting stress on joints, bones and ligaments.
You get your own personal trainer and then there’s the time factor. If someone were to calculate and compare muscles per minute per dollar, 20 Minutes would blow everybody’s doors off. The brief workout takes muscles to failure, which triggers a signal to the body to build new muscle. This rebuilding requires four to six days of rest, similar to the time between starts of a baseball pitcher. During this time the body is using an astounding amount of energy (burning calories) to rebuild muscle. The more calories you burn, the faster you deplete your stored body fat. Blood pressure goes down and bone density is increased. The risk of diabetes is cut.
With my trainer at my side, directing and charting every workout, my body was literally transformed. My back pain went away and my strength seemed to increase overnight. I’m in the best shape of my life and feel like I’ve reversed the aging process. I never dreamed that at 55, I’d hit the ball this far or wear my golf skirts this short. AND, I went from a size 10 to a size 6!
Somewhere around here is a teeny, tiny word that says, “advertisement.” I am being compensated for these words. But there’s enough journalist in me that you couldn’t pay me enough to lie. I want to share my success because I think it can be a life-changing experience for many kinds of people - those too busy to exercise, or think they’re to old, or too out of shape, have too many medical problems, or just plain hate exercising.
For many of us, the holidays are defined by the aromas that fill the kitchen—freshly baked bread, gooey brownies, and recipes passed down through generations. For Lakewood Ranch baker Jessica Stratos, founder of Sunbloom Sourdough, those scents hold something even deeper: a connection to her late mother and the warmth she created through food.
“My love for baking came from my mom,” Jessica shares. “She was known for her homemade treats, and everyone was always excited to see what she’d bring. Being in the kitchen brings me back to her; it’s nostalgic and comforting.”
That early spark of inspiration evolved into a lifelong passion, first through a pan of dark chocolate, fudgy brownies that “clicked,” and later through a powerful discovery born out of love and necessity. When her daughter Aspen was diagnosed with a
ARTICLE BY JESSI NEITZEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTO GURU SRQ
rare condition that made it difficult to digest common starches and sugars, Jessica turned to sourdough—drawn by its natural fermentation and nutritional benefits. To her family’s joy, Aspen could eat it without getting sick. “It was emotional,” she says. “From that moment, I became determined to master sourdough and share it with others.”
Every loaf Jessica bakes at Sunbloom Sourdough is crafted intentionally, using only organic ingredients, a reflection of her belief that food made with care should also be made with integrity. “What we eat matters,” she says. “I want my bread to be as pure and nourishing as it is delicious.”
For Jessica, baking is more than a craft, it’s a way to connect the past and present, to nourish her loved ones, and to slow down in a world that often moves too fast. “The process itself is grounding,” she says. “It’s about creating something meaningful from simple ingredients. The end result is wonderful, but the process is where the real joy happens.”
Patience, resilience, and creativity have become her constant teachers. “You can’t rush fermentation, or life. Even when things don’t turn out perfectly, you learn, you grow, and sometimes the mistakes become the best part.”
Whether she’s baking at night with a glass of wine and music playing softly in the background or gifting loaves of bread to friends and family, Jessica’s kitchen is a place of peace and purpose. “It’s therapy for me,” she admits. “And knowing that something I made brings joy or comfort to someone else, that’s the best feeling.”
Looking ahead, Jessica dreams of expanding Sunbloom Sourdough into a small farm stand filled with her signature organic loaves, local honey, fresh eggs, and wholesome treats, all made with love. “Just like my mom did,” she smiles.
This holiday season, her story reminds us that giving doesn’t always come wrapped in ribbons. Sometimes, it rises slowly, fills the house with warmth, and tastes a lot like home.
To order email: Sunbloomsourdough@gmail.com or visit: Hotplate.com/sunbloomsourdough
Founder of Sunbloom Sourdough, Jessica Stratos handcrafts every loaf with love and only organic ingredients. Inspired by her late mother and her daughter Aspen’s health journey, she creates bread that nourishes both body and soul—one naturally fermented loaf at a time.
“
“It’s absolutely amazing the things you learn when you get involved in the community.”
The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle awards $53,000 in grants to support local organizations
The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle, with a growing membership of nearly 100 women, provides monetary grants and volunteer service to local nonprofit organizations that support women, children, and families. Through the Giving Circle, members have an opportunity to look beyond their daily lives and actively give back to the community.
“I think that sometimes when we live in a place like the Lake Club, it's like living in a bubble,” says Nancy Lepain, Chair of the Grants Committee and a member since 2015. “It's hard to imagine that less than two miles from where we live are children who don't have enough to eat and kids who are being brought up by grandparents who don't have the resources to take care of them. It's absolutely amazing the things you learn when you get involved in the community.”
In 2025, the Giving Circle awarded $53,000 in support of various nonprofits, the largest amount awarded in the history of the organization. “We gave out 25 grants in our last grant cycle, with each and every organization being as worthy as the next. We are very proud that it's the most money we have ever granted out and the largest number of organizations that we have ever helped,” shares Nancy. “We're dedicated to supporting organizations that address the needs of women, children and families, and before any of these organizations get a grant, we vet them intensely because we want the monies to go strictly to the population that the charity serves.”
A few of the programs awarded grants this year include the Blue Butterfly Program affiliated with
Tidewell Hospice which helps children and families as they grieve the loss of a loved one; the School Attendance Support program that supplies hygiene products for children to ensure they don’t miss school because of lack of personal supplies; and Take Stock in Children, a program that works with kids in 6th-12 grades who come from high-risk families and pairs them with mentors.
The grant funds are raised through member fees, donations, and partnerships with places such as the Exchange in Sarasota. “Anything that we bring to them or that is donated to them on our behalf, we get 50% of what they sell it for,” says Cinda Krouk, Chair of the Outreach Committee and a member since 2023. “That allows us to expand our purse a bit and offer more grant money.”
In addition to providing monetary grants, ladies of the organization volunteer in various capacities and conduct supply drives throughout the year. “If there's a call for help or a need, we spring into action,” explains Cinda. “When the School Attendance Support program called and said they needed rain gear and sanitary supplies for students, we hosted a supply drive. For TWIG, a program that helps foster children, we provided 500 pairs of shoes for kids to wear on their first day of school. We’ve made blankets and pillows, worked at food banks, and volunteered at thrift shops. We do a lot of volunteer work with the organizations we support.”
For a full list of grant recipients, information on applying for the grants, and to find out how to get involved, visit tlcwomensgivingcircle.org and follow the Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle on Facebook and Instagram.
• 22 gauge wire
• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes
• Wire snips
Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”
Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.
Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.
Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.
Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!
Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!
Elevate your holiday hot chocolate with a charcuterie experience
As winter settles in and the air chills, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. While a simple cup of hot cocoa can warm the soul, why not take it up a notch and indulge in a hot cocoa charcuterie board? Picture a delightful spread of various hot chocolate flavors, mix-ins, and toppings, inviting you to create a personalized, delicious mug of joy. Let’s explore the wonders of old-fashioned hot cocoa and all the accompaniments you can use to create your very own hot cocoa charcuterie board.
THE DELIGHTS OF OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Old-fashioned hot cocoa transports us to simpler times and brings with it a sense of nostalgia. The slow, traditional process of making hot chocolate from scratch – with real chocolate, milk and a touch of sweetness – provides a distinctly memorable experience for the holidays.
OLD-FASHIONED HOT COCOA
Ingredients
• ¼ cup 60% cacao chocolate morsels
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat all ingredients (except vanilla extract) in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
CREATING THE PERFECT HOT COCOA
CHARCUTERIE BOARD
Gone are the days of selecting only between marshmallows and whipped cream as toppings. With a hot cocoa charcuterie board, you can delve into a world of flavors, textures and spices that will make each sip an adventure, and serve as a sweet centerpiece to your holiday gatherings.
Begin by selecting a variety of flavors and mix-ins, such as mini marshmallows, salted caramels, white chocolate morsels and peppermints. Pair your hot cocoa with delectable treats like cookies, gum drops, crème-filled wafer rolls or chocolate-covered espresso beans. Consider adding biscotti, chocolate-dipped spoons or chocolate-coated pretzels as well as whipped toppings and an assortment of sprinkles.
VARIATIONS TO SAVOR
Indulge in some exciting recipes that are sure to elevate your hot chocolate into fun and festive beverages during the holidays and throughout the colder months.
MINTY FRESH WONDER
Embrace the festive season with a mint-infused hot cocoa. Fancify your beverage with a peppermint stick or make your
own crushed candy cane dust for a touch of holiday cheer. This minty delight is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect indulgence for cozy winter evenings.
SPICY AZTEC ELIXIR
Channel your inner adventurer with an Aztec-inspired hot cocoa. Infuse your drink with a touch of chili powder and a dash of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation. This fiery blend will ignite your senses and warm you from the inside out.
GROWN-UP GRASSHOPPER
Transform your drink into a rich adult-only grasshopper hot cocoa by adding 2 oz. of crème de menthe or a shot of peppermint schnapps. Adorn with a crushed candy cane rim for a playful offering.
DECADENT SALTED CARAMEL INDULGENCE
Elevate your hot cocoa experience with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. The combination of slightly bitter cocoa and sweet, buttery caramel is a match made in heaven. Sprinkle an extra pinch of sea salt for that irresistible contrast.
DECEMBER 5TH
Holiday Night of Lights at St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle | 5:30 PM
Kick off the holiday season and stroll through dazzling displays at Holiday Night of Lights. Lido Key's iconic St. Armands Circle comes to life with a towering 60-foot Christmas tree full of colorful lights and ornaments—located right in the middle of the action. Once you've seen the annual tree-lighting ceremony, shop and dine on the circle to support local businesses.
DECEMBER 6TH
Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival
Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch 8:00 AM
Get ready for an unforgettable day of live blues music at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival Presented by Bank of America! Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch for a lineup of top blues performers. Indulge in delicious local food and drinks, explore unique vendors and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with friends and family.
DECEMBER 12TH
The Jingle
Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 7:00 PM
The Publix Jingle 5K is a festive, family favorite holiday event! The 3.1 mile evening course is fun and festive with ambient street and portable lights illuminating your way, snow machines, holiday music and more! After you cross the Finish Line, enjoy the huge post-race party including delicious food, beverages and special activations from our awesome sponsors!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS CONTINUED >
from all of us to you and your family!
CONTINUED 6600 University Pkwy, Suite 305 (941) 324-4966 | herhealthgynecology.com
DECEMBER 13TH
The 2025 Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Marina Jack's & Sarasota
Bayfront Park | 6:00 PM
Sarasota has its own annual boat parade tradition (since 1986!) that brings decked-out vessels of every size to downtown Sarasota's bayfront for a night of all-ages fun and festivities. The route goes from Lido Key to Sarasota Bayfront Park. Bring chairs and find your spot. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book to be distributed by local nonprofits.
DECEMBER 20TH
Christmas on Main
Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 4:00 PM
Her Health. Her Journey. Her Season of Joy. At Her Health Gynecology, every woman’s wellness journey is celebrated. From personalized gynecologic care to advanced EmpowerRF and Morpheus8 treatments, our goal is to help you look and feel your best—inside and out. This holiday season, we invite you to pause, reflect, and give yourself the gift of self-care. Because when you feel confident and well, you shine a little brighter in every season. Happy Holidays from all of us at Her Health Gynecology.
Make a new tradition with your family and friends this year at Christmas on Main, the biggest Christmas party in town. On December 20th from 4-8 pm, Grace Community Church is transforming Lakewood Ranch Main Street into a winter wonderland with free games, rides, and attractions for the whole family! Santa himself will even be there.
DECEMBER 31ST
New Year's Eve at Waterside Place
Waterside Place | 7:00 PM
Ring in the New Year with us at Waterside Place! Celebrate with an unforgettable night filled with live music, mouthwatering food trucks, sweet treats, refreshing drinks, and fun activities for all ages. Dance under the stars and make memories with family and friends, then watch the sky come alive as we end the night with a spectacular drone show to welcome 2026 in style!
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