The Countdown is On
Club Holiday Traditions are Back
Over the past month, as the Club welcomed back events that were canceled or modified last year due to the pandemic, a theme of returning to tradition has emerged. But with the holidays approaching, you may be wondering, will this be the same Super Bingo, the same Festival on the Green, the same Concert on the Beach my family has always enjoyed?
The simple answer is yes, and the Club is equally as excited to continue some new traditions that came out of Covid times.
“While we embrace this new normal of ours,” said Social Committee Chair Terry Ferrarone, “we’ve been given the perfect opportunity to add some new elements to our events as a way to maintain the value of our traditions while also keeping them fresh and exciting.”
Super Bingo Squared
This year Super Bingo will again be double the Super with both vents taking place in the Business Center Parking Lot.
“The drive-in style Bingo is something our Members loved that came out of last year’s Covid-modified celebrations,” said Chris Nelson, Assistant Director of Recreation, whose team helps Member Events with the event every year. “While Members love the traditional classroom-style event inside Town Hall, drive-in Bingo has more of a ‘tailgate party’ type of atmosphere. It’s casual, care-free and builds a sense of camaraderie as family’s congregate around each other’s golf carts.”
The prizes will also be “super” as always. Reservations are required for both events by calling 305-367-6618.
Festival on the Green
The family-favorite Festival on the Green, always staged outdoors, makes for an easy return to normal with live music, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and old-fashioned carnival fun on the Driving Range.
The night’s headliner will be the fan-favorite Skycoasters, who are known around The Reef for their New Year’s Eve performances. Taking their place at the New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach will be Hit Factory in their first performance at Ocean Reef.
Cavanaugh Concert on the Beach
Michael Cavanaugh returns to rouse Buccaneer Island during the December 27th Concert on the Beach. Cavanaugh last performed at Concert on the Beach in 2016 and his return for this year’s concert comes highly requested. Beginning at 8 p.m., Cavanaugh, a Billy Joel cover handpicked by Billy Joel himself to star in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, will put the Buccaneer Island crowd in a “New York State of Mind” for “The Longest Time”.
Santa Cruises the Club
For a second year, Santa will cruise The Reef by both land and sea. All that’s missing is dropping in via plane!
On Thursday, December 23, all oceanside homes can wave to Santa as he and his elves cruise Reef waterways spreading carols and fun, festive music. Members can also watch from the Yacht Club Terrace as the boat passes by just after 6 p.m.
Santa has cruised the waterways of ORC for many years, but his drive-by debuted last year and was so successful the Social Committee decided to bring it back. On Wednesday, December 22, Santa will do another sweep of The Reef, this time in a vintage automobile.
Maps for both cruise routes will be available at oceanreef.com/SantaCruises.
Trapeze
The familiar Trapeze classes and Try n Fly’s return, accompanied by new and exciting nighttime acts from world-class trapeze performers. Last year’s introduction of these nighttime performances was a hit and by popular demand, more seating and performances can be added now to allow more Members to enjoy the high-flying acts at the Field at Four Corners.
“While the holidays looked very different last year from what we are accustomed to, some of the Covid modifications have actually helped us to improve the Club’s traditions for years to come,” said Kyle Landers, Director of Member Events & Services. “We feel thankful to be able to take something great out of a period of time that was not so great. If the success of this season’s events thus far is any indication, the upcoming holidays are going to be some of the most special yet.”
For the full holiday schedule and event details, visit oceanreef.com/Events.