Captiva Celebrates Luminary Festival; Hosts Golf Cart Parade

SC photos by Alison Waldbart

Captiva Island celebrated the annual Luminary Festival on Saturday, Dec. 6, which is hosted by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, and the annual golf cart parade sponsored by South Seas Island Resort. Captiva Drive, from the Green Flash restaurant to South Seas, and Andy Rosse Lane were transformed into beautifully lit pathways with 800 luminaries placed by 20 volunteers. Seven Sanibel-Captiva Rotarians and about 13 Captiva community volunteers gathered at the Mucky Duck restaurant to fill bags with sand and candles, then filled golf carts to distribute along the road. John and Cindy Mason, along with their dog Leah, also helped with their 1967 Volkswagen Van.

“It takes a village, and they all come together to support the event,” said Denice Beggs, who garnered the help of the community and co-founded the golf cart parade with the late Paul McCarthy.

The Wells family from Georgetown KY, on their first visit to Captiva-loving the opportunity to watch the golf cart parade! Jason and Christina Wells, along with Savannah(4) and Teagan(2)said they were thrilled to come at the right time to experience the fun Christmas activities on Captiva! Jason said, “ The parade was like nothing we had seen before and it was enjoyed by everyone in the whole family!”

Sanibel residents Marla and Jerry Dewhirst(elf on the shelf) and Stella and Gordon Pearce in the Christmas Spirit enjoying the Captiva Golf Cart Parade

Pam Rosen and Rita Ewell enjoying the Captiva Island Luminary Night

John and Cindy Mason with their dog Leah help set up for the Luminary Festival with their 1967 VW van