At SweetBay, community spirit runs deep, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive St. Patrick’s Day Park Crawl! This annual event typically held at the beginning of March was rescheduled due to weather, but luck was certainly in the air on Saturday, March 30th when neighbors came together in a sea of green with a cloudless sky and perfect cool breeze.
Park-Hopping Adventures
The Park Crawl kicked off Saturday afternoon in one of SweetBay’s six beautiful parks – Academy Park. Lush greenery provided the perfect backdrop for photo ops and impromptu games of tag. Laughter filled the air as children frolicked about, their faces painted with smiles and covered in shamrocks and glittering clovers galore. As the day unfolded, the festivities continued to blossom as residents made their way from one tent to the next. Each setup by residents and a hub of activity, offering a delightful assortment of treats and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Those of age could indulge in a variety of adult beverages while mingling and soaking in the festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, children were delighted by the abundance of games, ensuring their day was filled with laughter and excitement. The scent of freshly spun cotton candy wafted through the air, adding an extra touch of sweetness to the occasion. From festive accessories to delectable treats, these tents were a testament to the warmth and camaraderie shared among the residents of the community. Most notably, neighbors had the opportunity to share their experience and why they feel “Luck to Live in SweetBay”!
“I like to live in SweetBay because you can play with your best friends”
“I feel lucky to live in SweetBay because I love my school and a lot of my friends live here too.”
“Fun times every day!”
“Great family community, amazing school, great fun, and amazing people.”
Live Entertainment and Cultural Delights
No SweetBay St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without music and dance, and Gilleran’s Island Band delivered in spades. Gilleran’s Island Band is a talented husband-wife duo, delighting audiences in the Florida Panhandle and beyond with their beautifully crafted originals, soulful harmonies, and expertly curated song list. Terra Jean Otto shines on violin – deep in the groove with sweet lines, ripping riffs and even some funk chops. Vocalist, guitarist and singer-songwriter John Gilleran sings his heart out in perfectly pitched, smooth baritone tones and soaring falsetto, all the while laying down a solid foundation on acoustic guitar. They were joined by a drummer and guitarist to bring the full band experience and offered a wide variety of music including some traditional Irish jigs!
Building Lasting Connections
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, signaling the end of another unforgettable event, SweetBay residents gathered one last time to reflect on the day’s adventures. Smiles were shared, memories were made, and friendships were forged, reaffirming the tight-knit bond that unites the SweetBay community.
Looking Ahead
As we bid farewell to another St. Patrick’s Day Park Crawl, we carry with us the cherished memories of a day spent in good company and the promise of many more adventures to come. From all of us at SweetBay, thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the spirit of community, and here’s to many more vibrant gatherings in the days ahead.
Sláinte!
