There is a long tradition of door-to-door carolling in Regina Beach. In previous years, dozens of volunteers would gather, grab a song sheet, visit single seniors, and sing Christmas carols. Usually, holiday hampers filled with cookies, gifts and other items are also delivered at this time.
There is also a yearly Carol Festival, held each Christmas season at the Memorial Hall, where dozens of residents generally get together to visit, sing and sip egg nog.
But not in 2020. The pandemic cancelled both of these beloved traditions this year. Still, that didn’t stop the singing. The Regina Beach Leisure Time Club organizes many activities all year long. This Christmas season, members like Sandi Metz came up with an idea to keep the music alive and still involve the community as part of a Holiday celebration. It organized a virtual concert, whereby anyone could record a video of themselves, sharing Christmas cheer in their own way.
Melissa Kobayashi
Metz says those videos will be compiled as a performance. What’s offered is unique, including music, dance and poetry readings,
“I was just disappointed that the Leisure Time Club was unable to have a Carol festival, which is such a wonderful community evening and tradition. I suggested a virtual concert to keep the much-loved tradition alive.”
Partnering with the Town of Regina Beach, Parks and Recreation, communications officer Melissa Kobayashi put out a call for talent to record their Christmas greetings in song. Metz says it can be seen on the Town website, and Access Communications will also be broadcasting the video on a rotating basis on its community channel throughout the Holiday Season.
Metz also says the concert is not just for the sake of entertainment. If viewers like what they see, they can also make a donation to support Christmas efforts for next year, “The Leisure Time Club will have a donation basket for community hampers, so if you enjoy the virtual concert, a basket for this great cause will be at the Town office. All donations will be given to the churches organizing committee to kick start next year’s hamper project.”
The unique online concert will launch for public viewing, December 21st.
-By Carol Rose GoldenEagle