Music in the Park Christmas extravaganza hits the mark

L-R: Tamara Vaughn and High Springs Community School Band Director Vito Montauk performing a Christmas favorite.

HIGH SPRINGS – One of the most successful Music in the Park events ever took place on a recent Sunday at the James Paul Park behind High Springs City Hall.

On Dec. 16, approximately 116 members of the High Springs Community School Band, “The Hawks,” performed under the direction of Band Director Vito Montauk, to an estimated crowd of 300-400 people. According to Music in the Park organizer Michael Loveday, “The usual crowd is around 50.”

“One of the coolest things that happened,” said Loveday, “was that while The Hawks were playing, a real hawk appeared and flew over the area as the band played.”

In addition to The Hawks, “Cliff Dorsey performed and Tamara Vaughn delivered an amazing trumpet solo,” said Loveday.

The Christmas Extravaganza, which ran from 2-4 p.m., no doubt benefited from the ideal weather and the support of the High Springs Fire Department, which brought out their new fire truck, and the High Springs Police Department, which brought out their police cars. “This was a collaborative effort,” said Loveday.

Forest Grove Baptist Church provided hot dogs and hamburgers, Tropical Snow from Alachua brought their slushy snow cones, Vintage Fudge, the High Springs Chamber of Commerce and the New Century Woman’s Club provided food, snacks, and drinks.

Downtown stores stayed open to accommodate visitors to the downtown area.

The Music in the Park series is designed to bring the community together through music and to promote local musicians. It seems to have hit the mark with High Springs’ residents this past Sunday.

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