The annual Southport Island Lights Up! festival took place on Friday night, Dec. 2, at Southport Island General Store, where elves named Oliver and Janet Cusano, Nadia Carter, and Jim Lawlor prepped pizza and hot chocolate and treats for islanders who gathered for the festivities. Southport Central School guidance counselor Meredith Fowlie led kids in singing carols including “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as they waited for Santa to arrive.  

A new moon hung low in the indigo night sky, countered by a big white star hanging just opposite it. Lighted Christmas decorations, including a giant lobster claw, were reflected in the pond across the square. Kids shrieked with excitement. Adults smiled. A couple of dogs looked on calmly while happy chaos reigned. And then Santa roared in on a motorcycle, which sported two American flags fluttering from the back. He dismounted, passed out gifts to all of the youngsters, then roared away again with a “Ho! Ho! Ho!”and headed for the North Pole to continue to prepare for the big trip on Christmas Eve.

The Southport Island Association and the town sponsored the event. “It’s a wonderful community.”  Gardiner Rapelye, SIA president, said.