What A Weekend!

What a weekend!

The Pleasure Island Christmas Parade was a HUGE success. So many smiling faces from the community came to watch performers march down Wharf Parkway and Main Street, catch candy and Christmas memoirs, sing-a-long with bands and music, and even to wave at good ol’ St. Nick! The day was filled with delight and surprises, even from the sky—as soon as the parade started down Wharf Parkway, it began to snow!

With the beautiful weather, the crowds of people stayed around even after the parade had finished to count their candy, chat with friends old and new, and grab a bite to eat before they left.

After the parade, we had musical entertainment from the Starlight Theater group, Cary Laine performed at Palm Plaza, and Santa even stayed for free pictures.

Later that night, I enjoyed the whimsical sights and sounds of the Nautical Night of Lights Parade on the Intercoastal Waterway.


We had a perfect view of all the decorated boats that paraded by The Marina at The Wharf on their route, with the boats passing by a little after 6. It was truly a beautiful sight, and while here, people could watch from the privacy of their own condo or while enjoying a meal at one of our 15 restaurants! This was the perfect place to watch them.


Two parades in one day really gets everyone in the Christmas spirit. Speaking of Christmas spirit, it won’t be too long until you’ll need all of your Christmas presents. For those of you that are last minutes shoppers, come to any of our retailers for a nice surprise for your loved ones or even get a gift certificate from one of our fine restaurants! You can find something for everyone on your list with over 45 stores in one convenient location at the largest shopping center on The Island, and in turn, you can give back to The Island by keeping your tax dollar revenue from shopping local when you shop at The Wharf.

The Wharf’s Christmas festivities are not complete yet though. We still have Santa taking FREE pictures next Saturday, and have Christmas music this Thursday. And, I’ve noticed that it always seems to snow from 5 to 6 in the evenings here. Maybe you should come check it out!

Don’t forget to be making plans for our New Years Block Party! With John Stone and Crystal Clear, it will be sensational! Keep checking back for more updates on our New Year's Plans.

Four Days Until The Pleasure Island Christmas Parade

In four days, I will host the first Pleasure Island Christmas Parade for the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area – and I’m super excited about this event!

In four days, we are hosting the first Pleasure Island Christmas Parade for the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area (That’s this Saturday, December 13) – and I’m super excited about this event!

Come watch your friends from the City of Orange Beach, Sheriffs, Orange Beach Fire Department, Foley Drum Line, Pride of Pleasure Island Band, Orange Beach Elementary, Church groups, members of the Lions Club and Kiwanis, and even Mardi Gras groups as they parade down Main Street on Saturday. There will be floats, music, and even Santa!

Any last minute volunteers would be appreciated. If you are interested, please contact Lesley Dethloff at 251.224.1012.

After the parade, stick around for free pictures with Santa, sponsored by Pen Air Credit Union. Also, listen to the Starlight Theater Group at Palm Plaza. It will be music to your ears!

Later in the evening, you can also enjoy the Nautical Night of Lights Parade. You’ll have a great view from our Marina as these decorated boats pass by on the Intercoastal. So hang out and grab something to eat at one of our 15 restaurants, and enjoy this event!

While we are on the subject of the holidays, I would like to encourage you to shop the Island first for all of your gift giving needs, as well as your dining and entertainment options. When you think about it, anything you spend here at The Wharf or on the Island in turn gives your community tax dollars. These tax dollars provide necessary funding for police, fire divisions and public works for our area. Shop the Island First, at the largest shopping center on the Island and support your local community.

Hope to see you here on Saturday! Just go ahead and plan on staying all day!

THE WHARF CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS IN A BIG WAY

Its finally our favorite time of the year here at The Wharf and we here at The Wharf are planning to celebrate Christmas in a BIG way this year. The annual “hanging of the green” started last week. Garland now flows from every railing along Wharf Parkway and Main Street. Rumor has it that the tree will arrive this week. The tree is 40 feet tall – the tallest on the Island we hear. Excitement definitely fills the air at The Wharf right now and it could not come soon enough!

The merriment officially kicks off this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, at 6:00pm, at the “Lighting of the Island” event. Friends and family of The Wharf and the Island are invited to come cheer along as the grand Christmas tree is lit. This year’s tree will be placed in the round about at the end of Main Street, in front of the Guy Harvey boat bar. The highlight of the evening will be the arrival of our favorite jolly old man - Santa - escorted by Orange Beach’s finest – the fire department. That’s right – Santa will arrive atop of big red fire truck! Children will not want to miss this! Santa will hang around after his arrival for a few hours to offer FREE pictures. No need to bring your camera; a photographer will be on-site and The Wharf will post the pictures on its website after the event. The wonderful night is presented by NBC15 and UTV44 and Pen Air Credit Union. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors.

If you cannot make it out Friday to visit Ole’ Saint Nick, don’t worry. He will be back at The Wharf every Saturday through the holiday season. Santa will perch himself atop his giant sleigh every Saturday from 1pm-5pm right next to the Christmas tree. Pictures are FREE each Saturday as well. I hear that Santa is fond of pets and has extended an open invitation to pet owners to bring their dogs as well! Peace on earth and good will to men and PETS this year! The Saturday events are presented by NBC15 and UTV44 and Pen Air Credit Union.

Since Santa will be busy sharing the camera with all his adoring fans, he might need a little help taking care of all his lists and The Wharf is THE place to take care of this. The Wharf is the largest shopping center on the Island, and has something for everyone on your list. Get dad a shirt at Bobby Chan, a fishing shirt at Sand Dollar, a fishing rod at The Wharf Outfitters Outdoor Store or a gift certificate to a sports bar so you can get him out of the house to go watch bowls games during the holidays! There are so many great gift shops to take care of all of your teacher gifts, friend gifts or, if you cannot resist the temptation to pick up some things here and there for yourself, “me” gifts. The Wharf has a ladies clothing option for all price ranges and ages. Support the local economy and your local retailers by doing your Christmas shopping at The Wharf this year. Park, shop, eat and play – a great way to spend a day this holiday season.

For those who love Christmas music, The Wharf will feature Christmas carolers from local community groups every Thursday beginning December 4th. This event is free to the public, and is a great way to get in the holiday spirit by bringing your family and friends together for a unique Christmas experience at The Wharf. Hear these festive carolers at The Wharf:

December 2nd … St. Benedict Children’s Choir
December 4th … Orange Beach Girl Scouts
December 11th … Orange Beach Methodist
December 16th … Gulf Shores High School
December 20th … Gulf Shores Baptist Bell Choir

Finally, I have one last holiday event to share. Thanks to the relentless effort of The Wharf’s own event coordinator, Lesley Dethloff, the Island is going to host the 1st Annual “Pleasure Island Christmas Parade”. This inaugural event is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th, at The Wharf. The cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have come together to make this event possible. The parade will be an exciting event that will be community focused and family oriented. Entrants to date include area high school bands and drum lines, several floats, fire trucks, local charity groups and local businesses. The parade will end with a special guest – you guessed it – Santa. This event is sure to become an island tradition that you just simply cannot miss! Go to www.thewharfal.com to get entry information. Thanks to our great sponsors - Cat Country 98.7 and NBC15

That’s all I have to share now! Stay tuned for future updates, pictures and a surprise announcement. I will give you one hint – when is the last time it snowed in the Island???

Visit www.TheWharfAL.com or text the word ‘WHARF’ to TEXT ME (839863) for all your Wharf holiday events and retail sales information!