Plant City Observer

‘Tis the Season: Christmas Lane now open

Lane Wetherington was walking in a winter wonderland — almost. 

It was Friday, Nov. 18. Inside the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds, Wetherington unpacked trailers and dug through boxes upon boxes of Christmas decorations. 

A 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with ornaments stood tall in the middle of the venue. Around it, Christmas displays were quickly popping up: 

Toy shops. 

Gingerbread houses. 

Nativity scenes. 

Wetherington and his team have been working since the start of the month to prepare for the 33rd annual Christmas Lane, which will open to the public Friday, Nov. 25, and run through Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25. 

This marks the second year that Christmas Lane will take place at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. In the past, Wetherington’s display was limited to his Wooten Road home in Dover. 

Christmas Lane will run through Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25. Photo by Emily Topper.

The outdoor display was occasionally rained out and became so popular that parking for guests was no longer adequate. 

Wetherington, who worked as a strawberry farmer for years, decided in March 2015 to focus full-time on Christmas Lane. The decision to move the display to the festival grounds came shortly after. 

“A lot went into that decision,” Wetherington said. “I’m thankful for my family and for the support of the good Lord.” 

Longtime Christmas Lane attendees, Wetherington said, were supportive of the move. 

“We’re glad to be here,” Wetherington said. “I couldn’t do it without the support of the festival and its manager, Paul Davis, and my family.” 

In 2015, the first year the display was held at the fairgrounds, Wetherington said attendance had doubled. 

Last year’s success has enabled Wetherington and his team to expand Christmas Lane in 2016. 

“We have about 125 new trees this year,” he said. “They were donated by Smith Family Farms of Lakeland. We’ve

been friends for decades.” 

Attendees also will find more carnival-like features at the Christmas attraction. This year, Wetherington has added five rides for adults and children, including adaptations of merry-go-rounds. Guests also can expect new concession stands and food services, along with live entertainment. 

This year, discounts will be offered to military members, teachers and law enforcement officers. 

“That’s just another way we can give back to our community and thank them for their support,” Wetherington said. 

Last year’s live nativity scene, which took place once during the exhibit’s 2015 run, will return every Tuesday night. 

“Last year it was only one time and it was a tremendous success,” Wetherington said. 

Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without Kris Kringle. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make the rounds nightly and take photos with guests. 

Now taking up about 67,000 square feet, Christmas Lane has surpassed Wetherington’s wildest dreams. 

Lighting the Way

It began with a love of lights. 

“That’s what enticed me when I was a child,” Wetherington said. “I had a fascination with lights and all things electrical.” 

Wetherington’s birthday is in early November. For years, he asked his family and friends for Christmas lights. Once Thanksgiving was over, he would pull out the Christmas tree and lights, excited to put everything together. 

“I would add to the collection every year,” he said. “I was thrilled to death to get them. It has grown above and beyond my wildest dreams.” 

The assembly is still one of his favorite parts of Christmas Lane. 

“I enjoy the set up,” Wetherington said. “And I enjoy the tear down. It’s quite an achievement. My life and basically my family’s life revolves around it. I’m grateful for the tremendous support of my friends and family. I could not do it without them.” 

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com. 

 

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