- May 12, 2024
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Allison Matthews reads the “8th Day of Christmas” display to her boys, 2-year-old Andrew and 5-year-old Luke. Photos by Michele Meyers
The Ormond Beach Holiday Story Stroll welcomes all to celebrate the season at the Rockefeller Gardens. Photos by Michele Meyers
Mom Allison laughs with her son, Luke, as they begin reading the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” at the Casements. Photos by Michele Meyers
Andrew Matthews is serious about learning his numbers. Photos by Michele Meyers
Luke Matthews runs at the Rockefeller Gardens Holiday Story Stroll. Photos by Michele Meyers
There’s holiday magic in the air at the Rockefeller Gardens. Photos by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach residents enjoy the Holiday Story Stroll during a picturesque Florida sunset. Photos by Michele Meyers
Living in New York City for 19 years meant that one of Julia Truilo’s favorite traditions was strolling Fifth Avenue during the holidays and enjoying the many department store window exhibits. That delightful memory along with the fact that she strongly believes in reading to children, planted the seedlings of the Holiday Story Stroll.
The concept evolved after Truilo, executive director of Ormond Beach MainStreet, met with Cultural Center Coordinator Siobhan Daly and librarians Christina Wells and Kathryn Pase. COVID-19 restrictions forced them to question what they could do during the holidays that would encourage people to get outdoors but be able to socially distance. The Holiday Story Stroll was the perfect solution.
After deliberating, they picked the “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Pase illustrated the storybook pages while Daly and her staff installed reusable display cases around the center grassy area of Rockefeller Gardens.
“It was great to see these three institutions come together to give a gift to the community," Truilo said. "It reminds us that our 'small-town vibe,' our ability to know and work with one another whenever the opportunity arises is one of the things that makes Ormond Beach a special place to live."
Today, the Holiday Story Stroll is an alternative to some of the activities that have been canceled this year. Families can sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” together as they walk the Rockefeller Gardens.
