By Tom Vaught
sun staff writer

ANNA MARIA - The businesses of Anna Maria are gearing up for the holiday season and they invite everyone to their open house and Christmas Walk on Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The walk starts at Island Sun Plaza, 9801 Gulf Drive, where Dips Ice Cream will be offering refreshments. The Anna Maria Island Sun will have entertainment by Larry Rich, photos with Santa and refreshments and Beach Bum Billy's will also be offering refreshments.

Next door, Ginny's and Jane E's at the Old IGA at 9807 Gulf Drive will offer live music from flutist Suki Janisch and refreshments and Silvia's Flower Corner at the same address will offer free gifts. Coastline Accommodations and Realtors, 9903 Gulf Drive, will be serving hot dogs, hot chocolate and hot coffee.

Sandy Rich's Real Coffee and Realty will be serving refreshments at 9906 Gulf Drive. Nails on the Island at 9808 Gulf Drive will have refreshments and a drawing for a free pedicure. Beach Fitness Center at the same address will offer refreshments and prizes. The White Egret and The Egret's Nest at 10010 and 10006 Gulf Drive will have refreshments and a gift certificate drawing.

The Pine Avenue General Store is the next stop at 307 Pine and invites everyone to stop in. Duncan Real Estate, 310 Pine Ave., offers malt cider and a holiday votive.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society at 402 Pine Ave. will have a tree lighting at 6 p.m., a visit from Father Christmas and prizes. An Island Place Realty, 411 Pine Ave., will have refreshments and Betsy Hills Real Estate, 419 Pine Ave., will have refreshments.

The final stop is at Bayview Plaza where there will be an outdoor screening of two holiday favorites, “The Santa Claus” with Tim Allen at 6:30 p.m. and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 8 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy movies under the stars.

Two Scoops Ice Cream will be open late serving holiday fun, Two Sides of Nature and Two Sides of Nature Too will be open late and Chapae will be offering refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the Second Annual Anna Maria Christmas Walk.