Anna Maria opens the season with 'Miracle on 34th Street'

The Bridge Street Merchants Association has been calling their area of Bradenton Beach "Anna Maria's Hot Spot." But on Saturday evening, their neighborhood activity is going to be all about cold-weather traditions.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., Historic Bridge Street will be the site of a Christmas tree lighting and an outdoor concert and film screening. This year's tree features a mermaid theme and hundreds of "wish icicles" made by local children. Santa will make an appearance as well.

The film is one of the all-time great Christmas movies, "Miracle on 34th Street."

The merchants association will show a colorized version of the 1947 classic with Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara and a very young Natalie Wood.

The evening gets started at 5:30 p.m. with a concert by the Magic of Manatee, the local chapter of the Sweet Adelines. The tree lighting will take place during the concert, and the film will start at 6:30 p.m.

It's all free and open to the public. You're advised to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Concession stands will be on the grounds offering popcorn and other snacks.

Details: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 28, Bridge Street, Anna Maria Island. Admission: Free. Information: 941-896-2222, visitbridgestreet.com.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Anna Maria opens the season with 'Miracle on 34th Street' ."