Light-Up Night honorees named

For Saturday’s Light-Up! Night ceremony, Mayor Joe Boles has announced to Historic City News that he has named Mrs. Dianne Chase, director of Lead the Way Day Care, to light the city’s tree, and former St. Augustine Mayor John Bailey, Sr., to light the city.

Since the Nights of Lights began in 1994, the honor of “flipping-the-switch” has been bestowed upon those who have contributed to the betterment of our community — often without recognition.

In selecting Mrs. Chase, Boles noted her deep dedication and investment in the future of our city through her commitment to the Lead the Way Day Care. A retired educator, Mrs. Chase — fondly known as “Ms. Dianne,” “Auntie Dianne,” and “Mama Dianne,”– grew up in the community and is proud of having educated the parents and in some cases the grandparents of the children currently enrolled in the center.

John Bailey served as St. Augustine’s Mayor from 1965-1967 which coincided with St. Augustine’s 400th anniversary. Boles indicated that as our community turns its attention towards its 450th anniversary, it is fitting to honor those who were instrumental in the city’s quadricentennial.

“We are fortunate to have so many people who truly care for our city and are so willing to give of their time and energy to ensure that our children and grandchildren share in the quality of life we enjoy,” said Boles. “As a small token of their great contributions, we are honored to have Dianne Chase and John Bailey launch the seventeenth year of Nights of Lights.”

All Light-Up! Night ceremonies are in the Plaza de la Constitución and start at 4:00 pm with entertainment by Showtime USA and the All Star Orchestra. The lighting ceremony starts at 6:30pm with the lights scheduled to come on at 6:45pm.

The City of St. Augustine manages the installation and maintenance of light displays on all the city’s buildings, parks, and gardens, however, credit for the annual success of Nights of Lights goes to the city’s businesses and residents who participate to make St. Augustine a city of light.