Tampa Bay's Largest Chanukah Celebration Returns For 13th Year

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — The 13th annual Chanukah Street Festival will take place December 13 at the Grove at Wesley Chapel and include a COVID-safe Menorah Lighting featuring one of the largest menorahs in Tampa Bay. The outdoor event was moved to the Grove to accommodate the large crowds with social distanced seating as well as a stay-in-your-car drive-in option.

“Even though this year is different we wanted to ensure the Chanukah Street Festival would be bigger and better than ever,” said Chanie Yarmush CO-Director of Chabad at Wiregrass. “We knew that after the uncertainty and stress of the last few months we need an opportunity to come together publicly to celebrate Chanukah in a safe, unified, and memorable way.”

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, Dec 13th from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Grove in Wesley Chapel (near the theater). The celebration will include the lighting of a large 12’ Menorah in honor of Chanukah. Featured entertainment will include an incredible BMX bike stunt show, live klezmer music by the Fraylekh band, comedy, stilt walkers, raffles & more. Prepackaged holiday food will be distributed to enjoy. All are welcome and there is no charge to participate.

"I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Americans,” said Alicia Zicchino of Lutz who is looking forward to attending the public menorah lighting. “I wish they had this where I grew up.”

The menorah lighting is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign, an initiative launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Chanukah miracle.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly, and with pride. This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution,” said Rabbi Mendy Yarmush.

Join Chabad at the Grove in a public display of unity at this exciting Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Bring the kids and make this your special Chanukah celebration.

This press release was produced by Mishorim Gold Investments. The views expressed here are the author's own.