7,000 

Approximate number of pies the bakers at Yoder’s Restaurant made for Thanksgiving in 2024. 

120

Number of pasture-raised turkeys that Arcadia’s Grove Ladder Farm typically sells at Thanksgiving.

2 million-plus

Number of twinkling lights that illuminate Marie Selby Botanical Gardens during its annual Lights in Bloom holiday event.

25

Approximate number of vessels that participated in the 2022 Holiday Boat Parade of Lights benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, ranging from a 15-foot floating tiki hut to the 60-foot LeBarge.

5,000

Average number of spectators that gather to watch the holiday boat parade. In addition to the general public, Suncoast Charities invites a group of special-needs children, teens and adults from The Haven to view the parade from the VIP area at Marina Jack.

25 

Number of years that Sarasota has celebrated New Year’s Eve with its famous pineapple drop at the intersection of Lemon Avenue and Main Street. The pineapple is the international symbol of hospitality, and Charlotte, North Carolina, also celebrates New Year’s Eve with a pineapple drop.

10,000

Number of orange and green lights on Sarasota’s pineapple. The first one was made from 50 plastic drums decorated to look like the fruit.

30,000

Approximate number of people who turn out each year for the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association’s New Year’s Eve pineapple drop block party, which offers carnival rides, live music, fireworks, food and more.