TAMPA, Fla. — Pilar Smith is talking about the thousands of luminaries that will line Tarpon Spring’s Spring Bayou--and have every Christmas Eve--for nearly 40 years. “Because we’re in a Greek town they call it lambades," Smith said.

What You Need To Know

  • Sunset Hills Elementary PTA in Tarpon Springs hosts Light up the Bayou

  • It's almost 40 years old- started as a fundraiser offering ads on luminaries

  • Transformed into messages for anyone or anything, a lost pet, a happy marriage

  • Donations started at 50 cents and now are $3.50- thet expext to fill 3000 bags

“It is so magical just to see the environment, the bayou,” Smith said, “the manatees are gonna be here. It’s gonna be cold put your jacket on your scarf— everything.”

Smith is part of the Sunset Hills Elementary Parent Teacher Association, the group that is putting on the event.

Ted Collins taught at the school when the event began.

“Oh Boy a lot of memories—a lot of good memories,” said Collins, looking at pictures from some of the first Light up the Bayou “It’s a big family and I was on my third generation of kids coming up I says man it’s time to go! Haha!"

Along with Glen Holmberg’s mom Jean, they helped create this tradition

“There must have a dozen teachers there all folding bags— I filled them full of dirt, they did the folding and the writing it was great," Collins said.

Smith and the group continue the tradition together, sitting around in a big circle writing the well wishes, prayers and memorials of all.