Amid a storm of controversy, The Villages Entertainment Department’s website no longer mentions the option for residents to pay for a “VIP Experience” at two of the three upcoming Christmas tree-lighting events in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
Late Friday afternoon, a Villages Box Office employee said all of the tickets for the pay-to-view seating at Brownwood Paddock Square and Lake Sumter Landing had been purchased. Those planning to attend the tree lighting at Spanish Springs Town Square, located near the Historic Side of the community and inhabited by a largely older population, weren’t afforded the opportunity to purchase “VIP Experience” tickets.
Last week, the Entertainment Department was touting tree-lighting tickets that sold for $50 per person, $80 per couple and $225 for a table for six. Those purchasing the “VIP Experience” were promised two free drink tickets, appetizers provided by a yet-unnamed vendor and access to a VIP tent and cash bar, as well as reserved seating and “direct access into the square.”
The tree-lighting events will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 at Brownwood; Monday, Dec. 2 at Spanish Springs and Thursday, Dec. 5 at Lake Sumter Landing. Each will last from 4-9 p.m. The Entertainment Department also now lists four charities connected to the events – Ronald McDonald House, Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center, Operation Shoebox and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Charity. It remains unclear how each will benefit and how much money they will receive.
The concept of selling specialized treatment at holiday functions first surfaced this past July 4 at Brownwood. During that event, which was severely hampered by rain, the same things were promised to “VIP Experience” ticketholders, though a variety of food trucks also were touted.
It’s unclear where the VIP sections will be set up at the two town squares, which normally are overflowing with attendees at the tree-lighting ceremonies. It’s also unclear if those special areas will take away valuable real estate where those who aren’t using the pay-to-view method normally would have stood or sat and socialized with friends and neighbors.
Traditionally, holiday shows in The Villages have followed suit with the philosophy put forth by Villages Founder Harold Schwartz and his son, retirement community guru H. Gary Morse. They touted the concept of creating a “millionaire’s lifestyle on a retirement budget.” And it was often preached to Villages employees that it didn’t matter whether residents lived in affordable villas or multimillion-dollar homes – or whether they had been high-level executives or blue-collar workers – once they arrived in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown, the playing field was equal and it included things like free golf for life on executive courses and free town square entertainment 365 days a year, barring inclement weather.
The choice of Brownwood and Lake Sumter Landing for the pay-to-view holiday shows also has raised some concerns among area residents because the nightly entertainment at those venues is partially funded through $120,000 provided by the Sumter County Commission. This year’s allotment for the entertainment at the two town squares – Spanish Springs isn’t included because it’s in Lake County – was a $40,000 increase over the previous year.
In the past week, many upset and flustered Villagers have weighed in on the pay-to-view options for the Christmas tree lightings on various social media sites and through Letters to the Editor sent to Villages-News.com. Some of those comments include:
- Village of Hacienda East resident Janis Loiselle suggested her fellow residents skip the events “to send a message to those in charge.”
- Village of Fenney resident Ralph White said he believes those who spend $50 on VIP tickets will get “a $6 watered-down drink and $4 worth of appetizers.”
- Village of Belvedere resident Kathleen Jennings called the VIP seating “shameful” and added, “Each and every person in my community is a VIP in my eyes. I’m proud to be a Villager. Don’t take away from our reputation as being known as ‘America’s Friendly Hometown’ and give it a reputation of only VIPs are treated special.”
- Village of Rio Grande resident Jim Meyer asked if “pay-for-toilets” at the movie theaters would be next and also said, “Harold Schwartz must be looking down from the heavens above and wondering what has happened to his dream.”
- Village of Winifred resident William Bolash called the notion of charging a VIP fee “outrageous and unconscionable” and added, “Does this Developer have no decency in where they will go to extract money from residents? … I would be ashamed to be seen there and have people know I was stupid enough to fall for this rip-off.”
- And Villager Dave Dupas weighed in with an opinion piece that pointed out that even the Christmas tree-lighting event at New York City’s Rockefeller Center is free.
