Islamorada's Holiday Festival Set for Dec. 7
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Despite sub-tropic temperatures in the 70s, snowflakes are certain to swirl at the 7th Annual Florida Keys Holiday Festival set for 4-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside.
The festival centerpiece is a 35-foot-tall holiday tree that will have magical snow blowing from its branches. The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. while the songs of carolers ring through the air. Across the great lawn the 20-ton snow mountain is always the most anticipated part of the event for crowds of excited mitten-clad children.
Fir will give way to fur during the Santa Paws Pet Parade, awarding prizes for best-dressed "party animals" or those that perform the best trick. All domestic animals are welcome to enter for free.
Live musical and dance performances on the outdoor amphitheater stage will delight the crowd, as will the “Best Baked Goodie” contest, the “Little Miss Sugar Plum Fairy” contest and the “Mr. Gingerbread Man” contest.
A holiday themed bazaar featuring gift items, baked goods and gourmet baskets is a popular shopping spot at the event. Also included in the bazaar is the much anticipated “holiday ornament silent auction”. Collectors covet the balls that are hand-painted each year by local artists who donate their work to the event. Wine enthusiasts look forward to “Vino Village,” a traditional festival favorite where you can sample gourmet foods and fine wines.
Themed “The Little Train that Could” to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Flagler Railroad, the annual holiday parade is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The final float will be carrying everyone’s favorite, jolly old Saint Nick, himself. Local historian Irving R. Eyster is to be the parade’s grand marshal.
Admission to the event, organized by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, is free however; a five-dollar parking donation is requested to help defray the cost of snow mountain.
