HOLIDAY FEST BRINGS SNOW & SPIRIT TO ISLAMORADA

Nothing quite kickstarts the holiday season in the Upper Keys like the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Fest. The event, held Dec. 2 at Founders Park in Islamorada, celebrated its 18th anniversary with fun events and contests.

The air crackled with excitement from the thousands milling around enjoying all the festival had to offer, especially with the sound of exuberant children on the 30-ton snow mountain on the beach. For those who forgot their mittens, there were mittens for sale to grasp the icy stuff. Kids whooped and hollered as they rolled cold white matter into their hands, sometimes forming balls and throwing at each other while parents protected the youngest children from the missiles.

There was the Santa Paws Pet Parade, in which holiday-themed pets of all sizes competed for the most applause. Lobo the chihuahua won over the crowd with his cute, diminutive stature and distinguished turtleneck sweater.

Adorable, costumed children took over the stage next for the Mister Gingerbread Man and Miss

Sugarplum Fairy contest. Each child had the chance to meet Mrs. Claus and tell her what they most wanted for Christmas, presumably in hopes Mrs. Claus would put in a good word with the big man. On Your Toes Dance Studio put on a lovely show ranging from solos and Christmas numbers to dances from their latest recital, Under the Big Top, with music from the movie “The Greatest Showman.”

The stately and beautifully decorated holiday tree, a community labor of love, was lit at around 6:30 p.m., while magical snow flurries wafted through the air, delighting children young and old alike. Children enjoyed creating holiday crafts at the kids’ activity tent, while next door, families took pictures with Santa against a Keys-themed holiday background.

Food and libations were plentiful as several local vendors were there, including MEAT Eatery and Taproom and Dickinson’s. The burgers at MEAT had just recently won Best of the Upper Keys and Dickinson’s has a mean meatball sub with a marinara sauce which packs a punch. Craig’s famous fish sandwiches was another tempting choice. Wine and beer were served as well and people were able to relax, drink in hand, on chairs placed all around the beach. For dessert, the Sweet Shoppe tickled taste buds with caramel apples and chocolate-covered marshmallows.

At around 7:30 p.m., everyone made a beeline for the Holiday Parade, which featured fire trucks, police cars, dancers and many community members. The theme of the 2022 parade was “Celebrating the Holidays through the Centuries, 1823-2023.” Santa Claus brought in the rear with his lovely wife Mrs. Claus, waving at delighted children along the road between the Founders Park pool and the amphitheater.

The Holiday Bazaar with its ornaments and silent auction was a hit, with more than 50 local artists contributing their talents, including Wyland, Veronica Gutierrez, Susan Jankowski, Julie Austin, Pasta Pantaleo and David Hawver. Besides the ornaments, several vendors showcased their wares and visitors could do their holiday shopping supporting local small businesses.

The gingerbread house contest featured several gingerbread houses by the local community. The proceeds all go to the Coral Shores High School Culinary School. 

With so many activities – the parade, live performances, contests, food and drinks – Holiday Fest remains one of the most entertaining and enduring festivals around.

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