EYSTONE HEIGHTS – The City of Keystone Heights kicks off the holiday season with its Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The all-day event had 35 vendors with their booths set up aat City Hall. Residents were able to buy unique products like Christmas ornaments, crafts, home-cooked foods and T-shirts. Visitors also had the opportunity to adopt a pet through Clay County Animal Services, enjoy food trucks and watch the Quintessential Sax play live music on the Rotary Circle.

The highlight of the event was the Kiwanis Christmas Parade where families sat along Lawrence Boulevard and enjoyed seeing an array of floats. The parade’s theme was “Christmas in the ‘70s,” and the floats were judged in six categories: Judges’ Choice, Most Original, Closest the Theme, Best Youth, Best Marching, and Best Business.

This year’s winner for Judges’ Choice was Keystone Heights AmVets Post 86, while Lake Region Kiwanis Keystone Heights – Melrose finished second.

The Starling Family won first place and Reality CWL Training was second for Most Original, while Closest in Theme went to Keystone Heights Jr. Woman’s Club, while Lake Hill Baptist Church was second.

Keystone Heights High won several awards. The girls' basketball won first place in Best Youth and the girls' weightlifting was second. The high school’s marching band came in first for Best Marching, while the JROTC was second.

First place for Best Business was Keystone Heights Animal Hospital, while KC Automotive finished second.

The event concluded with the movie, “Arthur Christmas,” at Keystone Beach where families had hot cocoa, sugar cookies and popcorn.

“I thought it was charming,” said resident Kim. “I was impressed by how many people in our community choose to participate. They did a beautiful job.”

The Holiday Extravaganza was a success as hundreds of people came to enjoy the festivities. Smiles and laughter could be heard throughout the event as kids played on the playground and families walked around enjoying their time.

The vendors also enjoyed a great turnout and Clay County Animal Services had two dogs adopted.

“I think for the second year, the event grew exponentially,” said Mayor Karen Lake.