The forecast calls for lots of snow during the 14th Annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Holiday Festival, set for December 7, from 5 – 9 p.m., at Founders Park. This year’s event, post Irma, will be moved to the beach inside Founders Park.

“Bundle up for one the most exciting community events on the calendar,” said Chamber of Commerce President Joel Young. “This will be a great time for everyone to trade in their hurricane blues for some much needed holiday spirit.”

The event’s star attraction, the Holiday Festival Snow Mountain, will once again be made out of 30 tons of the cold white stuff—more than enough to delight mitten-clad children and some of their more playful parents too. Meanwhile, throughout the evening, Islamorada’s 35-foot high official holiday tree will be blowing magical snow through its branches.

Snow is far from the only thing promised at Holiday Festival. At 7:30 p.m., the Holiday Parade will kick off, this year boasting the theme, “Silver & Gold.” Long-time Islamorada residents Ken and Dee Meeks will be this year’s Grand Marshals, and will lead the parade. Ken founded The Islamorada Bank (TIB) in 1974 and has been an important business and community supporter for decades. They will be followed by floats, antique cars and, of course, Santa himself.

The festival also offers the unique Holiday Gift Bazaar, perfect for getting the shopping season started right. A popular feature of the bazaar is the silent auction of handcrafted ornaments. In preparation, 50 local artists are already creating original holiday treasures starting from a blank ceramic mold. The finished pieces will be on display throughout the evening. The silent auction is scheduled to end at 8:30 p.m. The bazaar also features jewelry and crafts.
Returning to the Holiday Festival this year is Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, featuring a delectable selection of gourmet desserts and coffee. A wide variety of more savory food will also be on offer at the festival.

The Chamber of Commerce is seeking more entrants for the Holiday Parade. For information, or if you would like to volunteer at Holiday Festival, call 305-664-4503 or stop by the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at the entrance to Founders Park, mile marker 87, bayside.