BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Thousands of people nibbled vendor cuisine, listened to live music from Blackburn Park bleachers and mingled among the 60 arts and crafts booths in what may be the best attended Christmas Fest since the event began 30 years ago.

North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Cheshire commented late Saturday that crowds traditionally thinned after the parades.

This year’s parade was at noon. Vendors were busy and hundreds were walking the streets after 4 p.m. today.

“I am very surprised and happy,” Cheshire said. “This was all the work of Ashley Jones.”

Jones, executive chamber secretary, enlisted a variety of musical entertainment, added a large Christmas tree and yule flowers near the Blackburn Park stage, and other touches for convenience.

Both will be soliciting community input for next year and seek a volunteer committee to forge plans.

Chris Guy brought his daughter, Ansley, 2, to her first Christmas Fest. She had her first funnel cake, and watched the crowds until the sandman’s urgings became too great.

“I live in Bay Minette,” Guy said. “I didn’t know there were this many people in Bay Minette. The weather was great and the atmosphere was very relaxed.”