BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The 30th Christmas Fest begins at 9 a.m. today in Bay Minette and will continue through 5 p.m. Saturday.

The two-day event will be packed with more than 60 arts and crafts booths, music, storytelling for children and a special arrival by Santa, according to North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce executive director Rebecca Cheshire.

“The Christmas Fest is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year,” Cheshire said. “Its longevity is a testament to its success. I hope that everyone will come out and help us to celebrate the season as well as the anniversary of this iconic event.

“We really want the community to be involved in the planning and delivery of next year’s Christmas Fest, so we are going to be putting together a Christmas Fest 2013 volunteer group. We will be asking people to sign up as a volunteer during this year’s festivities.  We hope that everyone will come out and join us and be inspired to help shape Christmas Fest for next year.”

30th Annual Christmas Fest Schedule

 FRIDAY Vendor Information

6-9 a.m. Vendor Set Up/Check-in

9 a.m. Vendor Booths Open

9 p.m. Vendor Booths Close

Gazebo/Entertainment/Park Schedule

3-4 p.m. Oakwood Hand Bell Choir

4-5 p.m. Baldwin County High School Jazz Band

5-6 p.m. Faulkner State Sun Chief Sound

6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies/Christmas tree   Lighting/Santa Arrives

6:20 p.m. Presentation of Snowflake Princess

6:30-6:45 p.m. BCHS Drama Class Performs

Song from Play

6:45-7 p.m. BCHS Choir Performs

7:30-9 p.m. Kristy Lee

Candy Cane Lane: Santa’s Workshop

6:15-7:20 p.m. Visit Santa Claus for photos  (Eversole) Photos by Dragonfly & Sarah Chain Photography

Bay Minette Public Library

7:30 p.m. Bedtime Stories with Santa (Waters)

Sponsored by Bay Minette Public Library

SATURDAY

First United Methodist Church: Family Life Center

8-10 a.m. Pancakes with Santa (Waters) Sponsored by Bay Minette Kiwanis Kid’s Park (3rd St. & McMillan Ave)

8 a.m. Christmas Fest 5K Run

9 a.m. Christmas Fest 1-mile Fun Run

Sponsored by: North Baldwin Infirmary Wellness Center

Gear Jammers Car Club Car Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bay Minette Civic Center Parking Lot

Vendor Information

9 a.m. Vendor Booths Open

5 p.m. Vendor Booths Close

Candy Cane Lane: Santa’s Workshop

9 a.m.-noon Visit Santa Claus for photos (Eversole)

2-5 p.m. Visit Santa Claus for photos (Waters)

Photos by Dragonfly & Sarah Chain Photography

Parade Information

10 a.m-11:30 a.m. Parade Line Up, Behind Bay Minette Elementary School

11:30 a.m.-noon Judging of floats in contest (Potential Judges: Mayor Wills, Fire Chief, Police Chief)

Noon Parade Begins

2 p.m. Parade Awards at Gazebo in Blackburn Park

Gazebo/Entertainment/Park Schedule

9-11 a.m. Ashley Ryan & The Unknown Bluegrass Band

11-noon Gabriel Willis & Andre Bevier

Noon-1 p.m.PARADE

1-1:45 p.m. First Baptist Church Youth Worship Band

1:45-2 p.m. North Baldwin Tae Kwon Do

2-2:30 p.m. Parade Awards

2:30-3 p.m. Rising Stars Dance Team / BMIS Dance Team

3:30-5 p.m. Eirinn Abu