BAY MINETTE — Now in its 27th year, Bay Minette's Christmas Fest has grown from a simple city-wide get together to the three-day event it is now, and the festival kicks off today in its weekend-long celebration.

Mike Phillips, former president of Jaycees, said the event began as a Jaycee project.

"We came up with 'Christmas on the Square.' We dressed up in Santa hats and met on the Courthouse steps and sang Christmas carols," Phillips said. "We got the public involved by inviting different groups to sing or act out Christmas scenes."

Prior to outside vendors coming in, Phillips said the Jaycees sold hot chocolate and small food items. Several years later the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce got involved and the event has grown every year. This year's event features nearly 100 vendors and a line-up of entertainment to interest all ages.

Chamber Director Margo Allen said Christmas Fest has made it 27 years thanks to local support.

"It's the support of the residents, it's the support of the community, the support of the City, the support of the businesses in town and the support of the sponsors," Allen said. "The parade is a big factor in Christmas Fest and the people who support the parade like the schools."

New this year are the number of vendors and the parade judges.

"There are more vendors this year, including the stuffed animal makers, and the Parrotheads will judge the parade," she said.

Friday evening Christmas Fest officially begins with opening ceremonies, the lighting of the Christmas tree and a visit from Santa. Prior to the opening ceremonies, beginning at 3 p.m., entertainment will be provided by the Oakwood Hand Bell Choir, Baldwin County High School Band and Faulkner State Community College Choir.

Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. with the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:45. Santa will arrive on the fire truck at 7 p.m. Afterward, he will be at the Bay Minette Public Library for Bedtime Stories with Santa.

Vendors will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday morning the festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the Christmas Fest 5K and 1-mile fun run and Pancakes with Santa. The run will start at the Kids Park and Pancakes with Santa will be at Mary's Restaurant on Hoyle Avenue.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the day, including Kathy Pope, the Unknown Blue Grass Boys and the Bay Minette Intermediate School Dance Team, among others.

The highlight of Christmas Fest, the Christmas parade, will begin at 1 p.m, weather permitting.