CLAY COUNTY – Expectations of record crowds at more than a dozen events on Saturday, Dec. 9, came true – and exceeded them. The day of parades, festivals, light displays, performances and celebrations started with the Penney Farms Christmas parade in the morning and it ended with numerous events after nightfall, including parades on Fleming Island, Keystone Heights, Oakleaf, Middleburg and the Whitey’s Fish Camp Boat Parade on Swimming Pen Creek and Doctors Lake. If that wasn’t enough, there also was a parade of trees in Green Cove Springs and Keystone Heights, A Country Christmas at Elrod Acres, Hometown Holiday at the Clarke House Park in Orange Park, a performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Thrasher-Horne Center, Circus Delman at the Orange Park Mall, holiday lights at Snitkaw Farms in Green Cove Springs and a nativity scene display at River Christian Church. Since it was the first year, there was a significant focus on the Oakleaf parade. Although portions of Oakleaf Oaks Boulevard and Oakleaf Plantation Parkway had to be closed, and access to five neighborhoods was restricted, thousands attended without problems. One of the largest gatherings was at Keystone Heights. The Lake Region Kiwanis Club honored many floats and bands, including Keystone Heights High JROTC as the best marching band, New Grace Baptist Church as the Most Original, Keystone Heights Sports Association as the Closest to the Theme, Keystone Heights Animal Hospital as Best Business entry, Keystone Heights High basketball team as Best Youth and Women’s Club of Keystone Heights with the Judge’s Choice.