KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The City of Keystone Heights recently held its first Shop Small event. The nationwide observed event was founded in 2010 with the goal of encouraging people to holiday shop at small local businesses.

“It was a good turnout for the first one," said Jennifer Ford, Keystone Heights Champion for Shop Small.

Visitors were able to visit the local small businesses in the area such as the Rustic Gypsy, Urban Finds, Guns and Gifts and Santa Fe Electronics. In addition, the event had Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf for the children to meet.

“Buddy the Elf was a huge hit,” Ford said. “We loved having Buddy. That was super cute.”

Visitors also enjoyed a free pancake breakfast and had the opportunity to meet Sheriff Michelle Cook. The city also held its first Festival of Trees at the city’s Natural Park in which individuals could rent a tree and decorate it. Also, residents were able to participate in the lighting of a 21-foot Christmas tree.

The Festival of Trees proved to be popular, prompting the city plans to have more trees for next year.

Despite the gloomy weather, residents all were in a merry mood.

“Everybody was smiling and joyful. They had a great time. I feel like Shop Small kicked off the holiday season,” Ford said. “It put a lot of smiles on a lot of faces and everybody was in good spirits.”

The city is planning to host Shop Small next year and include its annual Holiday Extravaganza. In doing so, they hope to see an increase in vendors and visitors thus bringing an increase in foot traffic for the smaller businesses.