Astor Street, Boat Parades On Saturday!

    The Christmas season will take center stage in River Country on Saturday, when Astor rolls out the red carpet for a full day of holiday fun. Beginning with a street parade in the morning and culminating with a lighted boat parade on the St. Johns River after dark, Astor will be buzzing all day with holiday spirit.
    The fun begins at 10 a.m. when the annual Christmas street parade departs from the parking lot at the Drifters restaurant and heads up Front Street. The parade will meander its way toward Ann Street and the Astor Community Association Building. Sponsored by the Astor Area Chamber of Commerce, the parade - This year with a theme of 'Christmas Magic' - will feature dozens of entries in what is historically among the more creative parades in the area. Awards will be given for originality, theme, spirit, and overall appearance. Entry is free, and anyone wishing to join the fun is asked to call the chamber at 352-759-2679 or visit www.astorchamber.com.
    Once at the ACA, folks will find the annual arts and crafts festival underway, featuring a variety of gift items just in time for holiday giving.
    The fun doesn't end there, however. At 6:30 p.m., the BlackWater Yacht Club takes center stage with its annual Lighted Boat Parade on the river. Trophies will be up for grabs among the entrants, and you can join the fun by registering at www.blackwateryachtclub.com. For those simply looking to enjoy the parade as it makes its way through 'downtown' Astor, public viewing areas are available near boat ramps, and many businesses along the river also allow the public to view from their locations.