Milton is going to roll out all of its festive holiday spirit on Dec. 7 with Light Up Downtown Milton.
The holiday festival in downtown Milton will feature a host of festive activities starting at the Dragonfly Art Gallery on Escambia St.
During the event there will be a visit from Santa Claus, Children's Christmas Creations, Charles Dickens Carolers, artist hosted by businesses in downtown Milton. hand bell ringers and singers, a live nativity scene. horsedrawn carriage rides, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" elf reading, The Peppermint Trolley, the Blackwater Bistro Elves, and the Daughters of the American Revolution in period dress.
The evening will end at the Milton Riverwalk with its Festival of Lights and a Lighted Boat Parade on the Blackwater River.
The night will start at 5:30 p.m. and last until the boat parade at 8:30 p.m.
While preparations are being made for this year's event, the Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation is putting out a call to artist who are interested in participating in this event.
Artist, at no cost, will be set up at participating businesses throughout downtown Milton where they can display and sell their work.
If you are an artist or crafter and wish to participate, call Darlene Stanhope at 291-9286.
The Lighted Boat Parade is being organized by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce.
Boats will line up at 6:30 p.m. in the canal between Marquis Basin and the CSX Railroad trestle.
Trophies will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Participants will be judged based on decorations, enthusiasm, and originality.
There is a fee of $20 to participate in the lighted boat parade.
For more information contact the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce or go online to download the entry form at www.srcchamber.com
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Lighting Up Milton