LAKEPORT — The eighth annual Dickens” Christmas Market took place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday on Main Street in Lakeport.
Melissa Fulton, of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, said the market was “a good day for all” despite scattered showers and cold weather.
The Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the event with the Lakeport Main Street Association.
Vendor booths lined several blocks of Main Street and local shops and restaurants were open to attendees. Fulton said 80 vendors registered to participate in the event but some did not appear Saturday because of the weather.
Several musical acts entertained guests throughout the day and several food vendors set up booths in a food court area next to Museum Park.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital sponsored Santa”s Workshop in Museum Park, which ran until 4 p.m. Fulton said the workshop hosted around 400 children Saturday.
Guests were also invited to take part in a treasure hunt, which Fulton said has become a market tradition. The Christmas Lighted Parade started at 6 p.m. and ran for nearly 30 minutes. Local businesses, residents and organizations drove down Main Street with elaborately decorated vehicles and floats.
Awards were given in nine categories to parade participants. Some of the winners included Kelseyville Lumber, for first place in the commercial floats category, and Cobb Mountain Christmas for first place in the family group floats category.
Kelseyville Lumber also won the grand sweepstakes award.
Lakeport city manager Margaret Silveira and Lake County Hospice executive director Kevin Garvey served as parade judges. Danny McIntyre, of the Lakeport Speedway, served as parade announcer.
The Hospice Tree Lighting in Museum Park immediately followed the parade.
Fulton said more than 400 volunteer hours went into setting up and cleaning up the market. Labelle Enterprises provided access to electricity for the market, Fulton said.
Main Street Bicycles, a new Lakeport business, celebrated its grand opening Saturday with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., Fulton said.
The ninth annual Dickens” Christmas Market is scheduled for Nov. 26, 2011.
