Hard to believe that another Holiday season is almost upon us. And while many Northerners may be stocking up on salt melt and snow gear, it’s a whole different world down here in the Florida Keys.
For us, the holidays bring Santa Claus outfitted in beer can shorts; miniature, indigenous Key deer understudying for North Pole reindeer; and local creative arts outshining boring box store gifts.
On Saturday, November 27, we throttle up for a full season of great holiday shopping at the annual Big Pine & Lower Keys Island Art Festival.
This family friendly outdoor festival typically includes as many as 50 booths selling handcrafted holiday items and creations by Keys artists and artisans. The event gives us an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts, artwork and crafts sans all the madness and shopping frenzy of the Mainland. 
In addition to all of the unique items on display, some creative spirits are on hand to demonstrate their unique artistic techniques and share the secrets behind their craftsmanship. You can also kick back to live music by great local entertainers, relax in the shaded picnic area, and savor food and drinks served up by on-site vendors.
The Art Festival takes place on Saturday, November 27 from 9 am – 3pm on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at mile marker 31 oceanside on Big Pine Key.
Admission and parking are free, but please don’t bring any picnic baskets or coolers. Get more deets at 305-872-2411; lowerkeyschamber.com.
