You know Christmas is nearing when the Holly Fair comes to Panama City, but like Santa Claus, as fast as it comes to town is as fast as its leaves town.

The folks from the Junior Service League are just about now wrapping up the Christmas Fair. The Boardwalk Beach Resort and Conference Center in Panama City played host to the 20th annual event.

This year's theme is "Holly Fair Past, Present, and Future." But how did the Christmas Fair fair this year in the face of the crumbling economy? Organizers say fairly well.

Lacey Obos with the Junior Service League said, "Well, we weren't really sure what to expect this year, but we have been overwhelmingly surprised, just as good as last year if not better. We've had wonderful attendance and I think everyone was ready for something festive and something happy. Getting ready for Christmas shopping is something fun to look forward to."

The Junior Service League, who sponsors the annual event, is a non-for-profit organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and improving Panama City and the people of Panama City. They say the Holly Fair is the heartbeat of their pocketbook. It's the single source from which they draw funds to help local kids and the elderly in the community.

They seem to be grateful to all the vendors and folks who came out to support them this year.