KINGSTON — Decking the halls with boughs of holly took on a whole new meaning for Kingston business owners, each hoping to outdo the other during the Kingston Country Christmas Saturday.

“Everything went off the way we planned,” said event organizer Betty Mathers. “The American Cottage was most popular by far for the competition. (Jan Fraser) really dolls the place up, it’s so cute right now. Country Pet Shoppe came in second, and Sacks Feed was third. Everybody just knocked themselves out decorating the town.”

Those decorations, plus music, vendors and the Christmas tree lighting made visitors feel like the Christmas season had begun.

“It’s small town Christmas at its best,” said Indianola resident Nancy McClellan. “It’s so nice to take the kids out to the town, suddenly it really feels like it’s Christmastime.”

“I liked the tractor ride,” added Seamus McClellan, 8. “It was fun standing up.”

Nancy McClellan and her family said they thoroughly enjoyed the tractor ride through the festive town and the chance to check out the unique vendors and activities for children.

“We really just enjoy coming out here,” she said.

Llamas 4 Love had a booth at the Kingston Community Center, full of hats, scarves and knick-knacks perfect for stocking stuffers. The group also had a crafts table where children could make different holiday art, said Llamas 4 Love member Anna Welsh.

“They have their option of painting an ornament,” she said. “There are also candy cane pipe cleaners, snowflakes made out of beads — those have been most popular so far. Or they can make a Christmas tree with little puffballs on it as ornaments.”

Santa Claus was camped out at the community center, with a line of boys and girls just waiting for their chance to wish for that perfect present. The jolly — but busy — old elf also made an appearance at the Wolfle Santa Breakfast that morning and at the tree lighting ceremony that evening.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said vendor Liliana Schoettl. “There are a lot of nice people here, and the kids are having fun. I absolutely will be back next year.”

Several music acts, including carolers, the Hometown Band and the Kingston Junior High Band, performed at the Thriftway parking lot off of State Route 104, adding to the festival’s flair.

“The bands really were terrific,” Mathers said. “They really set the stage for Country Christmas this year. The music really puts people in the holiday mood.”