KINGSTON — The rain subsided in time for two antique tractor trailers, two horse carriages and Santa Claus to make an appearance in the Little City By The Sea last weekend.

But organizers said they were disappointed by the small turnout of visitors during the town’s annual holiday festival.

The Kingston Revitalization Association held its seventh annual Kingston Country Christmas Dec. 6, offering locals and out of towners the opportunity to get some holiday shopping done while participating in traditional country-like festivities.

KRA chair Karen Ross said she was surprised by the lack of visitors and even more surprised by the number of people who didn’t know what was going on when they were in town Saturday.

However, several business owners told her they had stellar sales and were pleased with the turnout.

“Overall, I think it went well,” Ross said. “We were so lucky with the weather.”

Of those who did show up, visitors found plenty of things to do with their little ones.

Kingston resident Joe Parker brought his family out to participate in the day’s festivities.

“We thought it would be a good way to get in the holiday spirit,” Parker said, as he and wife Kimberly and sons Adam and Zachary rode on one of the antique tractor trailers around town.

Down at the Kingston Co-op Preschool at the Old Kingston Schoolhouse in Kola Kole Park, visitors were greeted by Cub Scout Pack 555 leaders and the pack’s goodwill project — popcorn and hot cider.

Inside, Kingston Co-op Preschool teacher “Miss Debbie” Manos was overseeing a craft project for the youngsters. This was the first year the preschool held an activity for the kids during the event and Manos said she was happy with the results, as well as the conditions outside the schoolhouse.

“I’m glad the weather is holding,” she said with a laugh, as kids played outside.

At the Kingston Community Center, Chloe, 4, and Aubrey, 6, Gelpieryn were dressed in their very best to have their picture taken with Santa Claus.

“We like to participate in as many of (Kingston’s) activities as possible,” said their mother Deborah.

Aubrey had a much simpler explanation for coming into town for the day.

“I wanted to have fun,” she said.

The girls asked Santa for chocolate, cotton candy and bubble gum makers — things their mother won’t let them have, Deborah said with a smile.

Other youngsters weren’t as confident about the jolly man in red.

Young Izabel Poole, 1 1/2, just wasn’t sure what to think about Santa Claus, explained mother Melanie Poole.

“We’re trying to get her used to Santa,” Melanie said. “She’s not sure yet.”