‘Tis the season when the spirit of Christmas arrives months ahead of schedule.
Christmas in July, first recognized in 1933 and later popularized by the 1940 film of the same name, is the summertime tradition that not only signals the start of holiday shopping, but features goodwill, creative activities for children and old-fashioned family fun.To honor the tradition, cities, libraries, businesses and farms from across the surrounding communities are hosting Christmas in July events throughout the month.
Holiday Card-Making
For members of PAWS Therapy Dogs, the most wonderful time of the year is any time they can put a smile on someone’s face.
The nonprofit organization is hosting a Christmas card-decorating event from 2 to 3 p.m. July 23 in meeting room B of the Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St.
The cards will be given to residents of local nursing homes in December, with the goal of lighting up their spirits like a Christmas tree.
Joe Rittenhouse, president of PAWS Therapy Dogs, said the event is a very fulfilling experience that keeps some families coming year after year.
“We collect bags and distribute them to the various Lake County nursing homes,” Rittenhouse said. “It’s a good way to get children in the spirit of volunteering and the nursing home residents are happy. In some cases that may be the only card they get for the holidays.”
For more information about the event, visit mylakelibrary.org.
Family Fun Day at Cottom Farm
Cotton Farm’s Christmas Village in July will feature music, food trucks, 60 vendors, water slides and a chance to get a photograph taken with Summer Santa. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the family-owned farm, 41407 Edna C Blvd., Weirsdale.
Children can meet local first responders from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Fire Rescue, explore police vehicles and fire trucks up close and try to soak a firefighter in a dunk tank.
“(The event is) something we can do for the community and to get people together,” said Jennifer Holmes, organizer of Cotton Farm’s Christmas Village.
Admission to the event is free, but there is a $5 fee for wristbands that will get attendees unlimited play on the water slides. Proceeds will go toward the Lake County Animal Shelter.
For more information, call 352-752-4544 or email cottoomfarmschristmasvillage@gmail.com.
Paint and Sip at Hilltop Tavern
Mix your creativity and Christmas spirit during the Hilltop Tavern Christmas in July Paint and Sip event.
The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at Cheshire’s Hilltop Tavern, 503 N. Dixie Ave., Fruitland Park.
Participants will paint “Pineapple in Paradise,” a beach-themed pineapple wrapped in Christmas lights.
Tickets, which include paint supplies, are $38 per person. Food and drinks also will e available for purchase.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit thehilltoptavern.co.
Shop for the Holidays
Shoppers can get a jump on their holiday shopping during the second annual Ocala Christmas in July. The two-day shopping experience features more than 175 artisans and crafterss selling unique items from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the World Equestrian Center Expo Center 1, 1284 NW 87th Court Road, Ocala. Admission for the event is $5.50 per person, or $5 if you pay with cash.
The first 500 people each day will receive a free tote bag from Michaels. There also will be door prizes and photo opportunities with Santa.
For more information about the event, visit worldequestriancenter.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
