Want to go?
WHAT: Christmas in July at Put-in-Bay
WHEN: Thursday, July 26 to Sunday, July 29
WHERE: Put-in-Bay
COST: Varies per location
INFO: www.visitputinbay.com
Who doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas twice a year? Put-in-Bay is about to make everyone’s childhood dreams come true with an annual event that brings the party back to the holidays.
From Thursday through Sunday, the entire island will be transformed into the North Pole. Think Christmas in Florida, and you'll get the idea of what Christmas in July looks like at Put-in-Bay.
As the sun beams down and the temperature rises above 100 degrees, people will think cool thoughts as they see hanging mistletoe and Christmas wreaths decorating door entrances.
“Christmas in July started out over 20 years ago at the Round House,” said Maggie Beckford, executive director of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau. “It was started as a way to reinvigorate employees for the rest of summer.”
As more businesses heard about this, they decided to start celebrating Christmas in July. Before long, everyone was taking part in the new holiday.
Today, the celebration is the most popular weekend at PIB and attracts thousands of people every year.
While most of the celebration takes place at the local pubs, there are a few activities for the whole family.
One of the most popular is the Land Parade, which takes place at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 27. The parade starts at Bayview Avenue and travels through downtown Put-in-Bay.
“Everyone is invited to march in the parade,” Beckford said. “People decorate golf carts, walk or ride bikes in the parade. We also sometimes have a float as well.”
Other fun family options? The the activities that go on at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. On Friday, the memorial will have a Kids’ Christmas in July Art Program. That same day, they'll also be celebrating World Ranger Day and will be educating kids on the different jobs that rangers have.
“That evening they will have a kid friendly dinner and show the movie Rio,” Beckford said. “The movie will actually be shown outside, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful weather.”
For the adults, some must-go places include the Round House Bar, Frosty’s, the Beer Barrel Saloon and Mr. Ed's. (Of course, we recommend them all, if your liver can handle it.)
For more information on activities at Put-in-Bay for Christmas in July, go to visitputinbay.com.
