Christmas in July returns with huge success in turnout | Community | ashepostandtimes.com

2022-07-09 10:11:16 By : Mr. Jason Shen

The Jeff Little Trio took to the stage on Saturday, July 2 during the Christmas in July Festival.

Kids run through the streets with their toys in hand as they chase down bubbles.

Vendors including the Ashe County Arts Council set up tents along the street, showcasing local art.

The streets were never empty on Saturday, with both locals and visitors coming to Ashe for the festival.

Volunteers sold Christmas in July shirts in addition to lending helping hands.

For the first time in two years, the main street of downtown West Jefferson was closed off and filled to the brim for the Christmas in July.

Festival-goers check out the pet vendor which sold pet toys, gear and clothing.

Badges of Ashe set up two tents, giving information on their work as well as selling shirts and raffle tickets.

People lined the streets on July 2 as they take in the long-awaited festival.

Food vendors were set up in the lot beside the Hobby Barn, selling an array of foods and treats.

Christmas vendors set up camp as people got an early start on their holiday decor.

The weather was perfect for the festival with no raindrops in site.

Hundreds upon hundreds gathered for the festival on July 2.

In addition to the festival, stores like Mountain Outfitters held tent sales as the streets crowded with locals and tourists.

On the opening night, hundreds of people brought lawn chairs as they listened to music.

The Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band kicked off the festival on July 1.

The Jeff Little Trio took to the stage on Saturday, July 2 during the Christmas in July Festival.

Kids run through the streets with their toys in hand as they chase down bubbles.

Vendors including the Ashe County Arts Council set up tents along the street, showcasing local art.

The streets were never empty on Saturday, with both locals and visitors coming to Ashe for the festival.

Volunteers sold Christmas in July shirts in addition to lending helping hands.

For the first time in two years, the main street of downtown West Jefferson was closed off and filled to the brim for the Christmas in July.

Festival-goers check out the pet vendor which sold pet toys, gear and clothing.

Badges of Ashe set up two tents, giving information on their work as well as selling shirts and raffle tickets.

People lined the streets on July 2 as they take in the long-awaited festival.

Food vendors were set up in the lot beside the Hobby Barn, selling an array of foods and treats.

Christmas vendors set up camp as people got an early start on their holiday decor.

The weather was perfect for the festival with no raindrops in site.

Hundreds upon hundreds gathered for the festival on July 2.

In addition to the festival, stores like Mountain Outfitters held tent sales as the streets crowded with locals and tourists.

On the opening night, hundreds of people brought lawn chairs as they listened to music.

The Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band kicked off the festival on July 1.

WEST JEFFERSON — After two years of waiting, residents of Ashe County, as well as returning visitors, got to walk the streets of downtown West Jefferson once again as the 2022 Christmas in July Festival took place.

Back in January of this year, the festival organizers announced that the event would be coming back after having to shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 1, the event began at 5 p.m. with an opening ceremony. Connie Hardison sang the National Anthem, followed by the Ashe County Veterans Color Guard and the presentation of a new mural celebrating Ashe County Christmas trees.

On the main stage right in the heart of downtown, a lineup of talent entertained guests as they made their way through the streets. First up was the Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band, followed by the Tray Wellington Band and the Lucky Strikes.

The second day of the festival began the morning of July 2. Food vendors were set up in the small parking lot just beside the Hobby Barn, offering an array of goodies including funnel cakes, ice cold lemonade, chicken on a stick, gyros and more.

Craft vendors were set up around the block, heading down toward the Ashe County Arts Council and up to the Old Hotel in addition to Main Street. Goodies ranging from pet toys to the perfect antique were on display as festival-goers roamed the streets.

In entertainment, Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road, Eric Hardin, Josh Scott, and Steve Lewis, Wayne Henderson and Friends, the Jeff Little Trio, Taylon Hope and the Special Occasion Band all made their way to the stage during the day.

The Christmas in July Festival was made possible by an all-volunteer board, festival volunteers and sponsors. 2022 Christmas in July Festival Sponsors include: Ashe County Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, Town of West Jefferson, West Jefferson TDA, Mountain Aire Golf Course, Skyline/SkyBest, Dr. Tim Rector, Parker Electric Service, Ashe County Arts Council, Ashe County Civic Center, Ashe County Cheese, Ashe Post & Times, WKSK, Blue Ridge Energy, LifeStore Bank & Insurance, The Tavern, Skyline National Bank, Ashley Hardwood Flooring and Carolina Grading & Utilities.

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