Ware Presbyterian Village’s third annual Christmas in July craft fair will take place on Saturday, July 20 at the Pavilion at Vista Ridge in Oxford.

The Christmas in July event is much more than a craft fair. Attendees will be able to shop at more than 40 crafter tables, purchase fresh flowers, and browse the New to You Thrift Shop and The Gift Box. The craft tables feature handmade items exclusively. Quilting, knitting, jewelry, embroidery, wooden items, children's educational books and toys, and more will be for sale.

The event brings the community together for festivities and fellowship, according to Doug Wise, the Ware Presbyterian Village sales director.

“Christmas in July at Ware is a celebration of our local communities’ extraordinary talents all under one roof,” said Wise. “It may be hot outside, but it is cool and festive for this fun event.”

Six special food booths will feature Wayvine Winery, Chesapeake Gold Cheese, Grandmas Goods and Services, local honey, jams and jellies, and handmade chocolate truffles.

There will be a snack bar and lemonade stand, and chicken salad and ham & cheese sandwiches will be available. Other offerings include cookies, coffee, water, lemonade, and iced tea.

Another highlight of the event will be a silent auction of a 72-inch-by-72-inch, appliqued quilt that was machine quilted and made by Linda Ward. The opening bid for the quilt is $250, and the bids must be made in $5 increments.

Fresh flowers, including small arrangements that are perfect for a bedside table at the Health Center or an apartment, will be available for sale.

The craft fair, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., also includes door prizes.

During the craft fair, attendees will also be able to visit the impressive Ware Presbyterian Village model railroad display. A shuttle will run to take visitors around to different places on the Ware campus.

Proceeds from the event are used to enrich the lives of all Ware Presbyterian Village residents, including those in the Oxford Health Care Center and the Steward Place.

The Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary came up with the idea for a Christmas in July craft fair, and residents who are on the auxiliary work to make it a reality each year. The same group also works with LOLA’S Boutique each year on a fashion show that benefits Ware residents and the Oxford Women’s Club.