By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Christmas may be over, but for crafters the work is just beginning. Already, Ware Village is sending out emails to crafters who will be signing up to sell their goods at the popular annual Christmas In July event, which will take place this year on Saturday, July 18. Christmas in July takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pavilion at Vista Ridge. Signs will be posted the day of the event.

Christmas in July is held by the Women’s Auxiliary to raise money to enrich the lives of people in the Ware Health Center. 

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the auxiliary purchased five iPads so that the residents could use them to FaceTime with families and friends.

Alice Templeton, the president of the auxiliary, remembered how difficult the pandemic was for residents.

“It was heartbreaking to see how residents and loved ones missed each other through COVID,” she said. “One of the things the auxiliary did was purchase iPads for residents in the health center. At least with the iPads, residents, family and friends could FaceTime each other.”

Carol Nelson is the chair for Christmas in July, and she said this year’s activities will mark the 10th anniversary of the event. 

Templeton started Christmas in July and has been involved for all 10 years. Since it is a 10-year anniversary, there will be some surprises this year. The Christmas in July event is one of the best craft shows in the area and features a variety of crafts, food, and entertainment. It’s an opportunity to find unique crafts and gifts and maybe start the Christmas shopping early.

There will be a preview party the night before the event that will be held for residents from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  at the Ware Mansion. There will be a charge of $10 for socializing and refreshments. There will also be door prizes and for entertainment the Train Club will have a train show.  After the socializing, residents can preview the crafts at the Pavilion at Vista Ridge from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. without crowds and get a first look everything that is available.

On Saturday, there will be a Retro Santa Shop where residents can donate Christmas decorations that will be for sale. The Chesapeake Brass Band will be performing that day and the Train Club will also have a display.

Templeton, a crafter herself, knew a lot of crafters so it wasn’t hard to find them. The first craft show had 18 crafters, but the event has grown considerably since. Last year’s event had 52 crafters. They also invite service groups from the Ware campus to come in and participate. There is a vendor selling educational toys, too.

There will be a specialized food court, Loopy Knitters, Quilters from Ware, Jim Kirk with his Scottish shortbreads, plus numerous outside crafters.

Applications for crafters will go out in mid-January. If you are interested, you can email at [email protected] for more information.