Lower Burrell Farmers Market presents Christmas in July festivities and gifts July 23

The children of Lower Burrell won’t have to wait for Santa in December with the city’s Christmas in July farmers market July 23.

Adults won’t have to wait either to buy holiday gifts from local artisans who will be on-hand showcasing jewelry, clothing, beef jerky, wood products and more.

The Joseph “Bud” Myers Lower Burrell Farmers Market offers up vegetables, baked goods, artisanal items and more every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with special events to keep the market fresh.

Santa Claus will be on hand for personal visits and photos for the special Christmas event with light-hearted summertime Christmas music in the background.

The city is decorating the City Hall area to add to the festivities.

“It will be a fun family affair that builds a sense of community and supports small businesses in the area,” said Carley Logan of Lower Burrell, one of the farmers’ market coordinators.

The unique products offered by local crafters will provide residents an opportunity to enjoy in-person shopping, meet the artisans and take a step away from Internet shopping, she said.

“It’s fun to not rush around looking for last-minute gifts that in the end are not as personable as shopping in the market setting,” she said.

Christmas in July will also feature a children’s booth for arts and crafts where kids can make Christmas ornaments and decorate complimentary cookies courtesy of Aunt Kellie’s cookies, a Lower Burrell bakery.

The farmers market will hold a raffle for a gaggle of gift cards donated by local businesses such as the Wooden Door Winery, Bennett’s Beauty Bar, Harvest Moon Coffee and Chocolates, Fox’s Pizza and Pizza Moena.

Holiday garland and bows will adorn the light poles as well as other decorations such as Christmas trees and a snowflake in the farm market area, Councilman Chris Fabry said. The inaugural Christmas in July event is another example of presenting new events for the community, he said.

“There is nothing more exciting for a child than Christmas, so why not give it to them in July.”

The farmers’ market runs every Saturday until Oct. 8.

The market is held in the Lower Burrell City Hall parking lot, 2800 Bethel St.