Yule Be Sorry You Missed It: Christmas in July Dazzles Downtown

On a hot and humid Saturday in downtown Front Royal, families flocked to the Gazebo and surrounding streets for the sixth annual Christmas in July event, organized by Sue Laurence, Sydney Patton, and Michael Whitlow. What began as an online idea six years ago has turned into a bustling community festival with live music, food trucks, handmade crafts, children’s games, and — despite the heat — a visit from Santa in full red suit and beard.

“This year, we’ve more than doubled the number of vendors,” said Laurence with a smile. “There’s something here for everyone.”

Gabrielle and Sam Altman, with their daughter Honnalee, were among the early arrivals at Christmas in July, taking in the festive sights and exploring rows of tents filled with local treasures.

Bret and Hannah Bement of Play Favorites greeted visitors with smiles and toys galore, sharing the playful spirit of their Main Street shop, complete with puzzles, games, and a free arcade on the hottest days.

Among the early arrivals were Gabrielle and Sam Altman, accompanied by their daughter Honnalee, who soaked in the festivities and marveled at the rows of tents filled with local goods. Just a few steps away, neighbors Bret and Hannah Bement, owners of Play Favorites, welcomed families to their booth. The Bements run Front Royal’s beloved toy shop, known for its vast selection of puzzles and a backroom arcade that’s free on days when temperatures climb above 100. “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” Bret said, happy to see both regular customers and new faces.

Christina Cantrell and her daughter Lily of Christina’s Bakery shared their organic baked goods and sweet family story—complete with recipes from home and a proud “little baker helper.”

Nearby, Christina Cantrell and her daughter Lily stood behind the table at Christina’s Bakery, offering organic baked goods made from recipes that began in their family kitchen. “We’ve been at this since 2023,” Christina said, with Lily proudly chiming in about her role as the “little baker helper.”

Shamonie Dittmer of Northwood Dream brought a wide range of handmade 3D-printed designs.

Among the creative makers was Shamonie Dittmer, owner of Northwood Dream, based out of her home in Shenandoah Farms. What began with her husband purchasing a 3D printer quickly turned into a full-scale family operation. “He taught me how to convert my drawings so we could print them,” Dittmer explained. With a newer printer making things easier, she now produces everything from custom 3D pieces to engraved gifts and T-shirts. “I don’t know what I’ll make next—but that’s the fun of it,” she added, smiling beneath her self-designed shirt.

Christine Ganey of Southern Detour Creation welcomed shoppers to her colorful booth, filled with custom tumblers, faux leather bows, and beaded pens—all inspired by her winding journey from New York to Disney World to Virginia. (courtesy photo)

Christine Ganey stood behind her display for Southern Detour Creation, a business as unique as her journey. “I was born and raised in New York, worked at Disney World for nine years, and that was my Southern detour,” she said, laughing. Now settled in Virginia with her husband and two kids, Ganey crafts everything from faux leather hair bows and beaded pens to custom tumblers and shirts. “Basically, if you can dream it, I’ll try to make it,” she said, greeting curious shoppers who stopped to admire her brightly colored table.

Kandi Lamb of D.H. Farmstead offered jars of homemade jellies, salsas, and pickled goods—all grown and canned with care on her family farm.

Not far away, Kandi Lamb of D.H. Farmstead offered jars of sweet squash pickles, fruit jellies, and small-batch salsas—all made from produce grown on her family’s farm. “I’ve been canning non-stop for the past month,” Lamb said, smiling behind her mason jars. “We grow most of our own food, and we do it all with love.” Her table drew steady attention from guests eager to take a little taste of summer home with them.

Kathy Atherton shares her handcrafted cards and beach glass art at the Christmas in July market. A Stampin’ Up demonstrator for 28 years, Atherton now teaches small card-making classes, blending creativity with community.

Another vendor, Kathy Atherton, brought a creative flair to the market with her handmade cards and crafts through Stampin’ Up, a business she’s been part of for 28 years. “I always wanted to be an art teacher, so this was my chance,” Atherton said. Though she no longer hosts parties like she once did, she now offers small classes where people can gather to make cards for a few dollars each. In addition to her Stampin’ Up designs, Atherton also displayed unique artwork made from beach glass collected during her 45 years living in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Courtney Pattie of Warrior Psychotherapy shared news of their upcoming equine-assisted therapy program, launching this fall—a powerful new way to support healing through movement and connection.

At the Warrior Psychotherapy booth, Courtney Pattie shared big news: the practice, based on Main Street, is expanding to include equine-assisted psychotherapy starting in September. “Healing is powerful in the movement of the horse,” Pattie explained. With growing demand, Warrior has added staff and broadened its services, offering unique approaches to mental wellness in a supportive, community-based setting.

Sierra Jarrell of Wicked Whisk offered sourdough-based goodies from her Winchester home bakery, sharing fresh-baked flavor and a starter that’s been rising since last year.

Dominique and Billy Maddox welcomed visitors to their Oak and Ollie booth, where handcrafted sourdough bread meets creative design—baked at home and built with heart.

On the other side of the square, Sierra Jarrell of Wicked Whisk served up sourdough-based treats from her home bakery in Winchester. “I started my sourdough last year, and it’s been growing ever since,” she said. Just a few tents down, Dominique and Billy Maddox greeted customers at their Oak and Ollie booth. Originally an interior design business, Oak and Ollie now includes handcrafted sourdough bread, baked in multiple ovens at home, with Billy’s construction background helping bring the business’s creative projects to life.

Mike Hasty and JoJo Gouda entertained the crowd with classic tunes.

Santa made time for a wellness check with Courtney Pattie of Warrior Psychotherapy—because even Kris Kringle needs to talk it out sometimes.

The heat didn’t stop local music duo Mike Hasty and JoJo Gouda from entertaining the crowd with classic tunes. Santa’s arrival, much to the delight of children and adults alike, drew laughter and long lines for photos, even as he sweated through the afternoon in his traditional velvet suit. “He insisted on the real thing,” said Patton. “And we’re glad he did.”

Shauna and Raymond Neely of Two Crafty B’s showcased their 3D-printed fidget toys, event-themed clickers, and detailed laser-engraved creations, all made with a personal touch. Below, Pilar Rinky, a retired zookeeper, displayed her hand-painted animal art tiles at Christmas in July, offering one-of-a-kind pieces under the name Clear Sky Animal Art.

Pilar Rinky, a retired zookeeper, displayed her hand-painted animal art tiles at Christmas in July, offering one-of-a-kind pieces under the name Clear Sky Animal Art.

Among the artisans, Shauna and Raymond Neely of Two Crafty B’s showed off their 3D-printed fidget toys, event-themed clickers, and laser-engraved pieces. Just around the corner, Pilar Rinky, a retired zookeeper, brought a display of animal art tiles under the name Clear Sky Animal Art, each one hand-painted on hardened plaster.

Christina Ortiz and her mother Antonieta Castaneda of Monarch Rose Designs shared their intricate 3D paper art, crafted from recycled materials with creativity and care.

Laura Williams of Signs by Laura displayed her handmade décor—snowmen, mini fireplaces, and lighted pieces—born from a crafting experiment that turned into a bustling small business.

Recycled creativity was also on full display. At Monarch Rose Designs, Christina Ortiz and her mother, Antonieta Castaneda, showcased layered 3D paper art made from reused materials. At Signs by Laura, Laura Williams talked about how a crafting experiment turned into a thriving small business. Her snowmen figurines, mini fireplaces, and lighted home décor drew steady attention from visitors.

Paula and Leia of L&P Designs proudly showed off their handmade keychains and bracelets, bringing a pop of color and creativity from Linden to the Christmas in July market.

At a booth full of bright colors and handmade accessories, Paula Gonzalez and her daughter, Leia, of L&P Designs, impressed visitors with their keychains and bracelets. “We’ve been crafting since she was very young,” said Paula. After years of compliments and a growing inventory, they decided to try their hand at local craft shows—and have fun while doing it. Based in Linden, L&P Designs brought both charm and youthful creativity to the market.

Ashley Holsinger and Kimberly Baker add a touch of sparkle with fairy hair strands for Brittany Kearns during the Christmas in July event, bringing shimmer and smiles to the celebration.

Across the lawn, a sparkle caught the sunlight—thanks to Ashley Holsinger and Kimberly Baker, who were busy weaving fairy hair into the locks of kids and adults alike. “We do pop-up events and fairy hair parties,” said Tinker, smiling as another guest walked away with shimmering strands. “It’s so fun—everyone leaves feeling just a little more magical.” And yes, even the grown-ups were getting in on the sparkle.

Carolyn and Larry Dachenbach of Stuff and More Stuff shared their eclectic mix of jellies, repurposed art, and the now-famous “pole dancing mouse” lamp.

Nearby, Carolyn and Larry Dachenbach of Stuff and More Stuff brought a quirky mix of handcrafted goods, including wine jellies, recycled glass art, and one truly unforgettable highlight: the “pole dancing mouse” lamp. “It’s amazing what you can do with a little creativity,” Carolyn said with a laugh, gesturing to their beach glass decor and repurposed wood pieces. Originally from Iowa and now calling West Virginia home, the couple’s booth drew smiles from every passerby.

Brittany Pogazelski brought elegance and warmth to the event with her handcrafted silk floral arrangements. “I make floral creations out of my home just because I love it,” she said. “It makes a house feel a little warmer and cozier.” Each piece is one-of-a-kind and crafted with care—no two arrangements are ever the same.

Chester and Sharon Harris of Lake Front Royal shared their ceramic-making process with guests, while just down the row, Sherry and Gene “Ma and Pa” Bridger offered handcrafted wood signs and homey charm straight from their Mount Jackson shed.

Chester and Sharon Harris, ceramic artists from Lake Front Royal, introduced eventgoers to their process of creating ceramics, which ranges from seasonal décor to everyday items, through the steps of pouring, firing, and painting. Just down the row, Sherry Bridger and her husband Gene, better known as “Ma and Pa,” brought wood crafts and painted signs made right out of their Mount Jackson shed. “He works the tools, I work the paintbrush,” said Sherry.

Alana Linaburg of Good Vibe Dealer Custom Creations displayed her intricate wire-wrapped jewelry, featuring natural stones and rare minerals from around the world, each piece shaped by hand.

Brittany Pogozelski, owner of Royal Floral Decor, shared her passion for handmade silk flower arrangements, each one a unique design crafted from home. Next to her, Alana Linaburg of Good Vibe Dealer Custom Creations wrapped natural stones in hand-shaped copper wire, showcasing pieces made from rare minerals sourced from around the globe.

Logan Wymer and Caden Williams of Wicked show off their handcrafted liquor bottle candles at the Christmas in July event. Each bottle is hand-cut, sanded, and filled with custom-poured wax, turning empty spirits into stylish home décor.

One standout vendor at the event was Wicked, a local business specializing in liquor bottle candles. Business partners Logan Wymer and Caden Williams have been creating these unique candles for nearly two years. “He hand-cuts and sands every single bottle,” said Williams. “And I hand-pour all the wax.” The duo, based just in front of Royal, prides themselves on turning used liquor bottles into something useful and decorative. “You get a benefit—you drink it, then make a candle out of it,” joked one customer.

Shoppers also met Josh and Sarah Hawes of Wicked Little Things, a business born from their love of gemstones and quirky gifts, including tarot decks and “blind date with a book” kits. Not far from them, Kirsten Connor, owner of K&M Custom Designs, sold her popular car fresheners and hand-poured candles. “I’ve been doing this since 2020,” she said. “All baked, painted, and made by hand.”

Josh and Sarah Hawes of Wicked Little Things greet shoppers with their unique mix of gemstones, tarot decks, and “blind date with a book” kits—gifts inspired by their love of all things quirky and mystical. (C

Kirsten Connor, owner of K&M Custom Designs, shares her handmade car fresheners and candles at the Christmas in July event. “I’ve been doing this since 2020,” she said. “All baked, painted, and made by hand.”

Brandy Heater of Riverstone Farms offered sweet samples of floral jellies, cheesecake spreads, and homemade apple butter—giving Christmas in July guests a taste of something truly unique.

Brandy Heater of Riverstone Farms and Custom Meat Processing tempted guests with a table full of unique flavors, including floral jellies, soda jellies, and sweet cheesecake spreads. “On the other table, we’ve got jams, apple butter, and sauces,” Heater said, offering samples to curious tasters. From bold berry blends to delicate rose-infused jellies, her creations gave festivalgoers plenty to snack on—or take home as gifts that wouldn’t last long on the shelf.

Roxy Leonard and Janine Gordon of Cats for Cats’ Sake spoke passionately about their trap-neuter-release (TNR) program for local feral cat colonies.

Stacey Philpott of Life Repair Center, joined by Courtney and Sarah, shared details on their upcoming women’s shelter and goat-assisted therapy programs—complete with a few four-legged therapists on site.

Crafters weren’t the only ones out. Roxy Leonard and Janine Gordon of Cats for Cats’ Sake spoke passionately about their trap-neuter-release (TNR) program for local feral cat colonies. Across the way, Stacey Philpot of Life Repair Center, along with Courtney and Sarah, shared information about their upcoming women’s shelter and goat-assisted therapy programs. “Healing happens in motion,” said Philpot, gesturing toward their therapy goats brought along for the event.

At the Samuels Library booth, Erin Rooney, Amy Hayes, and Jessica Sayers handed out goodies and shared excitement for upcoming programs—especially September’s fan-favorite, SamiCon. Below, Joyce Wimmer of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library shared how the beloved book-gifting program has been inspiring young readers in Warren County since 2003.

At the Samuels Library booth, Erin Rooney and Amy Hayes handed out goodies and shared updates on upcoming events, including September’s SamiCon. Next door, Joyce Wimmer of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library described how the book-gifting program has served Warren County children since 2003. “We’ve got about 400 kids enrolled now,” she said.

Chantal Gamble, Sydney Patton, and Pyda Gonzalez brought festive energy to the Friends of Samuels Library booth, sharing their love for reading—and wishing for a snow machine to beat the July heat.

Over at the Friends of Samuels Library (FOSL) booth, Chantal Gamble, Sydney Patton, and Pyda Gonzalez kept the holiday energy high despite the heat. “We’re definitely bringing the spirit into the hot day,” Gamble said with a laugh. “But we could’ve used a snow machine!” With smiles, fans, and a few frosty wishes, the FoSL crew helped spread the word about their continued advocacy for local libraries and the joy of community reading.

Tina Bearden and Mary Jo Jones of Catholic Charities shared information about the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, offering support to any Warren County resident in need. Below, Skip Rogers of Able Forces Foundation highlighted the nonprofit’s mission to provide emergency assistance to local veterans and military families.

More resources were available from Catholic Charities, represented by Tina Bearden and Mary Jo Jones, who handed out information on the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, open to any Warren County resident in need. And Skip Rogers of Able Forces Foundation shared how the nonprofit continues to provide emergency aid to local veterans and military families.

Leonardo wowed young guests with custom balloon animals during Front Royal’s Christmas in July celebration, adding color and smiles to a sun-soaked afternoon downtown.

Face painting by Amanda Lucky brought bright colors and big smiles to young festivalgoers.

Janine and Michou Nguyen of Arlington beamed with pride as their daughter Amelie enjoyed a ride on an oversized rocking horse. A big thanks to Chris Laurence for bringing his oversized rocking horse to the Christmas in July event—delighting kids and adding a whimsical touch to the festivities.

For hands-on fun, kids lined up for face painting with Amanda Lucky, balloon animals with Leonardo, and fairy hair from a mobile pop-up crew from Glitter Goddess, including Ashley Hulsinger, Brittany Kearns, and Kimberly Tinker.  Janine and Michou Nguyen, from Arlington, watch their daughter Amelie on a very large rocking horse, with a beaming smile on their faces.

At the Mouse Loves Pig tent, Ruth Rau of Winchester shared her handmade cloth toys and the sweet bedtime story that inspired them, where a mouse falls in love with a pig instead of taking the cheese.

At the Mouse Loves Pig tent, Ruth Rau from Winchester shared the heartwarming story behind her handmade cloth toys. Inspired by a nightly tradition of made-up stories with her kids, the name comes from her husband’s improvised version of The Farmer in the Dell—in which a mouse, instead of taking the cheese, falls in love with a pig. “Everything is cloth, washable, and made for real play,” said Rau. “Kids need toys that feel like something—something they can love.”

Melissa and Eddie Dearman of Classy Caboose stayed busy popping kettle corn and serving up shaved ice, bringing sweet relief to Christmas in July visitors on a hot summer day.

Not far from her booth, Melissa and Eddie Dearman of Classy Caboose stayed busy popping kettle corn and serving shaved ice to grateful guests. Based in Stephens City, the couple started with a tiny trailer in 2012. “We’ve done lemonade, funnel cakes, and shaved ice, but the kettle corn is what stuck,” Melissa said. “We’ve got an automatic stirrer now—it’s not old-school anymore, but it still tastes the same!”

They were a last-minute addition this year, filling in after another vendor canceled, and organizer Sue Laurence was quick to praise them. “They just jumped in and made it happen. We’re so thankful for vendors like that.”

At Downtown Local Deli’s booth, Trisha Dunn and her parents, Jane and Woody Sinko, kept guests cool with fresh-squeezed lemonade.

At Downtown Local Deli, Trisha Dunn and her parents, Jane and Woody Sinko, poured fresh-squeezed lemonade while promoting their shop just down the street. Trisha, who sources her bread from local baker Maureen Denney of Down Home Comfort Bakery and uses Boar’s Head meats, offered a simple pitch: “Real sandwiches, cut fresh, fast service. And yes—we know how to fold the meat.”

Clay’s BBQ came prepared for the crowd as Brittany and Taylor Clay rolled in with their 40-foot trailer, serving up smoky favorites and big flavor at Christmas in July. Below, customers lined up for a photo.

For those working up a bigger appetite, Clay’s BBQ was ready. Brittany and Taylor Clay rolled in with their massive 40-foot trailer, a dream Taylor made real in 2023 while also working full-time at the fire department. “He literally drove to Georgia and built it himself,” Brittany said. “It’s his side dream that turned into a family business.” Known for generous portions and smoky flavor, Clay’s drew a steady line all afternoon.

From small-town sourdough and handmade earrings to mental health support and pet adoption resources, the event brought together the best of Front Royal: passion, creativity, generosity, and community pride.

“We do this for the town,” said Laurence. “It’s not just about celebrating Christmas early — it’s about giving people a reason to smile, to connect, and to discover something new right in their backyard.”

With Santa headed back to the North Pole, attendees left with bags full of treats, hearts full of cheer, and a renewed appreciation for all that downtown Front Royal has to offer, no matter the season.