Christmas carols, candy canes, and Mrs. Claus, all contributed to the Christmas atmosphere as the Lehighton Downtown Initiative presented Christmas in July held in the lower park, in Lehighton.

Many local and regional vendors were on hand selling all kinds of foods, crafts and gifts; plus there were games for the kids, and various local organizations were on hand to show what they do for the community.

Part of the program was the Downtown Farmers Market, which offered people a chance to stock up on locally-grown fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, and more. The Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May through October, and an excellent source for the local peaches, blueberries, broccoli, plums and corn on the cob.

Sharon Shannon, Brooke Kennedy and Bambi Elsasser from the Lehighton Downtown Initiative, who are hosting the Christmas in July, had a tent set up, showing the many things they do for the community. They also now offer a loyalty program as part of the Downtown Farmers Market.

“We give you a card that you can use to earn $1 coins that you can use at any of our vendors,” Sharon Shannon explained. “We stamp it for you. After nine stamps, you get a thermal lunch bag.”

Jill’s Jellies and Jams was another vendor, offering homemade preserves, marmalades and jellies. Jill Planer from Palmerton enjoys attending these types of community events. Plus, it helps with her hobby.

“I really like making jelly. It’s kind of a hobby that’s really blown up,” she said, laughing. “I can’t eat it all, so I thought I might as well share.”

Asked if she enjoys Christmas in July, she responded, “I love it. I love Christmas when they do it here, too. It’s always so much fun, they do a great job.”

People of all ages strolled through the park, enjoying food and drink and listening to Autumn Falls sing Christmas carols.

“I love the food,” exclaimed 8-year-old Josh Snyder, who was there with his mom, Jennifer, from Palmerton. “We tried some of the games, too.”

Vanessa Hutchins, 11, of Slatington was enjoying a small cake from a local stand selling baked goods. “It’s really good” she said between bites.

Various local organizations had tents and stands there.

The Park Pals were selling breakfast sandwiches and other lunchtime favorites.

“The Park Pals are the fundraising arm of the Lehighton Borough Parks and Recreation,” Tina Henninger explained.

Lisa Kishbaugh added, “It’s what helps put on the free concerts and other events in the parks.”

The Lehighton Memorial Library held a basket auction. They had many gifts baskets, gift cards, and other items to win, including a grand prize of a Blackstone 28-inch griddle.

And the Lehighton Lioness Lions Club, represented by Ann and Mark Sverchek and Kim Werley, were selling meat raffle tickets and explaining the many projects of the Lions Club to park visitors.