Christmas in July

The Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Committee has been planning activities to celebrate “Christmas in July” and the weekend of July 16-18 will be busy with Christmas related activities.

The Tamaqua Historical Society will hold an open house on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. They will feature a special vintage Christmas exhibit.

On Saturday, Victorian carolers will be roaming downtown Tamaqua between 3 and 7 p.m. Santa, in his “summer suit” will be at the Gazebo in Depot Square Park from 4-7 p.m. and there will children’s events taking place from 4-7 p.m. on South Railroad Street by Tink’s Antiques. This will include games, rides, crafts and food. There will be a minimal fee for some activities.

At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Greenwood Street will hold a “Christmas in July” church service.

On Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., the children’s events will continue on South Railroad Street.

Santa will move to the Tamaqua Community Arts Center on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and will be joined by classic costume characters. Children will be able to have a professional photo taken with Santa at the Arts Center for a fee.

If you are still looking for more to do, there are free public concerts every Thursday evening on the Tamaqua Train Station Platform. Bring your own lawn chair, relax and enjoy the music.

Ice cream social

Zion Lutheran’s Culinary Team is hosting an ice cream social July 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. to benefit the American Hose fire Company. This is the third year Zion has done a benefit for a Tamaqua fire company. Previously, Citizens and South Ward companies received checks. The menu includes light kitchen fare and plenty of ice cream and toppings. Takeouts are also available.

Zion Lutheran is at the corner of Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets in Tamaqua.

Garden Club

The Lewistown Valley Garden Club will hold its annual family picnic on July 27 at 6 p.m. in Zion Church social hall. Members are requested to bring a covered dish and a game prize.

Floral entries for the Schuylkill County Fair must be at the fairgrounds July 31 by 1 p.m.

To submit news, contact Susan Eckhart at 570-668-1250 or seckhart@tnonline.com or the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.