The story on Christmas in July that appears in the print edition of The Salem News and an earlier version of this story has the incorrect time for the craft show. It is 9 a.m.-4 p.m Saturday.
Those looking for a fun, family-friendly event this coming weekend don’t have to look much further than the Dent County Commons this Saturday. Dianne Godi, longtime organizer of the event, shared the itinerary for the fourth annual fundraiser for this upcoming Saturday—with a whole lot of fun promised for people of all ages to look forward to.
“We’re trying to do a once-a-year fundraiser to support the toy drive, and this isn’t possible without the support of our community,” said Godi. “And the money raised will bring smiles to many children on Christmas morning.”
The fourth annual Christmas in July event hosted by the Dent County Toy Drive, a volunteer led non-profit organization, will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 27 at the Dent County Commons. Live music, a free kid’s carnival, craft show, poker run, and cruise-in are all activities everyone can look forward to—just don’t forget to bring a toy to fill the truck. The toys can be any size, from small to large.
Although not required to attend the event, those that do bring a toy will be entered into a drawing to win a door prize—30 door prizes are waiting to be awarded. Those in the drawing do not have to be present to win. Just put your name and phone number on the ticket, and if you’re not there and win, organizers will give you a call.
Santa will be taking his vacation on a beach at the event—so kids who want their pictures taken with everyone’s favorite Christmas celebrity can definitely look forward to it. There will also be a bubble machine, sprinkler, and sand toys that kids can play with on the beach.
Everyone can look forward to some barbeque grub, as well—including pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and hotdogs.
As for organizing the event, Godi shared that it’s a community effort.
“We’ve been doing it for a few years,” said Godi. “I have a person that takes care of the poker run, I have a person who takes care of the cruise-in, and a person that takes care of the carnival—everybody has a little bit, no one has to do it all!”
• Live music starts at 10 a.m., starting out with the band Raven’s Moon, followed by Chasing the Apocalypse at 12 p.m., and then Michael Connor’s band from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Between all the live music, Backwoods Production, a DJ, will be donating his day to the event and playing music for all to enjoy.
• The craft show will open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and will have over 30 vendors for attendees to peruse.
• Registration for the poker run starts at 9 a.m. with kickstands up at 10 a.m. It will be $10 for the first hand and $5 for each additional hand. All modes of transportation are welcome—or you can play on-site and not have to go anywhere. There will be trophies presented to motorcycles for “People’s Choice” and a trophy presented for “Furthest Traveled”.
• Cruise-in registration starts at 9 a.m. The first 50 cars will receive a dash plaque. A “People’s Choice” trophy and a trophy for “Furthest Traveled” will be awarded at 2 p.m.
• A silent auction is planned for the event—Godi shared that the event is still looking for silent auction items.
• The carnival, free for kids, will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids can look forward to a free snow cone, a free cotton candy, and free carnival games.
The toy drive is still looking for vendors to help ensure a great time for attendees and a successful fundraising event. Those interested can reach out to Dianne Godi at phone number 573-247-2216, or at the Dent County Toy Drive Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive.
Godi shared that spots are still left under the barn. Spots will be picked by vendors from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday evening. Set-up will be from Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
