Christmas in July 2025 by Mountain Times Publications

JULY 4TH & JULY 5TH

MAP & ROAD CLOSURES

Christmas in July is back and better than ever in 2025. As it has been the last few years, vendors will be set up along South Jefferson Avenue and the road will be closed to vehicle traffic for festival goers to safely walk the streets of the downtown area. Additional road closures will include Market Street, Ashe Street, State Street and East Main Street from the Backstreet or Hice Avenue. Third Avenue will be closed at the intersection of East Second Street.

The food court will be set up on State Street and East Main Street while the main music stage will be prominently featured near the West Jefferson Hotel at the intersection of East Main Street and Backstreet.

Vehicles will be able to travel the Backstreet to detour through town or to be able to access the numerous parking areas that will be available for the two-day event. There will be at least nine public parking areas available.

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STREET PERFORMERS return to Christmas in July

A trio of fun, enthusiastic street entertainers will be sure to grab your attention during this year’s Christmas in July Festival.

The Interactive Theatre of Jef (Jef the Mime) will feature lots of magic and entertainment sure to delight all ages.

Mark Lippard does it all with ease. He juggles, walks on stilts, dresses up as Uncle Sam and can be seen riding a unicycle in the crowd.

Professor Whizzpop will be easy to recognize. If you meet a man on the street with somewhat of an English accent wearing a hat with a bird perched on top, it could be Professor WhizPop. He will be coming to Christmas In July to perform mini magic shows, juggle, and just make you laugh.

1: Enjoy the magic and entertainment of the Interactive Theatre of Jef.

You will have a hard time missing Mark Lippard on his stilts.

Professor Whizzpop and his bird are always the talk of the town.

1: Crafts are available for children of all ages at the Kid Zone near the Ashe Arts Council.

2: Children working on fun craft projects.

3: Children can learn all about different kinds of music instruments in the Kid Zone.

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The Museum of Ashe County History at their vendor booth.

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Christmas in July FESTIVAL FOOD

See the list below for all of the vendors and the type of food they will be offering

Christmas In July offers two days of festival food and local favorites with something for everyone. Local food vendors include: Bald Mountain Baptist Church, Dawgy’s, New River Barista, and Oldhouse Goodies. Many of the food vendors have been with the festival for many years and dating back to the festival beginning is Poppin’ John’s Ice Cream.

List for all of the vendors and the type of food they will be offering:

DAWGY’S LLC - Hot dogs, fries and drinks

DIXIELAND KETTLE CORNKettlecorn, popcorn and frozen drinks

HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE - Fried apple pies, snow cones and lemonade

JM CHANGS - Chinese food, chicken on a stick and lemonade

KYLE’S CONCESSIONS - Polish Sausage, Philly Cheese Steak,

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There is room to sit, relax and enjoy some tasty food in the food court area in downtown

hamburgers, chicken filet, bloomin’ onion, fries, water and Dr. Pepper soft drinks

NEW RIVER BARISTA - Coffee, lemonade and cake pops

OLDHOUSE GOODIES - Funnel cakes, cotton candy, kettlecorn and ice cream

PARIS FESTIVAL - Funnel cakes and pastries

PARTY IN A PITA - Greek and

Lebanese food, iced tea and lemonade

POPPIN’ JOHN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM - Ice cream

STEAK BOYS INC. - Gyros, corndogs, chicken and beef on a stick, Polish and Italian Sausage, Philly Cheese Steak, fries, smoothies, water and Dr. Pepper soft drinks

THE GRUB BARN - Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and drinks

Christmas in July offers non-stop ENTERTAINMENT

The 2025 Christmas in July Festival will officially open at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 4, with Rock Bottom, a local favorite, playing bluegrass music and traditional mountain music to get things started. Hot Sauce returns to the stage at 7 p.m. The band will make their way to the High Country all the way from Charlotte. Last year they got everyone on their feet and ready for a good time. They will perform until 9 p.m. The Hot Sauce Band is a five-piece band from Charlotte that plays popular music with a spicy twist. The band’s members are: David Aman: Rhythm guitar, vocals, and maestro, Jim Miller: Vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn, and melodica, Michael Shockley: Vocals, mandolin, and guitar virtuoso,

and Mike Suplee: Auxiliary percussionist.

Those 3 Guys will start the day on Saturday, July 5 at 9 a.m. with a melody of popular tunes from the Main Stage. They are sure to get you swaying to the music.

The Jeff Little Trio will be on stage to perform at 10:45 a.m. and promise to mesmerize the crowd with their unique style. Jeff’s hands will do some fast work on the ivories.

Did I hear you say you want to dance? You will think you are on the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach when this group hits the stage! Special Occasion Band performs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. If you love Beach music, plan to shag in the street while the

Special Occasion Band entertains on stage. For over 20 years, Special Occasion Band has entertained young and old all over the Carolinas. This band always aims to please you and will play songs that bring back special memories for you.

At 3:30 p.m., a rising star from neighboring Wilkes County will take the stage. Presley Barker opened the entertainment at Christmas in July last year and returns for all those who didn’t get a chance to marvel at this young man’s talent. Festival Pro recently described Presley: “With his blend of traditional sounds and a fresh spin, Presley Barker is making his mark while staying true to the roots of country music.” 1

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