Santa showed up in summer wear and spoke to kids during the recreation center event.
The township hosted its annual Christmas in July event last month at the Deptford Recreation Center.
The event attracted hundreds, according to Mayor Paul Medany, over its two-hour run time. Santa Claus was on hand, opting out of his usual red suit in favor of a Hawaiian shirt with red surf shorts. Buddy the Elf interacted with kids and adults alike.
The recreation center was decorated with inflatable palm trees scattered around the venue while patrons got lei necklaces. Lilly’s DJ Service provided music and a variety of games, including one competition where kids tossed rings onto a hat being worn by another.
“It’s a break in the summer and this is just a pure fun event,’ said Medany. “The kids in there are having fun, the disc jockey is great, the folks are here, they’re getting refreshments, they’re getting a little break from the summer heat. It’s great.”
Medany, Deputy Mayor Tom Hufnell, Police Chief Joe Smith and members of council were on hand to greet and talk to residents. The idea for the event came when the township realized that Christmas in July is catching on around the country. The township ultimately considered this year’s event a success.
“Christmas in July seems to be becoming a national thing,” he explained, “and our recreation department just thought we should join in. I think this our third or fourth event, and each year, it just gets bigger as the word gets out.
“The folks get to meet us, and we talk to them,” Medany said of township officials on hand. “It’s good stuff. The success of the event is just that we’re having it and having fun.”
