Mayor Paul Medany (right) and DJ Lilly (center) pose with Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf during last year’s Christmas in July.
Deptford’s parks and recreation department will host its fourth annual Christmas in July event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25.
The free event is intended as a way to bring the community together for some early Christmas spirit in the heat of summer. Attendees will find the recreation center adorned with Christmas decorations and holiday cheer. Santa Claus will trade his red suit for a red Hawaiian shirt and shorts and Buddy the Elf will interact with guests.
“We do it as a way to break up our summer events and to provide a fun event for seniors,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “We’re going to do the whole thing like it’s December. Everyone has a blast with it as we play it up with the theme. The recreation department does a great job with it.”
Medany and most of Deptford council – the event’s sponsor – will be on hand to engage with residents.
“Events like this are important, since it brings the community together,” Medany noted. “Most of the council will be there. Folks will be able to talk to us in a relaxed atmosphere and have fun with us.”
DJ Lilly – of Lilly’s DJ Services – will provide music for the event and interact with attendees for games and activities. Food will include popcorn and ice cream, along with refreshments.
Guests are encouraged to wear summer clothing such as Hawaiian shirts, and lei necklaces will be distributed. The township is hoping for more than 200 attendees, about the same number as last year, according to Medany.
“Once events get established, more people come out to them,” he pointed out. “We want folks to come out and have fun.”
