‘Christmas in July’ planned

“Christmas in July” will be held at Bob Jones High School on July 18. The festival will benefit Gerald’s 2nd Breath Foundation and the Asperger Syndrome: Support, Educate Advocate center. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The weather may be hot and humid, but “Christmas in July” is coming to Bob Jones High School on July 18.

The all-day festival will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the north parking lot on the Bob Jones campus. “This event will benefit Gerald’s 2nd Breath Foundation and Asperger Syndrome,” spokesperson Tina Beacraft said.

Admission is free to “Christmas in July.” “Small coolers will be allowed but no alcoholic beverages. Coolers will be checked,” Beacraft said.

Local arts and crafts artisans and visual artists will show and sell their designs. Other vendors will have booths for selling jewelry, glass and wood accessories and cosmetics and makeup. Small business owners and entrepreneurs who work in direct sales will promote their products and services, too.

The kids’ area will entertain children and will include inflatable amusements and balloons. Pizza, soft drinks and other concessions will be sold.

Local musicians will entertain visitors at “Christmas in July.”

“We are also looking for crafters, musicians, artists and home-based businesses,” Beacraft said.

The festival will raise funds for Gerald’s 2nd Breath Foundation and Asperger Syndrome: Support, Educate Advocate.

The foundation’s namesake is Gerald McQueen of Madison, who has cystic fibrosis, an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Individuals with cystic fibrosis must deal with thick mucus that clogs the lungs and inadequate enzymes that help the body break down and absorb food.

Gerald’s parents are Dr. Fitzgerald and Lynn McQueen. Fitzgerald McQueen teaches at Heritage Elementary School.

The Asperger Syndrome: Support, Educate Advocate center provides a day program for students in grades 5-10 and is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. “We work with home-schooled and schooled students from seven through 50 years old with learning differences, both academically and socially,” director Angela Collier said.

For a vendor application or more information, email to mcqueenl@msn.com.