Welcome To The 39th Annual 2026
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2026 • CHRISTMAS IN JULY • 1
MAP & ROAD CLOSURES
Christmas in July returns July 3-4 in downtown West Jefferson. 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. Other 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.
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The food court areas will be set up on State Street and East Main Street, and 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 and Hice Avenue 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 10 public parking areas available.
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Visit Ashe County the Farmers Market Open during Christmas in July
While you’re enjoying the music, crafts and food during this year’s Christmas in July festival, don’t forget to stop by the Ashe County Farmers Market on Saturday. The market will be open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m, on Saturday, July 4. The market is located at the end of the Backstreet near First Baptist Church and will feature nearly 50 local vendors selling a wide variety of products. Some of the items you will find at the Ashe County Farmers Market include fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, bread, meat, flowers, jewelry, woodworking, crafts, hemp products, honey and more. For more information on the Ashe County Farmers Market, visit the market page on Facebook or check out their website at https:// ashefarmersmarket.com/. Mountain T imes Publications
Photo submitted The Ashe County Farmers Market will be open on Saturday during Christmas in July. 2026 • CHRISTMAS IN JULY • 3
MUSIC ARTISTS set to perform at Christmas in July
No matter what your music taste is, there will be something you will enjoy at this year’s Christmas in July festival. Wayne Henderson & Friends will get the festival started on the main stage at 5 p.m. on Friday. Two other musical acts will take the stage during the first day of the festival. Emerging star Pressley Laton will get the crowd going at 6:30 p.m. and Hot Sauce will close out the night with music from 8-10 p.m. Saturday will begin with Ashe County native and Nashville star Taylon Hope taking the stage at 9 a.m. and playing until 10:15 p.m. Next up, the Jeff Little Trio will perform some of their favorite tunes from 10:45 a.m. until noon. The band Denim & Plaid will bring their talent to the festival, playing from 1 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. The festival will end with over two hours of music from the Special Occasion Band from 2:45 p.m. until 5 p.m. 1: Legendary musician Wayne Henderson will open the festival with a performance at 5 p.m. on Friday. 2: Enjoy the tunes of Pressley Layton from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday. 3: Hot Sauce closes out the evening on Friday with music from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. 4: Ashe County’s very own Taylon Hope returns home to kickoff the music on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. 5: The Jeff Little Trip will be performing from 10:45 a.m. until noon on Saturday. 6: Denim & Plaid will take the main stage on Saturday at 1 p.m. 7: The Special Occasion Band will close out the festival with music from 2:45 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday. 4
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Fun for all ages with
STREET PERFORMERS AND ACTIVITIES
Santa Claus will be coming to town for Christmas in July as will a few of his friends. Santa and Mrs. Claus are sure to bring smiles to the faces of many children during the annual Christmas in July festival.
and bird perched on top of it. The professor loves to perform magic tricks for the young and young at heart. You’ll be smiling and laughing along as Professor Whizzpop entertains those around him.
Along with Santa, you’ll likely see Mark Lippard, the “man on stilts” walking through the streets of downtown West Jefferson. Mark can be found practicing his juggling skills and even riding a unicycle through town.
For children, the fun will last through the weekend in Christmas in July’s Kid Zone. The area near the Ashe Arts Center will feature free activities that will include face painting, hands-on arts and crafts, and much more. The Kid Zone is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council.
Professor Whizzpop will be returning with his famous tophat
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1: Face painting will be one of many activities going on in the children’s area located near the Ashe Arts Center. 2: Mark Lippard will return to Christmas in July with his fun and fascinating street performances. 3: Be on the lookout for Santa and Mrs. Claus as they will be wandering through the streets of West Jefferson. 6
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Your Passport to Island Flavor www.keywestspicecompany.com Mountain T imes Publications
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Christmas in July
CRAFTS & VENDORS This year’s craft and vendor list along with their booth number
Adoughables.................................................................4 Backporch Wood Working ���������������������������� 119 Bigfoot and Bears............................................... 102 Bling by Brill.............................................................. 34 Bloomin Plates..................................................... 103 Blue Ridge Barkery................................................ 77 Boone Barn Dog..................................................... 84 Bow Wow Pet Ware............................................. 24 Britt Leather...................................................... 2 & 3 BronaArts.............................................................. 134 Cami’s Snuggles..................................................... 37 Campus Scenes...................................................... 78 Cary Pottery............................................................. 92 Charlotte Jerky....................................................... 97 Christy’s Crafts........................................... 19 & 20 Clay Hope Jewelry...................................... 10 & 11 Davis Dyes................................................................. 61 Defiant Sauce Company...................................... 14 Dirty Girl Pottery.................................................... 60 Doe Ridge Pottery................................................. 72 Donna Campbell...................................................... 49 Elevated Creations................................................ 39 ETC’s Tie Dye............................................... 26 & 27 Fran’s Baskets......................................................... 29 Heidi Badiano........................................................... 50 Houck’s Woodwork............................................... 28 Ira Summers............................................................ 91 Jennibeanzz Crafts............................................. 129 Key West Spice Company ��������������������������������� 42 L2Concepts.............................................................. 22 Laurel Rumph Photography ����������������������������� 21 Leaf on the Wind Woodturning ���������������� 5 & 6 Linda Flynn Art..................................................... 101 Little Blackberry, 114....................................... 115 Mango Beat........................................................... 124 McComic Craft Worx........................................... 40 NcNeill Woodworks.............................................. 18 8
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Menya’s...................................................................... 48 Mercy Springs Farm............................................. 47 Michael’s Exotic Peppers ���������������������������������� 23 Misty Creek Farm............................................... 130 Mountain Pride Crafts.............................................7 MR Manufacturing................................................ 58 MTN Makers 3D................................................. 118 Mudd Pottery........................................................... 25 Oil of Joy Apothecary............................................ 69 Old Morris Farm.......................................... 81& 82 Old River Primitives............................................... 38 Olive and Millie......................................................... 62 Olivia’s Forest....................................................... 135 OMDPAINTER.......................................................... 73 Patti Things Studio................................................ 57 Paw-sitively Dashing Pet Accessories..................................................... 63 Perrin Pottery............................................. 65 & 66 Pflora Metal Arts................................................ 113 Pottery by Suz......................................................... 17 Potting for Fun..................................................... 133 Put a Patch on It.................................................. 122 Renegade Graphics................................... 45 & 46 Rising Smoke Sauceworks..................... 75 & 76
Rock ‘n’ B Gemstone Jewelry ����������������������� 123 Ron’s Woodshop................................................. 136 Salt Smoothers NC............................................ 117 Sawdust Shop....................................................... 128 Silver Muse............................................................... 36 Simply Sarah................................................ 55 & 56 Smokin’ Hot Brass.....................................................1 Soulshine Carolina.............................................50-A Steve Korloski Sculpture ����������������������������������� 90 Stitches by Denise................................................. 83 Sunset Slush of Wilkes......................106 & 107 Tea Barr Company................................................. 98 The Vintage Locket............................................. 100 Throne Pottery........................................................ 35 Throw and Sew....................................................... 99 Tree of Life............................................................. 120 Turned Bowls........................................................... 74 U Need a Quilt............................................. 51 & 52 Veronica’s Doggie Delights ���������������������������47-A West End Wreaths............................................... 15 Wreaths and More by Mama Carol............................................ 53 & 54 Zulia Bakery........................................................... 112
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Opening November
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2026 • CHRISTMAS IN JULY • 9
Photo submitted Jams, jellies, honey and many other specialty foods will be available to purchase from vendors.
The Museum of Ashe County History “Where Ashe County Remembers”
Photo submitted Glasswork from Gold Beach Glass at a previous festival.
Yo r L Your Local ocal Jewelers Jewel rs ffor or Life Life
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WELCOME ELCOME TO CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
“Located in the county’s historic 1904 courthouse, the museum works to preserve and interpret the unique history and culture of Ashe County and the Southern Appalachians.” HOURS: Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
301 E. Main Street - Jefferson NC
336-846-1904
Check out our web page for events and upcoming exhibits.
ashehistory.org 10
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Check out our One-Of-A-Kind Estate pieces.
The Jefferstone by Sheets & Co.
Financing & Appointments Available Thursday - Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
PH: 336-846-8626 | Mobile: 336-314-8993 | ksheets802@gmail.com 05 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson, NC 28694 Mountain T imes Publications
Nestled in the mountains of Jefferson, NC, rests an upscale resort community ideal for weekend getaways, special events and everyday living. Jefferson Landing is a gorgeous, gated development featuring luxurious accommodations, fine dining and affordable membership options to our golf and social clubs. Book your adventure today to explore, experience and enjoy all that Jefferson Landing has to offer.
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2026 • CHRISTMAS IN JULY • 11
Christmas in July
NONPROFIT VENDORS This year’s nonprofit vendor list along with their booth number.
Ashe Community Land Trust ������������������������������������������������������������������������������67 Ashe County North Carolina Republican Women ����������������������������������������������������������������16 Ashe County Arts Council................................. Main Street & 6th Avenue Ashe County Bee Keepers ����������������������������������������������������������������������32 & 33 Ashe County Democratic Party ������������������������������������������������������������������8 & 9 Ashe County Habitat for Humanity �����������������������������������������������������70 & 71 Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild ������������������������������������������������12 & 13 Ashe County Republican Party ��������������������������������������������������������������86 & 87 Ashe County Rescue Squad ���������������������������������������������������������� 44, 59, 108 Ashe County Shrine Club �������������������������������������������������������������������������30 & 31 Ashe Harvest Ministries �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������132 Ashe Humane Society �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������64
Blue Star Mothers ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������41 DAV.....................................................................................................................95 & 96 Florence Thomas Art School �����������������������������������������������������������������������������85 Gideon’s International �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������68 Marine Corp. League 1389 �������������������������������������������������������������������88 & 89 Museum of Ashe County History ���������������������������������������������������������93 & 94 NC Forward Party �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������131 Providence Reformed Baptist Church �������������������������������������������������������116 Quiet Givers................................................................................................................43 Riverview Lions Club...................................................................................79 & 80 VFW 7946.............................................................................................. 104 & 105 Warrensville SDA Church ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������121 WJ Business Association ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������17-A
WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Honest Deals
Beautiful Jewelry
Diamonds
Natural Lab Grown
Fine Jewelry Colored Stones Watches Pearls
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Mountain Aire Golf Club is an unbelievable place to golf and live. This well-maintained, public course is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Ashe County, just 25 miles from Boone. Eighteen holes of challenging elevations and spectacular views will make this one of your favorite places to visit. For tee times, call the Pro Shop at 336-877-4716 or visit our website at mountainaire.com
• Gold • Silver • Coins
ESTATE Jewelry & ON NE of a Kind Treasures
Perry’s Gold Mine
Uptown West Jefferson
Thursday - Satturday 10 to 5
336-846-2274 12
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perrysgoldmine.com Mountain T imes Publications
Photo submitted The Ashe County Rescue Squad will be on hand to help festival goers with any medical needs.
Photo submitted The Lost Province Center for the Cultural Arts at last year’s Christmas in July festival.
FESTIVAL FOOD
Christmas in July offers two days of festival food and local favorites with something for everyone. Local food vendors include: Bald Mountain Baptist Church, New River Barista, and Oldhouse Goodies. Many of the food vendors are regulars at the festival, and dating back to the festival beginning is Poppin’ John’s Ice Cream. Don’t miss the opportunity to say hello!
Cakes, Water, Dr. Pepper Soft Drinks
Bald Mountain Baptist Church - BBQ Sandwiches and the Fixin’s, Nachos, Drinks
Party in a Pita - Greek and Lebanese Food, Gyros, Fries, Iced Tea, Lemonade
Dixieland Kettle Corn - Kettlecorn, Frozen Drinks, Lemonade
Poppin’ John’s Homemade Ice Cream - Ice Cream
Hawaiian Shaved Ice - Fried Apple Pies, Snow Cones, Lemonade
Steak Boys Inc. - Gyros, Chicken and Beef on a Stick, Polish and Italian Sausage, Philly Cheese Steak, Fries, Smoothies, Water, Dr. Pepper Soft Drinks
JM Changs - Chinese Food, Fried Rice, Chicken on a Stick, Spring Rolls, Lemonade, Thai Tea Kyle’s Concessions - Polish Sausage, Philly Cheese Steak, Hamburgers, Chicken Filet, Bloomin’ Onion, Fries, Funnel Mountain T imes Publications
New River Barista - Lemonade
Oldhouse Goodies - Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, Kettle Corn, Ice Cream Paris Festival - Funnel Cakes and Pastries
The Grub Barn - Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Filet Sandwiches, Fries, Drinks The Ocean Grill - Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Filet Sandwiches, Fries, Drinks 2026 • CHRISTMAS IN JULY • 13
Stay and watch the
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
As the Christmas in July festival comes to an end on July 4, hanging around in downtown West Jefferson is the perfect place to be to watch the annual fireworks show coordinated by Ashe County Parks and Recreation.
July 4. There will be local law enforcement, fire departments, rescue squad and parks and recreation staff on hand to assist with traffic and parking.
On behalf of the County of Ashe, Ashe County Parks and Recreation is once again planning to have the annual 4th of July Fireworks show at 368 Ray Hill Drive in West Jefferson. This location is the ridgeline between the water tank and cell tower in West Jefferson, and is directly across from Mt. Jefferson Road. The fireworks can be viewed from both the U.S. Highway 221 side as well as Main Street in West Jefferson.
Available parking lots include Ashe County High School, Old Lowes Foods, Walmart, Lowes Hardware, State Farm Insurance, Ashe Civic Center, SkyBest Security (Mt. Jefferson Road), Skyline National Bank, Goodwill, AutoZone, Steve Johnson Auto World, Seven Peaks Family Medicine, and Main Street in West Jefferson.
Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday,
If you have any questions, please call Ashe County Parks and Recreation at (336) 982-6185. 176 Old NC Hwy 268 Wilkesboro, NC 336-667-9247 www.blueridgetractor.com
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THANK YOU to all volunteers Christmas in July Festival is a nonprofit organization whose Board of Directors and committee members are unpaid volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to host a fun, safe, family-friendly event for the entire community and those visiting Ashe County. The festival reunites neighbors, fills the soul with rich melodies, and shares our mountain heritage with all those visiting.
WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS IN JULY
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13 N. Jefferson Avenue • West Jefferson, NC • 336.846.BULL (2855) Mountain T imes Publications
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