Van Buren hosts second annual Christmas event in July

VAN BUREN, Maine – July 29, 2024 – Members of the Van Buren Revitalization Association (VBRA) are pictured here in a photo booth at the second annual Christmas in July Festival. (Courtesy of the City of Van Buren)

VAN BUREN, Maine – Over a thousand people turned out over the weekend as Van Buren celebrated its second annual Christmas in July, an event near the boat launch dedicated to the town.

The festival's name is a play on Van Buren's nickname “Christmas Town,” which the town was given in the 1950s during an economic boom when the downtown area was home to many unique shops where people came to buy Christmas gifts.

And although the name eventually fell into oblivion, authorities have brought it back into the spotlight as part of the city's numerous revitalization efforts.

Van Buren City Manager Luke Dyer said it was an “extremely successful weekend.”

Following the success of the first Christmas Festival in July last year, Dyer said he and organizers immediately began planning this year's event.

“We had a meeting the very next week,” he said, “and we’ve been planning this event ever since.”

Dyer said the Van Buren Revitalization Association (VBRA), which has about a dozen members, organized not only the Christmas in July festival but several other community events as well.

“Every single one of them really tries hard and works voluntarily,” he said.

During Saturday's event, Dyer presented the VBRA with a Spirit of America Award, which recognizes volunteerism in the community.

He said it was an honor to present the award.

“They're always willing to step up and make things happen,” he said. “Nobody on this committee is doing this for recognition, but it's important that their hard work is recognized.”

Dyer said most of the changes between this year and the inaugural event were minor. Some changes include the addition of a handicap accessible portable restroom and golf carts to transport people to and from the boat launch. Last year's event featured a golf cart, but they realized there was a greater need for that type of transportation.

“This year we had three golf carts and drivers who did not drink alcohol,” he said.

Although the bulk of the festivities took place on Saturday, the festival kicked off on Friday with a 5K “Glow Run/Walk,” a non-competitive and timeless event that raised money for the Van Buren Class of 2027 and the Austin James West Memorial Scholarship Fund. There was also an arts and crafts market and pickleball and disc golf tournaments. And on Sunday, a Christmas-themed “Miss Mistletoe Pageant” was held in the Van Buren High School auditorium.

The festival also featured a large photo booth where people could enter their cell phone number or email address, take photos with a variety of props and items, and then send the images to their phone or computer.

In a note on the city's social media page, Dyer concluded by saying he was grateful to all the people of Van Buren.

“Your support over the weekend was incredibly inspiring,” he said. “It is what drives us all to do more for our little town. It is an honor to represent you as your manager.”