Ark Valley Voice's July Christmas Party will be held on July 31 at Salida Distillery – by Ark Valley Voice Editors

We are coming to the end of July – and we are continuing with our Christmas in July Summer fundraiser. Wednesday, July 31st is a special closing party and many thanks to Ark Valley Voice Readers and donors, sponsored by Salida Distillery.

Visit us on Wednesday, July 31st from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Salida Distillery in 110 East 15th Streetto celebrate Christmas in July with music from Landon James and locally produced spirits.

Don't forget your Santa hats and reindeer antlers, as we approach the halfway point of our campaign to raise $30,000 to fund our fall coverage.

With a tax-deductible donation of $20 or more to Ark Valley VoiceIn honor of the occasion, you will receive a complimentary specialty drink made from vodka and cranberry juice from Salida Distillery. The craft distillery also offers local beers and soft drinks.

Landon James is the lead acoustic guitarist and singer of the music group South of Proper. (He is also a AVV Entertainment Staff Writer). His group plays “a mix of classic rock, blues and country with “unique funky originals that blend multiple genres together,” and that's the mix we'll be enjoying this week.

James was born and raised in Tennessee and Virginia, where music and the arts were constantly celebrated, “so including 'South' in the name is also a nod to my musical roots.” For more information on James and South of Proper, visit this link.

Salida Distillery is a family-owned business with a focus on small-batch distilled spirits and the environment sustainability. AVV Publisher and editor-in-chief Jan Wondra, who comes from the cranberry country of Wisconsin, is particularly enthusiastic about the special cranberry drink.

Every cent of donations to Ark Valley Voice goes to pay our working journalists. Come meet them at Wednesday's event…we look forward to seeing you at Salida Distillery for fun, music and celebratory drinks as you partner with us in the mission to give voice to the truth here in the Arkansas River Valley.

So join in the Christmas in July festivities and don’t forget your seasonal attire for a group photo!