From 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, the Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) will host the return of its Christmas in July Block Party.
The community and downtown business owners are invited to participate as the CDA shuts down Center Street between Tower Avenue and Pearl Street.
“This event was such a success last year, we absolutely had to bring it back again,” said MacKenzie McGee, CDA executive director. “This is our chance to not only bring our community together for a bit of goofy fun, but we also get to share what all we have in store for the upcoming holiday season for downtown, which always sneaks up faster than expected.”
The event will feature family fun, including bounce houses, crafts and frozen hot chocolate provided by Bethel Downtown, lawn games and treats provided by the CDA, and a live performance from the Two Town Tuners.
New this year, participants can cast their vote for the annual downtown holiday theme, choosing between either The Nutcracker or The 12 Days of Christmas. Community members who complete an event activity passport will be entered to win a $100 gift card to any downtown business of their choosing so that they can get a jump start on their holiday shopping or splurge for themselves.
Any business owner who completes a business event activity passport will be entered to win $400 toward their holiday advertising, courtesy of the Centralia Downtown Association, with a matching $400 advertising credit from The Chronicle if those funds are spent there, for a total of $800 toward holiday advertising.
Those who are able to bring an unopened, unwrapped toy to the Block Party will receive an extra entry into the CDA's business and community giveaway.
As with all CDA activities, Christmas in July is free, family friendly and open to any member of the public who wishes to join in the festivities.
To learn more about Christmas in July or the Centralia Downtown Association, visit downtowncentralia.org.
