Market at the Firehouse filled with Christmas Cheer

Between 700 and 800 people turned out for Christmas in July at the Firehouse Cultural Center last Saturday, where more than 40 vendors sold everything from jewelry, handcrafted soaps and homemade dog treats to fresh produce, local honey and Thai food. Kids visited with Santa, made crafts and had their faces painted, while adults enjoyed mimosas and Jen’s Christmas Coladas. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Firehouse Cultural Center’s Scholarship Fund.

Lois Kindle

Some Christmas in July vendors set up inside the Firehouse Cultural Center and the Firehouse Studio, which provided visitors a welcome break from the heat.

Lucien Baird, 4, of Gibsonton, poses for a photo with Marshall the Fire Dog during Christmas in July on July 28 at the Firehouse Cultural Center.

Rhonda McDaniel, licensed clinical aesthetician and owner of A Caring Touch Skin Therapy, displays her products inside the Firehouse Cultural Center July 28 at Christmas in July.

Ava Mahoney, of Parrish, and Ella Gatto, both 12, sell slime products they made for their Fruity Llama Shop table in the children’s vendor area at Christmas in July.

Daisy Barr, 3, of Apollo Beach, gives Santa, aka Dan Mead, the 411 on her Christmas wishes at Jen’s Market 7th annual Christmas in July event, held this year for the first time at the Firehouse Cultural Center.

Representatives of Utsava Yoga, of Apollo Beach, chat with market visitors about the classes they offer at Apollo Beach Racquet Club and on the beach at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve. Membership is not required to participate at either location.

Britney Charles, owner of Top Dog Treats, a home-based business in Riverview, talks with Sun City Center resident Barbara Sterwerf about one of her items while Susan Hanson, also of Sun City Center peruses other products.