Missing the holiday season? Stop by Madison Street later this month for an afternoon of festive Christmas activities in the middle of summer.
On Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting Christmas in July on Madison Street.
The first-time celebration comes after the chamber planned to host a Dog Days of Summer event last year but cancelled it because of bad weather. This year, the summertime affair won’t exclusively be held outside.
“We decided to switch gears and create something that would draw a variety of people to the street and encourage them to visit stores and restaurants,” said Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.
As part of the event, businesses along Madison Street will offer specials on food and drinks and host activities inside their stores. The first 50 people who check in for the event at Twisted Cookie will win a free tote, some with gift cards in them.
From noon to 2 p.m., Play It Again Sports is hosting balloon Twister and Swing Away Sports Club will be set up for golfing with Santa. Noon to 4 p.m., Khrusallis Tattoo Studio will be giving temporary tattoos.
Throughout the day, locals can participate in a scavenger hunt. After picking up a form at Twisted Cookie, attendees must find 10 words at store windows along Madison Street. Complete the form and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win prize baskets full of local gift cards and merchandise. Locals can also enter the raffle by showing a selfie in front of a local business posted online or a receipt from a local business for over $20.