VAN BUREN, Maine – Over a thousand people came out over the weekend as Van Buren celebrated its second annual Christmas in July festival, an event held near the boat landing that celebrates the town.
The festival’s name is a nod to Van Buren’s nickname “Christmas Town.” It had this name in the 1950s during an economic boom when its downtown area was full of unique stores where people would buy Christmas gifts.
And while the name eventually faded, officials have brought it back as part of the town’s many revitalization efforts.
Van Buren Town Manager Luke Dyer said that it was a “hugely successful weekend.”
After the success of the first Christmas in July last year, Dyer said he and organizers started planning this year’s event right away.
“We had a meeting the first week right after it,” he said, “and we’ve been planning this event ever since.”
Dyer said the Van Buren Revitalization Association VBRA, which consists of roughly a dozen members, have organized not only the Christmas in July festival but several other community events.
“Every one of them is really putting in the effort and volunteering,” he said.
During the Saturday event, Dyer presented the VBRA with a Spirit of America Award, which honors community volunteerism.
He said he was honored to present the award.
“They are always ready to step up and make things happen,” he said. “No one on that committee does it for recognition, but it is important that their hard work be acknowledged.”
Dyer said most of the changes between this year and the inaugural event are minor tweaks. Some changes include the addition of a handicap-accessible porta potty, and golf carts to help transport people to and from the boat landing. The event had one golf cart last year, but they realized there was a greater need for this type of transportation.
“This year we had three golf carts and designated drivers,” he said.
Although the bulk of festivities took place on Saturday, the festival was kicked off on Friday with a 5K “Glow Run/Walk,” a non-competitive and untimed event which raised money for the Van Buren Class of 2027 and the Austin James West Memorial Scholarship Fund. It also featured a craft fair, pickleball and disc golf tournaments. And on Sunday, a Christmas themed “Miss Mistletoe Pageant” was held at the Van Buren High School Auditorium.
The festival also featured a large photo booth where people could input a cell number or email, take photos with a myriad of props and items, and then the pictures could be sent to their phone or computer.
In a note on the town’s social media page, Dyer concluded that he was thankful to all the people of Van Buren.
“Your support over the weekend has been incredibly inspirational,” he said. “It is what drives us all to do more for our little town. I am honored to represent you as your manager.”
