| AUGUST 1, 2024 -- The charming village of Riverton, Connecticut, came alive with holiday cheer the second full weekend of July as residents, businesses, and visitors celebrated “Christmas in July,” a first-of-its-kind event co-hosted by the Riverton Grange. The festive celebration was a resounding success, drawing crowds from near and far.
The “Christmas in July” event transformed Riverton into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday decorations, tractor-pulled wagon rides, snow cones, music by the Beale Street East band, and activities for all ages. Attendees enjoyed a variety of attractions, including a holiday market featuring local artisans in the Riverton Grange hall that generated almost $2,000 in profit, festive food and drink vendors, and live entertainment that kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day. In addition, a 25+ authors barn event at the Riverton Fairgrounds was chaired by Judy Doyle.
One of the highlights of the event was the special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who delighted children with early holiday greetings and photo opportunities. Over $1,000 in donated gifts and school supplies were distributed to local children. Families also enjoyed holiday- themed games and crafts, adding to the joyous and festive spirit of the day. The Riverton General Store served peppermint ice cream cones, the Orchard Hill Baking Company served Christmas cookies, the Royal Coachman Tavern had holiday fare, and the White Pines Campground offered complimentary s’mores.
The Riverton Grange played a pivotal role in the event’s success, contributing their organizational expertise and community spirit. The Grange, a longstanding community organization dedicated to fostering fellowship and supporting local initiatives, helped ensure that the event ran smoothly and was enjoyable for all who attended.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback from the community,” said President Dave Roberts from the Riverton Grange. “It’s wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. Events like this showcase the strong sense of community and tradition that Riverton is known for.”
In addition to the festive activities, the event also featured a charity drive, encouraging attendees to donate non-perishable food items and toys for local families in need. The generosity of the community was evident, with numerous donations collected throughout the day for the Pleasant Valley Community Food Pantry.
As the sun set on a perfect summer day, attendees left with smiles on their faces and a renewed sense of community spirit. The success of “Christmas in July” has set a high bar for future events, with many already looking forward to next year’s celebration.
The Riverton Partnership, which organized the event, is grateful for the support and participation of everyone involved.
For more information about upcoming events and community initiatives, please contact Riverton Grange President Dave Roberts at 860-469-5067, or visit www.RivertonCT.com .
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