KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather SportsChristmas in July: Marshall event brings outdoor ice skating, Santa Claus to mid-year festival

Christmas in July: Marshall event brings outdoor ice skating, Santa Claus to mid-year festival

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Christmas is a little early this year in Marshall. Outdoor ice skating, holiday trees - even Santa Claus are highlights at this weekend's "Summer Wonder." As CBS 19'S Monique Bird shows, some hope Christmas in July will boost tourism and the economy year-round.

Andria Miles and her two girls are enjoying a rare treat: ice-skating -- outdoors -- in July. The city calls it "Summer Wonder" -- which offers family fun --

"We've been on the pony rides, got to jump on the bounce house and been around at the different vendors," says Miles.

-- and a touch of the holiday spirit.

"Arts and crafts, Christmas items, handmade things, we've got an art show, pony rides for the kids," says John Arend.

Arend leads the Marshall Convention and Visitor's Bureau. He says the holiday hints are the official countdown to a bigger Christmas celebration.

"Marshall is known for the Wonderland of Lights," he says. "And we're really working to make it bigger and better every year."

He says they would also like to make this event just as popular as the 40-day lights festival. It draws about 150 thousand people and brings about $2.5 million to the local economy.

"To give people another reason to come to Marshall, hopefully spend the night and have a few days of family fun at another time of the year," says Arend.

And what's Christmas in July, without a special guest appearance every now and then?

"Santa was supposed to be here last night for the Christmas in July," says Miles.

"He's very busy as you know, getting ready for Christmas," says Arend. "Santa has summer clothes. It's a panama hat. You can tell he's Santa, he's got the kind of portly belly and the suspenders, he looks great."

In Marshall - Harrison County, Monique Bird, KYTX CBS 19 News.

"Summer Wonder" continues Sunday from noon till 5:00 p.m. at Marshall's Courthouse Square. It's free to get in. But some of the attractions cost money.

 

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