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With mercury in thermometers hovering near record-high temperatures, the Winchester Downtown Program Corp. decided to do something different on July 28 to get minds off the heat by holding a special Christmas in July event.

The WDPC brought holiday cheer to the Winchester Square for residents and visitors to enjoy through a special chapter of the Winchester Wriggle, deviating from the normal semiannual spring and fall installments of the event.

A major objective of the Wriggle is to encourage community interest in the downtown scene.

Many stores and merchants extended their hours and had additional sales and promotional opportunities.

Santa Claus also made a special appearance. However, he was decked out in more warm-weather-friendly clothing in contrast to his traditional red winter suit.

A variety of live bands were featured until 9:30 p.m., highlighted by a performance from the Sugar Lime Blue band.

The event brought an influx of shoppers and people taking advantage of a fun spin on a summer evening in Winchester.

Event-goers were encouraged to enjoy the music, art, shopping, food and door prizes.

Ricky Tipps, the new WDPC director who chaired the event, said Christmas in July continued the program’s highly popular Winchester Wriggle series.

Tipps said he wanted to try something different and hold the fall Wriggle in July to add variety to the series.

“I just wanted to change it up a bit,” he said, adding that previous Christmas in July events were held, but it has been several years since the last one occurred. “This seemed like a good time to try something different.

The first Wriggle of 2023 was held on May 5 and was chaired by City Councilwoman Barbara Lucas.

She said it proved to be a success featuring live music, a dog show, art shows, live artists, a plant sale, food trucks, singers, Native American dancers and local stores staying open for business. 

“The event is meant to draw community interest to downtown Winchester,” Lucas said, referring to the Wriggle series, then reflecting on May 5. “The weather cooperated for the event, even though the Wriggle would go on, rain or shine. Many locals and tourists joined in on the fun on the Winchester Square by shopping and enjoying a night out on the town.”