Christmas in July coming to Pleasant Hill
It’s never too early to get in the Christmas spirit, and Pleasant Hill Lake Park will be the location for a winter-themed family vacation in the summer, beginning July 14.
Just leave the mittens at home.
Christmas in July activities will run July 14-16 with Saturday highlights including Christmas crafts, live music, Santa arriving by jet ski and a fireworks display.
“Christmas in July has been held for over 20 years,” park manager Adam Miller said. “I am not sure of the first time; however, I do know it has been at least that long.”
Miller said the park normally gets around 500 cars coming in just for the fireworks, and they will fill all the campsites that weekend. He said there will be around 2,500 people in the park on Saturday.
On Friday, LandzEdge Water Park will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a naturalist on hand at the Nature Room to answer questions. The day will conclude with a PG movie at the lake. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets.
“I am most proud to see all the staff’s efforts in preparation for the event,” Miller said. “Every staff member looks forward to Christmas in July, and we all ensure that every guest coming through the gate has a positive experience.”
Saturday will be filled with multiple holiday-themed activities such as a campsite decorating contest where campers are asked to decorate their campsite with various Christmas decorations. Sites must be finished by 7 p.m., and campsites will be judged with prizes and awards for the top three campsites with the winners announced at approximately 9 p.m. at the fireworks show.
The day also will include a three-hour time frame from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Christmas crafts. Guests may sign up at the Welcome Center starting on Friday and are asked to post a picture on Facebook and/or Instagram when completed.
From 3-6 p.m., Captain Kurt will perform live at the beach area stage while Santa and his elves will arrive at 5 p.m. to pass out treats at the swim beach. After Captain Kurt is finished, the music will continue with a disc jockey taking song requests until the fireworks show commences.
The fireworks will be launched around 10 p.m. from a floating platform and will be synced to Christmas-themed music.
Hot food, cold drinks, ice cream and more will be available on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at food concessions and food trucks.
Interested parties can reserve a campsite at www.mwcd.org.
“If you are planning on coming to the park, get in early,” Miller said. “There is plenty to do before the fireworks. Rent a golf cart, check out the LandzEdge Water Park, relax on the beach or go on a hike. The event details will be posted on our website as well as Facebook.”
Pleasant Hill Lake Park is located at 3431 state Route 95 in Perrysville.
