Britani Ward and Emily Sockrider dress up in Christmas gear to celebrate Christmas in July at the Meeting Place on Friday afternoon.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — The Meeting Place didn’t wait for colder weather to bring in the holiday cheer. On Friday afternoon, the coffee shop celebrated its annual Christmas in July festival.
“Five or seven years ago, one of our bakers wanted an excuse to make Christmas cookies,” said Jennifer Brogee, owner of The Meeting Place. “She said there is such a thing as Christmas in July but I had never heard of it. She said let’s have a Christmas in July week.”
Brogee said over the years, the coffee shop decided to dedicate the festivities to one day. The shop was filled with joyous projects including Christmas ornament making, cookie decorating, paper airplanes, coloring bags and live Christmas music.
The Meeting Place partnered with Veronica Mclaurine, Crime Victim Services, Yes F.M., Mel’s Bakery and Lima ArtSpace to make the free event possible.
A college student shared his gift of painting at Christmas in July after a recommendation from his professor.
“My professor knows that I love art and love to paint,” Lucas Perez said. “I’m from a small town in Argentina and I never thought I would be painting in a coffee shop. It is a very good experience.”
Perez said he loves to paint pets and things that connect him with life.
Community members of all ages joined the fun of designing desserts and getting into the Christmas spirit.
“We were so excited to partner with all of these organizations,” said Brogee. “It is fun to have the community together. I just love that so many organizations are coming together to support it. It is fun seeing the kids really enjoy it. I also love seeing some of our regulars walk in (surprised at the celebration).”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
