ADRIAN - Adrian is cooling off this summer with its annual Christmas in July celebration.
Christmas in July started three years ago in this community when a Christmas-themed summer performance by the local school inspired the festival committee.
This year, the theme is “Mardi Gras,” and the festivities will begin today with the Rims and Ribs fundraiser. A free-will donation event, all proceeds will help the Adrian, Ellsworth, Rushmore and Lismore fire departments and the Adrian Ambulance.
“You definitely want to get there early,” said Kayla Cox, the festival president, adding that the ribs usually sell out quickly.
“Theory of the Big Bang” will also get the festival off with bang this evening. A donated vehicle is put to the test by running without any motor fluid or oil.
“We run it until it blows off,” Cox said.
The public can guess on how long they think the vehicle will run by buying tickets and placing them in buckets. The lucky winner will receive half of the proceeds; the other half will be put into the festival’s fund.
The fun and excitement continues Saturday with indoor children’s activities at Adrian Elementary School. For a small fee per child, the activities include inflatables, “In It To Win It,” a rubber ducky pool, balloon animals, a dunk tank and a magician. Children can also dig for buried treasured treats in the sand pool.
A schedule of events follows:
Friday
5:30 p.m.: Ribs & Rims
5:30 to 7 p.m.: Kids games
8 to 9 p.m.: “Theory of the Big Bang”
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Live country band Country Line Drive; beer garden
Saturday
8 a.m.: Run/walk at the gazebo near the campground
8:30 a.m.: Kids ½-mile run at the gazebo near the campground
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kickball tournament at the baseball diamond behind Kum & Go
11 a.m. to 9 p.m.: food stand at the fire hall
1 to 4 p.m.: Inflatables at the Adrian Elementary School
1 to 4 p.m.: Balloon animals at the Adrian Elementary School
2 to 3 p.m.: Magic show at the Adrian Elementary School
7 p.m.: Parade on Main Street
8 p.m.: Duck race next to the fire hall
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Tommy Gunn Band
