Bristol Schools and Realtors Team Up for Christmas in July Block Party

Bristol, Tenn. — Who says you have to wait until December to get into the holiday spirit? In Bristol, Tennessee, the community is proving that it’s never too early to start spreading some festive cheer, even if it is the middle of summer!

In a heartwarming collaboration, the Bristol Tennessee City Schools and the BTVAR Realtors Association have come together to host a Christmas in July Block Party. The event, which was held on July 25th from 4 to 6 PM, drew locals looking to have a good time while supporting a good cause.

“We just want to show the public that we do more than just sell houses. We’re here for everyone and just want to support our community,” said Melissa Hall, PR Chair for BTVAR.

The block party offered a little something for everyone. Families strolled through the event, enjoying live music, delicious food, and playful activities. There were booths set up with various games, arts and crafts stations, and even a photo booth where kids could pose with some early “Santa’s Helpers.”

One of the main focuses of the event was on toy donations. While the block party was happening, there was also a booth set up for people to drop off new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children in need during the actual holiday season. For those who missed the event, there’s still an opportunity to make a difference; toy donations are being accepted at the BTVAR office across from Tennessee High School.

The idea for a Christmas in July event blossomed from the desire to extend the holiday spirit beyond its traditional time frame and to engage more people in community service. “There’s just something magical about Christmas,” noted one of the event planners. “Why not bring that magic into the summer too?”

The Bristol community embraced this idea wholeheartedly. Residents praised the block party as a fantastic way to bring people together. “It’s a wonderful initiative. You get people out of their homes, you get them to engage with each other, and all for a good cause,” commented a local attendee.

Around every corner, you could feel the camaraderie among the people. Groups of friends and families wandered, enjoying the summer weather while engaging in Christmas-themed activities. Kids lined up to decorate cookies, have their faces painted, and participate in holiday-themed relay races. Meanwhile, adults were seen making connections, enjoying the live music, and even taking part in a raffle contest.

The highlight of the evening was when the sky darkened and the block party transformed into a “Christmas Light Wonderland.” Twinkling fairy lights and festive decorations made it feel as though you were walking through a winter wonderland, sans the cold weather. Attendees strolled hand-in-hand, basking in the beauty of the lights and the infectious holiday spirit.

“It’s initiatives like these that show the true character of our town. We’re not just here for ourselves; we’re here for each other,” commented a Bristol resident who attended the event.

The event wrapped up at 6 PM, but the positive impact it left on the community will be felt for much longer. Through the toy donations and the sense of togetherness fostered by the event, the people of Bristol proved that the holiday spirit doesn’t have an expiration date.

If you missed out on the event but still want to contribute, don’t worry! The BTVAR office will be accepting toy donations throughout the summer. Just drop by anytime to lend a helping hand.

July in Bristol has indeed gone down in memory as a time of giving, unity, and celebration. The Christmas in July Block Party was more than just an event—it was a reminder of what truly makes a community strong.