GILL — Celebrating its 20th anniversary, beloved Barton Cove tradition “Christmas in July” will be true to its namesake this year after three years of the tradition being canceled or postponed.
The annual boat parade and firework event, which was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and has been referred to as “Christmas on the River” for the past two years, hasn’t been held in July since 2019. The Christmas-themed summer spectacle, first held in 2003, invites Franklin County Boat Club members to compete for who can decorate their boats with the most extravagant light displays.
“It’s wonderful we’re doing it back in July for that [20th] anniversary,” said event Chair Sharon Constantine. “It is tradition, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
The day of festivities on Saturday, July 29, begins at the Franklin County Boat Club with family-friendly activities that are exclusively for members. The parade, involving members’ boats circling on Barton Cove to show off their light displays, will start at around 8 p.m. for the public to enjoy from Unity Park in Turners Falls across the water.
“We just really like to see the spectators at Unity Park,” Constantine said. “That just makes it fun.”
Parade participants will be judged by a panel based on who has the best presentation. Winners will be chosen for first, second and third place.
Special guests will include DJ Chase, who will play music from a pontoon boat in the middle of Barton Cove throughout the evening, as well as Santa Claus, who has made the trip south from the North Pole year after year.
Constantine urges those in attendance to keep an eye out for “something a little bit special” during this year’s fireworks show, which will be held immediately following the boat parade. The surprise will be in celebration of Christmas in July’s 20th anniversary.
Back on land, expect downtown Turners Falls to come alive, Constantine added. She noted that local businesses have capitalized on the occasion and added to the ambiance during previous festivities. This year, for example, she expects Pioneer Valley Brewery to have a special outdoor band performance coinciding with the fireworks.
“It’s just an event where everybody comes together and makes it happen,” Constantine said.
The event is funded by contributors within the Franklin County Boat Club.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.