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Festival kicks off in downtown West Jefferson Heather Samudio Dark rain clouds made their way toward downtown West Jefferson, but visitors and area residents came prepared with umbrellas for the 27th annual Christmas in July festival. Traffic wasn’t bumper to bumper and though many people were already out and about, the streets weren’t overcrowded.

Clay Lunsford and the North Carolina Thumbpickers offered up their style of bluegrass music along with some help from Wayne Henderson as they kicked off the festival.

As the group and Henderson played a final tune, a giant puppet parade made its way from Ashe County Library to the main stage area. The giant puppets and swirling flags captured the attention of festival-goers and provided a break between the music and opening ceremonies.

At 6:45 p.m. Jan Caddell of 580 WKSK welcomed visitors to the festival and introduced Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.

“I want to welcome all who came from out of town as well as the local people,” Foxx said. “Know you are going to get great hospitality while you’re here.”

Ashe County Manager Pat Mitchell spoke to the crowd and said the county was happy to welcome everyone to the area for the event.

Due to a previous engagement, the civil war re-enactors will not be part of this year’s festivities, according to West Jefferson Town Manager Brantley Price.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the JROTC from Ashe County High School presented the colors for the national anthem, which was sung by Ashe County’s own Sierra Wilson.

Following the speakers and the anthem, Santa Clause took the stage and officially opened the festival and wished everyone a “Merry Christmas.”

The Buck Haggard Band and Wolf Creek are also set to take the stage tonight for the street dance and food vendors are already open and ready for business.

The festival closes at 10 p.m. tonight but will re-open at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.