The nonprofit group Butler Downtown needs more snowflake lights to illuminate each of the street poles in downtown Butler this winter, because of the installation of new light poles.

The organization is bringing Christmas to July this weekend to raise money to buy new lights and refurbish the current ones displayed in the winter. Diamond Park and the old Worsely's lot will have vendors and activities Saturday, along with some Christmas fun, including an appearance by Santa Claus and, later, an outdoor movie showing that night.

Krista Washkau, secretary of Butler Downtown, said the organization is aiming to raise a little more than $18,000 for the purchase of 32 new lights, along with one year's maintenance. She said the city installed new light poles in 2019 and there were not enough snowflake lights to cover them all.

Their presence was missed by the community, however.

“That was a pretty big bummer, and people said it didn't feel right without the lights up,” Washkau said. “These lights have been around for decades, and I have talked to people who said they had seen them in the 1980s.”

According to Washkau, the event will have some free activities, but the paid activities, such as the dunk tank and horse carriage rides, will raise money for the snowflake fund.

Additionally, some downtown organizations are participating with special offers, such as the Bagel House and the Sons of Italy.

Washkau said it is exciting when local entities get involved, and it gives them a chance to be introduced to downtown travelers.

“You may come for the event, but you might see something else you want to do,” she said. “When we hold an event, the locals who maybe don't want to stand in line for a food truck will go to one of the restaurants.”

Additionally, Butler Downtown is selling special 2021 Christmas ornaments for $20 each. The proceeds from their sales will also go toward the snowflake fund.

The organization will run a fundraising drive through the website Square through the rest of the year, Washkau said, but she said she has been “breathing Christmas in July” for the past few weeks.

“It has just breathed a little life into everybody,” Washkau said. “We hope this gets people excited for Christmas and downtown.”

Christmas in July takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 201 South Main St., with the movie screening taking place at 9 p.m. in the Worsely's lot. There is no admission cost to attend. For more information on the event, visit Butler Downtown's website, www.butlerdowntown.org.