Christmas in July
Yes, Johnny. There is a Santa Claus, and he’s coming for a visit this month.
For the sixth straight year, the Shell Factory & Nature Park will celebrate the holidays a little early with its Christmas in July event beginning today.
And what better way to ring in the occasion by hiring a new chef whose last name is Frost?
The Holiday House will be decked out with the most festive holiday decor. There will be thousands of ornaments from which to choose and 20 percent off all collectible and Holiday House items (unless otherwise marked).
There will also be a 12 Days of Christmas giveaway which attendee can enter for a chance to win in the Holiday House, as well as daily red light specials, with deeper discounted merchandise.
“We’ll be announcing throughout the store what we will be giving away each day. We’ll be giving away as many as 10 to 15 ornaments one day,” said Rick Tupper, CFO and marketing director of the Shell Factory.
Most important, Santa will stop by on July 25 and 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to listen to what children want for Christmas.
Among the collectibles on sale are Elf on a Shelf, Department 56, Painted Ponies, Willow Tree, Fontanini, Seraphim Angels and more.
“The Holiday House has shaken off the image of a roadside gift shop. It’s really become a retail store,” Tupper said. “There’s a lot of great merchandise in there.”
The Shell Factory will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, at Cap’t Fishbones, new chef Andre Frost is working on the menu and adding some personal flair to an already solid lineup.
“He’s looking at the entire menu. We’re looking at a new megaburger that will be on the menu, he’s got a crabcake recipe that’s delicious, there’s a new beach spread. He comes with a lot of experience,” Tupper said.
The fish fry, clam chowder and many of the popular items are expected to remain, Tupper said.