‘Christmas in July’ goes big for 10th anniversary

‘CHRISTMAS IN July’ will be bigger and better this year as the trade show celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The two-day event will be held at the National Arena from Thursday, July 11 to Friday, July 12, providing a larger venue to accommodate the growing interest and participation.

The show will open at 9 a.m. each day and will include an opening ceremony on day one, with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett delivering the keynote address.

Director of Tourism Linkages Network Carolyn McDonald Riley said that to commemorate this milestone anniversary, the team is going all out to showcase the variety of products from local manufacturers and artisans.

“It is a bigger venue. We had a whopping 422 applications that we received through the open-call process and 205 were selected to display at the trade show – half of them new, and half repeat (exhibitors). As a matter of fact, we have 106 new participants that would have made it, and we have 99 repeat applicants,” said McDonald Riley.

On display will be several products in the categories of desktop solutions, spa and aromatherapy, décor, clothing, fine art, jewellery, souvenirs, food, and products created from organic and natural fibres.

McDonald Riley pointed out that with the increased number of exhibitors, there will be plenty to see and do, noting that with school being out for the summer “we anticipate a lot of traffic”.

A highlight of this year’s trade show will be the much-anticipated fashion shows held on both days, featuring the latest in fashion and accessories from talented local designers.

“We are looking forward to [two] full days of music and entertainment. We have Emprezz, who will be our master of ceremonies. She will be energising the [event], so we are looking forward to two exciting days,” said McDonald Riley.

She further informed that upon entering the National Arena, patrons will receive a Christmas in July passport containing all the information and contact details of the participants. This passport will enable attendees to note products of interest and follow up with artisans after the event.

The trade show is the premier event where corporate Jamaica, the tourism industry, gift shops, pharmacies, and the diplomatic community come together under one roof. It offers a unique opportunity for exhibitors to display their products to key buyers responsible for selecting tokens and gifts.

Once the trade show concludes, patrons will have access to a catalogue of all the items displayed at the event.

Christmas in July is a collaborative effort of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, and its partners, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Jamaica Promotions Corporation, and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

– JIS