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‘Christmas in July’ movie event set for July 22

4 min read

EAST LIVERPOOL--The Historical 1876 Thompson House of East Liverpool, located at 305 Walnut St., is hosting a "Christmas in July" community movie event on the lawn from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, July 22.

Tickets are on sale now for the starlight viewing of the 1944 classic "Meet Me In St. Louis" by MGM. It is a beloved romantic film that contains comedic elements and some well-known musical numbers, including the introduction of the song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland. This is a special fundraising event for the Victorian mansion which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tickets are $10 for all adults, including members of the East Liverpool Historical Society, and $5 for children 12 and under. All proceeds go toward its maintenance and upkeep, which includes several upcoming cosmetic and structural projects to be completed.

The Beaver Valley Choral Society, celebrating its 100th year as a group, is a special guests for the evening arranged by member and East Liverpool native Penny Chevront. Members will entertain the crowd with select Christmas carols, possibly accompanied by members of their brass band.

The evening's festivities will feature many other elements. There will be a movie-themed gift basket as a door prize organized and provided by Brad Cowsert containing among other items: a free membership to the East Liverpool Historical Society for the 2024-2025 upcoming season; an "1876" sweatshirt printed by Campbell Signs & Apparel; DVD of the movie; CD of the movie soundtrack; and select items from the film.

To qualify attendees should wear a purchased or homemade Christmas T-shirt --ugly or otherwise -- and their name will be entered into the drawing. The limited edition two-sided porcelain Thompson House Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase and pick-up. A raffle is also being held for a "Fall-la-la-la-luscious" --a C.C. Thompson Pottery Co. foot-high water pitcher with a griffin back stamp turned into a beautiful centerpiece by East Liverpool Historical Society Vice President Merle Russo. It is over 100 years old, and tickets are $1 with money taken up until the time of the drawing that evening. Winner need not be present to win, but must make arrangements to pick up their prize, which can be held for as long as needed.

This event is being held through the generosity of several community partners and friends of the Thompson House. The outdoor movie screen is being provided by the St. Clair Township Police Department, and set up by Officer Kelsey Hedrick. The outdoor sound system is being arranged and graciously donated for the evening by Robert Bailey with Occasion Nation. Blown Up Balloons, a design and decor specialist, is going to be supplying themed accents to add to the"Christmas In July" event. Special thanks to Marie Cenname for donating time and talents. "The Milk Shakers" will also be on site making cold concoctions. Instead of hot chocolate, offered will be cold, thick, and creamy chocolate, vanilla or peppermint 20-ounce milkshakes for $2.75. There is also going to be a Christmas Cookie Table thanks to the special efforts and talents of the Thompson House trustees and drinks, along with popcorn provided through the courtesy of Firefighter Joshua Coil with the East Liverpool Fire Department, a trustee of the Thompson House, with the cost of a ticket.

The front porch, which will be decorated for the holiday complete with Santa Claus hats, for a Christmas Selfie Station. Tours of the home, with portions also reflecting the most wonderful time of the year, will also be offered by president of the East Liverpool Historical Society, Tim Brookes, before the movie begins at 9 p.m. Attendees may bring their own snacks, lawn chairs and blankets.

Advance recommendations are suggested. Tickets may be purchased with Venmo by paying @Thompson-House-1876. Checks may be sent to the East Liverpool Historical Society at P.O. Box 476, East Liverpool, OH 43920. Be sure to put "for movie event" in the memo. Payments may also be made the evening of the event at the registration table. Check out the Facebook site The Historical 1876 Thompson House of East Liverpool, Ohio for additional information or further updates as they become available.

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