Panama City residents start holiday shopping early at the Christmas in July farmers market

BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB) – Folks got an early start to their Christmas shopping on Saturday.

At the Panama City farmers market, vendors were offering tons of deals and savings for their Christmas in July event.

Although the heat didn’t make it feel like there was any Christmas spirit in the air, plenty of people and vendors were showing their support.

95 local vendors and plenty of food trucks made an appearance, offering those holiday savings.

It’s the market’s 4th Annual Christmas in July. Even Mr. and Mrs. Claus paid a visit.

“We wanted to have a way to kind of break the monotony of summer and bring Christmas in July. So we have a lot of vendors that come out that have gifts and Christmas-oriented stuff here for folks to come out, get a little head start on their Christmas shopping,” Market Manager Bill Davenport said.

Market Manager, Bill Davenport says the event has grown bigger and bigger every year. As part of this tradition, he invited Skip Bondur from Stuff the Bus so he too could get a head start on his Christmas shopping.

“We’ve partnered with the downtown Panama City market to bring you Christmas in July. In fact, there is a huge underserved community in our area, and that’s kids 12 to 17. And so every year we devote our campaign in July to helping gather toys and monetary donations to buy toys for those kids during Christmas,” Bondur said.

Bondur has been part of Christmas in July ever since it started. Bondur says every year he’s been able to give out more than 20,000 toys to kids in Bay County. He says he will be collecting toys until December 22.

If you missed Bondur at the market and would still like to donate, click here.