Christmas carols rang throughout Shelly/Quinn Fields in Idaho Springs on July 23, not because there was snow on the ground, but because it was the second annual Christmas in July event. 

Put on by the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District, there were stalls selling Christmas trinkets, cornhole, a fake-ice rink and even baby goats and a donkey.

But the highlight for some of the youngest in the crowd was something else.

“My favorite is the bouncy castle,” said Emmett, 6, when asked during a bouncing break what he was looking forward to the most. Kayser, 3, agreed enthusiastically before being distracted by a bubble-blowing machine.

“It is kinda nice to get out and touch base with people who are actually from here,” said Mike Borg. “These events are really nice. Emmett can go play with kids he knows, too.”

“I think it’s great,” agreed Sarah Munson. “We’re kind of new to the community so it’s a great way to meet people.”

“I think the events are lots of fun," said Afton Dhine, who teaches swim classes and helps with events like this for the CCMRD. "I remember doing stuff like this when I was a kid and it’s great that they still do them.”