Vendors sold a variety of goods at the Christmas in July celebration at Crafts Alive Village on Friday. (Photo: ANIKA CHRISTOPHER)

Candles, quilts and beaded jewellery were just a few of the many handmade items on display in the Crafts Alive Village on Friday.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the village’s inaugural “Christmas in July” event featured several vendors as well as refreshments and music in a day of activities designed to
attract more customers to the venue.

Also on display at the event — which was not affiliated with the similarly named week of activities hosted by Puerto Rican boaters each year — were boutique resort wear, African and Virgin Islands clothing, handmade ornaments and aprons, and other kitchen accessories.

The main organisers were some of the vendors themselves, who said they recognised the need for more publicity.

“Many people don’t realise there’s still many buildings in the back doing business,” said organiser Valencia Braithwaite.

Though the crowd stayed small throughout the day, several of the vendors and other attendees expressed a wish to see similar events held there again soon.

“Even though we did not see a large crowd, we had a great time,” Ms. Braithwaite added. Lennell Stevens, a deejay who provided the musical entertainment, played Christmas songs, gospel and fungi music.

“I had a good time,” he said. “I would definitely come again.”