By Jordan Studer
Despite the tornado warning scare Friday afternoon, First Friday’s Christmas in July was alive and well by evening. Downtown Bucyrus was turned into a Christmas in July wonderland from 5-8p.m.
Bringing the festiveness to life, Christmas décor mixed with a bit of July creativity filled the windows and doors of local businesses. Vendors and business owners sported their Santa hats and Christmas gear to spread the Christmas cheer around the town.
Many businesses also participated in the Window and Door Decorating contest. Representatives from United Way of Crawford County were the judges for the contest. The top three winners were chosen to be: third place First Federal, second place Norton’s Flowers, and first place was awarded ton Nothing’s Better.
When speaking to owner of Nothing’s Better, Missy Hinkle after the results had been released, the excitement was in the air. She explained that she could not have decorated the windows by herself, her employees and husband pitched in to make the masterpiece possible. 
Nothing’s Better Missy Hinkle, “It was a team effort. Andrea Alt came up with the idea of doing one scene in each window, summer and Christmas, and Teresa came in with her giant load of Christmas decorating experience and just did us all up!”
Across the way from Nothing’s Better, the very first corn hole tournament held at First Friday took place in the FC Bank parking lot. Beginning at 6 p.m., fifteen teams consisting of two players, ages eighteen and up, entered the competition. Katie Kruse, of Ooh-LA-la Salon who headed up the July edition of First Friday, also oversaw the tournament.
“I was hoping for twenty teams, we almost made it. We ended up with fifteen teams, I can’t complain! Everyone’s loving it! There have been some upsets, which have been kind of cool to see and watch.” Kruse explained.
After double elimination rounds with a Winner’s Bracket and a Loser’s Bracket, the top three scoring teams emerged. Coming in third place and receiving Corn Hole Can Koozies plus their entry fee back was the team dubbed “Munz-Prinstill,” of Josh Jager and Jason Pennington.
Team “Levi-Joel” of Levi Dyer and Joel Butt deemed second place, receiving a $30 Gift Card donated by FC Bank, plus their entry fee back. The winning team of Dan Phillips and Terry Bishop, a.k.a. “Mailmen,” won a $100 cash prize donated by Ooh La-La Salon.
There was also plenty of opportunities for the kiddos to have a little fun too in the Kid’s Area located on West Rensselaer Street. The Bucyrus Public Library, Bucyrus United Methodist Church, and the Nazarene Church provided some fun holiday crafts and games in the Kid’s Area.
Santa was also present in the Kid’s Area located outside the Kiwanis Santa House. All decked out in his Hawaiian attire, Santa had a line of kids ready to take photos with him. In front of the Art Park, United Bank hosted a “snowball fight” with water balloons.
For those who worked up an appetite during all of the shopping and activities, the concession area provided many options to satisfy. Two new vendors made an appearance for July, Higbie Concessions and CFM Concessions LLC & Sunset Slush of NCO.
Higbie Concessions, a local diner on wheels featured hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. CFM Concessions LLC & Sunset Slush of NCO provided refreshing and tasty Italian Ice. First Baptist Church also sold their famous Brat-ritta’s, the American Legion served sandwiches in their basement, and Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream provided their creation of a sweet sensation.
A variety of entertainers provided their talents for the evening. Throughout the night, a juggler roamed the main drag of Sandusky Avenue. Other entertainers included: Brian Copper & Friends- located at the Mural, Al Fraizer & Friends- located in the Food Court, Greg Bell- located in FC Bank Parking Lot, and Lourie Ann & Chad Brown- located at the Tourism Bureau.
When asking Sue Logsdon of U Be Dazzled if the evening had met her expectations, she was quick to answer.
“I’m happy with the outcome despite the few raindrops that we’ve had. Everyone’s having fun, everyone’s having a great time. The corn hole tournament is a real hit, so we’re hoping to keep that an ongoing event for First Friday’s. And Santa’s here so hey, what could be better right!?” Logsdon replied laughing.
First Friday next month will take place on August 4 with the theme of Honoring Hometown Heroes.