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Shell Factory hosting 11th annual Christmas July

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The Shell Factory & Nature Park has, for years, made the dog days of summer a more festive time of the year.

And, for many, if ever there was a time where we need to be more festive, it’s now. The 11th annual Christmas in July event kicks off today, July 1, and lasts the entire month, with Santa Claus making his annual summer visit from the North Pole.

Santa will make an appearance on Sunday, July 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. inside the Southern Grill for the popular Pancake breakfast with Santa.

The price for kids 12 and under is $4.50 and $7.95 for adults and includes a beverage. Reservations must be made in advance by July 11 by calling Mary at 995-2141 ext. 110.

Of course, Santa is mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic going on all over the world. There will likely be no kids on Santa’s lap. Instead, he will visit the kids table to table, doing his best to maintain social distancing.

“I think this will make people more comfortable. There will be a chair at each table, but the kids won’t sit on his lap,” said Shell Factory general manager Anne Sheridan. “We just felt this would abide by all social distancing guidelines.”

It will also be Santa’s only appearance throughout the month, unlike in the past where he would make several appearances at the Christmas House.

The horses on the carousel have picked out their hats and will prance to the Christmas music being played there.

The Christmas House will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the entire month, with 20 percent off all collectibles from Elf on a Shelf, Department 56, Willow Tree and many others.

As always, there will be the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway at the Christmas House, and the Nature park will celebrate 16 years as a rescue and educational foundation. It is asked that you support their rescue efforts any way possible.

“We are going all out for Christmas this year. We’re going to make it bigger and better. We want people to be happy this year,” Sheridan said. “It’ll be fun for the kids to see the horses all decorated.”

The Shell Factory &?Nature Park is at 16554 North Cleveland Ave. (US 41) in North Fort Myers,

For more information, call 995-2141 or go online to www.shellfactory.com