Christmas in July Goes to the Birds

Christmas is months away, but that isn’t stopping the folks at Carrollwood’s Wild Birds Unlimited from having a little holiday-themed fun.

They’re pulling out all the stops a little early this year for a celebration that’s designed to bring bird lovers – and their families – together.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20 the 13140 N. Dale Mabry Highway store will begin a day full of promotions that includes chance drawings, discounts on some items and even a story and craft time for kids led by local preschool teacher and the shop owners’ daughter, Amy Farmer.

Why celebrate Christmas in July?

Much like the holiday, “Our business brings joy,” explained store manager Bob Kee.

The idea for the promotion came from store employee Lynn Dougherty as a way to raise awareness for the store and what it has to offer while helping foster a love for backyard bird watching in the area.

Northwest Hillsborough County is the perfect place for backyard bird watching, Kee said. As long as folks put out feeders to attract birds and they don’t have a feral cat problem, the birds will come.

The resulting show is “better than anything on TV,” he said. “It’s a different show every day.”

To help Wild Birds mark Christmas in July, just stop by the store between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Coupons for reductions at the checkout will be available all day. The size of the discount is based on the purchase price and doesn't include food. 

Anyone who stops in is also eligible to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card and a special bird feeder.

Story and craft time for the kids starts at 10 a.m. Farmer, whose parents Greg and Shirley Williams own the store, says she’ll be reading stories from Barefoot Books’ children’s collection.

What kinds of birds have you spotted in your backyard? Tell us by commenting below!