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Christmas in August: Join the Bumpas family for a drive-by birthday celebration

Come celebrate Christmas in August with the Bumpass family!

The Bumpas family invites members of the community to come to participate in a drive-by, birthday celebration for Charlie Bumpas.

Charlie, better known as Bartlett’s own Santa Clause and owner of the “Christmas house”, is turning 73 this year.

The Bumpus residence as it is known for appearing during the holiday season.

The Bumpass family would like to surprise him with memories of what he loved to do most:  spread Christmas cheer.

If you’ve lived in Bartlett over the last 20 years, you likely have fond memories of Charlie’s house.

Covered from top to bottom in bright lights of all colors, the house was reminiscent of the Griswold family home in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

The display of festive characters on the front lawn turned his ordinary, Bartlett home into a suburban Christmas wonderland.

For 20 years, Charlie was the man responsible for spreading Christmas cheer into the community with his incredible display.

While his house was quite a feat, however, he didn’t stop there.

He took it a step further by dressing up as Santa Clause and handing out delicious, Christmas treats to those who passed by.

Charlie, with his skinny belly, a brass bell and bucket of candy canes, weathered the elements every year, standing in front of his house and passing out the peppermint-flavored goodies for the entire month of December.

He asked for nothing in exchange, only “cherishing each smile, twinkling eye, letter and goody brought by kind, caring people”.

Unfortunately, due to health issues, Charlie has been unable to carry on his Christmas tradition for some time.

The drive-by celebration will be held this Friday, August 20th, from 5:30- 9 p.m. at the Bumpas home, located at 6356 Memphis Arlington Rd.

Come by and receive a candy cane, a smile, a jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and a “Merry Christmas!” from Charlie himself.

Notes and cards for him are appreciated.

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