Some Pikeville children get to celebrate Christmas early.

Saturday marked the third annual Hillbilly Christmas In July event. The carnival benefits the Shriners Hospital for Children in Lexington.

Pikeville city officials say it's not only a way to help those children from the area that benefit from the hospital's services, but it's also a way to bring the community together.

“To be able to bring them out and tell them it's their special day, that we're celebrating them, not just the event but the community itself, they're extremely overwhelmed, delighted and the kids are absolutely having a fantastic time,” says Donovan Blackburn, Pikeville City Manager

This is the first year the event was held in Pikeville’s City Park. Event workers say more than $5,000 worth of toys were given away Saturday.