News

Nash Ingram participates in a previous Diaper Derby. FILE PHOTO

Nash Ingram participates in a previous Diaper Derby. FILE PHOTO

Youngest competitors to enter Diaper Derby

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Ensuring that Spring Ho activities offer something for even the youngest festival-goers to participate in, the Diaper Derby returns. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. July 10 in front of the courthouse bandstand in downtown Lampasas.
Rides like the ferris wheel bring a bit of nostalgia to the Spring Ho Festival. FILE PHOTO

Rides like the ferris wheel bring a bit of nostalgia to the Spring Ho Festival. FILE PHOTO

Carnival returns to Spring Ho; pay-one-price wristbands available

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Spring Ho carnival is back again this year after making its official return in 2025.This year, the carnival will be available from noon to 11 p.m. on July 10 and again on July 11 at W.M. Brook Park.Sponsors of the carnival are Sulphur Creek Primary and Urgent Care, Elite Drywall Inc.
Kids’ Day involves foot races, sack races and three-legged races for children from ages 3 through 10. Other offerings at the Gavin Garrett Soccer Field includes face painting, a children’s barnyard and a “water polo” activity sponsored by the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department. FILE PHOTO

Kids’ Day involves foot races, sack races and three-legged races for children from ages 3 through 10. Other offerings at the Gavin Garrett Soccer Field includes face painting, a children’s barnyard and a “water polo” activity sponsored by the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department. FILE PHOTO

Kids’ Day fun returns to Gavin Garrett Soccer Field

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
When it comes to fun in the sun for children ages 3-10, it doesn’t get any better than the annual Kids’ Day Activities at Gavin Garrett Soccer Field.The kid-friendly event, hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Lampasas, is scheduled for July 10 from noon to 2 p.m.
COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Kolby Cooper stays true to his East Texas roots

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
With more than 363,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Kolby Cooper is a rising star in the country music scene. Despite the growing fame, he remembers his roots.When Cooper rolls into town on July 11 to headline Spring Ho’s Saturday Night Street Dance, it won’t be his first time here.
Kayak races feature adult and youth tandem categories, as well as adult singles. ERICK MITCELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Kayak races feature adult and youth tandem categories, as well as adult singles. ERICK MITCELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Creek is site for kayak races

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The annual Spring Ho kayak races don’t look to be changing much in format, as they once again will take place at W.M. Brook Park just before noon on July 11.Four different divisions are offered for competition in racing down the creek and back.

Concerts are big draw at festival

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
High-energy Texas country and gritty countryrock will take over the courthouse square when Coffey Anderson and Kolby Cooper headline this year’s Spring Ho street dances July 10 and July 11. Concert attendees may bring their own beverages (no glass bottles) and lawn chairs.
Cardboard boats will make their way across the swimming pool to see who can reach the other side safely. Other water sports for children and adults will be part of the Spring Ho offerings. FILE PHOTO

Cardboard boats will make their way across the swimming pool to see who can reach the other side safely. Other water sports for children and adults will be part of the Spring Ho offerings. FILE PHOTO

Cardboard Regatta set for Hanna Springs pool

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The cardboard regatta and water sports will once again be held at the Hanna Springs Pool at 3 p.m. on Saturday.The event is set to be hosted by the Lampasas Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Pratus Insurance and Elisa Grace Med Spa.
The Spring Ho Grand Parade will come through the downtown Lampasas area mid-morning on July 11. Parade dignitaries will include Craig and Donna Benton, this year’s honorary marshals. Floats, cavalry units, marching bands and of course the Flames drill team will take part. FILE PHOTO

The Spring Ho Grand Parade will come through the downtown Lampasas area mid-morning on July 11. Parade dignitaries will include Craig and Donna Benton, this year’s honorary marshals. Floats, cavalry units, marching bands and of course the Flames drill team will take part. FILE PHOTO

Parade to highlight ‘Stars, Stripes, Spring Ho Nights’

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Spring Ho Grand Parade is set for July 11 at 10 a.m. Those who wish to watch the parade are encouraged to find their spot on the parade route early, as the popular event draws a good crowd.This year’s parade marshals are Craig and Donna Benton.
A collection of 320 model railroad cars will be on display July 12 at the historic Santa Fe Depot property on East Second Street. The passenger side of the depot will be open for viewing, and the freight section will showcase various food vendors and beverages. The Lampasas Depot Foundation also is offering children’s activities on site for a family-friendly atmosphere to conclude the festival week. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

A collection of 320 model railroad cars will be on display July 12 at the historic Santa Fe Depot property on East Second Street. The passenger side of the depot will be open for viewing, and the freight section will showcase various food vendors and beverages. The Lampasas Depot Foundation also is offering children’s activities on site for a family-friendly atmosphere to conclude the festival week. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

‘All aboard the 1904’

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
To cap off this year’s Spring Ho festivities, the Lampasas Depot Foundation will open the historic Santa Fe Depot to the public for the first time in years. Its “All Aboard the 1904” event will take place July 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lampasas EDC to hire administrative specialist

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Lampasas Economic Development Corp. is within reach of obtaining its first full-time staff member in 18 months.According to Acting EDC Director/ Interim City Manager Erin Harrison, the EDC’s Board of Directors has extended an offer to a candidate to serve as an administrative specialist.
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