Carol of Lights set Friday; weekend of events on tap

On Friday, Lampasans will kick off the holiday season with the annual Carol of Lights festival, which will feature Santa Claus, dancing, music and carolers at Courtyard Square and other venues in the downtown area.

Carols on the bandstand by the Lampasas High School jazz band will open Friday evening's events at 6 p.m.

A ceremony of lights is set for 6:50 p.m., where Mayor Judy Hetherly officially will usher in the local holiday season when she turns on the colored lights that adorn Courtyard Square.

A special night of holiday musical performances and a visit by Santa Claus will highlight the evening until 9 p.m.

Food booths will be provided by local organizations, and shoppers are invited to visit downtown merchants for sales and special events.

Santa Claus' arrival is planned for 7 p.m. He will visit at the Lampasas County Courthouse with youngsters who wish to share their Christmas requests.

At 7:15 p.m., Hanna Springs music students will perform, followed by Lampasas Middle School performing arts students.

A Christmas tree raffle will be at the bandstand at 8:15 p.m., and the Cow Country Cloggers will be showcased at 8:30 p.m.

Keystone Square Museum's Christmas tree exhibit, "Nutcrackers on Parade," will open at the museum, where a bake sale also will be featured, along with entries from the annual gingerbread house display and contest.

A People's Choice tree will be selected by museum visitors, and winners will be named in the gingerbread contest, with judging in categories for ages 4 to 7, 8-13, 13-18 years, adult/family, and best of theme.

The museum's Christmas tree and gingerbread house displays also will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the community Christmas events.

The annual Christmas Tour of Homes Sunday from 1-5 p.m. will offer the opportunity to visit five local residences. The homes of Cassie and Steve Langdon, Cathy Walker, Judy Hetherly, Ken and Amy McDaniel, and O'Dean and Crystal Hammett will be featured.

Admission is $6 if tickets are purchased in advance at the mu- seum, 303 S. Western St. On the day of the tour, tickets will be $7.

Visitors also are encouraged to stop by W.M. Brook Park to view the annual Sulphur Creek light display. This year, Santa's Village will be offered, featuring cutouts and light displays throughout the park.

The annual Community Christmas Cantata is set at First United Methodist Church on Sunday at 5 p.m., and will feature the church's Handbell Chorus.