Chamber supports wide variety of local activities

A variety of activities is featured throughout the year in Lampasas County, many sponsored by the chamber. A short description of each 2008 activity follows.

Needle Art/Quilt Show -- Held in March, sponsored by Keystone Square Museum. Brings in hundreds of exhibits from quilts and wallhangings to antique buttons and dolls. Every manner of needlework is on display. Other events include a bake sale and associated vendors. People's Choice winners are selected.

First Saturday in April -- Bloomin' Fest. The festival is associated with the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail and is staged in downtown Lampasas around Courtyard Square.

Featured are arts and crafts, live entertainment, children's activities, gardening specialists, springtime plants and concessions.

April 13 -- Chamber Golf Classic. This annual fundraiser supports local chamber of commerce activities.

April 26 -- Citywide Garage Sale -- one of two held each year -- features booth rentals for those who wish to do some spring cleaning and reap financial rewards, too.

Hundreds of vendors sell their household items downtown. Food and drink concessions are available, and various community groups offer raffles and bake sales.

The second event is Nov. 1.

June 14 -- Annual Sulphur Creek Car Cruise, staged at W.M. Brook Park. Owners of classic cars, street rods and motorcycles line the park to show off their vehicles and talk with visitors.

Entertainment, prizes and games are available at the chamber of commerce-sponsored event.

June 20-21 -- Lampasas Riata Round-up. Held at Little Bear Ranch on U.S. Highway 281 about 12 miles north of Lampasas, the fourth annual event will be an open pro rodeo. Kids events also are offered.

July 7-13 -- Spring Ho Festival. This annual event is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Lampasas. Thousands participate in the seven days of festivities. As the week goes on, activities keep participants busy from early morning until after dark.

Arts and crafts booths, a grand parade, carnival, queen's contest, county fair, fireworks show, 10K and onemile runs, and a myriad of other events make this festival one that shouldn't be missed.

July 11-12 -- Spring Ho BBQ Cookoff. The event draws teams from across Texas who spend the better part of the weekend preparing their mouth-watering delicacies to be judged. Prizes are awarded, including bragging rights. Spring Ho visitors can sample many of the entries.

This year's event is set behind the Lampasas County Office Building.

July 12 -- Toughest 10K and One-Mile Run. This Spring Ho offering is for those who like to spend a part of Saturday morning exercising. Prizes are offered in each age group.

Aug. 9 -- Indian Artifacts Show. Hundreds attend the annual show at AMVETS, which features vendors, exhibitors and skilled craftsmen who share a love of Indian artifacts. Vendors offer wares for sale, trade and show, and enjoy imparting their knowledge of ancient times.

Oct. 11 -- Herb/Art Fest, fon Courtyard Square.

Many vendors and exhibitors offer a variety of art and garden wares for sale at the annual event. Experts in various herb-related fields share their knowledge and tips with visitors during several free workshops.

Oct. 18 -- Lampasas County Historic Fire House Run Biker Rally, hosted by chamber of commerce. Activities include fire safety education, a chili cook-off and Fire Run historic firehouse tour of Lampasas County, a parade and other events.

Nov. 7 -- Hunter's Welcome. Annual event is held at H-E-B parking lot. Barbecue sandwich meals are sold by the bag, and county information is offered.

Dec. 5 -- Carol of Lights. Yule celebration features a Santa visit, caroling on the square, late-night shopping, gingerbread and Christmas tree decorating contests, and entertainment on the downtown bandstand.