TxDOT, Spring Ho planners discuss new parade route
By DAVID LOWE Staff Writer

The Spring Ho Grand Parade that wends its way down Key Avenue each July could be a thing of the past if TxDOT chooses to request rerouting due to future planned street renovations.

Although future routes for the Spring Ho Grand Parade remain uncertain, festival organizers have reason for optimism after a recent meeting with Texas Department of Transportation District Engineer Lynn Passmore.

The district engineer met last week with past and current Spring Ho Committee members, city staff, various elected officials, and representatives of State Sen. Troy Fraser and State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock to discuss a TxDOT announcement that the parade could not travel down Key Avenue after 2009. TxDOT Area Engineer Tom Dahl and maintenance supervisor Will Mulhollan also attended the meeting.

A TxDOT letter sent in July to the Spring Ho Committee and the Lampasas City Council said the parade no longer could use Key Avenue once construction on the highway begins.

At the meeting, however, after several citizens questioned the decision, Passmore said he would not necessarily deny use of Key Avenue for the parade once construction finishes.

"I think he was very receptive," Spring Ho Committee member Janna Hammett said.

Passmore said the 2009 parade can follow its usual route, and the Spring Ho Committee may continue to use Fourth Street even if that road is under construction, he said. Passmore said the parade will have to follow an alternate route during Key Avenue work, though, and Spring Ho and city officials agreed.

He said he does not know when the Key Avenue project will begin, as it depends on TxDOT funding. The district engineer also said he is unsure exactly how long construction will take, although he estimated about two years.

City Manager Michael Stoldt and J. Brown, district office coordinator for Troy Fraser, both said traffic delays during the Spring Ho parade last only about two hours.

Lampasas Police Chief Tim Angermann said re-routing traffic never has been a problem, and there have not been any vehicular accidents during the parade.

Several community members told Passmore the Spring Ho Grand Parade boosts community pride, attracts visitors from out of town and provides an opportunity to honor soldiers and veterans.

"This is one of the biggest parades in the state, and we have people tell us all the time this is one of their favorite parades to come to," Mrs. Hammett added after the meeting. "These people from all over love to come to our parade, because it's well run."