PHOTO BY RICHARD AKRIDGE Jessica Tucker was named Miss Spring Ho and Caylin Watson was chosen Little Miss at the conclusion of Monday's annual pageant. The past four days were a prelude to the excitement and fun that await visitors during the final three days of the 2009 Spring Ho Festival.

Jessica Tucker and Caylin Watson were chosen Miss Spring Ho and Little Miss, respectively, at Monday's pageant. And things just got hotter from there.

Break out the sunscreen and bring a hat, as the remainder of the week promises to be a scorcher.

Arts and crafts, a carnival with rides and games, country and western dances plus a grand parade are some of the events offered this weekend for festival-goers.

Today begins with activities for the younger set but involves all ages of spectators. Events include the Pet Parade and Diaper Derby, and Kids' Day Activities at Gavin Garrett Soccer Park, along with face painting, water polo and a corn-shucking contest.

The BBQ Cookoff gets under way, and cookers will bring their grills to the parking lot behind the Lampasas County Office Building for the popular competition.

Arts and crafts and concessions are available at the numerous booths that line both sides of Sulphur Creek at W.M. Brook Park, and the carnival will open at 6 p.m.

A dance will close the night's activities, featuring Charlie Robison and Garrett Heinrichs on Courtyard Square beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the gate, and the event concludes at midnight.

Runners will lace up their sneakers for the annual 10K and one-mile runs that kick off early Saturday morning at Hancock Park. Registration starts at 6 a.m.

The Spring Ho Grand Parade, featuring George Herrmann as parade marshal, will begin at 11 a.m., with floats, clowns, horses and plenty of music.

The Arts and Crafts Fair will continue Saturday at W.M. Brook Park.

Water sports also will take place Saturday, along with washer pitching and horseshoe pitching.

The Saturday night Kiwanis Club Street Dance, featuring Jarrett Schaub of Lampasas, will begin at 8 p.m. at the courthouse bandstand. Tickets are $10 at the gate.

To close out the festival, the carnival will offer rides and games beginning at noon Sunday, and shoppers will have their final chance to peruse the offerings at the Arts and Crafts Fair.

A variety of entertainment is on tap today through Sunday at W.M. Brook Park.

Class reunions will be held throughout the weekend.