PHOTO BY MARIE WHITTINGTON St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Youth Group staged a live Nativity scene as part of Friday night’s Carol of Lights and Hometown Holidays festivities. The group was one of more than two dozen floats that took part in a lighted Christmas parade through the downtown area. See related photos, pages 3 and 8. “What a weekend!”

That is how Maryann Severn, chairman of Vision Lampasas!, described the bounty of events that comprised the first Hometown Holidays that kicked off the Lampasas Christmas season last weekend.

From the initial lighted parade float to the Nativity scene, and from Santa Claus’ visit to First Texas Bank’s chili supper, the crowds poured into the downtown area Friday night for an evening of festivities.

“Everyone has been so complimentary of Hometown Holidays,” Mrs. Severn said after she returned from a wrap-up meeting with committee members. “We know what worked, and we know what didn’t, and we plan to make it even bigger and better for next year.”

Seven committee members pulled off events in about four months, not realizing, Mrs. Severn said, the details that go into a venture of this size. “We have already started planning for next year. We’re ahead of the game, and we’ll be ready.”

After Mayor Judy Hetherly turned on the courthouse lights, everything went dark as the lighted Christmas parade, sponsored by Windsor Foods, made its way down Third Street.

There were colorful cartoon characters, Fort Hood cavalry and horses, Santa Claus, a fire truck, police vehicles, old-fashioned cars, businesses represented on handmade floats, carolers, bicycle riders and a variety of other participants.

Windsor Foods’ Janet Sievers coordinated the parade, said Mrs. Severn. “She is a one-woman tornado. She put together this parade, and she had never done one before. It was wonderful.”

Mrs. Severn also thanked city personnel for their efforts on lighting, as well as County Judge Wayne Boultinghouse for his time.

The Vision Lampasas! chairman said a number of things could be changed or added for next year’s event.

“The Carol of Lights is traditional, and we won’t change that, but we do plan to add more activities to Saturday for kids and teens.

“Friday night went well, but we do want a bigger parade next year,” she said.

“We’d like to see a festival on the square during the day Saturday with live music on the bandstand and activities on the square including vendors for those who want to Christmas shop.”

Mrs. Severn thanked Hands of the Promise on East Third Street for opening its building for a Christmas movie and popcorn, as well as Hims of Praise from First Street Church of Christ and First Baptist Church’s youth choir.

She also would like to see more Christmas caroling on Saturday night.

The annual tour of homes is a Sunday event that is successful and popular, she said, and will continue.

“The purpose of Hometown Holidays is to bring people to Lampasas and get them to stay. When we have a weekend filled with activities and events, they are more likely to stay.”

Mrs. Severn said input from the community is welcomed. Those who have suggestions or would like to offer comments or praise may drop a line to visionlampasas @gmail.com or phone 525-5200.

“One of the most rewarding things that came out of the weekend is all four entities coming together for the community,” she said. “The Lampasas County Historical Commission, Vision Lampasas!, Courtyard Square Association and Keystone Square Museum all were involved. Every one had an individual part, and we all worked together,” she said.

“We want people to know that Lampasas is the place to be the first weekend in December. I hope they come back again next year.”