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The Saucy Salsa Contest will make its debut at the 2026 County Fair. A People’s Choice winner will be named in the contest, while winners of the other divisions at the County Fair will be selected by a panel of judges. County Fair entries are available for viewing by the public July 9-10. FILE PHOTO

The Saucy Salsa Contest will make its debut at the 2026 County Fair. A People’s Choice winner will be named in the contest, while winners of the other divisions at the County Fair will be selected by a panel of judges. County Fair entries are available for viewing by the public July 9-10. FILE PHOTO

County Fair to feature Saucy Salsa Contest

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The County Fair is set for July 8-10 at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 401 S. Chestnut St.The traditional entry divisions include Art, Baked Goods, Canned Goods, Wearables, Crafts, Horticulture, Photography, Digital Media and Theme.
After this week’s Fourth of July holiday, residents can enjoy another round of exciting pyrotechnics on Wednesday night. FILE PHOTO

After this week’s Fourth of July holiday, residents can enjoy another round of exciting pyrotechnics on Wednesday night. FILE PHOTO

Skies over park light up with fireworks

Mason Hines
Thursday, July 2, 2026
This year’s theme of “Stars, Stripes and Spring Ho Nights” pays homage to Lampasas as well as our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary. As Fourth of July celebrations honor America, fireworks shows across the country will highlight community, honor and remembrance.

Hayloft Party one of area’s oldest music traditions

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The annual Hayloft Party is set for Tuesday at 7 p.m. The live music event for decades was staged at the Ruth Eakin Outdoor Theater in W.M. Brook Park, but this year it will take place at the courthouse bandstand.The Hayloft Party is free to attend.
Gospel Night at the Ruth Eakin Outdoor Theatre features praise music by several church groups and bands. It is a primary fundraiser for the Lampasas Ministerial Alliance. FILE PHOTO

Gospel Night at the Ruth Eakin Outdoor Theatre features praise music by several church groups and bands. It is a primary fundraiser for the Lampasas Ministerial Alliance. FILE PHOTO

Gospel Night provides prelude to fireworks show

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
On Wednesday night, as part of the Spring Ho offerings, the Lampasas Ministerial Alliance will host Gospel Night.The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Ruth Eakin Outdoor Theatre in W.M. Brook Park. It has been a regular event during Spring Ho for many years.
Children ages 5-12 can have a blast angling with cane poles at the Kiddie Fishing Derby. The event takes place Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. at W.M. Brook Park. Poles are provided, and assistance is offered for those who need it. FILE PHOTO

Children ages 5-12 can have a blast angling with cane poles at the Kiddie Fishing Derby. The event takes place Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. at W.M. Brook Park. Poles are provided, and assistance is offered for those who need it. FILE PHOTO

W.M. Brook Park to be lined with youth trying to hook a monster fish

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The annual Kiddie Fishing Derby at Spring Ho always brings a large crowd of young Lampasans to the creek in W.M. Brook Park to catch some fish.The fishing derby is scheduled for Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. Anyone age 5 to 12 may participate.
Following the same route that was added in recent years, the 10K includes the steep hills of West Sixth Street and CR 1020 and CR 1025 on the outskirts of Lampasas.

Following the same route that was added in recent years, the 10K includes the steep hills of West Sixth Street and CR 1020 and CR 1025 on the outskirts of Lampasas.

Toughest 10K is chip-timed and race starts at LMS

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
This year marks the 46th running of the Toughest 10K as part of the Centex Race Series, hosted in conjunction with the Spring Ho Festival. Event proceeds go back into the Lampasas community for scholarships and other non-profit donations, according to the registration page for the race.
These Pet Parade entrants are riding in style in their “construction” vehicles. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and embrace the Spring Ho theme -- which this year is “Stars, Stripes and Spring Ho Nights.” FILE PHOTO

These Pet Parade entrants are riding in style in their “construction” vehicles. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume and embrace the Spring Ho theme -- which this year is “Stars, Stripes and Spring Ho Nights.” FILE PHOTO

Dogs, turtles, rabbits and more welcome at Pet Parade

Mason Hines
Thursday, July 2, 2026
While the Spring Ho Festival presents plenty of sights and activities to partake in, one fan favorite is the Pet Parade on July 10.Participants dress up their beloved animals, place them on leashes or in wagons or cages and compete for awards in various divisions.
Nash Ingram participates in a previous Diaper Derby. FILE PHOTO

Nash Ingram participates in a previous Diaper Derby. FILE PHOTO

Youngest competitors to enter Diaper Derby

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Ensuring that Spring Ho activities offer something for even the youngest festival-goers to participate in, the Diaper Derby returns. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. July 10 in front of the courthouse bandstand in downtown Lampasas.
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