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Last year’s pageant court included, left to right, Queen Sagen Plouff, first runner-up Mariah Cann, second runner-up Leah Phillips and third runner-up Jenni Posten. ADAM BARRIOS | DISPATCH RECORD

Last year’s pageant court included, left to right, Queen Sagen Plouff, first runner-up Mariah Cann, second runner-up Leah Phillips and third runner-up Jenni Posten. ADAM BARRIOS | DISPATCH RECORD

Plouff reflects on Miss Spring Ho reign

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
After two years on the Miss Spring Ho Court, including one of them as queen, Sagen Plouff’s reign is coming to an end.In 2024, the Lampasas native placed as second runner-up. A year later, she claimed the crown.
Quaint shops, a variety of beverage options and a leisurely walk with friends are all part of the second annual Spring Ho Sip ‘N’ Shop, scheduled for July 7. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Quaint shops, a variety of beverage options and a leisurely walk with friends are all part of the second annual Spring Ho Sip ‘N’ Shop, scheduled for July 7. ERICK MITCHELL | DISPATCH RECORD

Sip ‘N’ Shop event back with bigger prizes

Erick Mitchell
Thursday, July 2, 2026
After a successful debut during last year’s Spring Ho Festival, the Sip ‘N’ Shop event around the downtown square will be back once again.Sponsored by Udderly Creative and Stermer Law, Sip ‘N’ Shop will take place Tuesday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Spring Ho Committee member Carrie Shahan noted 15...
One of Haydon Wiginton’s first singles was “Lampasas” released in 2023, which draws heavily from memories of his late grandfather, Ken Wiginton, a Badger Hall of Fame coach. COURESY PHOTO | LUKE CERVANTEZ

One of Haydon Wiginton’s first singles was “Lampasas” released in 2023, which draws heavily from memories of his late grandfather, Ken Wiginton, a Badger Hall of Fame coach. COURESY PHOTO | LUKE CERVANTEZ

Wiginton fired up for Saturday’s opening show

Hunter King
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Haydon Wiginton has been a household name associated with Spring Ho in recent years.
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.To spice things up this year, the ’36 Club – which...
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.

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.

Festival offers variety of tournaments, contests

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Get ready to shuffle some dominoes, pitch some washers and toss some bean bags at the 2026 Spring Ho Festival, as the 42 Tournament and washer pitching and cornhole tournaments are part of the annual line-up.The festival is set to kick off its 42 competition on Tuesday at Putters & Gutters Fun...
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.Sulphur Creek will be stocked for the event by the Inks Dam...
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