Concerts, kids’ activities, vintage car show all on tap
Spring Ho activities are in full swing, with events planned from early morning into the late-night hours Friday and Saturday, and wrap-up events Sunday afternoon that include entertainment and a one-of-a-kind car show.
Although some signature events such as the Spring Ho Beauty Pageant, Hayloft Party and Gospel Night with fireworks have concluded, plenty remains on the schedule to keep Lampasas residents and visitors occupied this weekend.
A listing of the remaining festival events follows.
SPRING HO FRIDAY
The youngest participants can enjoy Spring Ho activities designed specifically for them, as a variety of kid-friendly events is on tap Friday.
The Diaper Derby begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of the courthouse bandstand, with Pet Parade registration and judging to commence at the same time at the corner of East Second Street and Live Oak.
The Pet Parade marches to the courthouse bandstand at 9:30 a.m.
County Fair exhibits are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lampasas County Office Building conference room, 409 S. Pecan St.
Kids’ Day Activities begin at noon at the Gavin Garrett Soccer Field, 903 S. Spring St. From noon to 2 p.m., various competitions will be open to children ages 3-10, plus a “water polo” activity is offered by the Lampasas Volunteer Fire Department. A Children’s Barnyard also will be set up, and the Farm Bureau invites visitors to stop by its exhibit for a free hamburger, while they last.
Park vendors and concessions will be open all day, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., along the creekbank in W.M. Brook Park. The park also is the site for Kids’ Attractions from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Park entertainment will feature Jada Davis, Daci Davis and Maddie Pendleton from 2-3 p.m.; Daelyn Ellis, Holden Boswell, Georgia Deeds and Everleigh Valenaredo from 3-4 p.m.; and Kennisyn Drosche from 4-6 p.m.
The Lampasas County Museum will be open from 1-4 p.m. at 303 S. Western St. with its special exhibit, “Come Home to Lampasas – A Salute to Our Sesquicentennial.”
The evening will conclude with the Concert on the Square from 8 p.m. to midnight. McBride & The Ride will be the featured entertainers, with special guest Kin Faux. Tickets are available at the gate.
SPRING HO SATURDAY
To start the day before the summertime temperatures rise too high, the Toughest 10K in Texas, 5K and 1-mile run will take place at the Hancock Park Golf Course Pavilion. Raceday registration is offered from 5:30-6:30 a.m. The races will begin at 7 a.m.
Vendors and concessions will open at 9 a.m. in W.M. Brook Park and remain ready to assist customers until 8 p.m.
The museum will be open again in the afternoon, from 1-4 p.m. for visitors.
The Grand Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday. It will commence from its lineup starting point on Western Street and proceed down North Avenue to Chestnut, then to East Third Street and north up Hackberry Street before it concludes.
After the parade, Washer Pitching & Cornhole Tournaments will take place at the Gavin Garrett Soccer Field. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with play to start at noon.
Kayak races are planned for noon at W.M. Brook Park, with registration at 11:45 a.m.
Park entertainment at W.M. Brook Park will feature Hailey Faris from 2-3 p.m., Clara Elkins and Caden Elkins from 3-4 p.m., Catfish Baird from 4-5 p.m., and Kyler Dean from 5-6 p.m.
Water Sports and the Cardboard Regatta are offered for youth at 3 p.m. at the Hanna Springs Swimming Pool, 501 E. North Ave.
Kids’ Attractions will offer another day of activities in W.M. Brook Park. Hours on Saturday are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To close out the evening, the Concert on the Square will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight, featuring Josh Ward. Special guest will be Triston Marez. Tickets are available at the gate.
SPRING HO SUNDAY
Vendors and concessions will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at W.M. Brook Park.
Lampasas County Museum will offer one more afternoon for Spring Ho participants to stop by from 1-4 p.m. to peruse the exhibits.
Then to close out the festivities, the Lampasas Heritage Foundation will present “Rockin’ Rides & Smokin’ Swing Car Show.” The vehicles will be staged around the courtyard square area in downtown Lampasas, where Model T Fords plan to recreate a 1929 vintage “Market Days” staging of cars along East Third Street.
Corvettes, Ferraris, Porsches, Mustangs and others also will be on display for visitors.
Hot Texas Swing Band from Austin will be on hand to provide live entertainment and wrap up the 2023 Spring Ho festival.