Mayor TJ Monroe flips the switch to turn on the decorative holiday lighting that surrounds the downtown area. The lighting ceremony officially initiates the Christmas season in Lampasas, and it was followed by the Holidazzle Lighted Parade last Saturday.

The Dec. 1 market report from Mills County Commission Co.

Jolly Old St. Nick was set up last weekend in the lobby of Ajinomoto Foods on the downtown square, so he could visit with area residents and hear lastminute gift requests from the younger ones. Kieran Garrett and Madeline Garrett surely are on Santa’s “good” list, and they seemed to enjoy their visit before Mr. Claus had to head back to the North Pole to prepare for his big arrival later this month.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA First United Methodist Church will present its 74th annual Christmas Cantata Sunday at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary.

The report from the Nov. 30 Lampasas Cattle Auction follows.

Lampasas County Museum’s annual gingerbread house contest attracted all manner of edible, decorated structures. The gingerbread houses are on display at the museum through Dec.

AdventHealth Central Texas held its annual Christmas on Clear Creek tree lighting event on Thursday. Kids’ activities were offered, along with a magician, gifts, hot chocolate or coffee and cookies for those in attendance. A spokesperson said even Santa was on hand, escorted by a city of Klleen emergency services ambulance.