Progress continues toward rekindling interest in “lighting up Blanco” for the Christmas holidays. Members of the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, together with other interested citizens and businesspeople, met again on Tuesday, and enthusiasm is building for the annual Courthouse lighting, “Lighting of the Square”, a lighting contest sponsored by Yucca Garden Club, and a “Shop Local” theme with special retail hours and pricing.

Events will begin with the ceremonial lighting of the Old Blanco County Courthouse on Friday, November 23rd (the day after Thanksgiving). Musicians will play and lead Christmas carol singing at the Old Blanco County Courthouse steps, beginning at 5:15 that evening. The lighting will occur at 6:00 pm. Festivities will continue with a harp providing music upstairs in the courtroom while Santa Claus greets the children. Individual music groups will play and sing at several locations, including Cuts ‘N Curls, Brieger Pottery, and other locations to be announced.

Other activities include lighting of all storefronts, carriage rides, and refreshments for those who visit retail establishments. Many businesses will extend their store hours for the evening of the lighting and on into the Christmas shopping season.

Businesses offering extended hours and/or promotions for the holidays include: Real Foods, Brieger Pottery, Cuts ‘N Curls, Natural Life Provisions Company, Cranberry’s Antiques, On the Square, and others to be announced. More information on hours and promotions will appear in the Blanco County News, and complete details will be provided by the Blanco Chamber of Commerce in an information sheet, soon to be available in the Chamber lobby and in other locations around Blanco.

Lighting Contest Sponsored by Yucca Garden Club:

The Yucca Garden Club will sponsor and judge a Christmas lights contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best lighting of a business and of a home. An entry form and contact information will be published in the November 28th and December 5th issues of the News. Deadline for entry will be Monday, December 10th, and judging will take place on Saturday, December 15th.

Watch the pages of the News for more information to come. Let’s make Blanco’s Christmas season a sparkling success.