November 10, 2008, Johnson City, TX – The 19th Annual Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style will light up the skies with one of the largest light displays in Texas starting at 6:30pm on Friday, Nov. 28 with the lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City. This year, the skies will blaze even brighter with a stunning fireworks display set to music. A recent Southern Living magazine article stated that the Blanco County Courthouse “shines brighter than the Star of Bethlehem” with the stunning glow of 100,000 lights. Friday night holiday revelry includes the arrival of Santa and the opening of the holiday food court. Throughout Johnson City, millions of holiday lights will glow as local homes, businesses and churches participate in the annual holiday lights display, including the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters that illuminates an entire block.

The 2008 Lights Spectacular celebration includes a variety of festivities throughout the holiday season. On Nov. 29 the Clickety Cloggers will perform at 5:30pm on the Courthouse Square for the 15th consecutive year, followed by the Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade at 6:30pm.

“This year we have some exciting additions to our Lights Spectacular celebration,” said Rhonda Stell, Lights Spectacular Chairperson. “In addition to our stunning fireworks display over the Courthouse the day after Thanksgiving, we also welcome the return of the oversized greeting card and encourage everyone to sign it. As we did in the early 1990s with Desert Storm, we plan to have a special Lights Spectacular ceremony in December for our Blanco County residents who are serving in the military and mail portions of the signed greeting card to each of our men and women who are serving our country in war zones.”

According to Stell, there will be a special visit by Santa and a variety of surprises for kids of all ages at the Lights Spectacular celebration.

Following the parade, Santa will be available for visits and photos as Johnson City residents and visitors stroll through the winter wonderland of lights in Memorial Park and enjoy holiday treats from the food court. Carriage rides are available from the Courthouse Square, enabling holiday revelers to tour a variety of light displays throughout Johnson City.

Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style will light up the skies nightly from Nov. 28-Jan. 1. Admission to all events is free. The Johnson City Garden Club will offer an ornament and craft sale in the Blanco County Courthouse lobby from 6-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29-Dec. 21. Bring a warm blanket and a lawn chair for “Movies Under the Stars” starting “at dark” on Dec. 12 on the north side of the Courthouse Square.

Other events throughout the season include the Christmas Lamplight Tour at the LBJ Boyhood Home on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 20 from 6-9pm. “A Timeless Christmas in Johnson City,” includes an 1860s Christmas at the Cabin as well as a 1920s Christmas at the LBJ Boyhood Home. A Timeless Christmas will be held on Dec. 13 from 6-9pm at the Johnson Settlement at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Johnson City. The 39th LBJ Annual Tree Lighting is scheduled from 5-9pm on Dec. 21 at the LBJ Ranch, located 14 miles west of Johnson City. The First United Methodist Church Living Christmas Story, with five free performances each night on Dec. 5,6,12 and 13. The Blanco County Community Choir Concert is scheduled Dec. 5 at 8pm at the Johnson City Catholic Church, and at 7pm on Dec. 7 at the First Baptist church in Blanco. The Hill Country Toy Run starts at 9am at the Courthouse Square on Dec. 6.

Throughout the holiday season local merchants will host a variety of events. The Whittington’s Jerky Open House is scheduled Nov. 29 from 9am-4pm; for details see www.whittingtonsjerky.com. Kirchman Gallery will host artist receptions on Nov. 29 and Dec. 27 from 4-7pm; for more information see www.kirchmangallery.com. The Benini Ranch will host the Arts Encounters 2008 Series on Nov. 30 from 1:30-6pm; see www.artsencountersatbeninis.com for details.

For a full listing of Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style events as well as information on dining, lodging and shopping, check the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce website at www.lbjcountry.com.