Letter to the Editor

A Welcome to Lockhart

A Proposal to Welcome Visitors and Support Our Downtown Businesses

   I’ve been thinking about something for a while now, and I’ve already started putting a few pieces together. We have a beautiful courthouse square, and people come from all over to see our little town. Some folks come for the barbecue, some for the history, and others just happen to be passing through.

I’d like to make sure they leave knowing we’re glad they came. I’ve already designed and printed some small cards welcoming visitors to Lockhart. They’re friendly and simple, featuring one of my photographs of our town, a Scripture verse, and a little message letting folks know we’re happy they stopped by.

      My plan is to spend some time around the courthouse square meeting visitors, welcoming them to Lockhart, and offering a short tour of our beautiful courthouse if they’d like one. I’d also like to take their picture with an instant camera and hand it right back to them. Just a little keepsake of their visit to our town. On the back of that photograph, I’d place a small sticker with a QR code. That code would take them to a page listing participating downtown businesses and the special offers each has chosen to provide. It might be a complimentary drink, a two-for-one special, a small discount, or simply something the merchant feels comfortable offering.

     Visitors would only need to show their welcome card to receive the offer.

People already come to our square, walk around, and take pictures. I’d like to give them a reason to open the doors of our businesses and step inside.

     I’ve spoke with several merchants about the idea, and the response has been encouraging. They seem very open to participating. I understand Lockhart is also looking toward developing a more organized tourism program, including the possibility of having ambassadors welcome visitors. I think that’s a wonderful idea, and perhaps what I’m proposing could complement those efforts.

     I’m not asking the city or our businesses for financial assistance. I’m simply asking for their encouragement, cooperation, and willingness to work together to make visitors feel welcome while supporting the merchants who make our downtown special. I believe our courthouse square is more than a collection of buildings and businesses. It’s a gathering place, a reflection of our history, and an opportunity to show people the hospitality that makes a small Texas town worth remembering.

    I’d like visitors to leave Lockhart with more than a photograph of our courthouse. I’d like them to leave with a photograph of themselves, a pleasant memory, and the feeling that somebody here was genuinely glad they came. Sometimes all it takes to make someone feel welcome is for one person to stop, smile, and say: “We’re glad you’re here.” That’s what I’d like to do. And if we can encourage a little business along the way, well, that’s even better.

Jim Honeycutt

Lockhart, Texas