It’s beginning to look a lot like Dickens

By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

Christmas is on its way to Lockhart this weekend, as the Dr. Eugene Clark Library prepares for the 26th Annual Dickens’ Christmas in Lockhart.

For the last quarter-century, an army of volunteers and library staffers, led by Co-Chairs Stephanie Riggin and Felicity Winnett, along with Library Director Berth

a Martinez, have joined forces with the Friends of the Library, the City of Lockhart Library Advisory Board, the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce and dozens of sponsors, to bring a free, family holiday celebration to Lockhart. Promoting literacy, Library involvement and family fun, the Dickens Committee has held to the promise that every child can participate in every event at the Dickens’ Christmas in Lockhart, without paying a cent.

This year’s Dickens’ Christmas in Lockhart has been dedicated to longtime Lockhart City Council member and public servant Kenny Roland, who passed away last January.

In addition to his many years on the City Council, Roland was the founder of the District One Pride civic organization and the introduction of the Annual March Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, which he continued to spearhead until his sudden death in January.

Education held a special place in Roland’s heart, and he could often be found quietly mentoring area youth behind the scenes, helping them to move forward in life, as he himself had been assisted as a young man.

A special recognition of Roland and his family will take place in front of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, prior to the lighting of the Yule Log.

The real festivities kick off on Friday night, though, as the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce lines up floats on Market Street for the Lighted Parade at 7 p.m. This twinkling spectacle of performers, bands and civic organizations culminates with the arrival of Father Christmas, who will arrive in Lockhart early on Friday night, and be at the Library all day to hear local children’s holiday wishes.

If this weren’t enough classic Christmas entertainment, the Gaslight-Baker Theatre will be presenting performances of the Central Texas favorite, “A Tuna Christmas,” at the historic Baker Theater, immediately across the street from the Dr. Eugene Clark Library complex. Showtime is 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evening.

Other events slated in connection with this year’s 26th anniversary of the Dickens’ Christmas in Lockhart include:

Holiday Home Tours

Holiday Home Tours, the Beta Sigma Phi sponsors a Holiday Tour of Homes from 1 – 5 p.m.

Tickets purchased in advance are $10 and can be purchased from the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce, first Lockhart National Bank, at the Library, or from any Beta member. The Day of the event tickets are $12 and can be bought at the location of any home on the tour. For more information please contact Sue Smith (512) 668-4154, and to find a complete list of homes on this year’s tour, see Page 3A of today’s Post-Register.

Local Craftsmen and Businesses

Prepare to be delighted as you stroll along historic downtown for holiday shopping. Unique hand-crafted items by local artisans will be found at our vendor’s area. Delights available for purchase will include: jewerly made of copper, sterling sliver, and real flowers – personalized, handmade or costume; Native American items; gift baskets; Christmas decor; wood decor; goat milk products and homemade jellies; Scentsy products; handmade crafts made by Children; and a variety of toys, clothing, quilts, accessories and more. While you shop, visit the food vendors to enjoy hot chocolate, sweets, flavored popcorn, kettle corn, pork rinds, hot dogs, tortilla soup, funnel cakes and a variety of treats for every palate.

Lighting of Downtown Lockhart

As the day’s events come to a close, the dramatic and awe-inspiring Lighting of the Yule Log signifies the official beginning of the Christmas season. Let your heart be lifted by the caroling of hundreds of Lockhart children. Everyone is invited to sing along and help make a “joyful noise.”

Local Authors

Meet with local published authors in the Children’s Area Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. An autographed book makes a great Christmas gift! This year’s authors include: Donaly Brice, Phil McBride, Gretchen Rix, Ronda Reagan and Candice Wiester.

A Dickens’ Christmas In Lockhart

Schedule of Events

Friday, Dec. 4, 2015

Downtown Business Open Late for Holiday Shopping

6 p.m. Vendors Tent Opens

7 p.m. Evening Lighted Parade

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015

9 a.m. Vendor Tent Opens

9:30 a.m. Bluebonnet Fifth Grade Choir

10 a.m. Carriage Rides with   Dakota’s Dream TEeam

-Train Rides with Wiggle Waggle Trains

-Father Christmas Arrives

-Caricaturist – Chuck Bryan

-Face Painting – Carrie Smith

–           Navarro Elementary Fifth Grade Choir

10:30 a.m. Franko the Ice Man

11 a.m. Horn Society of Texas State

11:45 a.m. Harpist

12:30 p.m. Lockhart Junior High School Concert Band

1 p.m. Birds of Prey Falconer Show

– Glass Blowing with Austin Flameworks

– Street Juggling with Jack Byrd

2 p.m. Clear Fork Elementary Fifth Grade Choir

-Fry’s Fun Farm Petting Zoo

2: 30 p.m. Plum Creek Elementary Fifth Grade Choir

3 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Tonantzin

-Austin Reptile Show

3:30 p.m. Lockhart Junior High School Sixth Grade Choir

4 p.m. Magic Show with Jack Byrd

4:30 p.m. Lockhart Junior High School Seventh Grade Choir

5 p.m. Capital of Texas Zoo

5:30 p.m. Lockhart Junior High School Eighth Grade Choir

6 p.m. Lockhart Freshman Choir

6:30 p.m. Lockhart High School Choir

7 p.m. Lighting of the Yule Log