Library prepares for days of Christmas past

By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

The long-awaited break in unseasonally warm weather came just in time to remind us that Christmas is on its way. This weekend, Lockhart will usher in the holidays as the Eugene Clark Library celebrates the 27th Annual Dickens’ Christmas in Lockhart.

For more than 25 years, an army of volunteers a

nd library staffers, led by Co-Chairs Stephanie Riggin and Felicity Winnett, along with Library Director Bertha 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, despite the threat of rainy weather, will be no different.

“In 27 years we’ve never cancelled, and we never even discussed it this year,” Riggin said on Wednesday morning. “We have so much space now, with the remodeling done, and so many different kinds of entertainment, we can just move things inside if we have to.”

This year’s Dickens’ Christmas in Lockhart has been dedicated educator Emma Lue Mohle, who passed away in July.

Mrs. Mohle touched thousands of lives in her 31-year tenure at Lockhart High School. As a business trades and accounting teacher, she strove to ensure that her students had the skills they needed to pursue careers in business. Even after her retirement, she proved through her volunteer activities that education, and literacy, was dear to her heart.

A special recognition of Mohle and her 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.

Click for a full Schedule of Events.

If this weren’t enough classic Christmas entertainment, the Gaslight-Baker Theatre will be presenting performances of the timeless classic, “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” 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 27th 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 the Dickens Schedule of Events.

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: jewelry made of copper, sterling silver, 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: Janet Christian, Victoria Daywood and Peg Engledow, Tam Francis, Phil McBride, Chuck Parsons,  Ronda Reagan, Gretchen Rix and Candice Wiester.