Things to Do

Spring Ho Festival in Lampasas Celebrates Natural Springs

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Summer is in full swing, so it may seem a bit odd to hear that Lampasas is gearing up for their annual Spring Ho celebration. However, Spring Ho is not named for the season, but for the several natural springs that provide water for the town.

EventsPhoto: Facebook/Lampasas Spring Ho Festival

Spring Ho has been an annual celebration since 1972. A naming contest was conducted with a prize of twenty-five dollars. An anonymous entrant came up with “Spring Ho”, and chose to donate the prize money back to the festival. Spring Ho then began with $25 and many volunteers. It remains an event supported by volunteers and donors. Spring Ho was initially celebrated during the second full weekend in July, but has since expanded to include a full week of events and activities for all ages.

This year’s festival will take place from July 5-10, with a theme of “Follow Your Arrow” and a jam-packed schedule each day. Events will kick off Tuesday evening with live music, followed by the festival’s opening ceremonies and the Spring Ho beauty pageant. Wednesday morning, children can come cast a line in the Kiddie Fishing Derby. There will also be registration for the county fair. Wednesday evening is Gospel Night, followed by a fireworks display.

Spring HoPhoto: Facebook/Lampasas Spring Ho Festival

Judging of the County Fair exhibits will take place on Thursday morning, and exhibits can be viewed in the afternoon. There will also be an arts and crafts fair all day. The carnival will open on Thursday evening, and Toupsie’s restaurant will be hosting a dance contest. Friday offers fun for the entire family, with a barbecue cook-off, diaper derby, pet parade, face painting, a corn shucking competition, live entertainment, and an evening dance.

Fuel your competitive side on Saturday in the 10K, 5K, or mile run, as well as the washer and horseshoe pitching tournaments. There will also be kayak races, water sports, and a rubber ducky derby. Stick around for the Grand Parade, plenty of live entertainment, and an evening concert featuring Sam Riggs and William Clark Green.

For more information and a complete schedule and map of events, visit www.springho.com. This small town festival promises big fun for all ages!