Communities host Christmas festivities this week

By Marc Robertson - Editor | December 4, 2024

Tree lighting, visits from Santa Claus, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment

South Texas puts its holiday season into gear this weekend with a slate of festivals and activities for the whole family in Pearsall, Dilley and Cotulla, and the traditional Country Christmas takes place at the La Salle County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, December 7-8.
The popular event hosted by the fair association will be held in the pavilion and exhibition barn on the fairgrounds on Hwy 97, with access on Engineer Lane, and promises a variety of booths, live entertainment, visits from Santa Claus, foods and refreshments, and a rodeo in the adjoining American Legion Arena.
Doors open at 9 a.m. Saturday, when vendors offer arts and crafts, homemade goods, seasonal décor, clothing, jewelry, trinkets and jewelry, toys, books, packaged foods and treats.
A prize Bingo game is set for noon on Saturday; the more adventurous visitors may take turns trying their skills on a mechanical bull.
Santa Claus will make visits to the exhibition hall during the weekend to meet local children for photos and to hear their Christmas wishes.
Among the outdoor attractions Saturday will be the ranch rodeo qualifying events in the arena, set to begin at 3 p.m. when invited competitors vie for coveted ranks in the annual Wild Hog Cook-Off rodeo that will be held in March. Competition will include a series of challenges in riding and roping that mirror the ever-popular ranch rodeo during the county fair on Wild Hog Weekend.
Live entertainment is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday with music by Mario Moreno.
Gates to the fairground will close at 9 p.m. Saturday and reopen from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday with more shopping opportunities.

NIGHT OF LIGHTS at the city of Pearsall to kick off the Christmas season will be held Friday, December 6, with a 6 p.m. parade along Oak Street and lighting the city’s tree, arts and crafts booths, foods and refreshments, entertainment, and a Santa Claus visit at City Hall, at Ash and San Marcos streets. Booth spaces are available free or for $10 with electricity. Call Bianca Ramirez at (830) 334-4160 for parade information, Raquel Yanez at (830) 334-3676 for vendor space, or the city website at cityofpearsall.org.

LIGHTED PARADE and Christmas tree lighting with a visit from Santa Claus scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 6, along Main Street and at Veterans Park in downtown Cotulla, featuring booths with giveaway goodies, refreshments, cookies, books, ornaments, and activities for children. Parade participants and booth hosts should call Jennifer Aguirre at City Hall, (830) 879-2367.

SANTA CLAUS and the Grinch will be special guests at the city of Dilley Christmas event Friday, December 6, beginning with a parade on Main Street and a tree lighting at the downtown park, music and refreshments. For information, call City Hall at (830) 965-1624 or email [email protected].

FRIO COUNTY elected officials invite the public to participate in the annual Frio County Christmas Lighting Ceremony to be held on Saturday, December 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Courthouse.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT hosted by the Pearsall Methodist Church will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m. in the PMC Sanctuary on 507 E. San Antonio. The event will include special performances by the Joyful Noise Bell Choir and the Chimes for Christ Kids Choir. The public is invited. Light refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall after the concert.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL presentation of ‘The Name Jesus’ will be performed by the choirs of the First Baptist Church in Pearsall on Sunday, December 8, at 6 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

ADVENT CALENDARS are now available free of charge to local families at the Pearsall Public Library on Trinity Street downtown, courtesy of St. Peter Lutheran Church.