GEORGETOWN SQUARE
November 25, Georgetown celebrated the official start of the City’s holiday celebration. Mayor Dale Ross had help from about a dozen local children to pull the switch and light up Texas’ Most Beautiful Town Square.
Mike Ferrier introduced daughter Fiona (6-1/2 months) to Santa for her first Christmas ever.
Entertainment was provided by the Austin Carolers, also with help from more than 100 youngsters. The Austin Carolers joined forces in 1994, and have been performing year-round for many years, but most notably in Georgetown for this annual event.
At 6pm, Williamson County Commissioner Lisa Birkman and Georgetown Mayor Ross led the crowd in a “Santa!” chant to bring the big red man to the stairs. The mayor wished all a Merry Christmas before turning on a million-plus lights, supported by Georgetown Utility Systems.
The recent growth of the holiday lighting project was spearheaded by a joint fundraising collaboration between city leaders and the Main Street Advisory Board. Downtown businesses continue to support these efforts through beautification and lighting additions of their own, and private contributions are always needed and welcomed to continue the expansion.
Santa took photos and accepted donations for needy kids throughout Georgetown and Williamson County for the Blue and Brown Santa programs respectively. (Wilcobrownsanta.com for Brown Santa or Bluesanta.georgetown.org for Blue Santa.) Both programs are still accepting toy donations. Look for donation barrels at the Courthouse and at All Things Kids on Main Street.
Santa and Blue Knight Mark Katz prepare for their sleigh/Slingshot ride to the Brown Santa gala in Wolf Ranch.
WOLF RANCH CENTER
Santa made another special appearance at the Wolf Ranch shopping center Saturday night. Escorted by the Blue Knights, their spouses, and members of the Gunslingers’ Club, he arrived in style for the Brown Santa Gala to take photos and encourage donations for needy families.
The Blue Knights are an international motorcycle club, founded to maintain brother/sisterhood of law enforcement personnel, promote traffic safety and child advocacy. They have been participating in the Wolf Ranch gala for the past four years as part of their efforts to give back to the community. Chapter Vice-president, Deputy J.C. Weaver, says “We have done well this year with our donations, but we want more. We are fortunate to live in a prosperous area so we often don’t see the need; but it’s there.”
What’s Next?
Coming December 2-4 is the Annual Christmas Stroll, which begins Friday night with booths and late retail hours and continues Saturday morning with the parade on Austin Avenue and another exciting visit from Santa.
Saturday and Sunday, visit Bethlehem village, kid-friendly activities, and specialty shopping. The Holiday Home Tour in Historic Georgetown follows December 10th-11th. Five Georgetown homeowners open their doors to a glimpse of the past for all to see. See p. 2 for home locations.
Top: Moments after the switch. • View from the courthouse balcony as thousands of visitors filled the Square. • Santa and Blue Knight Mark Katz prepare for their sleigh/Slingshot ride to the Brown Santa gala in Wolf Ranch. • Mike Ferrier introduced daughter Fiona (6-1/2 months) to Santa for her first Christmas ever.
