Monday, December 9, 2019 / by Jenny Carroll
Downtown Bastrop is Ready to Celebrate With You
Contributed by Deena Thomas of Stanberry Realtors
(BASTROP) Downtown Bastrop is decked out with Christmas spirit. Families stroll in the evenings by the twinkling lights of Main Street and the Fisherman’s Park River Walk to capture that Christmas cheer brightly lit along the paths or even to take in the Christmas pageant chaos at The Best Christmas Pageant Ever performed at The Bastrop Opera House. But it’s Saturday, Dec. 14 that will draw people of all ages to the Historic Downtown Bastrop for an entire day of Christmas cheer starting with the Historical Homes Tour and ending in the evening with the Lighted Christmas Parade.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at THE BASTROP OPERA HOUSE
Evening Performances Begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 21
Afternoon Performances Begin at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 14, 15
(From Bastrop Opera House Website) The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world--so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There's not supposed to be fighting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies is calling for first-time director Grace to fire the Herdmans. But it's up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.
For advanced tickets go to https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=10&p=1
Families will stroll in the evenings by the twinkling lights of Main Street and the Fisherman’s Park River Walk to capture that Christmas cheer brightly lit along the paths or even to take in the Christmas pageant chaos at The Best Christmas Pageant Ever performed at The Bastrop Opera House. But it’s Saturday, Dec. 14 that will draw people of all ages to the Historic Downtown Bastrop for an entire day of Christmas cheer starting with the Historical Homes Tour and ending in the evening with the Lighted Christmas Parade.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14 LOST PINES CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BASTROP
Bastrop Historical Homes Tour---Noon to 5 p.m.
For the 40th year, historical homes of Bastrop will be open for tour. Donned for Christmas and represented by docent volunteers, these six jewels have been chosen by the Bastrop County Historical Society for the showcase. Children under 12 accompanied by a ticketed adult are admitted free. Tickets at the door the day of the tour will be $20.
https://www.bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/tickets
(Home descriptions are from Bastrop County Historical Society Website)
1. The Allen-Fowler House
1404 Wilson Street
The Allen-Fowler House, built around 1852 as a residence and boarding house across the street from what became the Bastrop Military Institute. Governor Sam Houston often dined here when visiting his sons while they were cadets at the Institute. State Senator John Preston Fowler and his wife, Maude, renovated the façade, adding bay windows, porches, and "gingerbread."
502 Elm Street
508 Pecan Street
The Alf Jung House, owned by members of two families, Jung and Smith, for 115 of its 124 years and first time on the tour! This Folk Victorian was built of red brick by Alf Jung, a brick mason, who along with his father and two brothers built many of the buildings in downtown Bastrop.
1407 Wilson Street
The Howell House, the central element of this house is a three-room, one-story dog trot built before 1860 and once designated "The Miley House." It was moved to this lot and a second story and other rooms added in 2004.
5. The Kleinert-Grisenbeck Home
802 Jefferson Street
6. The First United Methodist Church
1201 Main Street
The First United Methodist Church, built in 1925, its congregation celebrates its 185th anniversary in 2020. The first services were held in an unfinished store on Main Street with a Bible and a hymnal placed on a barrel which served as a pulpit.
LET IT SNOW EVENT—Noon to 5 p.m.
Whatever the weather, Fisherman’s Park is expecting snow for this event. Come throw a few snowballs or just watch the children revel while making snow angels in anticipation of the main event---The Lighted Christmas Parade.
LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE---6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The main event will hit the streets with lighted floats, cyclists, bands, and dancers for the Lighted Christmas Parade. With over 125 entries anticipated the parade route, starting at Bastrop High School and running south down Main Street, attracts those looking to really get into the holiday spirit. For onlookers, the parade brings the magic of the season, but for those participating in the parade, coveted trophies from Overall Best Lost Pines Christmas Entry to Best “Reason for the Season” are at stake. There’s no parade pre-registration, but check the link for the form that is required the evening of the lineup. Bundle up and come early to Main Street for your best parade vantage point.
