By Megan Wehring
DRIPPING SPRINGS — The twinkling lights that drape the shops and trees on Mercer Street will come back this year with the help of donations from the Dripping Springs community. The Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau (DSVB) started the Light Up Historic Mercer Street Campaign in 2018 to create the seasonal displays that many people adore.
The organization is grateful for the consistent support from local businesses and hopes the community will continue to “donate to help spread hope, joy, and holiday spirit during these trying times,” according to the DSVB website.
The DSVB has raised $16,000 this year, including the matching $5,000 from the city, to fund the campaign. Any additional funds will go towards next year’s holiday season.
For years, Dripping Springs residents faced the challenge of traveling to surrounding cities to view Christmas light displays that were absent in their hometown. The Lions Club was in charge of decorating for many years until the DSVB stepped in to help out.
“The Lions Club has historically done some decorating in Dripping Springs,” said Pam Owens, president of the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau. “The tree of lights and hanging garland. But there were no other businesses or decorations in general in our downtown and all the surrounding towns have quite a few.”
The DSVB hired a local company, LUX Lighting, to light the historic buildings and local businesses along Mercer Street. The Home Depot also provided decorations this year.
“It’s kind of been a community-wide effort,” Owens said. “It makes everyone feel good that we have the lights on downtown.”
While the DSVB has decorated downtown Mercer this year, online contributions, checks to the Visitors Bureau at 509 Mercer Street or mail donations to P.O. Box 206, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 are still accepted for next season.
Dripping Springs residents can also feel the spirit of the season by attending the 16th Annual Christmas on Mercer Street event on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts, crafts, business vendor booths and even holiday carols will make an appearance. Though Santa will not be at the event to stay safe and socially distanced before Christmas, children can drop off a letter in the provided mail box.
A Virtual Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at dusk that evening on Facebook, giving every resident the opportunity to spend time with their family in the safety of their home.
