Walking in a Wimberley Wonderland

With Hanukkah stories reaching back more than 2,000 years, prayers, music and traditional potato latkes, a Menorah lighting ceremony was held on the Wimberley Square last week. Rabbi Ari Weingarten of Chabad of San Marcos addressed the crowd of approximately 75 people who gathered for the event. He explained that the lighting of the Menorah encourages humans to “bring light to the darkness,” which was echoed by Rabbi Pinni Katz of Johannesburg, South Africa who also spoke. The ceremony took place on the sixth night of Hanukkah, a festival which began this year at sunset on December 7 and ended December 15.

The Second Annual Christmas Carol Train Ride on the Pioneer Express, sold out every ride as visitors flocked to 7A Ranch to sing carols, visit with Santa, and take in the views of the Hill Country, all from their seats on the train.

WAG Board Members Jana Kennon and Gina Casares cheerfully wrapped gifts at Ace Hardware. They accepted donations to the Wimberley Adoption Group and Rescue from happy shoppers who were more than happy to avail themselves of their services.

Breakfast with Santa served more than 300 sausage and pancake breakfasts to guests who attended the Wimberley Community Civic Club’s Breakfast with Santa last Saturday. The Hill Country Band supplied beautiful live music of the season as kids and their parents visited with Santa, chose books to take home and made crafts led by workshop elves. On hand to capture the fun were KWVH’s Carol Wilson, John Odell in a festive holiday blazer, and Brach Thomas.

Pretty little girls in their best tiaras and gowns attended the Central Texas Theatre Academy’s Princess Ball and Tea Party last weekend at the Community Center. The princesses- in-training waited anxiously for Olaf and the “Big Princesses” to appear. Soon Elsa, Anna, Belle and Rapunzel entered the room and all eyes were upon them as they visited each table to hold court with the girls. It was the theatre academy’s 3rd Annual Princess Ball coordinated by CTTA founder Bridget Farias-Gates.

A Christmas Tea and Gala at the home of Marshall Jennings in Dripping Springs featured the voices of VocaLibre from the School of Music at Texas State University in San Marcos. Director Craig Aamot led the group in a moving performance in a variety of styles from classical to contemporary around a holiday theme of hope and connection. Pianist Marc Haygood played Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata Op. 27 No. 2 and concluded with a jazz piece by Guaraldi, the Linus and Lucy Christmas Song, from the Peanuts animated series.

This year’s Emily-Ann Trail of Lights dazzled the hundreds of visitors who walked the garden’s nearly eight acres of lighted exhibits. “Best in Show” was awarded to the Wimberley Valley Library’s Children’s Librarian, Beth Jordan, and her team for their exhibit, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” from the Chronicles of Narnia series of children’s books by C. S. Lewis.

Complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows for roasting around a campfire added to the magic as a crisp evening descended on the crowds who were bundled up to listen to a live performance by the Hill Country Honeys. Santa had his work cut out for him as children lined up to share their wishes and make sure they were on his “nice” list.