Small Town Country Christmas Held In Round Top

Neighbors and friends from across Texas welcomed Christmas to Round Top on Saturday, Dec. 6. Activities were limited this year in the interest of public health and safety, but visitors were able to enjoy hearty beef stew offered by the Round Top Family Library, cookies offered by Do Your Duty Club, and refreshments offered by local show funds and businesses.

As night fell, lights twinkled on in the Town Square and excitement built, as announcer Jay Robinson welcomed everyone to the Lighted Christmas Parade. Twenty-two beautifully decorated vehicles and floats were led into town by Grand Marshal Craig Moreau, Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator. The crowd gave Craig a big round of applause for his tireless efforts to battle the effects of COVID-19 in our community. Craig was driving a sporty 1966 Shelby Cobra replica that has been donated as a fundraiser for the Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter by John and Betty Burkland.

Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to the crowd from a Round Top – Warrenton Fire Truck. The 2020 Round Top Rifle Association Schützen König, JB Cravens, and Miss Czhilispiel 48, AnaLyn Kozelsky, greeted their fans from their respective organization’s floats.

Newly elected Mayor Mark Massey rode the Town of Round Top’s float to commemorate the town’s 150th anniversary of incorporation. The Best Overall Parade winner was a mobile holiday photo booth decorated by Paul Michael Company and the vendors at Market Hill. The last float in the parade featured the Wailin’ All-Star Opera Singers, who treated the crowd to a lovely rendition of The Hallelujah Corus from Handel’s Messiah.

The winning parade entries were:

Best Business Entry: The Stone Cellar and Round Top Dance Hall

Best Civic or Non-Profit Entry: Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Czhilispiel 48 Court

Best Family or individual Entry: Winter Candyland by the Massey-Baker Families

Bests Lights: J&R Ranch by the Schill Family

Most Original: Wailin’ All-Star Opera Singers

Best Overall: Market Hill by Paul Michael Company

The annual Christmas in Round Top was organized by the Do Your Duty Club, the Round Top Area Chamber of Commerce, the Round Top Family Library, and the Town of Round Top. Many local businesses offered sponsorships to offset the costs of security, traffic control, insurance, etc. The organizing committee would like to thank the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that all had a safe, fun Christmas holiday event.