by SANDRA GRIZZLE
This past weekend’s 33rd Budafest may have been one of the warmest ever. Temperatures were high and so was the excitement of the two-day event. The parade kicked off the celebration on Saturday morning, followed by folks strolling along Main Street and through the arts and crafts booths along the greenbelt, listening to the musical entertainment, munching on the good food and having fun at the carnival in city park. Of course the line was long, with lots of kids waiting to talk with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Thanks to all the Budafest committee members for all the many hours spent putting it together and to all the volunteers who helped. Next year Budafest will be Dec. 7-8. Perhaps the theme will be not only about Christmas but also to honor our veterans, since Dec. 7 is Pearl Harbor Day.
Many thanks to the Knights of Columbus and to the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary for providing such a wonderful evening of food, gifts and entertainment Sunday night at Santa Cruz Catholic Church. There were 260 plates of turkey and dressing, along with all the trimmings, served to the area senior citizens.
The drawing for the quilt made by the Buda Bees of the Onion Creek Senior Citizens Center was also held Sunday night, following the dinner at Santa Cruz. The winner was Jan Bach of the Shady Hollow area. Bach purchased six tickets at Budafest. She is very Buda-connected, as she is a member of Buda United Methodist Church, and her youngest daughter belongs to the Girl Scout troop that meets at the Onion Creek Senior Center.
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Time again for First Thursday in downtown Buda on Thursday, Dec. 6,, from 5-9 p.m. Take time to stroll through the various shops and enjoy dining in the restaurants. There will also be carriage rides ($5 per person; children under 12 free), various acts and songs performed in the greenbelt by Take a Bow Productions and Hays CISD.
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Senior night at Buda City Hall is Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. There will be refreshments served, carriage rides and transportation provided to the Trail of Lights at Stagecoach Park. Area senior citizens should RSVP to city hall by calling (512) 312-0084.
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The public is invited to visit the annual Trail of Lights Dec. 14-22. Parking is available at Cabela’s, with free shuttle service to the Trail of Lights. Also golf cart transportation is available for those who have difficulty walking the trail.
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Holiday Downtown Buda Extravaganza will be held Dec. 14-15. This two-day event is from 6-9 p.m. along Main Street, with businesses open for late holiday shopping, as well as vendors along the greenbelt. There will be carriage rides, food and other activities.
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A benefit barbecue will be held Dec. 15 for the family of Carol Sue Gage. Barbecue plates will be served from 11:30 a.m. until sold out in the courtyard at Sue Ellen’s and Old Main Street Station at 122 Main St. Gage passed away a few weeks ago and the benefit will help with funeral expenses.
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Birthday wishes go out to Pat German on Dec. 7; Georgia Sue Lincoln, Jeffrey Cremer and Valerie Odell on Dec. 9; Shirley Burrell and Cecil Allen Clark on Dec. 10; Sheelah Goforth, Karen Herrmann and Judge Beth Smith on Dec. 11; and Pat Vallejo on Dec. 12.
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Be sure to drive around the area and look at all the great displays of lights. Let us know where the best ones are located.