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Elgin’s annual Holiday by the Tracks and Lighted Parade Dec. 7 carried on through cold weather and chilling rain, offering a slower-paced but still festive day for attendees.
The Season of Sugar Plums & Beating Drums Christmas Bazaar at Veterans Memorial Park helped set the holiday tone with handmade gifts and knitted outerwear, while warming beverages from the Hot Cocoa Stroll helped keep spirits high. Horsedrawn carriage rides, courtesy of the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, also added a charming holiday touch.
As evening fell, decorated trucks and floats began lining up for the Lighted Parade, closing off streets downtown. While turnout was lighter than in previous years, spectators still filled out Main Street, bundled under umbrellas and blankets.
The parade began with Elgin Police Department cruisers decked out in festive lights, leading the way for Boy Scout Troop 182 as the color guard. Chartered by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church since 1949, Troop 182 is the oldest in Bastrop County and continues to instill the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in young men.
Mayor Theresa McShan and her grandchildren followed in her “Nana’s ride,” alongside County Commissioner David Glass and the Elgin Main Street Board, who arrived with their Hogeye-themed float. Cutbirth Family Dental joined the procession, handing out candy to children and securing smiles from future customers.
A variety of floats celebrated the holiday spirit. Danza Guadalupana, a local group dedicated to dancing for the Virgin of Guadalupe, won first place for their vibrant and meaningful entry. ColorWorks Salon earned second place with a festive Feliz Navidad theme, while the McDade Watermelon Festival float, featuring Tiny Tot Queen Scarlett Munzer, Junior Queen Kassidy Munzer and Teen Queen Ellen Carroll, took third.
The Elgin Independent School District’s marching band, cheerleaders and Purple Diamonds dance team showcased their Wildcat spirit, adding music and energy to the lineup.
The evening was emceed by Liston Crim, a volunteer with Elgin Arts and Culture, and sponsored by the City of Elgin, the Elgin Fire Department and North Bastrop County Fire Rescue.
As the final float passed through, the streets emptied quickly as attendees sought the comfort of their cars and homes. The parade, lasting less than an hour, proved that even in challenging weather, the Elgin community will continue its holiday season highlight.
