Texan Magazine
Former Texas Rangers Event In Fredericksburg, “Christmas with Santa And The Rangers,” was Largest Turnout In Event History
By Bill Dante, Chairman Of The Board, Former Texas Rangers Foundation
Courtesy of Texan Magazine, https://texanmag.com
A very crisp, bright December day turned into pure holiday magic and history in the making. The spectacular, vibrant colors of autumn in the Texas Hill Country, combined with the spirit of Christmas could have been right out of a Hallmark movie!
The Texas Rangers Heritage Center, a breathtaking, pristine, Hill Country open-air pavilion was decorated to the nines with hundreds and hundreds of lights and over ten ornately decorated Christmas trees, some over 12 feet tall! A heavy, carved wooden bench with cozy gingerbread men pillows was reserved for one very special person…..Santa Claus! Families eagerly arrived with anticipation. There was so much to do! But what to do first? Kids were sworn in as Junior Texas Rangers by actual Texas Rangers.
Texas Ranger, Ret. Joe B. Davis, and Texas Ranger, Ret. Wayne Fricke were on hand to officially swear in the kids. Each child received a frame worthy, certificate and badge.
Soon, a hush came over the crowd, and all eyes were focused on one man in a cowboy hat, boots and a red suit. The “real” Santa had arrived with Mrs. Claus. Screams of excitement and cheer could be heard throughout the pavilion as children lined up for a meet and greet with jolly old Saint Nick. Santa listened patiently to each and every one, the young, and young at heart. Wishes and dreams were shared and unforgettable memories were made.
The craft tables were busy with kids making memories, and hand-made ornaments. The magic of Christmas certainly filled the air.
By the end of the day, over 300 people were served FREE hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies and apple cider.
The entire event was FREE to the public, sponsored by Walmart, Lowe’s, and the Former Texas Rangers Foundation and Association as a way to give back to the community. If you were there, thank you for coming. If you missed it, you missed a spectacular event and we hope to see you in 2023! Bring your cowboy hat and boots. We’ll be waiting for you!
