Take a Walk Back in Time for LBJ Tree Lighting
Celebrating 52 years, the annual LBJ Tree Lighting event will be held Sunday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Taking place at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall, the event will give locals and visitors a chance to enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and, of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Then, they can revisit the past at the SauerBeckmann Living History Farm. The evening event is a holiday tradition begun by President Lyndon B. Johnson and his family. Presenting the annual affair along with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are members of the Stonewall community who volunteer their time and talents to add to the festive atmosphere. The annual LBJ Tree Lighting takes place in the courtyard of the state park’s visitor center, located just east of Stonewall off U.S. 290 East. Members of the Johnson family traditionally are on hand that night at the park, which is named for the 36th U.S. president, to take part in the ceremony. In conjunction with the tree lighting, a short program is held in which representatives from Stonewall community churches participate. Elsewhere on the grounds, members of the Catholic Youth Organization present a live nativity scene.
Light refreshments will also be available, and the park store will be open to help shoppers find unique items for those on their holiday lists. As a part of the tree lighting, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm inside the state park will be open to visitors. Those planning to take in the farm are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for the short “Walk Back in Time” to the farm. The trails are well lit, but having a flashlight is recommended. At the Sauer-Beckmann Farm, state park personnel dressed in the style of the early 1900s will greet visitors for a walking tour through the houses. There, visitors will see the German Christmas theme carried out. Standing in the parlor will be a Christmas tree decorated with cutout cookies, popcorn chains, apples, oranges and lighted candles. The tradition of putting lighted candles on Christmas trees actually started in Germany and is a prelude to today’s modern electrical lights. In another room, visitors find angel chimes and an advent wreath made of cedar. At the Sauer-Beckmann Farm, in the center of the kitchen, the dining table is laden with foods that have been prepared by park interpreters.
For more information, call 830-644-2252, ext. 226, or, follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook. Following the ceremony, activities and comLBJSTATEPark or on the park’s own website at entertainment are planned at the visitor center, www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson. including ornament making, holiday music and visits with Santa Claus.
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