Destination Dripping Springs launches holiday light program

This week, the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau (DSVB) will start their annual campaign to “Light Up Historic Mercer Street.” The funds raised from the event go towards purchasing, installation, and storage of the holiday lights and decorations that are displayed during the holiday season in downtown Dripping Springs.

For the last two holiday seasons, the DSVB has raised enough money to adorn each building on Mercer Street with festive lights as well as decorations all along the street. In 2019, the non-profit organization even created a seasonal photo opportunity in front of Mazama Coffee Co. where locals and visitors can have their photos made. The lights represent the spirit of the holiday season, and the DSVB is asking the community to donate to help keep the spirit alive.

The DSVB must raise $9,000 to hang the lights on each business on Mercer Street, install the photo op and the displays. Individuals and businesses in the Dripping Springs area can help make the holidays a little brighter by contributing a tax-deductible donation of $20 or more to help fund the Light Up Historic Mercer Street campaign.

“With most of our local events being cancelled, the Thanksgiving-Christmas season is about all we have left to look forward to this year,” Pam Owens said, President of the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau. “The DS Lions Club donates the swags going across Mercer Street, the City decorates their light pole standards and if 450 individual families or businesses will donate at least $20, we would reach our goal and be able to light up historic Mercer street once again. Lights will add a lot of festivity starting the weekend of Thanksgiving. A banner at the corner of San Marcos Street will show names of donors. The holidays are about all we have left to look forward to this year so let’s make it extra bright!”

The campaign was started three years ago after receiving a grant from the Dripping Springs Community Foundation and many donations from residents. In the last two years, the support this campaign received from local businesses and the community was overwhelming, and the DSVB is asking for support from the community once again. Donate to help spread hope, joy, and holiday spirit during these trying times. While the current pandemic is forcing neighbors to stay apart, the community can band together and bring a bit of beauty back to the world with a monetary contribution for holiday decorations.

The City of Dripping Springs does not have a lot of available funds in the budget to improve on existing decorations. Likewise, most merchants within downtown Dripping Springs and the historical district are small businesses who also lack budgets for community decoration. Because of these financial constraints, the DSVB is asking the community to help spread Christmas cheer and community spirit all along Mercer Street by making a monetary contribution.

Make your online donation at destinationdrippingsprings.com/holidays, or bring a donation check to the Visitors Bureau at 509 Mercer Street or by mail to PO Box 206, DS 78620.

The Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization devoted to promoting tourism, providing residents with community information, and supporting the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Dripping Springs in their missions.