We couldn’t have asked for a better 45th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch! Almost 8,000 community members experienced the magic of Candlelight Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9.
We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who joined us for Christmas on the outfit and celebrated the holiday on the frontier. Thank you so much for coming, and we hope to see you again next year.
More than 200 volunteers brought historic holiday traditions to life in 15 historic structures, helped direct traffic, and served refreshments. We want to express our gratitude to all of the staff, volunteers, community organizations and extra hands that made it all possible. Candlelight at the Ranch couldn’t happen without you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed or underappreciated.
A huge thank you to the below organizations and individuals –
- JT Hutchinson Middle School National Junior Honor Society – Greeters
- Youth Art Guild of Lubbock – Caroling throughout the park
- Civil Air Patrol – Trail Guides
- Boy Scout Troop 505 – Trail Guides
- Ranch Host Volunteers – Living History
- Rhinestones Quartet – Patio Christmas Caroling
- Brazos West – 6666’s Music
- Cougar & Matt Doherty – Fiddle music in Las Escarbadas
- Lubbock High School Madrigal Choir – Music in Main Gallery
- Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministries at Texas Tech – Trinity Mission Church Service
- Texas Tech University Ranch Horse Team
- Monica Hightower – HX Chuckwagon
- Just Dunn Poppin Kettle Corn
- Crestview Elementary – Mrs. Wimberley’s 1st Grade Class
- Amhurst 5th Grade
- Ana Torres & Victor Munoz – Los Corralitos Music
- Santa Claus
- Jason Hodges, Mary Schilling & Rio Judice – 6666’s Hot Cocoa
- Ranching Heritage Association Board Members
- Lubbock Camera Club
New this year was a shuttle system through Citibus and a satellite parking lot at UMC to provide easier access to the event. Many visitors were able to catch a ride on Santa’s “John Deeres” thanks to the fine folks at South Plains Implement, who graciously provided three John Deere gators. A big thank you to the Ranching Heritage Association board members who captained the gators each evening.
We are already looking forward to next year!
Relive the weekend through the photographs below. Click an image to enlarge for better viewing.
Canldleight was made possible by the Helen Jones Foundation, Inc. and The CH Foundation.
Photographs by Adrian Hawkins, NRHC Communications Manager; Hannah Hudgens, NRHC Marketing Intern; Stephen Stookey, Lubbock Camera Club; Kim Christensen, Lubbock Camera Club; Ron Francis, Lubbock Camera Club
