By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Val Verde County elected officials, administrators and employees spread some holiday joy to the community on Friday with Christmas treats, music and a visit from Santa Claus and friends.
The county hosted its annual ”Evening with Santa and Friends” at
the Val Verde County Courthouse on Friday evening. County employees and other community volunteers were present outside the courthouse to hand out free hot chocolate and cookies, but the main attraction was the evening appearance of Santa. Dr.
Courthouse on Friday. (Photo by Louis Zylka)
Seuss’ the Grinch was sneaking around the decorations on the courthouse lawn to as well.
Twenty inflatable Christmas decorations spanning a range of holiday themes were displayed around the courthouse for people to include in their photos. Several vendors were present, including Tacos el Primo, Pacos Sack Truck, Gordito Style Barbecue, Gutierrez Toys and H-E-B.
County Human Resources Director Juanita Barrera said the courthouse formerly had a movie playing outside during its past events. She said event organizers decided not to screen a movie this year and focus on people taking pictures with Santa.
At 6 p.m., there was a line of people waiting to take pictures with Santa Claus, and by 6:30 p.m., Santa came out and sat down on a chair to meet the children and families excited about seeing him.
Miss Del Rio 2024-2025 Andrea Padilla helped Santa give out goodie bags to the children after they posed for pictures with
him. Padilla said she tries to help the community and be part of the holiday events in town.
Barrera said 2024 is the fourth time the courthouse has held its Christmas-themed event, mentioning, “Every year (the event) is a success.” She also said all the employees at the courthouse enjoy giving back to the community. “The holiday and Christmas season is a blessing. I think everyone should be positive and ready for the new year,” Barrera said.
County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr., along with his wife Sylvia
Owens, was in attendance and said the majority of the county’s employees are staying in town for the holidays.
“It’s all about family,” Owens said. “We asked what (all the employees) will be doing, and they said they will be staying here to be with family.”
