The 29th annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas returned to the city Dec. 2-5 to help San Marcos residents and surrounding communities celebrate the holiday season.
Brian Olson, former Sights and Sounds Board President, said the event has grown rapidly over the last few years.
He said this year’s event created new attractions and welcomed back some old traditions, including a canoe race and the return of the Jingle 5K run.
“It’s really started to branch off,” Olson said. “We are excited to bring in our canoe race, and we decided to bring back the Jingle 5K run for Saturday morning.”
Olson said attendees had the opportunity to enjoy carnival rides and games, take pictures with Santa, shop, ice skate, and enjoy music from local bands and choirs.
“It was designed for San Marcos, and for families to enjoy,” Olson said.
Gavin Jones, a San Marcos resident, pets animals on Dec. 5 at the festival.
Teresa Paz, San Marcos resident, said she has been attending the holiday festival for the past five years.
Paz said the event has quickly become one of her favorite holiday traditions.
“I love coming out and I look forward to it every December,” Paz said. “We made it a tradition to come out.”
Paz said she enjoys seeing people of all ages come together to have fun at the event.
“I think there is something for everyone,” Olson said. “It’s a college town, but our college kids and our families and small children can all have fun here.”
Gary Megee molds clay to make a pot in “Bethlehem” on Dec. 5 at the Sights and Sounds Festival.
Olson said preparation for the event begins in January. He said planning with almost a year before the event ensures organizers would be able to provide the best possible attraction.
“We rule out what was good and what was bad and we decide what new things we want to bring in,” Olson said.
Much of the groundwork had already been laid for the festival when floodwaters tore through the area on Oct. 30, washing away much of the electrical components that would power the event.
However, Olson said the city of San Marcos quickly stepped in to make amends in time for opening night.
Olson said the festival donated 2,000 tickets to San Marcos residents affected by the flood.
“Our community is very important,” Olson said. “We decided to give out those free tickets to help spread holiday cheer and help those who were affected.”
Olson said attendees were also given the option to text a flood relief number during the carnival. He said the money raised would go to rebuilding houses damaged by the floodwaters.
“We (gave) everyone an opportunity to donate throughout the night and it’s all going to the flood relief,” Olson said. “We aren’t keeping any of it.”
Megan Conner, a marketing junior, pets animals at the petting zoo on Dec. 5 at the festival.
Santiago Paz, San Marcos resident, said she was pleased to see a way to support flood victims at the event.
“I think everyone was in some way hurt by the flood,” Paz said. “I think it’s a good thing that a big event in the city is pushing for donations.”
Olson said the carnival organizers have focused on acquiring nonprofit organizations as their main vendors.
“We decided to go back to helping more nonprofit organizations,” Olson said. “Eighty percent of vendors are nonprofit and they are expected to bring in $125,000 for local non-profits in San Marcos.”
Elissa Wood, San Marcos resident and Texas State alumna, said Sights and Sounds has become a staple event for every San Martian’s holiday calendar.
“I’m huge on Christmas,” Wood said. “I usually come more than once and just spend time with family and friends. The funnel cakes are also really good, so that’s a plus too.”