The air may have been cold, but visitors to Brownwood’s first ever Christmas Under the Stars Festival had their hearts warmed by the array of activities the event had to offer.

The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce organized the festival to offer holiday activates to the public and help some non-profit organizations at the same time.

“All of the vendor booths are by non-profit organizations that offer activities at either no-cost or low-cost so it is affordable for everyone,” said Chamber Membership Director Sharon Hannah. “There was no charge to the vendors for having the booth and any money they make stays with their organization.”

About 20 non-profit organizations participated with a variety of activities such as cookie & ornament decorating, letters to Santa, and even shooting paintballs to decorate a Christmas tree cutout.

The weekend event which kicked off Friday night was threatened by snowy weather for a time which gave Brownwood only a glancing blow.

“We were worried about the weather for a while, but everything turned out great,” Hannah said.

Despite near freezing temperatures Friday night, attendance to the festival was good and there were many smiling kids’ who participated in the holiday fun.

“This was our first Christmas event, and I think it was fantastic,” Hannah said. “We are excited about it and looking forward to doing it again next year.”

The festival continues Saturday from 5pm-10pm.  CLICK HERE for a full list of events.

Click the photo gallery below for photos from Friday night’s events.

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