Weather leads to holiday event closures in Austin area

AUSTIN, Texas - All the rain this weekend has forced some cities to cancel their annual holiday events, but that doesn't mean people aren't getting into the holiday spirit.

Pflugerville had to make a tough call Saturday. With rain headed into the area, city officials called off the city's annual Christmas parade.

“For us, we've always enjoyed going out and taking the kids out. We have kids running out into the street collecting candy and cheering as the bands go by and the floats come through. It's great,” said Neal Clark who works for Troop Group at the First United Methodist Church in Pflugerville. 

It’s the first time in 20 years the parade won't take over Pecan Street. Instead of crowds lining the sidewalks, there are decorations that were supposed to light the parade route.

“It seems to suit the weather, but, you know, sometimes we have wonderful weather and sometimes we don’t,” Clark said. 

People in Pflugerville say even though they won't get to enjoy the parade this year, they will still enjoy the holidays together.

“I think definitely the Christmas spirit is with us throughout this process whether the rain’s here and we get that or we're just going to have it inside with our families at home and enjoy it,” said Clark. 

Pflugerville isn't the only city that had to do without their annual holiday event.

The Budafest parade and carnival also got rained out. Round Rock's Rock 'N Lights holiday tour had to be called off and the sights and sounds Christmas festival in San Marcos ended a day early because of the wet weather.

Although Georgetown city officials cancelled the parade Saturday morning, they still held the Stroll Festival during the afternoon.

Meanwhile, people in Austin braved the storm to continue the annual lighting of the tree tradition.

“I was wondering what the turnout was going to be like, but people are here. It's important to a lot of folks, so it's good to see people are here even with the weather,” said Jessica Son who was at the Austin tree lighting ceremony.

Austin has held the annual lighting of the Christmas tree for 18 years. This is the first time it has rained during the event.