History of the Ho:
The first Spring Ho festival was held in 1972 from an idea conceived by Gary Martin and Milton Boone to give the community of Lampasas “something to do”, “a community get together” “entertainment”, “a take off from the old hayloft parties”. Milton Boone was the president of the Chamber of Commerce at that time and letters were sent to local service organizations in Lampasas County to attend a meeting at Martin’s Restaurant to discuss starting a festival. A large group attended and everyone was in favor. Spring Ho had real community support. The first committee to serve consisted of the following: Gary Martin, Milton Boone, Ruby Jones, Ruth Eakin, Luis Azopardi and Tennye Bullion. The committee continues to be composed of local citizens donating countless hours of their time.
A festival naming contest was held, with a prize of $25 for the person who suggested the name which was chosen. No one knows for sure who suggested the festival be called “Spring Ho”, as the person requested to remain anonymous when donating the $25 back to the Spring Ho festival. With $25 in the bank – the Spring Ho festivities began, with something for everybody. All profits the first year were given back to Spring Ho and Spring Ho covered any losses
