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Events in Lorena, Texas

Lorena's community events are centered around seasonal celebrations that bring the whole town together. These events are organized by local community groups and are a testament to the city's close-knit spirit.

Major Annual Events

  • Christmas in the Country Festival: Lorena's premier community event, held the Saturday immediately after Thanksgiving. Organized by the Lorena Community Action League; a major fundraiser for the Lorena Volunteer Fire Department.

    • 2025: Held November 29, 2025, 10 AM–4 PM (outside booths), Downtown Lorena / Center Street. Parade at 11 AM; classic car show (reg. $20, begins 8 AM); live music; arts & crafts; world-famous hamburgers by the Volunteer Fire Department.
    • 2025 Notable: The Lorena Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) / State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program — one of 150 departments nationally. Chief Derek Roper confirmed funds went toward equipment otherwise hard to acquire.
    • Source: City of Lorena - Community Festivals, KWTX (Nov 30, 2025)

  • Community-Wide Garage Sale: A popular annual event. Map available at Brookshire Brothers starting 7 AM on event day.

    • Spring 2026: Saturday, April 5, 2026 (confirmed on city calendar)
    • Fall: Traditionally third Saturday in October (October 18, 2026)
    • Source: City of Lorena Calendar

Major Community News (2025–2026)

  • The Texan Travel Center (Approved Feb 2025): City Council voted 4-1 on February 18, 2025 to approve a 25,000 sq ft travel center on the I-35 frontage road near South Bordon Street — dubbed a "mini Buc-ee's" by locals. The approval came despite a 270-signature community petition opposing it due to proximity to historic downtown. Features: 50 motorist fuel positions, 7 truck diesel lanes, dining, grab-and-go food, BBQ, and merchandise. No truck parking. Council required a 10-ft wooden fence/landscape buffer. Opening TBD.

  • BrightFarms Hydroponic Greenhouse (Opened Dec 2024): The largest new employer in Lorena opened its $120M+ hydroponic lettuce farm in December 2024. Up to 1.5 million sq ft at full build-out; 70 current jobs growing to 250+. Supplies fresh greens to the Texas Triangle within 24 hours.

  • Bull Hide Creek Wastewater Expansion (Starts March 2026): A $79.5M regional plant expansion (Lorena's share ~$9.5M) will more than double treatment capacity, directly enabling continued residential growth in Lorena. Three-year project.

  • Lorena ISD $38.9M Bond Failed (May 2024): Voters rejected a bond package for a new elementary school (58% against) and campus upgrades (60% against). The district has had enrollment surges from 8+ active housing subdivisions, and a new bond may be considered in future cycles.

Other Gatherings

As a community located just south of Waco, residents of Lorena also have convenient access to the full calendar of events in the greater Waco area, including university sporting events, concerts, and larger festivals.

Civic Meetings (Regular)

  • City Council: 2nd Monday of each month — City Hall
  • EDC Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:00 PM — City Hall
  • School Board: Lorena Middle School (500 Leopard Lane), 6:30 PM per adopted calendar

This information is based on publicly available data from the City of Lorena's official website and local news sources. Event details are subject to change. See ci.lorena.tx.us for the current calendar.