There was a certain magic in the air Saturday at Reagan County North Park. It wasn’t just the fireworks bursting overhead or the music rolling off the stage. The celebration also marked an important milestone: the 10th Annual Santa Rita Star Spangled Celebration.
This year’s event carried extra meaning, as it was the final time Chamber of Commerce Director Loretta Epperson would lead the celebration she founded and spent a decade building into one of the region’s premier events.
“This was her vision from the start,” said Velvet Sparks, who will become Executive Director following Loretta’s retirement. “And what she created is now part of the very identity of this community. It’s going to be an honor to carry that forward.”
Loretta’s behind-the-scenes dedication to the event has always involved a year-round effort. She has spent months booking bands, coordinating vendors, securing volunteers, and handling countless logistical details that most attendees never see. Her husband, Lewis Epperson, was once a key figure in preparing the park during his time working for Reagan County. Now retired, he still finds ways to lend a hand.
This year’s event proved to be one of the biggest and best on record.
The day began with the American Momentum Bank Color Fun Run, where early-morning participants were doused in colored powder as they jogged through the course.
That was followed by a festive new addition, the Red, White & Blue Parade, which made its way from the courthouse down Main Street, looped around the care center, and finished near the park. Dozens of decorated golf carts, floats, and vehicles participated in the parade’s inaugural run.
“We had 38 entries in the parade, and it was our first year doing it,” Loretta said. “I think it’s something we’ll continue to grow.”
Families arrived as early as 7 a.m., setting up tents and lawn chairs in the shade of the canopy-covered areas. Children spent the day bouncing in inflatables and cooling off in splash zones, while adults browsed through nearly 50 vendor booths offering food, crafts, and handmade goods.
Two lighthearted contests — the watermelon seed spitting and the jalapeño eating competitions — brought out plenty of laughter and competitive spirit. Despite the heat and humidity, participants showed up with energy and enthusiasm, making both contests crowd favorites.
As the day turned into evening, the entertainment took center stage. Logan Ryan Band opened the musical lineup, followed by performances from Siggno and Kolby Cooper. At sunset, Bad Boy Fireworks out of San Angelo delivered a dazzling 20-minute fireworks display, just as they have since the event’s first year. Then, with the sky still glowing, the Randy Rogers Band closed the night with a high-energy show that had the crowd on its feet.
“All of the bands were incredible,” Loretta said. “We always try to offer something for everyone, and the feedback this year has been amazing.”
Visitors came from across West Texas and even as far as New Mexico to attend.
Chamber Board Presdent J.L. Mankin reflected on the importance of the 10th anniversary. “Loretta has been the heartbeat of this event from the very start. She’s shown what can be done in a small town when you lead with grit, vision and heart.”
Loretta’s background as a Tupperware manager and longtime educator in Coleman gave her the organization and leadership skills needed to manage such a complex event. But what drove it forward was her deep love for community.
“Ten years ago, we had a couple thousand people in the North Park,” she recalled. “Now we’re filling it with as many as 10,000. That kind of growth didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of planning, a lot of help, and a lot of faith.”
That help included the Chamber board, a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors, city and county partners, and of course, her family.
Though this was her final year as Chamber Director, Loretta said she has no plans to disappear. “I’ve made myself available to the Chamber and will love to continue to help where I can,” she said. “Big Lake is now part of who I am. And I’m so proud of what we’ve built together here.”
Mankin agreed. “Loretta’s name will always be synonymous with Big Lake and our celebration,” he said. “She’s shown us what’s possible, and now it’s up to all of us to keep that spirit going.”
As the music faded and families packed up for the night, one thing was clear. Loretta Epperson’s legacy is firmly rooted in the heart of Reagan County, and her final Star Spangled Celebration was truly one to remember.
