The holiday season has officially arrived in Temple. Aside from the excitement and pageantry of the Temple Christmas Parade, there is one unmistakable local signal that December is here: Santa has been spotted atop Lengefeld Lumber. For generations, the Jolly Ol’ Elf’s appearance downtown has served as Temple’s unofficial marker that the season of celebration has begun.

Longtime residents know this Santa has stories to tell. The fourteen-foot-tall figure first appeared on a printing building at North Sixth Street and East Adams, where it watched over downtown for years before a spirited group of Temple High School students borrowed him for an ill-fated campus prank.

After a few conversations with authorities, Santa was safely returned and later took up residence atop the Temple Daily Telegram portico on South First Street. His arrival each year let families know the hustle and bustle of the season had begun.

Santa eventually found his way to Lengefeld Lumber’s former location in downtown Temple, where his iconic red suit and bag filled with two-by-fours — the perfect gift for every handyman — became a beloved symbol of Temple’s holiday spirit.

When Lengefeld moved to Lucius McCelvey Drive, the community didn’t forget him. Refurbished and looking none the worse for wear, Santa again stands proudly above the business, greeting residents as December begins.

Now, with Santa once again taking his familiar place above Lengefeld Lumber, the message is clear: the holiday season is here. His return each year ushers in a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and community pride, and is a tradition that stands the test of time.
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Santa, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce, wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!

The Temple Chamber of Commerce congratulates Silo of Screams, owned by John Guthrie, on being named the #1 Fan-Voted Haunted Attraction in Texas in ScurryFace.com’s 2025 Top Fan-Voted Haunts competition!

This statewide recognition, earned through thousands of fan votes, celebrates the creativity, production, and passion that have made Silo of Screams one of Central Texas’ most popular seasonal attractions.

“To be fan-voted #1 in Texas feels amazing and is a tribute to all the hard work that our staff and actors put in each year,” said owner John Guthrie.

“We started in 2017 when the Temple Chamber and then-President Rod Henry joined us for photos and our ribbon cutting. What began as a fun way to provide the community with something unique became a creative continuation of my entrepreneurial journey.”

Now celebrating nine thrilling seasons, Silo of Screams wrapped up its 2025 Halloween season on Saturday, November 1, and will reopen in mid-December with a family-friendly, no-scare Christmas walking trail—promising “no scares, just smiles.”
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Guthrie credits his wife Amanda, mentor David Neman, and countless volunteers for their dedication and support. “It truly does take a village,” he shared.

October is National Manufacturing Month, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate the grand opening of Willd Designs 3D Printing LLC, a veteran-owned 3D printing and manufacturing business founded by U.S. Army veteran Will Dalziel.

What began as Dalziel’s hobby with a small 3D printer has grown into a full-service additive manufacturing facility. Today, Willd Designs provides end-to-end solutions, from concept design and prototyping to 3D scanning, design engineering, and production. The teams also offers modeling and printer repair ensuring full support for inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses bringing ideas to life.

The facility features advanced equipment, including a large-format printer capable of producing parts more than 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and over 5 feet tall, opening doors for everything from custom prototypes to replacement parts.

Dalziel’s nearly 14 years of military service instilled the discipline, integrity, and commitment to service that now guide his work. His mission is simple: to pair precision with passion and ensure every client’s experience is exceptional.
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As Temple celebrates National Manufacturing Month, Willd Designs stands as a prime example of local innovation and excellence that drive the region’s economy. Where a veteran’s vision, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit intersected came a new business bringing advanced technology to Temple’s manufacturing base and helping shape the region’s future.