Christmas lights are moving downtown this holiday season, and the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival is getting help promoting its upcoming event.

Conroe City Council approved both items Sept. 24, renewing a reduced-cost contract for holiday lighting and awarding a $20,000 marketing grant to the festival.

The details: Council approved renewing the city’s annual contract with The Christmas Kings for $126,210, down from $300,000—a savings of $173,790. The renewal begins Oct. 1 and is the second of five available renewals, according to the purchasing department’s recommendation.

The lower price comes as the city moves its holiday display from Candy Cane Park, where it was a drive-through attraction last year, to Founders Plaza.

Willard said the city is partnering with the Downtown Conroe Association to coordinate the lighting design, incorporating traditional Christmas decorations and an Americana theme.

The lights are planned to debut Dec. 1 after the tree lighting ceremony, with Thursday-Saturday evening displays continuing through Dec. 26, she said. Moving the attraction downtown is intended to encourage visitors to explore nearby shops and restaurants.

Several nonprofit and community organizations in Montgomery County and The Woodlands area recently announced updates and upcoming events:

• Inspiration Ranch held its fundraising Denim and Diamonds Gala on Sept. 19.
• The Walk: The Art of Giving 2026 raised $785,000 on Aug. 22 to support Interfaith of The Woodlands.
• The Woodlands U launched a seven-session presentation this fall to educate the public on the history and governance of The Woodlands.
• The Houston Area (North) Christian College Fair is scheduled for Oct. 14.
• Montgomery County Food Bank held a virtual food drive in September and plans its Flourish and Nourish Luncheon on Oct. 22.
• The Woodlands Car Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a community event on Nov. 14.
• Lone Star College Foundation will host its 33rd annual Golf Tournament on Nov. 16.
• Love Fosters Hope announced its 2027 Night of Hope Gala will take place on March 6.

Three candidates are competing for the Texas House of Representatives District 15 seat in the November election. The candidates running for the seat are:

• Republican Brad Bailey

• Democrat Moniqua' S. Scott

• Libertarian Jessi Cowart

What to know: None of the candidates are incumbents. The current seat holder, Representative Steve Toth, did not seek reelection as he is running in another race.

District 15 includes part of Montgomery County, including The Woodlands, Conroe, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North.

Also of note: The final day to register to vote is Oct. 5. Early voting for the election runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Questions asked include:

• What would your top priorities be if elected?

• What will you do to support small businesses and promote economic growth in Texas?

• What are your priorities for the future of Texas education?

• How will you ensure your constituents receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?

• How will you balance the development of data centers and other large projects with constituent concerns about rapid growth?

Greater Houston is hosting several events this October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These events, which are subject to change, include:

• Light it up Pink on Oct. 1 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Market Street in The Woodlands, featuring a photo opportunity, a pink tote bag and a light-up baton.

• Pour for Pink on Oct. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sonoma Wine & Cheese in Katy, featuring a wine and cheese tasting and a mini market.

• In the Pink of Health Luncheon on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott to raise money for cancer prevention, education and outreach.

• Annual Breast Cancer Walkathon on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at Elizabeth Kaiser Meyer Park in Spring.

Heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding will threaten large parts of Texas this week, Gov. Greg Abbott told reporters Sept. 28.

The overview: The governor pointed to severe flooding that occurred in South-Central Texas in mid-July, damaging property, sweeping cars off roadways and killing two people. This week's storms will impact "a far more vast portion of the state" than the July flooding, he warned.

The details: Abbott said heavy rains will "really dramatically affect" the majority of the state on Sept. 30, and the National Weather Service noted that "North-Central Texas is a particular concern."

"We don't have the information needed right now to advise Texans on exactly what's going to happen in our rivers," Abbott told reporters. "I can tell you this, however: Everyone should expect the rivers to rise."