Whimsy
From Swimming Pools and Spas to Outdoor Living Spaces and Landscaping, Omnia Outdoors provides a custom experience and product uniquely tailored to today’s swimming pool market clientele. The old-school production swimming pool builders are missing the mark. Call us today and nd out why Omnia Outdoors is the fastest growing pool builder in the Austin and surrounding area and very proud to call Georgetown home.
Give
• Built on site or delivered pre-built!
• We can color match your house!
• We offer HOA approved buildings.
• Stone and stucco options available.
• Add insulation, electrical and/or plumbing to any building.
• Need a deck, porch or patio added? We can do that too!
WE DO COMPLETE PROJECTS SMALL AND LARGE!
Outbuildings of all kinds, concrete slabs, decks, sheds that meet HOA standards and more!
Radiant Barrier roof protection is standard on our sheds! Sheds with full climate control are available.
DID YOU KNOW? Metal roofs heat up and cool down quickly, making them a durable and smart choice for your shed.
PUBLISHER
Cathy Payne
Like many of the best in her craft, Cathy has a specialized degree—in her case, hard science—and a gift for writing. She found her voice and fulfillment reporting and writing news and magazine features for a regional Central Texas audience. Along with serving as the publisher of the Liberty Hill Digest, Cathy oversees multiple magazines, marketing campaigns, and books.
Ann Marie Kennon
Charlotte Kovalchuk
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda A. Thornton
GRAPHICS & DESIGN
Sandra Evans
Zion Eaton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Christina Tucker
Christianna Bettis
IT/WEBMASTER • Jesse Payne
CONSULTANT • W. Ben Daniel
As we move into the warmer months, there's no denying the excitement that comes with the season of outdoor events. From concerts to food fairs, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Liberty Hill and towns around.
If you're looking for a diverse and exciting schedule, look no further than our upcoming local events lineup. Get ready for Whimsy and Wonder May 20, then we’ll be celebrating our nation with an Independence Day festival that's sure to make you feel equally nostalgic and patriotic, plus a stunning annual sculpture festival in October that will captivate art lovers of all ages.
ADVERTISING
Mark Elliott
mark@lhtxdigest.com
Office 512-746-4545
Cell 512-240-2267
We have also added a list of a full year's worth of festivals and events taking place across Williamson County and in Austin. You’ll want to save those pages, mark your calendars, and get ready to experience the best in art, music, culture, and community spirit.
When you're not out enjoying the fun, we have included a few recipes that will bring the festival to you. Plus, our JP2 is helping out with resources and ideas about mindfulness and well-being that may help us stay in a summertime mood year-round.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and that it inspires you to get out and experience the magic of Central Texas for yourself.
And, for all you moms, grandmoms, stepmoms, foster moms, and every woman who makes people feel like family, may your Mother’s Day be filled with love, laughter, and the appreciation you deserve.
TEXAS MADE 100% North American hardwood shutters are made right here in Texas! The millwork is done by the O’hair factory direct shutters experts in Lubbock, TX
SUPERIOR QUALITY Buying local means transparency about the product & quality. Our interior window shutters are 100% real wood, not “engineered wood” or particle board.
FAST DELIVERY Locally made means no overseas shipping or transit delays. We can have your shutters installed up to 4 weeks before the holidays!
STRONGEST WARRANTY Your investment will last for generations. Your real wood shutters are covered for the life of the home.
Last year, Whimsy and Wonder was named the Best Festival in all of Texas for Populations under 50,000, and it’s not hard to see why. “It’s unique. It’s not like other festivals,” says Katie Amsler, Liberty Hill’s communications director. On May 20, downtown Liberty Hill will transform into a fusion of all things whimsical and wonderful from 6pm to 10pm. Main Street will be filled with live music, food vendors, wine tastings, artisan vendors, eclectic art demonstrations, street performers, and a Children’s Imagination Garden, with many surprises along the way. “You never know what you’re going to run into.”
Visitors can stroll down Main Street and see various artists at work, from potters and crocheters, to acrylic and chalk artists, and even an artist who creates mosaics out
From eclectic art and music festivals to small-town holiday celebrations, save the dates for Liberty Hill’s array of fun, family friendly activities — something for everyone all year.
of Rubik’s Cubes. Also be sure to check out the splendid spectacle behind the Stubblefield building — Thirsty Penguin’s twirling model, costumed with a champagne glass skirt, will be serving mimosas and daiquiris, and the aerial bartender from Thirsty Mule will be pouring wine upside down, Katie says.
In the Children’s Imagination Garden, kids can unleash their creativity by playing vintage guitars, jamming in a drum circle, or visiting craft stations to create lanterns, words of affirmation bracelets, and more.
As this year’s festival has a Beatles theme, visitors can look forward to performances by Beatles tribute band The Lonely Hearts Club, as well as a few nods to the Beatles throughout the evening. “You may even see the Beatles walk by in costume or subtle references to their songs in the surrounding décor.”
Admission and parking are free for Whimsy and Wonder. Guests may park at Liberty Hill Elementary School, Fellowship Church, One Chapel Church, Cross Tracks Church, LHISD Administration Building, Noble Elementary, or Lions Foundation Park. Handicapped parking is available on Van Alley behind Hell or High Water. The Lions Club will also be collecting canned food and cash donations for Operation Liberty Hill in front of Parker’s during the festival.
To learn more about Whimsy and Wonder, visit experiencelhtx.com/ whimsyandwonder
PHOTOS BY KENDRA COFER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CITY OF LIBERTY HILL
From games and activities sponsored by local businesses to homemade apple pie making, watermelon seed spitting, and hot dog eating contests, the Independence Day Spectacular will bring a wealth of small-town charm to Liberty Hill. "When you think of small-town America, this is the flush of nostalgia that comes to mind,” Katie says.
From 6pm to 10pm on July 3 at the field between Noble Elementary and Liberty Hill Middle School, visitors can enjoy live music, friendly competitions, spectacular fireworks, and the not-your-typi-
cal-pageant starring Miss Liberty. Katie says, “It’s for ages 16+. We pick individuals who are decked out in red, white, and blue. They strut across the stage and whoever receives the loudest applause is crowned Miss Liberty.” There will also be a kids’ zone featuring a rock wall, inflatables, trampolines, train rides, obstacle course, Velcro wall, and a real snowball fight.
To learn more about the Independence Day Spectacular, visit experiencelhtx.com/independence-day-spectacular.
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Liberty Hill’s annual Christmas Festival. “The goal is to encourage the community to get out their Christmas lists and check them twice by supporting participating vendors and shopping local,” Katie says.
On December 9, visitors can shop, eat, and enjoy music from 10am to 3pm in the downtown while kids get to ice skate, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and play in real snow and a giant gingerbread house. “It’s magical. It makes memories for these kids.” That evening, the community can gather along Loop 332 at 6pm for the lighted Christmas parade that typically features more than 60 floats.
To learn more about the Christmas Festival, visit experiencelhtx.com/christmas-festival
Each October, the Liberty Hill community gathers to celebrate the history of the International Sculpture Park and its artwork. “The park is a really a unique thing to our town that many people don’t even know exists,” Katie says.
In 1976, local artist Mel Fowler organized the first international sculpture symposium in the southwest, rallying sculptors from six countries to create sculptures in Liberty Hill. Today, many of those original limestone statues, swirling stone structures, and metal sculptures make up the Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park at
Noble Elementary School. See the full story on page 10.
All day on October 21, visitors can check out live sculpting demonstrations, hands-on art activities hosted by local businesses, live music, vendors, kids’ arts and crafts stations, and a street dance and silent disco.
Check out the Sculpture Festival at the Lions Foundation Park at 355 TX-332. For more information about the Sculpture Festival visit experiencelhtx.com/ sculpture-festival.
In a state where rock is mostly used for construction, local artist Mel Fowler used it to create a collection of monument sculptures that have made Liberty Hill a destination city for artists and nature lovers alike.
The Liberty Hill International Sculpture Park is a local landmark that is also distinguished by firsts. Nearly all of its 28 sculptures were created in 1976 at the seven-week International Sculpture Symposium — it was the first time the event was held in the southwest United States. Then, in 1987, the symposium collection, and two additional pieces from Jim Thomas and Mel Fowler, were moved and co-located on the grounds of Liberty Hill Intermediate School and the adjacent Lions Foundation Park, which made it the first recorded international sculpture garden located on the grounds of a school.
Mel Fowler was not just a world-traveling artist. Attracted to art and drawing from a young age, he later became a field test pilot and combat aviator and flew 144 missions in China during World War II. But he continued to sketch, draw, and paint throughout his adult life so after attending the 1974 Germany symposium he organized the 1976 event and welcomed 25 established and emerging artists, representing lands from Texas to Tunisia, to Liberty Hill.
They arrived with little more than the clothes they wore on the plane — to make sure their tools made the trip but their luggage didn’t go over the allowed weight. There were fewer than
500 people living in Liberty Hill at the time but many opened their homes to their artistic visitors, some of whom spoke little English, and hosted them throughout the work period. As well, the whole population of Liberty Hill ebbed and flowed as the symposium drew a steady stream of spectators, from school children to national artists, and was featured in print and broadcast media across the country. Meanwhile, the sculptures themselves were designed and chipped from $90,000 in donated native granite, limestone, serpentine, granite, and marble from Texas quarries and local companies.
While sculptors tend to be less wellknown than artists in other media, the 25 sculptors who contributed to the park do have the distinction and prestige of having their work registered by
the Smithsonian Institution, one of the largest museum systems in the world. Being included in the museum’s collections means each is part of a vast family of art, artifacts, and specimens from around the world. Sculptures that are part of the Smithsonian's collections are typically considered to be of significant cultural, historical, or scientific importance. It also means each sculpture is part of the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and may be preserved and cared for by the institution for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Dana Smith’s Verdie Vaughan was carved from limestone. Dana’s works have been in shows throughout the southwest, but she explained to a reporter that she did not know what her stone was going to be before she started. Her sculpture, she said, was an extension of what she was trying to say in all her art, but she did not like to talk about her primary themes, preferring to let viewers interpret her work for themselves. She did, however, disclose that she always works from a philosophy of using whatever materials are available. While at the symposium, she crafted a new formula for painting on sculpture
by combining ancient Roman and Egyptian recipes and incorporating beeswax supplied by a local farmer.
• Ann Merck, US - Western Vision
From LHSculptures.com: One of the delights of a sculpture placed in nature is that each time you revisit the piece a new aspect may reveal itself. The light will be different, the surface may be damp, or algae may have grown along a surface. And don’t forget that depending on from where you approach the sculpture may look entirely different.
Jim Thomas’ Forgotten Ancestors is an atypical depiction from Texas history. His sculpture includes the skull of a longhorn in river sand with a conquistador helmet and spur. The conquistadors were the first known Europeans to explore what would be Texas lands but their surveys preceded the era of westward expansion that has become a fixture in the romance of our state’s history. Jim said, “The symbolism is that the Spanish explorers trailed their live commissary [longhorns] with them as they traveled, butchering them as needed. The longhorn skull is derived from a mold off a selected longhorn skull from the ranch at my home in Texas and the helmet and spur are from molds I made from authenticated artifacts.”
He added that steers were his favorite subject and two of his longhorn pieces won gold medals in the Texas Cowboy Artists Association. Aside from the Texas theme, however, his sculpture is particularly special because it contains a time capsule from America’s bi-centennial year.
• Arthur Williams, US - Space 13
• Bart Shigeru Uchida, CanadaCrawling Venus
• Brad Goldberg, US - Guardian
• Copper Rain Ward, US - Mother's Lap
• Dana Smith, US - Verdie Vaughan
• Dieter Hastenteufel (Canada and Germany) - Frozen Motion
• Dolores Cumley, US – Origin
• Duff Browne, US - Images
•Harry Noordhoek (Canada and Italy)Fluidity
• Jean Marmorat, France - Sans Titra
• Jean Paul Philippe, France - Tirez Moi De La
• Jim Thomas, US - Forgotten Ancestors
• Masayuki Nagase, Japan - Lover's Seats
• Mel Fowler, US:
- Abstract
- Libertarian
- Misterio di Vita
- Liberty Cat
- San Francescao
• Mihama Yoshinao, Japan - Lotus
• Nati Escobedo, US - Tierra Madre
• Renata Reck, Germany - Evolution No. 2
• Renato Mari, Italy - Faces of the People
• Rita Sutcliffe, US - Night Guardian
• Sharon Corgan Leeber, US - Liberty Couple
• T.J. Mabrey, US - Untitled
• Tom Piccolo, US - Blanco Mujer
• Tom Sayre, US - John's Knot
bring people together to celebrate and showcase different interests, ideas, and cultures. As summer approaches, you may be thinking about fun or family friendly outdoor activities. To help out, our writers have compiled a list that is sure to have something for everyone
MAY EVENTS
May 6 • Leander Kite Festival
Kick off the summer with the annual Kite Festival at Devine Lake Park, a free community event for all ages that includes kite events, food and craft vendors, and lots of high-flying fun! Bring your own kite or bring the family to watch other kites soar. leandertx. gov/parksrec/page/kite-festival
May 20 • Liberty Hill Whimsy and Wonder
Each year, Liberty Hill's Main Street is transformed into an eclectic fusion of all things whimsical and wonderful, with live music, art demonstrations, wine tastings, artisan vendors, street performers, and a Children’s Imagination Garden. experiencelhtx.com/whimsyandwonder/
May 21 & June 18-25 • Georgetown, Liberty Hill, & Austin Texas Bach Festival
Annual celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other classical composers.
JUNE EVENTS
Weekends on or near June 19 Juneteenth
Parades, live music, food, and activities in various locations in Georgetown, Round Rock, San Marcos, Austin, Killeen
JULY EVENTS
July 3 • Leander Leander Liberty Fest
Celebrate Independence Day with Liberty Fest at Lakewood Park! Leander's largest annual event includes live music, food, children's activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.
July 3 • Liberty Hill Liberty Hill Independence Day Spectacular
This festival celebrates the Fourth of July with live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display. experiencelhtx.com/ independence-day-spectacular/
July 4 • Georgetown 4th of July Celebration
This Independence Day event hosted by the Georgetown Sertoma Club features a parade, auto show, arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, amusement rides, petting zoo, inflatables, and a fireworks show. georgetown4th.org
AUGUST EVENTS
August 5 • Georgetown
Blazin' Beer Crawl
An antidote for thirst for heat-weary Texans, the Blazin' Beer Crawl offers craft beer tastings at downtown retail stores and restaurants. mainstreet.georgetown.org/beercrawl/
perhaps to introduce you to a new world of music or food, or the delightful wackiness of a UFO festival.
Please note, while we have made every effort to represent accurate dates and details for each, we recommend checking online for schedule changes before heading out for the day.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September • Georgetown
Art Hop
With artwork displayed at both the Georgetown Public Library and the Georgetown Art Center, viewers can “hop” across the Square to enjoy diverse pieces created by artists who live all over the state.
September 30 • Georgetown
GTX Film Festival
Annual cinematic celebration featuring a full day of films. gtxfilm.org
OCTOBER EVENTS
October 6-7 • Round Rock
Round Rock Chalk Walk
This unique event features sidewalk chalk artists who turn the pavement into a stunning canvas of colors and designs. Visitors will also have the chance to explore a variety of vendors as well as enjoy food, live music, theatrical performances, and children's activities. chalkwalk.org
October 21 • Georgetown
South Main Arts Festival
Visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations, performances, live music, and art shopping opportunities. arts.georgetown.org/ southmainartfest/
October 21 • Liberty Hill
International Sculpture Festival
Each year, Liberty Hill’s Sculpture Park features live sculpting demonstrations, hands-on art activities, vendors, live music, a street dance, and a silent disco. experiencelhtx. com/sculpture-festival
October 26-29 • Taylor
Williamson County Fair and Rodeo
This fair features carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and exhibits showcasing local agriculture and crafts. wilcofair.com/
NOVEMBER EVENTS
November 16 • Round Rock
Beaujolais Nights
A global celebration of the opening and tasting of the George Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau wine at this 21-andover festival celebrating culinary, performing, and visual arts. Free admission and complimentary wine tastings. roundrocktexas.gov/event/beaujolais-nights
November 24 • Georgetown
Lighting of the Square
The Lighting of the Square kicks off the holiday festivities with traditional carolers and a mass countdown to switching on thousands of lights downtown.
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 1-3 • Georgetown
Christmas Stroll
Each December, the Georgetown Square is transformed into a hotspot for the holidays with a parade, festive marketplace, Bethlehem village, and activities just for kids.
December 9 • Liberty Hill
Christmas Festival
Shop, eat, and enjoy live music while the kids have a blast ice skating, playing in real snow, and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don't miss the dazzling, lighted Christmas parade along Loop 332.
Late December - Early January • Liberty Hill
Cedar Park Winter Festival
Family friendly event featuring live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a holiday-themed light display.
JANUARY EVENTS
January 17 • Killeen
MLK Freedom Festival
Celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a parade, live music, and cultural performances.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February • Taylor
Hops for Houses Craft Beer Festival
Visitors can enjoy beer samples from over 25 craft brewers along with live music, a silent auction, food trucks, games, and more! williamsonhabitat.org/hops-for-houses/
February • Austin
Carnaval Brasilerio
Carnaval grew from a small party for homesick Brazilian students in the 1970s to the largest indoor Carnaval party on the planet. Music, dancing, costumes, and general bacchanalia. (Think Brazilian mardi gras.) sambaparty.com
MARCH EVENTS
March 8-16 • Austin
South by Southwest (SXSW)
This annual festival is a convergence of music, film, and technology that attracts thousands of people from around the world to experience live performances, screenings, and interactive events. sxsw.com
March • Georgetown Georgetown Swirl
Savor the flavors of local wineries and food vendors at this annual wine tasting event. All proceeds benefit the Georgetown Main Street Facade & Sign Grant Program, which awards grants to over 90 downtown property and business owners. swirl.georgetown.org
March • Georgetown
GTX Photography Festival
A one-day festival jam-packed with photo walks, educational classes, and meet-and-greet opportunities with featured photographers. All classes and photo walks are free and open to the public on a first-come basis by registering in person Saturday morning at the Williamson Museum. georgetowntexasphotographyfestival.com
March • Austin
Rodeo Austin
An annual 15-day celebration, Rodeo Austin features livestock and horse shows, carnival activities, live music, and hands-on learning experiences in agricultural education for youth.
The last weekend in March • Salado
Wildflower Arts and Crafts Festivals
Visitors can enjoy this family-friendly festival that features arts and crafts vendors selling handcrafted items from all over the state. visitsaladotexas.com/event/wildflower-arts-and-craftsfair/2023-03-25/
March & April • Austin
ABC Kite Fest
Day-long activities for all ages, including the traditional kite flying contest and showcase, and MossFest, a children’s music concert.
APRIL EVENTS
April • Austin
Eeyore's Birthday
Eeyore's Birthday Party is a fundraiser run by the Friends of the Forest Foundation to benefit local 501c3 nonprofit groups in Austin. eeyores.org
April • Austin
Austin Reggae Festival
Music lovers can enjoy live reggae music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. austinreggaefest.com
April • Austin
Lone Star Rod & Kustom Round Up
This huge outdoor car show and live music festival features miles of vintage hot rods and custom cars driven by folks on an annual pilgrimage to Austin from all over the country and the world. lonestarroundup.com
April • Temple
Bloomin' Temple Festival
This festival features live music, food vendors, and other family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo and inflatable games.
April • Georgetown
Spring Art Stroll
Visitors can enjoy artist demonstrations, performances, live music, and art shopping opportunities.
Late April • Georgetown Red Poppy Festival
This festival celebrates the city's official flower, the red poppy and features live music, food vendors, a parade, and artisan booths. poppy.georgetown.org
Situated on some of the most scenic land in Williamson County, The Canyons rests atop rolling hills looking out over the vast landscape. Offering an abundance of natural beauty and lush vistas, The Canyons has been carefully planned to integrate seamlessly into the natural environment. The development of The Canyons pays homage to the rich heritage of the land and encourages the continuation of this existing beauty to create a timeless natural environment. The homes in The Canyons are considered part of a cohesive element that melds the natural beauty with a place to call home.
In just five years, the Texas Bach Festival has gained a devoted following, local business support, and generous grants and donations. Despite its substantive growth, Artistic Director Barry Scott Williamson recognizes the need to build on the festival’s success by continuing to bring a transformative classical music experience to Central Texas. "We are making headway, but years 6 through 10 present a unique challenge," he says. "This is the time people say, ‘Yeah,
we've heard of TBF, but what will you bring us next year?' In this new phase, it's vital we continue to exhibit exceptional musical quality. We must keep putting the community first and also give our musicians a multi-faceted array of great performance opportunities."
This year's "Resound, You Songs!” festival, he adds, will achieve these goals via a diverse schedule — everything from music education to a free
• May 21, 2pm: TBF’s sixth year will kick off with a free concert at the Georgetown Public Library as part of the library’s live music series. Gil Zilka, bass-baritone, and Rick Rowley, piano, will perform Schubert’s Winterreise, D911.
• June 18, 4pm: The Artisan Quartet will perform a “Toast to Dads of All Ages” matinee concert at HighPointe Estate in Liberty Hill with music of Mozart, Wolf, and Haydn. Guests can enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese hour at 3pm with high-end Italian and Spanish wines courtesy of Beviamo International. Barry urges visitors to “take Dad out for Father’s Day brunch and then come to this superb concert by the Artisan Quartet with wine and cheese beforehand and door prize drawings for several lucky dads for $100 gift certificates contributed by City Post Chophouse, The Golden Rule, Ken'z Guitars, and others.”
• June 19, 8pm: “Freedom vs Rules: Prelude and Fugue” will feature organist David Polley performing compositions by Bach, Bruhns, Mendelssohn, and Reubke at Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown.
• June 22, 8pm: "Resound, You Songs!" (Erschallet, ihr Lieder!) will feature the TBF Choir and Camerata Orchestra performing Bach's Cantatas BWV 34, 147, and 172 at The Worship Place in Sun City. “Bach wrote hundreds of
library concert to a special Father’s Day performance. Although instrumental music is prominently featured, Bach Festival attendees will also enjoy an exquisite variety of art song, operatic, and choral performances. From the lighthearted humor of Haydn's melodies to the passionate virtuosity of Verdi and Puccini to the grandeur and intensity of Bach’s sacred cantatas, the festival promises to be a truly immersive and captivating musical experience.
cantatas that are still beloved 300 years later. Folks love to hear them. They’re very exciting with trumpets, timpani, woodwinds, chorus, and soloists,” Barry says.
• June 23, 11am: "Bach's Lunch: Suite Treats" will feature pianist Toby Blumenthal, who will educate as well as entertain visitors with music by Bach, Marcello, Domeni-Paradies, and Handel, at the Georgetown Public Library's Hewlett Room. Afterwards, a limited number of concertgoers will enjoy a Dutch treat lunch at 12:30 at City Post Chophouse. To be included, visit texasbachfestival.org.
• June 24, 8pm: "Serata Lirica" will feature renowned tenor Angelo Ferrari and pianist Rick Rowley performing breathtaking music of Verdi, Puccini, and several other operatic, Neapolitan, and American song composers at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austin. “It will be a wonderful assortment of great Italian opera and American art songs,” Barry says. The concert will also be a fundraiser for TBF, with high-end wines from Beviamo International offered as donor incentives.
• June 25, 3pm: "Resound, You Songs!" (Erschallet, ihr Lieder!) will feature the TBF Choir and Camerata Orchestra performing Bach cantatas BWV 34, 147, and 172 at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austin.
1) change 2022 to 2023
All concerts except the free library concert are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students and active military. Scan the code to learn more, buy tickets, or make a donation, or visit texasbachfestival.org.
2) TBF 2023: RESOUND, YOU SONGS!
3) May 21, June 18-25, 2023
4) Our venues have signi cantly changed:
Georgetown Public Library
HighPointe Estate, Liberty Hill
Grace Episcopal Church, Georgetown
The Worship Place, Sun City/Georgetown
St. Martin’s Ev Lutheran Church, Austin
Despite increasing costs, the Texas Bach Festival team is committed to keeping the event accessible for all classical music fans. “To show our love for the community, we’re not raising ticket prices despite mounting expenses. We’re making this very affordable for folks,” Barry says, adding that donations are more important than ever to keep TBF going. Readers and community members can show support for TBF by purchasing tickets online or at the door, making a donation of any size, and sharing information about TBF with friends, family, and coworkers.
5) For tickets, program information, donations and more visit www.texasbachfestival.org
Please use the same fonts, etc., as in 2022.
TBF 2023: RESOUND, YOU SONGS!
May 21, June 18-25, 2023
Georgetown Public Library
HighPointe Estate, Liberty Hill
Grace Episcopal Church, Georgetown
e Worship Place, Sun City/Georgetown
St. Martin’s EV Lutheran Church, Austin
For tickets, program information, donations and more visit www.texasbachfestival.org
community is amazing and welcomed me with open arms.”
For Abigail Counts, volunteering at the Wilco Regional Animal Shelter has been a rewarding way to give back to the place that not only helped her find a furry friend but also raised funds when her dog needed surgery.
When Abigail adopted her from WCRAS in 2019, Bella Bree was nearly 8 years old and had been in and out of the shelter for five years. Many of the volunteers and staff knew and adored their long-time lovable, so when Bella Bree needed surgery, one of the volunteers set up a fundraiser for her that received donations from many members of the shelter community. The nonprofit Fans of Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter also provided financial assistance to help Bella Bree get the surgery she needed. “It was incredible,” Abigail says. "She passed away suddenly six months ago, and I could think of no better way to honor her memory than to help out at the shelter that brought us together. The volunteer
Now Abigail stops by almost every day to walk the dogs, a volunteer task she says is crucial since WCRAS is frequently over capacity and relies on volunteers to make sure the dogs get a break from their kennels every day. During their outdoor adventures, she takes pictures of them for social media and spends time getting to know their personalities to help match them with the right families. “The more we know about the dogs, the better we can advocate for them.”
Volunteers are always needed to provide extra hands and hours to shelter dogs and cats, Community Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “The more people there are to care for these deserving creatures, the better job we can do for each and every one of them. Volunteers get a lot from the experience as well, as volunteering here is incredibly rewarding. Ask any shelter volunteer what a joy it is to see their favorites move on to loving new homes, and you will see a face light up in a way you won't soon forget.”
Scan the code to learn how to become a volunteer and start making a difference in the lives of shelter animals.
Volunteer opportunities abound at the shelter and one of them is bound to be in your wheelhouse:
hen you pull up to Terry “Tunes” Parks’ driveway, chances are he will be outside working and will happily come to greet you. Terry is a roadside artist spending his golden years making large and quirky sculptures in his yard, also known as Itchycoo Park . His effigies are created from old broken toys attached to wire frames he builds by hand. The toys are discarded or donated by kids young and old, and his art is on display for all to see and appreciate, free of charge.
Terry’s art journey began after a serious illness left him unable to work but he remained driven to create and stay busy. He forged a new path that was a true testament to his creative brilliance and unique ability to re-purpose everyday objects into something extraordinary. For nearly three decades his fascination with toys, love of punk and rock music, and exceptional carpentry skills have been the driving force behind his eccentric art. He masterfully merged these passions to create monuments from re-purposed plastic toys and has remained committed to sustainability while creating unique, eco-friendly art, some of which has been featured at the Georgetown Public Library.
Terry and his wife Sue are old-fashioned salt-of-the-earth folks who enjoy having visitors and showing off the uniqueness of their home, which also includes things they’ve found on the side of the road. As well, Terry’s brother, Scotty, is usually working with him and both enjoy meeting visitors to explain each piece.
Many of Terry’s works are cleverly named after hippie and rock music, and their often-ironic impressions are everything from genius to unsettling. Some of his largest pieces include an Andy Warhol banana, a guitar, a Maoi (Easter Island head), teepee, and — because it’s Texas — a giant cow skull and light-up cowboy boot. His art is a testament to the power of imagination and the infinite possibilities of what can be created from the things that others might see as worthless.
You can see Terry’s art at 608 San Gabriel Ranch Rd. Look for the large boot in the front yard, and donations of old toys are welcome.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH AND PRECINCT 2 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
ANGELA WILLIAMS ORGANIZED A PUBLIC EVENT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE HELP AND SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE FACING CHALLENGES RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH.
by Ann Marie Kennon photo courtesy Hon. Angela Williams
The free Mindfulness and Wellbeing Expo, held at the Cedar Park Recreation Center May 9, was an opportunity for the community to come together and raise awareness about the importance of wellness. Judge Williams says it was just the first step—her office aims to continue empowering young people to prioritize mental health and seek help when they need it.
As a long-time mentor and advocate for young people, and after just four months on the bench, Judge Williams was inspired to take a proactive step for students and families in Precinct 2. The event provided a platform and access for individuals to engage in discussions with professionals and providers about a variety of options and solutions.
Judge Williams says she typically has compassion for the individuals who appear before her for truancy and minor misdemeanors and she relishes any opportunity to talk about what is going on in their lives. “I explain that yes, I am a judge and there are consequences for their actions but I encourage them to have an open mind and think about what they can do to improve their outcomes besides paying fines.”
The judge was intentional about promoting a holistic approach to mental health, and hopes attendees were inspired to prioritize well-being in all areas of their life. She sought out local leadership, experts, and organizations that could provide support for the mind, body, and soul, including Bluebonnet Trails, licensed therapists, the Cedar Park gardening club, a boxing gym, and Soul Shine Drumming Circle among others.
Judge Williams says, “This is not just about therapy, but also things we can do to improve quality of life. These young people are dealing with anxiety, depression, and even familial suicide. Plus, I see a lot of single parents in my court and I know they don’t have time to research across this wide a spectrum of needs—they are just trying to feed and shelter their children. I wanted this one night to have all the resources in one place for the benefit of the whole family. My ideal outcome is that attendees found something to spark an interest that will uplift and improve their emotional state.”
In addition to the expo, Judge Williams also partners with Jail to Jobs and other legacy courtroom programs to accommodate the needs of the individual. “We have a lot of good groups," she says. "Some are those we court order our students to work with, but they are all catalysts for change and provide good mentoring. I just want young people to know we will make every effort to tailor a program to accommodate their individual needs, much like a case manager would."
Judge Williams was encouraged by the number of agencies who participated and for any who were not
able to attend, the resources and providers who participated will be available on her Williamson County website (code below). She is also willing to meet in person with those who need help or are willing to contribute. She says, "My main goal is for people to understand that there is help out there and no one has to do it alone. If there is anything that wasn't cleared up at the expo, I'm happy to talk about it in person. I just hope to see young people and their families on a path to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life."
Small-town festivals are an essential part of Texan culture, celebrating everything from local history and ethnicity to music, food, and art. Each year, hundreds of small towns across the state host festivals that draw neighbors together, with the additional incentive to entice us to visit and spend a few dollars to support local businesses. These festivals also offer an opportunity to experience the unique charm and hospitality of Texas while also providing a platform for artisans, artists, and musicians to showcase their talents.
Outside the International Sculpture Park there is no shortage of activity to explore in the Lone Star State. This month, have a closer look at some family friendly options near Liberty Hill and what makes them so special.
The history of that quirky Oatmeal Festival starts with the typical Texas type of moxie that, quite literally, put Oatmeal on the map. At its founding in the 1840s, the community was a group of German settlers living near Oatmeal Creek. Many say the name was an Americanization of the family that owned the area’s first gristmill — Othneil. It did have a post office by 1853 but, for decades, official state maps did not include Oatmeal because there was no highway intersection.
Finally, in 1978, a resident named Ken Odiorne had a brilliant idea to spoof the Texas chili cookoff
cliché and create a unique event that would draw visitors and attention to his little community. As Oatmeal had only 20 residents, Ken wrote to all the major producers of oatmeal cereal for assistance. National Oats, the maker of 3 Minutes Oats, responded and the Oatmeal Festival was born.
The festival has become a beloved tradition and every Labor Day, rain or shine, draws visitors from all over the state to enjoy oatmeal-themed treats, games, and live music. In addition to putting the small town back on the map, it raises money for local initiatives, including college scholarships for high school students, and construction of a community center in Oatmeal and open-air pavilion in Bertram.
Just 10 minutes outside Liberty Hill, save the date, September 30 - October 1, for this annual testament to the ingenuity and humor of small-town Texans. This year's event features the Miss Oatmeal Pageant, live music, barbecue dinner, live auction, pet parade, and the grand parade, as well as kids zone and vendor booths.
Cuero has a rich agricultural history and an annual festival to celebrate the farm product that made it famous: the turkey. In 1908, the first processing plant opened on the edge of town, making it easier for farmers to deliver flocks to a central location for processing and shipping. Since it was 1908, there weren’t any trucks around so getting the birds to town was no easy feat. Resourceful farmers herded the turkeys on foot like a cattle drive and the annual trek through the streets began to draw visitors from far and wide.
And the crowds grew. In 1912, the city hosted the first official Turkey Trot and more than 30,000 people flocked to Cuero to see the spectacle of 18,000 turkeys being herded down Main Street snapping up corn scattered in the streets to keep them moving. The town leaders added agricultural shows,
a carnival, big band dances, a football game, floats and gowns decorated with turkey feathers, and the crowning of the first Turkey Queen, Minnie Lee Mangham.
Legend has it that visiting entrepreneurs were struck by the days-long population explosion and noticed merchants renting out rooms and selling hot meals. They suggested local business leaders create an event around it and the idea for the Cuero Turkeyfest was born.
With the turkey industry slowly moving out of town and turkeys themselves unable to march in the parades anymore, the original Turkey Trot race bowed out in 1972 but a committee formed to keep the festival and the Turkeyfest continued, sans round-up, with many turkey-themed activities and contests.
Save the date, October 13-15, 2023, and witness the "World's Largest Turkey Fryer" just over a two-hour drive from Liberty Hill. Visitors will also enjoy live music performances, carnival rides, a turkey calling contest, turkey race, and more.
The Czhilispiel Festival has been a beloved annual event in Flatonia since 1973 and is a great way to experience the unique culture and hospitality of the area. The festival's name is a playful Czech take on the word chili and the German word spiel, meaning play. The 2023 festival is a family-friendly event that takes place October 27-29 and includes a pageant, 5K, and Halloween costume contest.
Flatonia was established in 1873 and named for pioneer merchant F.W. Flato. It was known as a melting pot for immigrants from all over western Europe, including English, German, Bohemian, Czech, and Italian. Today, while still a small town, it is a well-known spot for train watchers, with one of Texas' longest-standing manually operated railroad switching towers featuring North-South and East-West cross rails.
The festival began as a fundraiser to support a local Flatonia student's medical school education. At the
time, Flatonia did not have a doctor, so the community organized a Czech heritage festival and chili cook-off, Czhilispiel, to raise money for his tuition. The student agreed to serve the community for five years after completing medical school, but ended up staying longer and made a lasting impact on the town's medical care. Today, Czhilispiel continues to use proceeds from the festival to support scholarships and community services.
One of the main attractions of the Czhilispiel Festival is the czhili cook-off, which draws participants from all over Texas to compete for the title of best chili. Other food vendors offer a variety of Czech and Texan cuisine, including kolaches, sausages, and barbecue. In addition to the food, the Czhilispiel Festival features live music performances, carnival rides, and a variety of games and contests, such as the young farmers egg toss, tricycle races, and jalapeño eating contest. There is also a parade, beer garden, and marketplace featuring local artisans and craftspeople.
Texas is the perfect place for year-round festivals and fairs. From pulled pork and sausages to funnel cakes and fried Oreos, the food at these events is a big part of the experience and, with some creativity and a little bit of skill, you can DIY a few of the classics. These inspired recipes are great for summer gatherings or to satisfy your craving for a festival vibe at home.
• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preheat grill to medium-high.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1/2 lime
In a small bowl, combine butter, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well.
Grill corn about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked and lightly charred.
Once the corn is cooked, transfer to a plate and immediately spread the chipotle lime butter over each ear. Serve immediately. Chipotle powder and lime juice to suit your taste.
If you can't find chipotle powder, you can use a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce instead. Simply mince the pepper and mix it with the butter and other spices.
If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the corn in a grill pan on the stovetop or under the broiler in the oven. Adjust the amount of chipotle powder and lime juice to suit your taste.
When it comes to mixing salads in a cup for an outdoor event, it's important to choose ingredients that won't wilt or get soggy too quickly. These ingredients work well in a portable salad cup:
Cherry tomatoes: A great option because they hold their shape and flavor and won't turn mushy too quickly.
Cucumber: A refreshing addition to any salad and holds up well in a cup.
Carrots: Shredded or grated; a nice way to add color and crunch.
Bell peppers: Hold up well and add a nice crunch and flavor.
Radishes: Sliced or chopped; a great way to add a peppery kick.
Nuts or seeds: Adding nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a crunch to your salad.
Cheese: Adding crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese can add flavor to your salad.
Dressing: You can pack a small container of dressing separately and add it just before eating.
A simple recipe you can mix in a cup:
• 1 cup chopped mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
In large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, crumbled feta cheese, and herbs. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Spoon the salad into a plastic cup with a lid or a small resealable bag. Pack a fork or spoon for a portable, healthy meal on-the-go.
You can adjust the amount of ingredients based on your personal preference.
Consider adding some protein, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more filling.
• 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt to taste
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add three kernels to the pot and wait for them to pop, which indicates the oil is hot enough to add the rest of the popcorn. Add remaining popcorn kernels to the pot and sprinkle the sugar evenly over the kernels. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and shake the pot to distribute the sugar evenly.
As the popcorn starts to pop, continue to shake the pot to prevent the popcorn from burning. Once the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning over the popcorn. Cover the pot and shake it to distribute the seasoning evenly. Add salt to taste and serve. You can adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning and salt to suit your taste preferences. Be sure to use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the popcorn from spilling out. Kettle corn can be stored in an airtight container for up to several days.
Ican still see you standing at the sink, washing dishes by hand, and thinking myself clever to have figured out that the ever-present stains on the hips of your house clothes came from the thousands of handwipes there. Always too busy multitasking to remember where the dishtowel landed last. Cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, and stretching that coiled telephone cord across the kitchen, keeping up with dozens of friends who were likely doing the same things in their own kitchens. The cord seemed to be perpetually at runningkid-throat height and resulted in many a comical, feet-up Looney Tunes moment. Ahh, childhood.
I still marvel, though, that with all your problem solving, I still get text photos of your foot when you try to pick up a Facetime call. But I also envy your life because I can’t think of two friends I’ve had the time (and mental space) to casually chat up on the phone in the last few months. I remember being so annoyed during most of my childhood for the free labor we kids provided. It remains not funny that the answer to, “Why can’t we get a dishwasher?” was always, “Don’t need one, I have four of them.”
I would always have preferred to be watching afternoon reruns of Gilligan’s Island and Bugs Bunny rather than peeling potatoes or hanging clothes on the line outside. And what kid in her right mind would have been happy to give up a Saturday afternoon in the basement ironing, the only distraction a television that didn’t have a picture unless you banged on the screen to make the tubes light back up? I feel like scolding my younger self for not appreciating the peace of a single task in a quiet room and the simple sense of “doing for my family.”
I also recall a recent dinner gathering and the shock and awe of those who couldn’t believe I know how to do things like grow food and snake a drain. I can only wish that my son would sit by my side for hours today in idle fascination and random conversation while I make strawberry jelly from berries we picked ourselves, cut patterns for sundresses, or wallpaper the kitchen.
I remember being awakened in the middle of the night to take medicine and it didn’t occur to me that you must have set an alarm, without complaint, to wake yourself at 2am to make sure I didn’t miss a pill. I remember how hard I tried to please you, and how much I wanted you at every game, play, and piano recital, because I knew the praise was already forthcoming and I couldn’t wait to hear it. None of us thought to thank you for handing us your change every Sunday so we could all have something to put in the collection basket when it went by.
We made fun of your crazy hats and weird orange lipstick even if it was the 70s. We laughed at your bad puns and intentional goofs to test our grammar and history facts. And the photos of the six of us in matching homemade tank tops at Six Flags (so you could see us in a crowd) would likely have been mildly viral in a later time. But even today, I make an effort to be funny or silly because your laughs are genuine, and you are easily filled with joy.
Here’s the thing, Nance. I am only now old enough to recognize the value and utter uniqueness of growing up with a mom who was raised with Depression-era values. I still save bread bag ties and mend my clothes. I often have a moment of guilty entitlement when I realize I filled up my whole grocery cart without adding up the prices in my head. I remember the dignity you always showed when you handed me items to take back to the shelves because we didn't have enough money that day.
Perhaps neither of us realized it at the time, but I am so grateful for the self-reliance that came, via osmosis, through the chores and all the “mom’s little helper” times. I am happy to be a link in a thousand generations of folk wisdom that binds me to all those moms before us.
For my part, I'll probably have to settle for sharing my AI search engine tricks over a Zoom call to help my son navigate the digital era and cross my fingers that he might stop by for homemade fried chicken once in a while.
For everything we never thought was simply making me the mother that I am, Happy Mother's Day
In 1975, Liberty Hill was just a speck of a town on the map northwest of Austin. But that all changed when some of the town’s movers and shakers decided to invite Willie Nelson's Picnic to town. Hopeful organizers thought they might attract 5,000 visitors and planned for 25,000 just in case. As it turned out, the event blew away even their greatest expectations and drew a staggering 90,000 people to the tiny burg. The festival had its share of mishaps, including traffic backups, sweltering heat, and even a rainstorm that caused water to leak through the stage tent. But the event was a hit, and Liberty Hill gained a reputation for dreaming big.
Among those who helped make the event a success was Jim Franklin, a well-known artist in Austin's art scene. Franklin designed the festival's poster art and t-shirts, helping to spread the word about the event and attract even more attendees. Now, nearly 50 years later, the city of Liberty Hill has memorialized the festival and the artist who helped make it happen by installing a replica of Jim's poster on the old Liberty Hill water tower.
The tower has not been used for many years, but it holds a special place in the town's history. Located downtown on TX-332 Loop near Wetzel Park, it is a perfect spot to display the art and welcome visitors to town.
Kickstart summer 2023 with Liberty Hill's live music series at the water tower, in which folks can enjoy acoustic music from 6:30pm – 8:30pm on Thursdays June 8, July 20, and August 10. “I think people are hungry for entertainment and this is a fun, relaxing night of music that’s low stress,” city communications director Katie Amsler says. “Come downtown, get food, check out some of the stores that are open. It’s just a way to gather, connect with your neighbors, and enjoy your summer nights.”
She adds, “Typically people will be walking from surrounding neighborhoods, or go to the splash pad across from the water tower and come to hear the music.” Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and picnics and camp out in the parking lot. Dale Watson is slated to perform in August and city staff are looking for other musicians to round out the summer lineup.
Admission is free for the third annual Water Tower Kickstart, sponsored by Hughes and Company Real Estate, and food and beverages from Hoppy Hydrant will be available for purchase. And don't forget to check out the face painting booth!
