Aug13hcs by Julie Harrington

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August 2013 Taste of the Wild West at Celebrate Bandera this Labor Day weekend

Wimberley’s wonderful Boot Whisperer Celebrated skills of Ulli Johnston

Good eats in Kerrville at The Lakehouse

Find your paradise in Utopia, Texas

Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks

Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

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Serving Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Comfort, Concan, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Gruene, Henly, Johnson City, Kerrville, Kyle, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, Medina, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Sattler, Sisterdale, Stonewall, Wimberley, Utopia, Vanderpool & More

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512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com PAGE 2 AUGUST 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

FREDERICKSBURG H You might not believe your eyes. Come, see for yourself how a dried, dirty gourd can be turned into a piece of fine artwork at the 18th annual Lone Star Gourd Festival October 18-20 on the grounds of the Pioneer Museum. The unique art show provides visitors an opportunity to see competition gourd art pieces from all over the United States. You’ll also have opportunity to purchase gourd art, raw gourds, tools to create your own gourd art and get lessons on how to do it. FYI • Hours for the Lone Star Gourd Art Festival are 9 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday and 9 am to 3 pm Sunday. Admission is $5, and guests ages 17 years and under get in free with a paying adult. For more information, call 512-431-6030 or visit the web site at www. texasgourdsociety.org.

See Gourds transformed into beautiful art at Fredericksburg fest. Photo courtesy Lone Star Gourd Art Festival.

Texas Heritage Music Day

KERRVILLE H Schreiner University hosts the 17th annual Texas Heritage Music Day, Saturday, September 27. This annual musical event brings students and members of the community together to experience the power of stories and songs. Following the day’s events, enjoy an evening of music with Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines at 7 pm at the Kathleen and Floyd Cailloux Student Activities Center. Lloyd Maines is a Grammy Award winning producer and multi-instrumentalist. Terri Hendrix is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and independent artist, who has been offering an eclectic brand of Americana — encompassing folk, pop, country, blues and jazz — for more than two decades. Terri is also an author —her book, Cry Till You Laugh, is available in stores now. You can also read Texas Heritage Music Foundation founding director, Kathleen Hudson’s, interview with Terri Hendrix in Kathleen’s book, Women in Texas Music Stories and Songs. Combined attendance at Texas Heritage Music Day since 1997 exceeds 35,000 students, teachers and others. The vision continues throughout the school year via The Bard Project (a unique in-school performance/outreach program) that presents songwriters, performers, storytellers, and demonstrations in area schools, classrooms, and organizations. FYI • Visit texasheritagemusic.org for more information on our programs and how to donate.

Old Tunnel State Park celebrates 100 years

FREDERICKSBURG H Old Tunnel State Park will host a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first train’s steaming through the only tunnel on the San Antonio Fredericksburg and Northern Railroad’s 24-mile rail line Saturday, August 17. An afternoon of activities begins at 1 pm and ends at 5:30 pm with a talk on the history of the railroad and tunnel by a member of the Kendall County Historical Society. Following, visitors are First train to Fredericksburg. invited to stay for the nightly bat emer- Photo © Journal of Texas Shortline Railroads gence from the tunnel. Approximately 20,000 people visit the state park each year, primarily to view the bats emerging from the abandoned rail tunnel in their nightly search for insects. The tunnel is home to approximately 3,000 cave Myotis bats and up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats from May through October. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased the 16 acres, which includes the 920-foot long Old Tunnel, in 1991 to operate as a wildlife management area. Due to the large number of visitors, the property was transferred to the State Parks Division in 2011 to become a state park. FYI • Old Tunnel State Park, which is located at 10619 Old San Antonio Road, is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Bat viewing occurs nightly from May through October. There is no fee to watch the bat emergence from the upper viewing area. The lower viewing area is closed Monday through Wednesday, May through October, but is accessible the rest of the week via a half-mile, primitive trail by paying a $5 fee. Visitors must stay on designated trails and are not allowed inside the tunnel. The first 70 visitors August 17 can pay $5 to walk the half-mile nature trail down to the lower viewing area to see the bat emergence up close. Tickets go on sale about 6 pm. Seating for lower viewing area limited to 70 visitors. Remaining visitors can watch from the upper viewing area for free. Call 866-978-2287 for up-to-date bat emergence information. For directions and more about Old Tunnel State Park, visit the web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/old-tunnel.

Hill Country SUN Julie Harrington Publisher Advertising Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor Diane Causey Suzy Moehring Mallard Maxine Mayes Laurel Robertson Genie Strickland Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie DeLane Ibarra Adelle Spell Distribution

AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1

August 2013 Volume 24 • Number 3 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2013 by TD Austin Lane, Inc., 100 Commons Rd. Suite 7, Number 319, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Writers and photographers retain copyrights to individual work. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher. • The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted. • Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,181 Wimberley homes and 8,240 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service. • Cover: Head to Bandera for a real taste of the Wild West during Celebrate Bandera Labor Day weekend. The four-day event features Cowboy Mounted Shooters, a Wild West Show, the Circle of Life Powwow, the Kings of Western Swing Dance Series, National Professional Bull Riders Challenge, plus great live music, a parade, arts and crafts, cow patty bingo and much, much more. See story, page 10. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera. • Deadline for calendar events 15th of each month. Email melissa@hillcountrysun.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun

www.hillcountrysun.com julie@hillcountrysun.com • melissa@hillcountrysun.com

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

Austin J5 Bandera B10 Bergheim D9 Bertram I2 Blanco F6 Boerne D9 Buchanan Dam F2 Buda J7 Bulverde G10 Burnet G2 Camp Verde B8 Canyon Lake G9 Castroville C12 Center Point B8 Clear Springs H11 Comfort C8 Concan A11 Driftwood H7 Dripping Springs H6 Fischer G8 Fredericksburg C5 Georgetown K2 Granite Shoals G2 Gruene H10 Hancock G8 Helotes G6 Henly G6 Highland Lakes F2/3 Hondo B13 Hunt A7 Hye E6 Ingram B7 Johnson City F5 Kendalia F8 Kerrville B7 Kingsland F2 Kyle I8 Lampasas G1 Leakey A9 Llano D2 Liberty Hill I12 Luckenbach D6 Luling K10 Marble Falls G3 Martindale J9 Mason B2 Medina A9 New Braunfels H10 Oak Hill I6 Oatmeal H2 Pipe Creek C10 Round Rock K3 San Antonio F12 San Marcos I9 Sattler H9 Seguin I11 Sisterdale D8 Spring Branch F9 Startzville G9 Stonewall D6 Utopia A10 Vanderpool A9 Wimberley H8

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wimberley

Famed “boot whisperer” celebrates 20 years

By Laurel Robertson

hey’ve lived a lonely existence, stashed away in closets for years: fine western boots - unwanted, unworn, unloved - not because they weren’t beautiful, but because they just didn’t fit! Now they fill the shelves of the Wild West Store, eagerly waiting to be perfectly matched with their pair of forever feet by the magic of The Boot Whisperer…. Ulli Johnston can take one good look at a pair of stocking feet and walk right over to their true soul mate in leather among the hundreds of colorful and unique boots that fill her small shop just

off the Wimberley Square. “I’ve never paid attention to sizes,” explains the blonde with the magnetic smile. “I look at the whole person – short legs/long legs, wide feet/narrow feet, high arch/low arch – and a pair of boots will just pop into my mind. I can’t explain how I do it – but 80 percent of the time, I’m right!” Years ago, an amazed and delighted customer dubbed her “The Boot Whisperer” and the name stuck. Now Ulli “boot whispers” people from all over the world who come to Wimberley to be matched with their perfect pair of boots. And the choices are staggering!

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Ulli Johnston, the Boot Whisperer. Photo by Allan C. Kimball. RIGHT Sign signals that Ulli is in her shop; when you see it, stop in for a personal fitting, or call for an appointment. Photo by Melissa Maxwell Ball. Though the sign outside advertises “Over 500 Pairs of Boots” – that’s a very conservative estimate, concedes Ulli. At present, she figures she has at least 700 pairs on hand. Lined up on shelves, clustered in corners, resting on fixtures and furniture – even hanging from the rafters – boots fill the senses. There are riding boots, dancing boots, tall top boots, shorties, solid color boots, boots with stitching, boots with tips, leather cutouts, with images

ranging from cactus to Hula girls tooled into the leather. All of the boots are vintage and in excellent shape. Many have never been worn at all. Ulli explains that in the late 1980s, major boot makers began to move their manufacturing overseas and the overall quality of the boots declined. Most of her boots were made in the decades before that and show the superior craftsmanship of those times. She lovSee BOOT WHISPERER, page 5

A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTION OF in the

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BOOT WHISPERER, from page 4 ingly handles a pair of handmade Tony Lamas from the ‘40s that still look new. Mixed in with the boots, The Wild West Store has other western paraphernalia: belts and buckles, cowboy hats, saddles, chaps, purses, shirts and jackets, vintage turquoise jewelry, old western photographs and even a buffalo head. Ulli recounts the unlikely trail that led her to be a Boot Whisperer in Wimberley, Texas. As a child growing up in Germany, she always had a fascination with cowboys and Indians. “I have pictures of me as a little girl dressed western and I always liked western movies.” In 1988, Ulli traveled to South Texas to visit a friend and ended up at an auto auction. The auctioneer there was smitten with Ullli and to get her attention, he pretended that her habit of “speaking with her hands” had accidently caused her to win the auction. She was flabbergasted. Four weeks later the two were married at Blue Hole and have lived in Wimberley since. “I never felt like I belonged in Germany,” she muses. “I never fit with the culture there. Coming into the Wimberley Valley, I felt like I was coming home.” In the beginning, the auctioneer and his new wife sold vintage and antique items at shows. Ulli noticed that cowboy boots always sold well. Under the tutelage of an older dealer, she learned the ins and outs of the vintage boot trade. In 1993, she opened The Wild West Store in Wimberley and moved it to its present location in 1995. Business grew steadily over the years and her fame as The Boot Whisperer spread. Her amazing abilities have been featured in articles in the New York Times, the London Financial Times, Southern Living, Texas Monthly and other national and international publications. Ulli was even featured on BBC World News in July 2013. Customers come from Europe, Australia and as far away as Shanghai to have their feet fitted to boots by Ulli she’s even done some boot whispering over the phone!

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Just off the Wimberley Square Olde Towne Plaza - 13709 RR 12

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“Go for a consultation with the Boot Whisperer, who reads feet like a psychic reads palms.” Texas Monthly, August 2010 Open by appointment. Please call in advance 512-293-4890.

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Hundreds of vintage boots to choose. Photo by Melissa Maxwell Ball. Nowadays, her store is open by appointment only. “Life is too short,” she explains, “and I think some people like shopping by appointment better, anyway.” When she’s there, a sign outside proclaims “The Boot Whisperer Is In” and the public is welcome to stop by. Otherwise, she’s generally available by phone and lives only a short distance away. Ulli operates on a simple business model. “I care more about the people than the sale,” she says. “I want people to leave here happy, with or without a pair of boots.” FYI • The Wild West Store is located at 13709 Ranch Road 12 in Olde Towne Plaza in Wimberley. Open by appointment or happenstance. See the BBC World News Feature on Ulli and her Wild West Store online at www.bbc. co.uk/programmes/p01cgrpq. For more information, and to make an apointment, call 512-847-1219 or visit the web site at www.KoolBoots.com.

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The charming Wild West Store, where you can find hundreds of vintage cowboy boots, located just off the Wimberley Square in Olde Towne Plaza on Ranch Road 12. The store is open by appointment, so call 512-293-4890 in advance. Photo by Melissa Maxwell Ball.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2013 PAGE 5

DRIPPING SPRINGS MODERN ORTHODONTICS FROM FRIENDLY PEOPLE.

Hill Country Dining

Locals love dining at Kerrville’s Lakehouse

By Maxine Mayes

Mark A Thompson DDS MS Specialist in Orthodontics 512-858-2916 • www.austinbraces.com corner of Ranch Road 12 @ 290 West

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GOT SALES? The Hill Country Sun is currently considering Advertising Sales Staff in Boerne H Bandera H Kerrville Johnson City/Blanco H Kyle/Buda Fredericksburg/Comfort H San Marcos Interested? Please email Julie

julie@hillcountrysun.com PAGE 6 AUGUST 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

t was almost 25 years ago that Mark Armstrong left a successful career in corporate restaurant management and moved his family from deep East Texas to Kerrville to invest in his own restaurant on the Guadalupe River. “We came here on Thanksgiving Day in 1988. I had three small babies, my wife was from Longview, her parents lived right down the street, and I had a pretty good job. I kind of threw all that out and loaded up my mother-in-law’s grandbabies and took everybody 300 miles south.” The “babies” are grown ups now and the in-laws eventually made their way to Kerrville. The Lakehouse, the restaurant that generated the family’s relocation, has earned a core of faithful patrons through the years who consider the Armstrongs and their staff “like family.” “Unlike with most restaurants that I’ve been familiar with over my career... the vast majority of our customers are regulars. I have a bunch of people that just walk in and grab silverware and go sit down and the waitress sees them and shows up with their drinks. We really do have a relationship with a great percentage of our customers.” “The waitresses are very caring,” says Irene Long, who dines at The Lakehouse three or four times a week. “They know me and are always so friendly.” Cork and Bev Jahner echo Irene’s feelings. They’ve been coming to The Lakehouse, mostly on Mondays, and asking for their “favorite table” for more than 20 years. “We know most of the ‘kids’ that work here,” says Bev. “Maryann usually brings our drinks as soon as we sit down. She knows what we want.” The Lakehouse’s menu features home-cooked-style appetizers, entrees, and sides, with lunch specials every day, but don’t expect “gourmet.”“We don’t do anything complicated here, we never have,” explains Mark. “Our recipes are all very simple.” Despite the variety of entrees, a huge number of folks always opt for the restaurant’s specialty: fried catfish. “Catfish is what we were founded on and continues to be the majority of what we do,” Mark says. “We have a more than adequately varied menu but we don’t try to be all things to all people and we don’t try to add too many things that we can’t do consistently with quality. But, there are a whole bunch of people who’ve never had anything in here but fish.” Fans of the fried catfish claim that it’s always cooked to perfection: crispy outside, flaky inside, not greasy or mushy. And, since Mark doesn’t “price shop” for his fish, the quality is superior and never has that “muddy” taste sometimes encountered in catfish. “I don’t just buy from a house. I have

Got a hankerin’ for fried catfish? When in Kerrville, stop by The Lakehouse. Your tastebuds will truly thank you. Photo by Carl Mayes. a relationship with a producer where I know the fish comes from specific farms and is harvested at specific times.” For Mark, relationships is what The Lakehouse is about, whether it be with suppliers, RV-ers who return each fall, long-time customers, or faithful staff members. “I still have a handful of people that have been here over 20 years, a bunch that have been here 10 to 15 years. My kitchen manager came with the place. I’ve never been able to run him off, you know.” The comfortably casual ambience of The Lakehouse further enhances the dining experience. Vintage fishing tackle decorate the rustic cedar walls. Diners can claim a table by the huge picture windows for a great view of the river, or pick a highbacked wooden booth for more privacy. Looking back over The Lakehouse’s long, successful run gets Mark to reminiscing.“When we first moved here two of my kids were in school and the youngest one was four. In those days I ran the back and Sallie ran the front...so the four-year-old came with us. She was a fixture until she started school. Used to seat people and roll the bus cart back and stand behind the register. And now her son hangs out and does the same thing. So it makes me feel like somebody’s gettin’ old. My grandson’s doin’ what my daughter used to do.” FYI • The Lakehouse is at 1655 Junction Highway (TX 27) in Kerrville. The Lakehouse is open daily at 11 am. Monday though Saturday: open all day serving lunch and dinner; and open Sundays ‘til 3 pm serving lunch. For more information, call 830-895-3188 or visit the web site at www. hillcountrycookin.com.

View of the Guadalupe River from The Lakehouse. Photo by Carl Mayes.

dripping springs

THE LAKEHOUSE, from page 6

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Mark and Sallie Armstrong, owners of The Lakehouse, a popular Kerrville restaurant specializing in delicious fried catfish and more. Photo by Carl Mayes.

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The tasty food plus a lovely view of the Gudalupe River keep customers coming to the The Lakehouse. Some guests have been returning to enjoy the restaurant’s brand of Hill Country cookin’ for more than 20 years. Photo courtesy The Lakehouse.

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830-232-6118 H nealslodges.com PAGE 8 AUGUST 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Relax, unwind, just get on Utopia time

By Diane Causey

ince Utopia isn’t really on the road to anywhere, many people consider it lost, along with the big tooth maples that grace the autumn landscape with colorful foliage. But once you find Utopia, it’s sometimes hard to leave. The peaceful hills combined with the easy-going attitude of the people of the Sabinal Canyon create an atmosphere of tranquility that soothes and recharges the soul. Visitors take advantage of this transformation from their often hectic lifestyles to unwind and get into what natives call “Utopia Time”. However, the basic needs of eating and shopping eventually surface and Utopia has some spots to fill those desires. The Lost Maples Cafe has long been a place to dine for home-style cooking while absorbing a little local color. Breakfast is a busy and popular meal where tourists attempt to actually finish the huge pancakes and gorge themselves on real eggs with all the trimmings. Hot lunches are available every weekday and on Sunday. Chicken fried steak and onion rings are always a popular mainstay. A sign near the kitchen reads “Pie Fixes Everything” and, based on the slices of homemade pie that are served daily, diners must believe in it’s powers. Fiddlestix Restaurant is located in the quaint Victorian house on the corner by the fire station and is open for morning coffee and breakfast beginning at 7:30 am. The menu features salads and unique entrees such as ginger chicken served on a bed of steamed greens over rice. The Fiddlestix hamburger is a special treat, as owner Quinton Hathorn grills the meat over a charcoal grill. Lunch specials—all prepared from fresh produce,—are available most days and Sundays after church. Made from scratch desserts are always memorable. Fiddlestix is open Wednesday through Sunday and closes at 3 pm (2 pm on Sunday). A little farther up the road in the upper Sabinal Canyon diners can find the Ace Cafe inside the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, which is open on weekends through Sunday lunch. Visitors can enjoy Aussie meat pies, salads, desserts and about the best hamburgers in Texas while dining among 60 classic motorcycles. It’s often a surprise to visitors when they discover that Utopia also has a gourmet restaurant based on the European guest table concept. The Laurel Tree, three miles south of Utopia, is open Saturdays for lunch and dinner, and the menu changes each week based on the fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden and seasonal choices hand-picked from markets. Chef Laurel Waters serves five courses at dinner with two main-entree

Idyllic Utopia Golf. Photo by Doug Shearer.

Lost Maples Cafe. Photo courtesy Lost Maples Cafe.

Laurel Waters, owner and chef of Laurel Tree, a gourmet restaurant in Utopia based on the European guest table concept. Photo courtesy Hattie Barham Photography. choices. Guests may also enjoy viewing the beautiful grounds and gardens. Reservations are required. (See FYI at end of story for details.) Shoppers can get a fix at Main Street Utopia, where beautiful antiques are mixed with gifts and accessories from the Dallas Market to create an eclectic combination of beauty and style. The Second Home back room and the warehouse also offer collectibles and unique items from all eras. Books from local authors are available along with Utopia souvenirs, gifts and cards. Hidden Treasures, the popular thrift store in town, features unique clothing, household goods, toys, and books. Even a real treasure may emerge on occasion See UTOPIA, page 9

frio/sabinal river valleys

UTOPIA, from page 8 that leaves a shopper feeling rather smug that they did indeed leave with a great find. While the ladies are checking out the already mentioned retail outlets, the men can always hang out at Utopia Ranch Outpost, a well-equipped hardware store that would make any small town envious. Visitors to Utopia can also enjoy meandering through two historic cemeteries where heroes of Texas are

buried, checking out the Sabinal Canyon Museum on Saturdays to see Native American artifacts and histories of local pioneers, visit the 120 year-old Methodist Church or play a round of golf at the Utopia Golf 9-hole course south of town. And cabins, guest houses and B&B lodgings throughout the canyon allow tourists to experience a little of what it feels like to live on “Utopia Time” even if for just a few days.

FYI • Lost Maples Cafe 384 Farm Market 187 (Main Street). 830-966-2221, www.LostMaplesCafe. com. Fiddlestix corner of Lee and Main Streets in Utopia. 830-966-2345, www.fiddlestixutopia.com. The Ace Cafe (at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum). 36517 Highway 187 North in Vanderpool. 830-966-6103, www. lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com. The Laurel Tree Reservations required. 18956 North Farm Market 187, 830966-5444, utopiagourmet.com. Main Street Utopia 282 Main, 830-966-

5544, www.mainstreetutopia.com. Hidden Treasures 739 Main Street, 830-486-8813. Utopia Ranch Outpost Highway 187, 830-966-4195, www. utopiaranchoutpost.com. Sabinal Canyon Museum Farm Market 187 (west side of road), 830-966-2100. Open Saturdays. Utopia Golf 20567 Farm Market 187, 830-9665577, www.utopiagolf.com. Rio Frio Lodging 830-966-2320, email info@ friolodging.com, www.friolodging.com.

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Find special shopping at Main Street Utopia, where beautiful antiques are mixed with gifts and accessories from the Dallas Market. Photo courtesy Main Street Utopia.

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Rio FRio Lodging & natuRe CenteR Retreat to the Hills for a Week or Weekend of Relaxation & Adventure Birding, Nature by Kayak & Nature Tours • Mountain Bicycle Trails

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Frio’s Dry FiFty A Summer Tradition Since 1985

Celebrate Bandera Labor Day weekend V By Genie Strickland

isit Bandera any day of the year and you’ll see a Texas town holding true to its heritage; cowboys living the dream among the rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Hill Country. Day to day, cowboys ride into town on their horses, and Texan hospitality is abundant. Once a year, Bandera tips its hat to the men and women who settled the area, and pays homage to the way life was back then. Twelve years ago, Bandera began celebrating its history, and the annual celebration — Celebrate Bandera — has emerged as one of the best Labor Day celebrations in all of Texas. Beginning the Thursday before Labor Day, August 29, Celebrate Bandera will showcase all things cowboy (and Native American) for a sensational taste of the Wild West. Kicking off the weekend of activities is the Cowboy Mounted Shooters Contest at the Pahaska TeePee Ranch on Farm Market 2828. In this fast action timed equestrian event, mounted contestants compete using two .45 caliber single action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition, running through courses of fire set in a variety of patterns. The annual event is hosted by Bandera’s own Cowboy Mounted Shooters Association and provides attendees a chance to see cowboys and cowgirls in period costumes riding at top speeds while shooting pistols at balloon targets. Schedules can be found on the web site at www. celebratebandera.com. Starting Friday, enjoy the Circle of Life Powwow at Mansfield Park, a tradition at Celebrate Bandera since 2004. One of the State’s most popular powwows, it serves a gathering place for Indians of many Na-

Enjoy the National Professional Bull Rider’s Challenge at Celebrate Bandera. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera. tive American Tribes. As is the traditional Indian way, Powwows have always been a time to renew friendships, eat, share cultural history and dance. Don’t miss The Grand Entry of the Circle of Life Powwow Friday at 7 pm, where you can see the formal parade of dancers entering the arena, which opens each major session of dancing. Ridin’ The River Cowboy Church Horseless Ranch rodeo at the Mansfield Park arena, also at 7 pm Friday, will feature teams from around Texas trying their hand at ranch chores – without a horse! This is serious business and fun to boot. Entry is free and you can participate. See CELEBRATE BANDERA, page 11

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The Circle of Life Powwow at Mansfield Park, a tradition at Celebrate Bandera since 2004. One of the State’s most popular powwows, it serves a gathering place for Indians of many Native American Tribes. Photos courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

CELEBRATE BANDERA, from page 10

What a sight! Y.O. wranglers drive a Longhorn herd into Bandera, kicking off the Cowboy Capital Parade at 11 am Saturday, August 31. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

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their appearance promptly at 11 am. Y.O. wranglers and Celebrate Bandera drovers drive their herd into Bandera, kicking off the annual Cowboy Capital of the World Parade and heralding Bandera’s colorful past as head of the famed Western Trail. Bandera was a major gathering point for the longhorn herds that made their way up the Western Trail to market in Kansas and beyond. The County Court House lawn will be alive with exhibits and children’s activities. The Bandera Cattle Company will offer gunfights and the Bandera Music Hall of Fame stage will have some great toe tappin’ music! Bring the kids for Mutton Bustin’ (for those ages 5 years and under) as they discover the cowboy in them. There’ll be more action at 7 pm Saturday night in Mansfield Park, with a Wild West Show featuring William Frederick Cody, “Buffalo Bill.” Many consider Buffalo Bill the grandfather of the rodeo. The first formal rodeo took place on July 4, 1882, in North Platte, Nebraska. The town was celebrating the return of its favorite son, Buffalo Bill, and

er’s Challenge, enjoy the first of the Kings of Western Swing Dance series at music venues around Bandera: 11th Street Cowboy Bar, The Chiken Coop and The Longhorn Saloon. That only leaves a few hours to catch your breath and get some rest before Sunday’s Cowboy Church Service on the River and the Circle of Life Intertribal Powwow begin again. Visitors can enjoy more Arts and Crafts and music at the Courthouse. Sunday afternoon brings the second in the Kings of Western Swing dance series all the music venues in Bandera. Then it’s back to the Wild West show at 5:30 pm and the National Professional Bull Rider’s Challenge at 7 pm at Mansfield Park. Whew! Final party time begins at 10 pm at the famous music venues in Bandera. Check the web site for entertainment schedule at the local music venues. FYI • For more information about Celebrate Bandera, and for ticket information about the Wild West Show and the National Professional Bull Rider’s Challenge, call 800-3643833, or visit the web site at www.celebratebandera.com.

Reuben

You might even get to dress a goat! Saturday morning will start bright and early with a cowboy breakfast at Heritage Park downtown across from the Court House. This year, the State of Texas will present a Historical Marker recognizing Bandera as the Cowboy Capital of the World. A Cowboy breakfast — biscuits and gravy and campfire coffee —will be served, followed by the presentation. Then, stick around for the “John Wayne” toss your hat on the weather vane contest just, just because. Head up the street to Lowe’s Market, where you’ll have an opportunity to put some cash in your pocket and help the Bandera County Library at Cow Patty Bingo. Anticipation is high as the Longhorn steer carefully selects a square in which to place a patty. The remainder of Saturday morning, Bandera should be buzzing with a huge arts and crafts fair (starting on the Courthouse lawn at 9 am). Excitement will grow as time draws near for the Y.O. Ranch longhorns to make

asked him to plan a shindig to celebrate America’s birthday and, boy, did he do just that. He invited more than 1,000 cowboys to participate in contests doing the things that they did everyday, i.e., ride bucking broncos, bulls and buffalo. They roped, bull dogged, twirled guns, did sharp shooting, and raced horses. The event was so successful (and so highly praised by the press) that the American public clamored for more. Buffalo Bill listened, and in 1883 he put a similar program together and launched a Wild West Show that traveled across America and Europe for 30 years. The “Hottest Eight Seconds of the Year” starts at 8 pm, with the National Professional Bull Riders’ Challenge. Some of the best Bull Rider’s around will ride some of the rankest bulls in Texas.Celebrate Bandera is proud to announce the title Sponsor for all 2013 arena events is Buddy’s Water Well and Septic Service, a hometown sponsor with a hometown heart. Immediately following the Bull Rid-

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See the exciting Cowboy Mounted Shooters in action at Celebrate Bandera. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

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W I N ES · S P I R I TS F I N E R FO O D S

Suzy Moehring Mallard ®

hill country PARKS

Families in Nature, plus voting on new plates

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ustin Families in Nature, a group of several families that gets outside together in group activities a couple of times a month, spent a morning in West Austin’s Mayfield Park and Preserve recently, working on the park and preserve’s gardens and trails. Mayfield Park is just at the west end of 35th Street, next door to Laguna Gloria art museum. “Austin Families in Nature is a new group to me,” said Mayfield volunteer coordinator Nadene Morning. “It’s great to meet them and have them come work at Mayfield.” Nadene counts on volunteers – grownups and kids – at Mayfield Park and Preserve and always has work improving trails, hauling brush, and weeding gardens. Besides doing some community service, Austin Families in Nature is a group that gets together for some serious fun as well. “We’ve been together as a group for four or five years,” said Elizabeth Trausier, one of the Austin Families in Nature moms, as she and several others worked on a garden path around a swift chimney near a parking lot just inside Mayfield’s gates. The group does things together a couple of times a month, such as touring Canyon Lake Gorge, camping at Guadalupe State Park, camping at Canyon of the Eagles, visiting Fossil Rim State Park, hiking Enchanted Rock, and kayaking Town Lake to see the bats come out at dusk. About 28 parents and kids of Austin Families in Nature were in parts of Mayfield on this sunny Saturday morning – digging a trench along a path to better set rocks that outline the path, spreading mulch on trails, dragging mulch. “So they’re really working their arms today,” said Morning. Heather and David Kuhlken organized Austin Families in Nature and use Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods,” as a guide. Heather is a National Outdoor Leadership graduate and volunteers for Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin. David is an Eagle Scout. The bluebonnet became a common sight both on and off Texas roadways when a conservation license plate featuring one of Lady Bird’s wildflowers was introduced 12 years ago. Since then, Texas Parks and Wildlife says the plate has generated more than $1.3 million Texas state parks. Today, there are 6,400 bluebonnet license plates on Texas roads. Now Texas Parks and Wildlife

PAGE 12 AUGUST 2013 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Austin Families in Nature on a community service day at Mayfield Park and Preserve in Austin. Photo by Suzy Moehring Mallard. plans to introduce a second license plate, and we get to help decide which design will be chosen. “The goal is to bring in new people that may want to support state parks, but who may not be comfortable putting a wildflower on their three-quarter-ton pickup truck,” says Thomas Wilhelm, program coordinator for state parks. The three designs that are in the running for the new plate are a campfire, a nighttime tent scene, and hikers. Voting runs through August at texasstateparks.org/vote. The winning plate will be announced in September and will be available in spring 2014 for vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles online or through local tax offices. The plate will cost $30 a year in addition to regular vehicle registration fees, of which $22 will go directly to fund Texas state parks.

Vote for your fave Texas license plate design at texasstateparks. org/vote. Photos courtesy TPWD.

Hill Country State Park Events AUGUST 3, 17, 31 BURNET: Inks Lake State Park. Stumpy Hollow Canoe Clinic and Tour. Learn basic canoe skills and then take a guided tour to the mysterious Stumpy Hollow. 3630 Park Road 4 West. 512-793-2223. AUGUST 17 FREDERICKSBURG: Old Tunnel 100 Year Anniversary Celebration. Kids’ activities, speakers, more. 10619 Old San Antonio Road. 866-978-2287. AUGUST 27 STONEWALL: LBJ 105th Birthday Celebration. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site. Enjoy a day in the park celebrating LBJ’s 105th Birthday. 830644-2252. FYI • For more information about Texas State Parks, visit the web site at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

Hill country calendar NOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm information. EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. Enjoy free music shows Monday through Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com. WIMBERLEY: (every day except Monday) Wimberley Glassworks gallery open daily 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm. Glassblowing demos daily. www.WGW. com. SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cowboy music at the Frontier Times Museum. Free admission. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321. JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Music Events. Rockin’ gospel and jazz to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-8689290. EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Sattler Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256. WIMBERLEY: Toddler Story Time at Wimberley Library. 10:30 am. 512-8472188, www.wimberleylibrary.org EVERY TUESDAY CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of other artists. 830-825-3465. WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band. First Baptist Church. 512-858-7960. FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Corral Senior Center. 830-796-4969. THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music Show. Knights of Columbus Hall. 830-629-4547. LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101. EVERY TUESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY CONCAN: Family friendly dances at Historic Neal’s. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at the Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com. WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce, fresh breads, more at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center. 512-264-1637. FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am. Community Center. 512-8472849. EVERY THURSDAY AUSTIN: Karaoke at the Nutty Brown Café. www.nuttybrown.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Decadent Desserts and Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001. WIMBERLEY: (in August) Good Ole’ Church Cookin’ at Cafe’ Susanna. Lunch served to the community. Entree’, two sides, ice tea and dessert for $9. 11 am to 1 pm at Wimberley United Methodist Church, County Road 1492. 512-847-3109. FIRST THURSDAY BUDA: First Thursday. Stroll through the downtown antique and specialty shops, enjoy the food from downtown restaurants. www.discoverbuda.com. WIMBERLEY: YAPI (Young Artist Perfor-

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Robert Earl Keen plays John T. Floore’s Country Store in Helotes September 7. Photo courtesy Robert Earl Keen.

mance Incubator).Kids 18 and under perform. Maui Wowi. www.brendafreed. com/yapi. SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society Meets. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. For information, Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406. THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee House Concert Series. Live music. 7:30 pm, Wimberley UMC, Corner Ranch Road 12 and Country Road 1492, $15, www. wimberleyumc.org/susannaskitchen.htm. EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 FM 2325. 512-847-5464. EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. www.realalebrewing.com. CEDAR VALLEY: Free Wine Tasting and Art Gallery. 5 pm to 8 pm at Cedar Valley Spirits (across from Nutty Brown Cafe). www.cedarvalleyspirits.com GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Broadcast live by KNBT-92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830629-5077. LEAKEY: Fridays at the Buckhorn Bar and Grill. House band, local talent. 830-2324755, www.friobuckhornbar.com. WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall. 512-8476441. WIMBERLEY: Preschool Story Time at Wimberley Village Library. 10:30 am. 512847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035. SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever. Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www.castroville. com, 830-931-2479. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association Meeting. Chapel of The Hills

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melissa@hillcountrysun.com

HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2013 PAGE 13

Hill country calendar Church, 11 am. Gae Koen, 512-847-7953. THIRD FRIDAY JOHNSON CITY: Cruise-In. See classic and collectable vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Free admission. www.3fjc.com. FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969. EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater. Renowned variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688. EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music. Linda’s Fine Foods. www.lindaallencatering.com. EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074. AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976. COMFORT: Comfort Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park on Highway 27. COMFORT: Wine Tastings at High’s Café. 4 pm to 7 pm. www.highscafeandstore.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. www.solaroestate.com. NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. Evening of cowboy song and hearty dining awaits. 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245. WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear the stories about floods and scuba divers, experience beauty of spring that started town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org. WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Fresh flowers, veggies, cheeses,

more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428. FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. 830-796-4447. BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale at Public Library. 9 am to 1 pm. 830-796-4213. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Low Cost Pet Vaccinations. At Tractor Supply on Highway 290. 512-858-7229. WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). Everything you can’t live without at Lions Field. 7 am to 4 pm. www.shopmarketdays.com. FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Public Speaking and Leadership Club. 10:30 am. Visitor’s Center. 512-913-4804. SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316. THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm. Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784. LAST SATURDAY JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Reception. Free exhibit of art, plus Wines of Texas. Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROUND MOUNTAIN: Public Weekend Tours at Westcave Preserve. 830-825-3442, info@westcave.org. SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org. AUGUST 1 SAN MARCOS: Summer in the Park

HAVE A BALL THIS FALL It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you learn the game. At the YMCA of Austin, kids develop all of their skills, from catching & dribbling to teamwork and sportsmanship. Just as important, they learn firsthand the benefits of being healthy and active and that virtual games just can’t compare to the real thing. 2013 Fall Youth Sports: • Soccer, Flag Football & Tennis • Ages 4-14 • Register thru Sept 8 • Co-Ed

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YMCA of Austin Springs August 2013 HCSun .indd 1

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Cool off at the Austin Ice Cream Festival at Fiesta Gardens August 17. Stock photo. Concert Series presents Graybone. San Marcos Plaza Park, 7:30 pm. 512-393-8000. AUGUST 1-10 WIMBERLEY: Shakespeare Under the Stars presents “Julius Caesar.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. www.emilyann.org, 512-847-6969. AUGUST 1-23 AUSTIN: Camp Fire USA Weekly Camps. Camp Kids will connect to nature through daily adventures. www.camp-fire.org or call 512-349-2111. AUGUST 2 AUSTIN: Story Time at the Art Garage “Hats.” Wear your favorite hat to this silly story time. 10:45 am to 11:45 am. www. TheArtGarageAustin.com. CONCAN: Loyd Bonham. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. AUGUST 3 BOERNE: Ring of Fire Ranch Rodeo and Concert. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road. sacorralclub.org/ringof-fire-ranch-rodeo. CONCAN: Cactus Country. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. GRUENE: Granger Smith. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. AUGUST 8 SAN MARCOS: Summer in Park Concert Series presents Two Tons of Steel. San Marcos Plaza Park, 7:30 pm. 512-393-8000. AUGUST 6 CONCAN: Loyd Bonham. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. AUGUST 9 AUSTIN: Story Time at the Art Garage presents “Ocean Creatures.” Geared towards kids 3-1/2 years to 6 years. www. TheArtGarageAustin.com. CONCAN: Rough River Band. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Music, shopping, food and drinks downtown. 6 pm to 9 pm. www.visituvalde.com. WIMBERLEY: 2nd Friday WineShare. Bring a bottle of any white wine and your own wine glass. 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Meet new businesses, new people and new wines. Annie James Boutique. 512-558-2919. AUGUST 9-10 JUNCTION: Summer Classic Rodeo and Dance. Fairgrounds on Farm Market. 2169. www.junctiontexas.com.

AUGUST 9-11 NEW BRAUNFELS: The Peddler Show. Find a vast selection of exclusive items including personalized designs, home décor, hand crafted jewelry, fashionable clothing, gourmet treats, creative gifts, more. 512-358-1000 ext. 204. MARBLE FALLS: LakeFest Drag Boat Races. Boats race at speeds up to 250 mph on Lake Marble Falls. Plus, showand-shine, concerts, crafts and food. Lakeside Park and Johnson Park. www. marblefallslakefest.com. AUGUST 10 BANDERA: Hot Texas Swing Band. Live music at 11th Street Cowboy Bar. HotTexasSwingBand.com. CONCAN: Bryan Catalani. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. GRUENE: Bob Schneider. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. HELOTES: The Reverend Horton Heat. Live music at Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com. JUNCTION: Martin Memorial Car Show. Kimble County Courthouse. 830-634-2698 or 830-285-7371. SAN MARCOS: Art Unhitched Art Market. Arts and crafts booths, live music and food trailers from 11 am to 5 pm at The Hitch Mobile Eatery. www.toursanmarcos. com/events/arts/art- unhitched.html. STONEWALL: Rambling Rose Tasting at Becker Vineyards. culinariasa.org/winefestival. AUGUST 10-11, 17-18 STONEWALL: Grape Stomp at Pedernales Cellars. Live music and wine tasting. 2 www.pedernales cellars.com. AUGUST 10-11, 24-25 FREDERICKSBURG: Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.gillespiefair.com. AUGUST 13 CONCAN: Art and Lisa. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. AUGUST 15 MASON: Live Music at the Sandstone Cellars Winery. 6 pm. 512-217-4596. AUGUST 16 CONCAN: Kurt Reece. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. GRUENE: Jack Ingram. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. AUGUST 16-18 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Seven miles east of town at 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com. AUGUST 17 AUSTIN: Ice Cream Festival. Stay cool with games, activities, contests, live music and, of course, ice cream. Fiesta Gardens. www.icecreamfestival.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Old Tunnel State Park 100th Anniversary Celebration. Crafts for kids, storytelling, face painting, followed by bat emergence. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ state-parks/old-tunnel. 866-978-2287. FREDERICKSBURG: Roots Music Series Concert. Pioneer Museum. 6:30 pm. www. pioneermuseum.net. GRUENE: Delbert McClinton. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. AUGUST 17-18 AUSTIN: Austin Craft Riot Summer Show. Austin Music Hall. www.austincraftriot. com. GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

Catch Hayes Carll at Gruene Hall September 14. Photo courtesy Hayes Carll. Gruene Historic District. www.gruenemarketdays.com, 830-832-1721. AUGUST 17,20 CONCAN: Chilton Vance. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. AUGUST 18 FISCHER: Ice Cream Social at Fischer Store School Community Center. Corner of Farm Market Roads 484 and 32. Join us for sundaes, floats and splits – a sweettooth’s dream! Donations welcome. 3 pm to 4 pm. www.FischerStoreSchoolCC.org. AUGUST 22-25 FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Fair. Enjoy displays of agricultural, livestock and home skills, plus horse races, concerts, dances, a carnival and midway. Parade at 10 am Friday. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive. www.gillespiefair.com, 830-997-2359. AUGUST 23 CONCAN: Buster Jiggs. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. AUGUST 24 AUSTIN: Bat Fest. Live music, children activities, costume contests as the world’s largest urban bat colony takes to the skies. www.roadwayevents.com. CONCAN: Rough River Band. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. UVALDE: Market Days. 10 am to 5 pm. Downtown. www.uvaldemarketdays.com. AUGUST 24-25 STONEWALL: Grape Stomp at Becker Vineyards. www.beckervineyards.com. AUGUST 25 AUSTIN: Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival. Fiesta Gardens. www. austinchronicle.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Concert in the Park. Adelsverein Halle at the Marktplatz, West Main at North Adams. www. visitfredericksburgtx.com. AUGUST 27 CONCAN: Kurt Reece. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. STONEWALL: President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 105th Birthday Celebration at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lyndonb-johnson, 830-644-2252, ext. 222. AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1 BANDERA: Celebrate Bandera. (See

story, page 10.) Cowboy action, Cowboy Mounted Shooters, Longhorn cattle drive, Circle of Life Intertribal Powwow, Wild West Show, National Professional Bull Rider’s Challenge, Kings of Western Swing Concert Series, arts and crafts, vendors, performers, Cowboy Church, more. www.celebratebandera.com. UVALDE: Palomino Fest Labor Day Celebration and Rodeo. Live music, carnival, rodeo parade. Uvalde County Fairplex. www.palominofest.com. AUGUST 30-31 BRADY: World Championship Barbecue Goat Cook-Off. Annual event includes arts and crafts, games, barbecue goat meal, live music and street dance. Richards Park. www.bradytx.com, 888-577-3491. AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 1 BOERNE: Kendall County Fair. Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.kcfa.org. KERRVILLE: Wine and Music Festival. Concerts, crafts, wine, camping and songs around campfire at Quiet Valley Ranch. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com. AUGUST 31 BOERNE: Buggie Roundup. Some of the nicest dune buggies in the nation arrive for displays and cruises. Main Plaza. www.texasmanxclub.com. CONCAN: Paul Sanchez. Live music at Joe Jimmy’s. www.nealslodges.com. GRUENE: Charlie Robison. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. SEPTEMBER 6 GRUENE: Chris Isaak. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. SEPTEMBER 7 HELOTES: Robert Earl Keen. Live music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. www. liveatfloores.com. SEPTEMBER 14 GRUENE: Gruene 10K. Enjoy a leisurely or competitive run through the Texas Hill Country with medals for each age group. Sponsored by the New Braunfels Running Club to benefit local charity. AthleteGuild.com, 830-708-2991. GRUENE: Hayes Carll. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. SEPTEMBER 21 BLANCO: 1st Annual Drives for Drippin’ Golf Tournament. Hosted by Dripping Springs United Methodist Church at Vaaler Creek Golf Club. 9 am. www. drives4drippin.com, 214-906-1504. COMFORT: Hill Country Art Festival. 10 am to 5 pm. Artists gather in Comfort on to show and sell their works as art show spotlights works in variety of media. .www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs Tiger Band Drumline Contest. Middle School Stadium. Email jason.littleton@ dsisd.txed.net for more information. SEPTEMBER 27 KERRVILLE: Texas Music Heritage Day. Native American songs and dancing, historical arts and crafts, Buffalo Soldiers, living history demonstrations and exhibits, storytellers and music. More. Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines perform at 7:30 pm. Schreiner University Robbins Lewis Pavilion. www. TexasHeritrageMusic.org. SEPTEMBER 28 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fall Fest Pioneer Day - Celebrating Texas Heritage. 10 am

Hill country calendar to 4 pm. drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org, 512-858-2030. OCTOBER 5 GRUENE: James McMurtry. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com. OCTOBER 18-20 FREDERICKSBURG: 18th Annual Lone Star Gourd Festival. Pioneer Museum grounds. www.texasgourdsociety.org OCTOBER 30 HELOTES: Willie Nelson and Family. Live music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com. NOVEMBER 16-17 NEW BRAUNFELS: Fifth Annual Train Show. New Braunfels Civic Center. Hours are Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. 210-542-6121.

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