December 2017 Hill Country Sun by Julie Harrington

y r t n u o c l l i h

SINCE 1990

DECEMBER 2017

Holiday lights & fests galore! Musical magic of

Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines The Hill Country’s Most Complete

Calendar of EVENTS

Suzy Moehring Mallard’s

Hill Country PARKS

7A Ranch

Generations of family fun

January 6 deadline to apply for Master Naturalist Class of 2018

R BREAK FOR THE R

IV E R

™ TEXAS STYLE SPRING

BREAK

X T , N A C N O C • M O .C RIOFRIOFEST TH TH 2018 MARCH 14 -17

egistration for the Hays County Master Naturalist Class for 2018 is open through January 5, 2018. This certification program is offered just once a year in Hays County. Master Naturalist members join a corps of volunteers dedicated to learning about the beneficial management of our natural resources and natural areas. Students and graduates volunteer on more than 50 projects around Hays County, including Jacob’s Well in Wimberley, the Greenbelt Alliance in San Marcos, and Charro Ranch Park in Dripping Springs. Members decide where to volunteer based on personal interest. Hays County Master Naturalist classes run February through October and are rotated throughout the county.

Ten classes are offered on Tuesday evenings from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, with dinner included. Two classes are offered on Saturday mornings in the field, with additional Field Trips and Site Visits for hands-on experience. Tuition is $175; a few $100 scholarships for Hays County residents are available. Applying early in the registration period is recommended, since enrollment is limited and based on when applications are received. Applications must include a non-refundable $25 deposit, which will be applied toward the tuition. FYI • For more information, call Bari Conley at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 512-3932120 or email bkconley@ag.tamu.edu. Visit the Hays County Master Naturalist website at haysmn. org for an application or more information on the Texas Master Naturalist Program.

Young musicians audition now open KYLE H The Starlight Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for the annual Young Artist Competition January 6, 2018, at the Hays Performing Arts Center in Kyle. Application deadline for interested musicians is December 5, 2017. Winners will perform their solos with the Starlight Symphony Orchestra March 9-10, 2018, and will receive a $500 scholarship toward their music education. FYI • For more information please visit our website at www.starlightsymphony.org

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2 Hill Country Sun December 2017

512-607-6400 WE ACCEPT

December 2017

Luke, Julie & Kenzie Harrington

Publisher/Ad Sales

Julie Spell Harrington

Contributing Writers

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Bonnie Eissler Suzy Moehring Mallard

Editor/Design

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melissa@hillcountrysun.com 512-569-8212

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COVER Cowboy Kringle welcomes Hill Country visitors to Gruene. Photo courtesy Gruene Historic District.

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SINCE 1990

INDEX

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

The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. ADVERTISING RATES Call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 or email julie@hillcountrysun.com. Credit cards are accepted. CIRCULATION 22,000. The Hill Country Sun is distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month. Send events and press releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the express written consent of the publisher.

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

December 2017 Hill Country Sun 3

7A Ranch, Pioneer Town

Wimberley

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Nostalgic family fun for generations By Bonnie Eissler

aymond Cook Czichos will always be remembered, especially in Wimberley, as the man who brought great joy to thousands of people who spent their summer vacations at 7A Ranch and who still recall their adventures at Pioneer Town. He was renowned for his humorous portrayals of Pecos Bill in the Gay ’90s show and the drunk cowboy in the Medicine Show, and greatly admired for his sense of humor, flair for storytelling, and generous hospitality. The 7A Ranch started with five rock cottages and a rock recreation room in 1946, when Ray was eight years old and his parents, Raymond Louis and Madge Wood Czichos, purchased seven acres of land on the banks of the Blanco. They bought more land, added and rented out more cabins, and in 1956 built Pioneer Town, a charming replica of a Wild West street complete with a saloon and a Victorian-era Opera House. Pioneer Town has been a summer tradition for many years with the 7A Ranch now in its seventh decade as a family vacation destination. Amanda Calaway, who is the general manager at 7A Ranch, says “Our mission

A Distinctive Collection of Fine Art in the Hill Country

7A Ranch offers a beautiful stretch of the Blanco River. Photo courtesy 7A Ranch.

is to provide guests with a genuine Texas Hill Country experience that makes them feel at home. We are preserving the legacy of Mr. Czichos, the man who built 7A, and his original goal which was to provide modern fully equipped cottages on the Blanco River.” The flood that devastated Wimberley in 2015 over Memorial Day weekend uprooted many of the towering cypress trees on the river bank along with washing out a number of the cabins at 7A Ranch.Thankfully, no one was injured, but there was severe damage to the property, and less than a year later, the resort was sold to a new owner. “We lost 15 cabins in the flood and closed for a while to rebuild,” says Amanda. “Some of our new cabins were built up from the slabs of the original cabins.” Today, there are 12 brand new riverfront cabins that were built in 2016,

Newly designed 7A Ranch cabin. Photo courtesy 7A Ranch.

three lodges with 10 rooms each, and two four-plexes available for groups large and small. Summer vacationers are returning to 7A Ranch to revel in old-fashioned fun – swimming in the pool or the river, fishing, hiking, playing games at the vintage arcade, or taking a break from the Texas See 7A RANCH, Page 5

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A new cabin at 7A Ranch. Photo courtesy 7A Ranch.

Wimberley

Celebrate at Winter’s Eve WIMBERLEY H Join the Wimberley Merchants Association and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season in small town style at the annual Winter’s Eve — A Christmas Celebration — Saturday, December 9.The event runs from 5 pm to 10 pm on and around the Wimberley Square. Admission is free. Stores will stay open for late night shopping, and guests can enjoy live entertainment on several stages, fire pits and a variety of food and beverages served up by popular local restaurants. Bring the kids and their lists to share with Santa, who will be on hand starting at 6 pm. There will also be a special area set up just for children.

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FYI • For more information, visit the website at www.wimberleymerchants.com.

“The Boot Whisperer”

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

as seen on BBC World News July 2013

512-847-1219 www.koolboots.com

“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.

Have a Calendar Event?

7A RANCH from Page 4

Email by 15th of the month prior to melissa@hillcountrysun.com

Exterior of the nostalgic Ice Cream Shop at 7A Ranch. Photo courtesy 7A Ranch.

sun for a scoop of Bluebell at the Ice Cream Parlor in Pioneer Town. Amanda says, “ We have some guests who have continued to come back here multiple times a year for more than 60 years.” There’s genuine appreciation for the new facilities, but at the same time, there is a lot of nostalgia for the intangible pleasures that still exist here at 7A Ranch. In a world that seems to be changing faster all the time, it is refreshing to have some things remain the same, especially when they bring so much joy. FYI • 7A Ranch and Pioneer Town are located at 333 Wayside Drive in Wimberley. Call 512-847-2517, or visit their web site at www.7aresort.com for information about how to book cabins or lodges, reserve the Pioneer Chapel or Opera House for weddings or other special events, to see photographs and keep up with all of the latest activities at 7A Ranch.

A view of the beautiful, new pool at 7A Ranch. Photo courtesy 7A Ranch. December 2017 Hill Country Sun 5

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y cousin Meade, who lives in Georgetown and has spent a lifetime loving the outdoors, took his dog, Emma, for a walk in the woods last month. Seems Meade woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t go back to sleep, so he roused his sweet dog, loaded her into the car, and drove from Georgetown to Lost Maples State Park for a walk and to watch the sunrise. How cool is that? Watching the sunrise at Lost Maples. In Meade’s telling of the story they headed into Boerne then, for coffee and dog treats. And a trip back to Georgetown. Meade and I are planning a trip to Sea Rim State Park sometime soon, but I’m really, really hoping it will be for a couple of days or so, and not one of his quick excursions that starts in the middle of the night and ends later that same day. But if you do want a one-day trip for a walk, state parks all over Texas have you covered – First Day Hikes celebrate the New Year and get you outside, maybe even with your leashed doggie. First Day Hikes vary — from short, leisurely nature walks through forested trails and along boardwalks to climbs all the way into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert. State park staff and volunteers will guide most hikes, and will talk about native plants, animals, or park history along the way. Many walks average one to two miles long, with some shorter or

longer walks as well. In my Austin neck of the woods, McKinney Falls State Park even has a New Year’s Eve Midnight Hike that begins at 11 pm December 31 with a walk from the Lower Falls and then settling on the limestone to watch fireworks. Don’t bring your own fireworks on this one, but bring glow-in-the-dark lights to help ring in the New Year. Then on January 1, McKinney Falls has two First Day Hike opportunities. A 9 am hike called a Primitive First Day Hike will be with a ranger on about six miles of primitive trails – Homestead, Flint Rock, and Williamson Creek Overlook trails. Meet at the Lower Falls culde-sac and plan to walk for three hours. An 11 am hike led by a park ranger — this walk lasts till 12:30 pm — will teach you a little about the park, you’ll see an extinct volcano’s rocky ash as well as other landmarks. Mother Neff State Park, just on the Georgetown edge of the Hill Country will have a prairie walk and a canyon walk on January 1. The 1.5 mile easy prairie walk at 9 am will give you a chance to see what is being done to restore valuable native prairie habitat and how the Civilian Conservation Corps developed Mother Neff State Park. The Morning in the Canyon Walk at Mother Neff is also at 9 am, and it’s a moderate walk, also 1.5 miles. You’ll hike See PARKS, Page 7

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A couple hikes at Mother Neff State Park, where you can take part in a prairie walk and a canyon walk January 1, 2018. Photo by Bryan Frazier, courtesy TPWD.

Dripping Springs

PARKS from Page 6

through limestone gullies to Tonkawa Cave, walk up steps to Rock Tower, and peak in on the wildlife at Wash Pond. Dogs on leashes are welcome on both of these Mother Neff walks, but the terrain is probably too rugged for strollers. Register at park HQ then head to Prairie Parking Loop where vans will shuttle walkers to trailheads for both walks. No dogs on the shuttle vans. Sorry. I took my grandson, Zach, to Mother Neff many years ago, and we loved the pecan bottom beauty of this park – and that bull that was loose on the road into the park that the officers were trying hard to corral. Government Canyon State Natural Area near San Antonio has First Day Hike events and a Mountain Bike Ride – and these are all long ones. 9 am to 2 pm is a six-mile round trip hike to the dinosaur tracks; 10 am to 3 pm is a six to seven mile hike to Far Reaches and Wildcat Canyon; and an 11 am to 2 pm. Bluff Spurs Trail hike is about three miles. The bike ride is at 9 am – seven miles or so.

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Hiking beautiful Garner State Park. Photo by Julie Harrington.

Register at friendsofgovernmentcanyon. org/events and normal fees apply. Other First Day Hikes in the area are at Enchanted Rock, including one that will allow your dog and another that will let you sleep in (starts at 2 pm); Inks Lake

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State Park, where you’ll even get some celebration refreshments; and Lost Maples State Natural Area where you can choose from a short, family hike or a more rigorous expedition with scenic overlooks. And if you just can’t make it to a morning hike, or even a 2 pm hike, Government Canyon has a First Day Full Moon Hike that doesn’t start till 6 pm. No excuse, now, is there? You have to walk.

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DRIFTWOOD H Driftwood now has a tasting room offering something for just about everyone. The taproom currently features 17 wines (from Torr Na Lochs, FawnCrest Vineyard, and Messina Hof), 16 craft beers (on tap), seven meads and six ciders. Selections rotate to give guests a chance to see what Texas has to offer. Explore the menu in 1.5-ounce tasting pours, threeounce flights, glasses, or full bottles.

Corner of Ranch Road 12 @ Highway 290 West

FYI • Driftwood Tasting Room is located at 18992 Farm to Market 150 West, #101, in Driftwood. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 8pm, Saturday from noon to 8 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm (or by appointment during the week). For more information, including a menu of current offerings and to book private tastings and events, visit driftwoodtastingroom.com.

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KYLE/WIMBERLEY H The Starlight Symphony Orchestra presents “Innovative Traditions.” Traditional sing-a-longs such as “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” provide an interactive, family-fun evening of heartwarming holiday favorites, with a splash of contemporary, spirited music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and dazzling special effects. Don’t miss a chance to win a beautiful ornament graciously donated by Wimberley Glassworks at each performance. Admission is free. Performances are Friday, December 15, and Saturday, December 16, at 7 pm at Hays Performing Arts Center in Kyle (979 Kohler’s Crossing) and Sunday, December 17, at 4 pm at Wimberley’s First Baptist Church (15951 Winters Mill Parkway).

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Blue Christmas at Blue Hole WIMBERLEY H The City of Wimberley and Friends of Blue Hole present the 3rd Annual Blue Christmas Saturday, December 16, from 4 pm to 10 pm at Blue Hole Regional Park. This free, family-friendly holiday event offers guests plenty of fun, including horse carriage rides, a roaring fire, s’mores, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, a photo booth, visits with Santa, local music groups, and a presentation of the feature film “Elf.” Plus, Gringa’s Grub Shak will be on hand, serving up delicious burgers, fish tacos, quesadillas, chicken sandwiches, tacos and more. FYI • Blue Hole Regional Park is at 100 Blue Hole Lane in Wimberley. For more information, call 512-660-9111.

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Santa, lights, Longhorns & more at Boerne’s

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Christmas Light Fest BOERNE H The glow of more than two million twinkling lights will brighten the holidays at Christmas Light Fest, the annual holiday extravaganza nestled on picturesque Hill Country ranchland. Featuring dazzling lights, seasonal activities and flavors, shopping and the famous man in red to fill everyone with holiday cheer, the gorgeous drive-thru light displays shimmer and shine under the starfilled Texas sky. Guests can drive through and take in the festive displays or catch a hayride to tour the lights. Tickets are $27 per vehicle to tour the ranch, hayrides are $15 per rider (and must be purchased in advance online). Private hayrides for up to 25 people are also available by reservation. Members of the military (active duty, reserves and retired) and first responders and their families receive a $5 discount on vehicle passes. You can donate non-perishable food and canned goods for the San Antonio Food Bank and receive $2 off of your vehicle pass for each donation. Bring your donation on a week night (Sunday through Thursday), and receive $4 off! Stop by Santa’s Village to visit the jolly old man himself Friday and Saturday nights (December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-24). Even better: come out for Wonderful Wednesdays and enjoy free cookies with Santa every Wednesday night in December (December 6, 13 and 20). Guests can decorate cookies, play games and stroll through even more lights for perfect picture opportunities and fun. And be sure to help feed Santa’s Longhorns! After all, in Texas Santa needs a bit more than reindeer to pull his sleigh.

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FYI • Christmas Light Fest is located at IH-10 West, exit 533, on the Don Strange Ranch at 103 Waring Welfare Road in Boerne. The fest is open nightly through Sundays through Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm and Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve), until 10 pm. Tickets are available at www.christmaslightfest.com. For event updates, follow Christmas Light Fest on Facebook (Christmas LightFest), on Twitter (SALightFest) and on Instagram (ChristmasLightFest).

Holiday Wine & Wassail Walk SAN MARCOS H Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer, including a progressive tour of retail businesses serving a variety of wines, homemade wassail, and paired hors d’oeuvres during the San Marcos Wine and Wassail Walk on the Downtown Square December 15 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Guests can enjoy exclusive shopping specials at retailers and take a horse-drawn carriage around the Square for a guided historic tour. Proceeds benefit United Way of Hays County and downtown improvements by the Main Street Program. Admission is $25. FYI • For details, call 512-393-8430 or visit 2017wineandwassailwalk.splashthat.com.

Annual LBJ Tree Lighting STONEWALL H The LBJ Tree Lighting, a time honored tradition, is December 17, at the at Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at BJ State Park & Historic Site. Enjoy music, a live nativity, Santa Claus and of course, the spectacular tree. Trails will be lit to provide visitors a beautiful experience during this old-fashioned German Christmas event. Admission is free. FYI • For details, call 830-644-2252 or visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson.

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December 2017 Hill Country Sun 9

Magic of EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens 20th annual

Dripping Springs

Holiday Trail of Lights WIMBERLEY H A holiday season is just not

complete without a visit to the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens’ beloved Holiday Trail of Lights.  This year’s 20th annual event features more than 100 seasonal exhibits along the trail (including Santa’s house) created by local families, individuals, businesses, schools, churches, and organizations, making it one of the best family-oriented holiday sites in the Hill Country. Entertainment is provided by musicians, choirs and local talent most evenings. Admission to the Trail of Lights is free (donations gratefully accepted) and open to the public through December 28 (weather permitting) Sunday through Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Parking is available at Wimberley High School and a lighted path provided. Check the theatre’s web site for directions and parking information. FYI • The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens is located at 1101 Farm Market 2325 in Wimberley. The Holiday Trail of Lights is open through December 28, Sunday through Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Admission is free, donations greatly appreciated. For more information call 512-847-6969 or visit emilyann.org.

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Merry Christmas from all of us at the

To your & yours a blessed season! 10 Hill Country Sun December 2017

JOHNSON CITY H Looking for Christmas lights? Head to Johnson City for plenty of family friendly festivities and events, plus some of the most breathtakingly lovely illumination you’ll likely ever see. The beauty of Johnson City’s 28th annual Lights Spectacular – Hill Country Style — is renowned. For the past 28 years, the town has transformed from a slowpaced, presidential hometown nestled on the banks of the Pedernales River, into a bright beacon of light welcoming visitors with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer. In addition to lighted businesses and homes across town, the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) headquarters are illuminated with more than 1.2 million LED lights on the office building and the surrounding oak trees. The season-long celebration is family and pet-friendly with free admission, and lasts through New Year’s Day. Carriage rides are available every weekend in December. Also in Johnson City, the First United Methodist Church hosts a living nativity the second and third weekends (Friday & Saturday) in December, with shows every half hour from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Lamplight tours of the historic LBJ Boyhood Home, led by National Park Rangers are offered December 2, 9, 16 and 23, exploring life in Johnson City before rural electrification and the Johnson City Garden Club offers handmade ornaments for sale in the Courthouse every weekend in December from 6 pm to 9 pm. FYI • For more information about these and other events in Johnson City, visit the website at www.johnsoncitytexas.info or call 830-868-7684.

The musical magic of

Frio/Sabinal River Valley

Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines

Offering River Frontage at River House & very near river at Hideaway and Cottage.

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friorivercasario.com • 830-591-3544 Lloyd Maines and Terri Hendrix will perform at Susanna’s Kitchen December 21 in Wimberley. Photo courtesy Lloyd Maines/Terri Hendrix.

ry to pigeonhole the music of Terri Hendrix and you’re in for a challenge. She spins sorrow into joy and wrings wisdom from the blues with a poetic grace and engaging melodic flair that has endeared her to three generations of loyal fans around the globe. Combine a Terri Hendrix performance with Lloyd Maines, a renowned multiinstrumentalist, and you’ve created an incredible musical force. Terri Hendrix’ songs range in style from folk to pop to blues to jazz and all the points in between. Not surprisingly, she covers just as much expansive ground in her writing. But even when her songs dig deep and fearlessly confront the truths of life, the heart and society, they still reveal her belief that it takes just as much courage to embrace and celebrate life as it does to wallow in the blues. She has the reputation of always putting on an engaging and energetic show that ultimately leaves listeners feeling good and spiritually charged. Few people are as important to the development of Texas music over the

last 30 years as Lloyd Maines. As a Grammy award-winning producer and musician, Lubbock-born Maines has played an instrumental role in the creation of some of the Lone Star State’s most famous and beloved albums. He has worked on approximately 4,000 albums, alongside some of the most significant figures in country, rock, and Texas music, was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in June 2015 and has made more appearances on the PBS show than any other performer. FYI • Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines will perform at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse (Corner of Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492 in Wimberley, at Wimberley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall) Thursday, December 21. Doors open by 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for kids (at the door only.) Pizza, tamales, pie, coffee and soft drinks are available. Proceeds benefit The Barnabas Connection, Operation Good Shepherd, and WUMC Mother’s Day Out. For more information, visit www.wimberleyumc.org or call 512-722-3316.

River Rim Resort

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Welcome to the

Hill Country River Region

YOUR GUIDE TO

Dining • Lodging • Events • Things to Do & More

in Concan, Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio, Utopia, Uvalde & Vanderpool

YOUR GUIDE TO

CONCAN • CAMP WOOD LEAKEY • RIO FRIO • UTOPIA UVALDE • VANDERPOOL Published by the Hill Country Sun

Find Us on

at River Rim Resort on the Frio

Cabins & RV Sites • www.RiverRimResort.com

(830) 232-5758 • 1204 CR 350 • PO Box 72 • Concan, TX 78838

CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE IN THE 2018 ISSUE! 512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com December 2017 Hill Country Sun 11

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. EVERY DAY GRUENE: Enjoy great, live music at Gruene Hall. There are free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Find a complete schedule of performers at gruenehall.com. WIMBERLEY: Gardens Open Daily at EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. www.emilyann.org, 512-8476969. EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart. 512-402-9725. SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy music at Frontier Times Museum. 1 pm - 5 pm. 830-328-0321. JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art. Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. FOURTH SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: WE CARE. Support group for caregivers and senior citizens, meets 4 pm. First Baptist Church. 832-527-5323. FIFTH SUNDAY DRIFTWOOD: United Methodist Church Bluegrass Gospel Sing-along Service. 11 am. 512-944-6300. EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Road, Startzville. 830899-2256. CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of artists. 830825-3465. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Chorus fall Season Rehearsals. 7 pm to 9 pm Monday through November. Lutheran Church of Resurrection, www.wimberleycommunitychorus.org. EVERY TUESDAY SAN MARCOS: Community Bible Study. An interdenominational Bible Study for men, women and couples in English and Spanish. Course of Study:

Romans. 6:30 pm to 8 pm Tuesdays (September May). First Christian Church, 512-808-9156. EVERY TUESDAY - SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: Glass Blowing Demonstrations. Wimberley Glassworks. As part of Wimberley Glassworks’ 25th anniversary celebration all art glass lamps are up to $500 off in November, with free shipping, too. Come see a glassblowing demonstration then choose from art glass lamps and gifts for your holiday shopping. wgw.com, 512213-2110. EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Chair Exercises. Free class includes breathing, strengthening exercises and mild yoga stretches – all from seated position. Wimberley Library, 9:30 am to 10:30 am. 512-847-2188. FIRST TUESDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Senior Center. 830-796-4969. WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band Rehearsal. Chapel in the Hills. 7 pm to 8:30 pm. 512-517-3111. SECOND TUESDAY COMFORT: Music in the Park. Free concert series May through October. 7 pm. Bring your own lawn chairs. Free music, water and sodas. kcoopersart@ gmail.com. WIMBERLEY: Art Society of Wimberley (ASW). 6:30 pm. Art Room, 100 Melody Way, Suite H. Email msalaun@austin.rr.com for information. THIRD TUESDAY NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music. Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547. LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter, Vaccination. For more information, call 512- 260-3602, extension 101. EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 6 pm at Highway 290, Ranch Road 12. cityofdrippingsprings.com. KERRVILLE: Kerr County Produce Market Day (The Big Red Barn). Local Hill Country wholesale

CANYON LAKE...YEAR ROUND VACATION LIVING Come enjoy our clear lake and cool, refreshing river! Shop • Dine • Swim • Tube • Raft • Canoe • Fish • Camp • Sail

800-528-2104 • canyonlakechamber.com

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warehouse distributor for the finest fruit and vegetables. O215 A Street. 830-896-7330. KERRVILLE: Kerr County Farmer’s Market. Rain or shine, market offers array of seasonal fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, farm eggs, honey, fresh baked goods, more. River Star Arts & Event Park. www. theexit505farmersmarket.com NEW BRAUNFELS: Veteran Music Group at VFW Post 7110. 5 pm to 8 pm. Open to all veterans, all skill levels. Song writing, guitar, keyboard, more. 600 Peace Avenue. Gary Walter, 512-460-9919. WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637. SECOND WEDNESDAY WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Garden Club meets at Lutheran Church of Resurrection. 101 West Spoke Hill. (September - May.) Refreshments 9:30 am; meetings and programs at 10 am. WimberleyGardenClub.org. THIRD WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club. 6:30 pm. VFW Hall. Email ryoncrew@yahoo.com. WIMBERLEY: Heart of Texas Genealogy Society meets at Wimberley Village Library. 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm. wimberleylibrary.org. FOURTH WEDNESDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors. Meet at 10:30 am. Wimberley Community Center. 512847-2849. EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts, Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001. thymeanddough.com. INGRAM: Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market. Community of farmers, ranchers, artists, friends, families come together to sell best of what area has to offer. Highway 39 & Old Ingram Loop. 2 pm to 7 pm. 830-367-2800. WIMBERLEY: Cafe’ Susanna. Serving lunch 11 am to 1 pm. $9 for entree, two sides and decadent desserts. Wimberley United Methodist Church, wimberleyumc.org. FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday. Participating businesses offer events, food and music plus special sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. drippingspringstx. org. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Vince F. Taylor American Legion Post 290 of Dripping Springs meets at the New Vet Hall. All eligible Veterans are invited to attend. 101 Old Fitzhugh Road, Stephenson Building at 7 pm. 512-858-5637. FIRST & THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting. Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406. SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. Marilyn Pierce, mp@smpierce.net. SECOND & FOURTH THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmaster Club. Learn public speaking, leadership. 7 pm to 8 pm at the Community Center,14068 Ranch Road 12. 512847-6822. THIRD THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs VFW Post 2933 meets in the New Vet Hall. All eligible war Veterans are invited. 101 Old Fitzhugh Road in downtown Dripping Springs, Stephenson Building next to the old two-story Masonic Lodge. 7 pm. 512-858-5637. WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of best in Hill Country music. wimberleyumc.org. WIMBERLEY: Third Thursdays. Shops open ‘til 8 pm. WimberleyMerchants.com. EVERY THURSDAY - SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-5464. facebook. com/LindasFineFoods. EVERY THURSDAY - SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company. TexMexBeer.com. EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. realalebrewing.com. GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Broadcast live KNBT-92.1 FM Radio. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077.

WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441. FIRST FRIDAY FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour galleries, enjoy demonstrations, refreshments, extended hours. ffawf.com. SECOND FRIDAY UVALDE: Four Square Friday Shopping, food, music, art. 6 pm to 9 pm. visituvalde.com. FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Music at the Silver Sage Corral beginning at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969. EVERY FRIDAY - SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater. Variety, music, and rock ’n roll show, great family fun. 866349-6688. EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074. AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976. BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. See cowboys, steers, horses, wagons, strolling cowboy musicians, gunfighter reenactments. more Westernthemed action on Main Street Downtown. banderacowboycapital.com. BANDERA: Flying L Chuckwagon Dinner Enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, hat and pistol branding, archery, old-time photos, cowboy stage show, gunslingers, line dancing, and other entertainment. Flying L Hill Country Resort. flyingl.com. BOERNE: Tejas Pro Rodeo Series Live Rodeo. Gates 5 pm, rodeo at 7:30 pm. Live music and dancing 9 pm. tejasrodeo.com. BOERNE: Farmer’s Market. 9 am to 1 pm. More information at www.cibolo.org. COMFORT: Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park, Highway 27. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. solaroestate.com. FISCHER: Jackson Open Artisan and Farmers Market. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. jacksonopenairmarket.com, 830-935-2781. HUNT: Rodeo, Live Music and Dancing at Crider’s Rodeo and Dance Hall. 830-238-4441, www. cridersrodeoanddance.com NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. www. theenglishbrothers.com. WIMBERLEY: Tour Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods, divers, and experience beauty of the spring that started the town of Wimberley. 10 am. jacobswellspring.org. WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428 WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners at the Blair House Inn. www.blairhouseinn.com. UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner Served at Laurel Tree. utopiagourmet.com. FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square. 830796-4447. BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale. Public Library. 830-796-4213. DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club. Group meets to enhance community spirit. Dinner at 7 pm. driftwoodtx.org. WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. shopmarketdays.com. SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316. WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around Square stay open late offering art, wine, appetizers. Facebook. com/ SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail. EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company, live music and food. 23455 West Ranch Road 12. TexMexBeer. com. ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. westcave.org. SECOND SATURDAY & SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. brightleaf.org. FOURTH SATURDAY & SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Information at JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

Hill Country CALENDAR DECEMBER 1 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Christmas and Shoppers Jubilee. Enjoy a live nativity, caroling, and a Christmas program at the Courthouse. Main Street. banderacowboycapital.com. BANDERA: Cowboy Christmas Night Parade. Parade, arts, crafts, music, re-enactments, and a ranch rodeo Held downtown to honor Bandera’s cowboy and western heritage. banderacowboycapital.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Light the Night Christmas Parade. Main Street and Marktplatz. lightthenightchristmasparade.com. DECEMBER 1-2 COMFORT: Hill Country Handmade Market. VIP Night Friday from 7 pm to 10 pm with wine, desserts, art classes, vendor specials, early shopping and live music. Saturday market from 9 am to 5 pm features antique and handmade vendors, food, a coffee shop and live music. 8th Street Market. hillcountryhandmademarket.com. DECEMBER 1-3 WIMBERLEY: The Wimberley Players Present “I Hate Hamlet.” Wimberley Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road. wimberleyplayers.org. DECEMBER 1-3, 8-10 BURNET: Main Street Bethlehem. Wind your way through a village alive with peasants, royal guards, shepherds, and, of course, wise men on the trek to see the baby Jesus. First Baptist Church, 108 South Vanderveer Street. fbcburnet. org, 512-756-4481. DECEMBER 1-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Texas Hill Country Wineries’ Christmas Wine Affair. Tickets include a Tasting Passport for complimentary tastings at 45-plus participating wineries, discounts, and collectible Christmas ornament on self-guided tour. texaswinetrail.com.

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DECEMBER 1-24 AUSTIN: Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items. A great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists. 6100 Airport Boulevard. bluegenieartbazaar.com. DECEMBER 1-25 COMFORT: Lifesize Nativity Figures. Nativity figures from the 1950s, originally atop the Sears building in San Antonio, have been artistically restored and will be on display at Comfort Park, 423 Main Street. comfortchamber.com. COMFORT: Townwide Christmas Lighting. Comfort businesses and residences go all-out to light and decorate for Christmas. Drive through day and night for inspiring displays. Various locations. comfortchamber.com, 830-995-3131. DECEMBER 1-28 WIMBERLEY: EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Holiday Trail of Lights. The 20th annual event is a fun and safe way to view Christmas lights on walking tour that leads visitors through six acres of decorated Wonderland with the Yule Log burning nightly as weather permits. No admission, donations gratefully accepted. 1101 Farm Market 2325. emilyann.org 512-847-6969. DECEMBER 1-31 BANDERA: Holiday Lights on the River.Drive through Bandera City Park to enjoy the true Christmas experience. 1102 Maple Street. 830796-3045. BURNET: Christmas Trail of Lights. Celebrate on Burnet’s historic square with seasonal activities. Follow trail from Wallace Riddell Park, sparkling with thousands of Christmas lights. Downtown Square and Wallace Riddell Park, 220 South Pierce. cityofburnet.com, 512-756-4297. DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 1, 2018 BOERNE: Christmas Light Fest at the Don

21st Anniversary for the CRRC

NORTH POLE VILLAGE Dec 7, 8, 9 & 14, 15, 16 • 6 pm – 9 pm Christmas Fun for the Whole Family Bakery • Post Office • Toy Land Ice Fishing • Elves House • Hayride Pictures with Santa $5 • Live Nativity Admission only $5 - 18 mos. & under Free CRRC Recreation Center - Below Canyon Dam 125 Mabel Jones Dr - Canyon Lake

www.crrcofcanyonlake.org • 830-964-2324 9 am to 11 am - $5 per person, 18 months & under free

Breakfast with Santa • Sat, Dec 2 • Photo opportunities!

Holidaiye Cook ! e Basok & C A n at Wil

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Starting at 9:30 am, bring a big batch (or two, three) of your favorite cookie dough. Volunteers will bake the cookies in Wilson’s gourmet kitchens and package them in beautiful boxes. For a donation to Helping Hands, the public can then come by and pick up cookies to take home and enjoy! 4205 E. Highway 290 • 512-894-0907

Thursday, Dec. 14 from 9:30 am December 2017 Hill Country Sun 13

Hill Country CALENDAR Strange Ranch. Catch the magical glow of two million lights—plus food, drinks, crafts, gift shopping, and family fun. 103 Waring Welfare Road. visitboerne.org. DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 2, 2018 FREDERICKSBURG: Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating. Annual outdoor ice skating event to benefit Heritage School, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Boys and Girls Club. 126 West Main Street. skateinfred.com. DECEMBER 2 BANDERA: The Old Timers Trading Post. Meet local artists and artisans at The Old Timer, 14178 State Highway 16. 830-796-3045. BOERNE: 31st Annual Weihnachts Parade. Up to 100 lit entries travel Main Street. Downtown Boerne, 100 N. Main. visitboerne.org. CANYON LAKE: Breakfast with Santa. Photo opportunites! 9 am to 11 am. $5 admission. crrcofcanyonlake.org, 830-964-2324. JOHNSON CITY: Christmas Through the Years in LBJ Country. Music by the Pearl Snaps; kids’ Christmas activities; lamplight tours of LBJ’s boyhood home; chuck wagon cooking demonstration; cowboy singing, poetry, storytelling, exhibits. Free admission. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. 6 pm to 9 pm. nps.gov/lyjo, 830-868-7128, ext. 233. KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days. Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 State Highway 27. kerrmarketdays.org. WIMBERLEY: Market Days. The oldest outdoor market in the Texas Hill Country, featuring more than 475 booths filled with unique treasures. Live music, plus lots of food and beverages make for a fun shopping experience. Lions Field, 601 Farm Market 2325. shopmarketdays.com 512847-2201 DECEMBER 2-3 BOERNE: Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair. Texas handcrafted wood items, homemade jellies, handcrafted clothing, wall hangings, ceramics, knitted and crocheted goods, hand-embroidered items “like your grandmother used to make,” and hand-painted bird feeders and birdhouses that will please the most discerning backyard birds.

Bring out the best!

Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road. visitboerne.org, 830-249-2839. DECEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BANDERA: Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters. Experience excitement of the Wild West as award-winning troupe recreates shootouts and daily life of the Old West. Shows at high noon and 2 pm. Bandera Visitor Center. banderacattlecompany.com. BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. Cowboys, horses, wagons, and strolling entertainers are just some of the characters you might see on Main Street from 1 pm to 4 pm. Bandera County Courthouse, 500 Main Street. banderacowboycapital.com. NEW BRAUNFELS: Farmers Market. Relaxing day of live music, delicious food, and more than 75 vendors offering local fresh produce and homemade items in the Krause’s Cafe parking lot. nbfarmersmarket.com, 830-629-2223. DECEMBER 3 KERRVILLE: Hill Country Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert. Cailloux Theater. hcyo.org, 830-285-9781. LAMPASAS: Holiday Tour of Homes lampasaschamber.org, 512-556-2224. DECEMBER 5 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry Grand Old Opry-style entertainment hosted by Gerry and Harriet Payne, with refreshments, door prizes. Silver Sage Community Center, 803 Buck Creek. silversagecorral.org. DECEMBER 5-6 BOERNE: A Walk in Bethlehem. Living nativity and city of Bethlehem at Episcopal Church, 410 North Main. visitboerne.org, 830-249-3228. DECEMBER 7 FREDERICKSBURG: Pearl Harbor Day Observance. Memorial program with speakers, chaplain, Joint Color Guard, music, and more. National Museum of the Pacific War. pacificwarmuseum.org. KERRVILLE: Symphony of the Hills “Gloria.” Cailloux Theater. symphonyofthehills.org. NEW BRAUNFELS: Wassailfest. Live music, food, shopping, thousands of twinkling lights, and plenty of free wassail to sample at the 25th

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annual event. Historic Downtown, Main Plaza. nbtexas.org, 830-221-4350. DECEMBER 7 - JANUARY 18, 2018 KERRVILLE: Kerrville Art Club Juried Show, Heaven and Nature Sing, and KACC Members Gift Show. Three art exhibits at Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett Street. kacckerrville.com, 830-895-2911. DECEMBER 7, 14, 21, 28 INGRAM: Farmers and Artisans Market. Community of farmers, ranchers, artists, business owners, friends, and families come together to sell the best of what the area has to offer. State Highway 39 and Old Ingram Loop. 830-367-2800. DECEMBER 7-9, 14-16 CANYON LAKE: 21st Annual CRRC North Pole Village. Christmas fun for the family, with bakery, post office, toy land, ice fishing, elves’ house, a hayride and live nativity. crrcofcanyonlake.org, 830-964-2324. DECEMBER 8-9 FREDERICKSBURG: Christmas Journey. Free drive-through presentation of the Christmas story depicted in nine scenes, all with live animals and actors, magnificent backgrounds, special lighting and effects, and Christmas music filling the night air. Bethany Lutheran Church, 110 West Austin. bethanyfredericksburg.com. UVALDE: 11th Annual Briscoe Ranch Barbecue Cookoff. Uvalde County Fairplex, 215 Veterans Lane. uvaldebbq.com, 830-486-7055. DECEMBER 8-10 WIMBERLEY: First Baptist Church presents “A Wimberley Christmas - The Musical.” Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm. Free admission, childcare for preschoolers available. Corner of Ranch Road 12 and Winters Mill Parkway. fbcwimberley.com. DECEMBER 9 BANDERA: Cowboy Christmas Ball. Enjoy a washers tournament, a dinner (complete with sausage, barbecue, and trimmings), a dance and concert. The Farm Country Club. banderacowboycapital.com. BLANCO: Lighted Christmas Parade. Festive lighted parade features community floats alight for your enjoyment. Old Blanco County Courthouse Square, 300 Main Street. blancochamber.com. BOERNE: Christmas at the Farm Enjoy hay/ sleigh rides, hot cocoa, singing carols, meeting Santa, family photos, traditional holiday crafts, and decorating trees for wildlife. Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road. visitboerne.org, 830-249-4616. BOERNE: Second Saturday Art Beat. Shops and art galleries team up to bring you a heartracing fine art experience. Look for the banners displayed throughout Boerne. Various locations. visitboerne.org. BURNET: Christmas at Old Fort Croghan. Families gather to celebrate Christmas season as it was in the 1800s, including hot cider, cookies, and live music. Fort Croghan, 703 Buchanan Drive. 512-756-8281. BURNET: Christmas on the Square. The lighting of the Burnet County Courthouse and the arrival of Santa kick off the holiday season. Downtown Historic Square, 220 South Pierce. burnetchamber.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Tannenbaum Ball. A seated dinner, live music, and auction benefits the Gillespie County Historical Society. St. Mary’s Holy Family Center. pioneermuseum.net, 830990-8441. GRUENE: 25th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road. nbrunclub.com. KERRVILLE: “A Night in Who-Ville.” Games, face painting, candy cane hunt, movie, and the people of Whoville. Kerrville-Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Highway. kerrvilletx.gov, 830257-7300. KERRVILLE: White Christmas in the Hills. Kerrville School of Dance and San Antonio Performing Arts Classical Ballet present a colorful Christmas program at Cailloux Theater. caillouxtheater.com. SAN MARCOS: Art Squared. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, live music, more. Downtown San Marcos Square, 111 East San Antonio Street. 512-393-5930. WIMBERLEY: Winter’s Eve. Shops open late, plus food, drinks, raffle and prizes, music and

Santa’s arrival at 6 pm on the Square. 5 pm to 10 pm. wimberleymerchants.com. WIMBERLEY: Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Benefits Katherine Anne Porter School’s 2018 trip to the Galapagos. Corral Theater, 100 Flite Acres Road. kapschool.org, 512-847-6867. WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. Galleries in and around the Square stay open late and offer art, wine, and appetizers. Downtown, 101 Wimberley Square. facebook.com/ secondsaturdaygallerytrail, 512-574-2980. DECEMBER 9-10 BOERNE: Christmas Market Days. Find handmade arts and crafts, art, woodwork, antiques, collectibles, chic clothing and accessories, vintage jewelry, more. Main Plaza, 100 North Main. visitboerne.org. KERRVILLE: Hill Country Gun Show. Veterans Center, 411 Meadowview Lane. dochill6679@ gmail.com, 830-315-3101 DECEMBER 10 GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, Christmas Edition. Gruene decks its Hall for Christmas in the tradition of a New Orleans-style gospel brunch, with its own Lone Star touches. Enjoy awe-inspiring gospel music, Christmas tunes, and buffet catered by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. gruenemusicandwinefest.org. UVALDE: “The Messiah.” Uvalde Grand Opera House. uvaldeoperahouse.org. DECEMBER 11-15 KERRVILLE: Schreiner Mansion Guided Christmas Tours. The Hill Country Youth Orchestra hosts tours of historic mansion to raise funds for scholarships and music education. caillouxfoundation.org, 830-634-7814. DECEMBER 14 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Holiday Cookie Bake. Bring a batch of your favorite cookie dough for volunteers to bake and package. Benefits Helping Hands, Inc. Wilson Appliance, 4205 East Highway 290. 512894-0907. DECEMBER 14-24 AUSTIN: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Shop national and local art, handmade gifts, stocking stuffers, and more while enjoying live music from the Armadillo stage and sips from a full bar. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road. armadillobazaar.com, 512-974-6700. DECEMBER 15 KERRVILLE: “The Nutcracker.” Ballet production from the Quenedit Dance Theater of San Antonio. caillouxtheater.com, 830-896-9393. DECEMBER 15-16 KYLE: The Starlight Symphony Orchestra. Celebrate the holiday season at 7 pm at the Hays Performing Arts Center, 979 Kohler’s Crossing. Concerts are free and open to the public. starlightsymphony.org. DECEMBER 15-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop with more than 400 vendors in seven barns, featuring acres of antiques, a biergarten, live music, and more. 7 miles east on US Highway 290 across from Wildseed Farms. fbgtradedays.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Cowboy Christmas. The English Brothers will perform Christmas favorites for the season along with classic Western tunes. Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 US Highway 87. fredericksburgtheater.org, 830-997-3588. KERRVILLE: Dog Agility Show. Watch dogs run and jump as their handlers direct them through an obstacle course. Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 State Highway 27. heartoftexasdogsports. com. KERRVILLE: Wild West Victorian Fest. Queen Victoria hosts a retro futuristic adventure set in the 1800s. Be amazed by cowboys, ray guns, steam-powered inventions, and time machines. Participate in gadget, invention, and costume contests. Join in for historical re-enactments, entertainment, crafts, games, and tea with the Queen. River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Drive. wildwestvictorianfest.com. DECEMBER 16 BOERNE: Concert in the Cave—Winter Solstice Celebration Circle. A thrilling and eclectic concert of contemporary acoustic songs, soaring vocals, ancient instrumentation, improvi¬sation, and contemplation celebrating the Winter Solstice. Cave Without a Name, 325 Kreutzberg Road. visitboerne.org, 830-537-4212. BOERNE: The Christmas Town. Walk through

Hill Country CALENDAR Bethlehem on the night Christmas began, live music, beautiful lights, hayrides, a gingerbread forest, shopping, kids’ activities, great food, and much more. Vanguard Institute, 43360 I-10 West. visitboerne.org, 830-537-6157. CONCAN: River Road Market Fest. Arts, crafts, food, music, and more. Andy’s River Road. visituvaldecounty.com, 830-232-4310. KERRVILLE: “A Merry Texas Christmas, Y’all.” Holiday Concert features Asleep at the Wheel. caillouxtheater.com, 830-896-9393. LUCKENBACH: Christmas Special with T-Roy Miller. Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. luckenbachtexas.com, 830-997-3224. WIMBERLEY: Blue Christmas. Free annual holiday event featuring horse carriage rides, an ugly sweater contest, a roaring fire, local music groups, delicious food from Gringa’s Grub Shak, a chance to see Santa, and blue lights everywhere. Blue Hole Regional Park, 100 Blue Hole Lane. cityofwimberley.com, 512-660-9111. DECEMBER 16-17 BOERNE: Cowboy Christmas Market Days. Finish last-minute Christmas shopping at this outdoor market with a cowboy twist. Arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, chic clothing, jewelry, accessories, vintage, decor, and more. Main Plaza, 100 North Main. visitboerne.org, 210-844-8193. DECEMBER 17 WIMBERLEY: The Starlight Symphony Orchestra. Celebrate the holiday season at 4 pm at Wimberley First Baptist Church, 15951 Winters Mill Parkway. Concerts are free and open to the public. starlightsymphony.org. DECEMBER 21 BANDERA:Cowboy Camp Come out and enjoy the pickers circle, and join in if you like. Bandera Beverage Barn Pavillion, 1407 Highway 16 South. 830-796-3045. GRUENE: Come and Taste It: Meet Texas’ Best Winemakers. Complimentary tastings, food, live music and prize giveaways. The Grapevine. grapevineingruene.com. WIMBERLEY: Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines at

Susanna’s Kichen Coffeehouse Concert Series. (See story, page 11.) Wimberley United Methodist Church. wimberleyumc.org, 512-722-3316. DECEMBER 23 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Mercer Street Dance Hall presents an Intimate Evening with Asleep at the Wheel. Tickets available now at mercerstreetdancehall.com. DECEMBER 24 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Christmas Eve Services at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church. Family service at 5 pm, traditional service at 7 pm. dsumc.org. DECEMBER 30 LAMPASAS: Trade Days. Marigold’s Antiques & More, 2646 East US Highway 190. lampasastradedays.com. DECEMBER 30-31 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Glassworks Annual Slightly iRRegular Art Glass Clearance. Up to 75 percent off glass with tiny blemishes, prototypes, extra shades and more. Doors open at 10 am Saturday. WGW.com, 512-213-2110. DECEMBER 31 AUSTIN: Austin’s New Year. Alcohol-free, familyfriendly event celebrates diversity and creativity with art installations, jugglers, storytellers, fire dancers, and festive performances. Auditorium Shores. austintexas.gov. FREDERICKSBURG: USO Style Hangar Dance. 1940s-style dance with swing dance lessons, big band live music, costume contest, photo booth, and concessions. Pacific Showroom at the Hangar Hotel, 155 Airport Road. hangarhotel.com, 830997-9990. LUCKENBACH: New Year’s Eve Celebration. Usher in the New Year with one heck of a party in historic Luckenbach Texas Dance Hall featuring music by Dale Watson.luckenbachtexas.com. JANUARY 14 SAN MARCOS: Metaphysical and Holistic Fair. Energy workers, Reiki practitioners, life coaches, holistic products, Tarot readers, psychics, mediums, more. HeavenPathwaysEarth.com.

Seiler Christmas Tree Farm

Choose & Cut Virginia Pine, Leyland Cypress & Loblolly Pine - 3 feet to 10 feet tall WREATHS • PECANS • HAYRIDES South of Seguin on Hwy 123 Turn right on Elm Creek Road at Kountry Korner and follow signs on Jakes Colony Road

830-401-4590 830-379-3468

Open 9 am - 6 pm Sat-Sun & 4 pm - 6 pm Weekdays

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH presents

FBC Wimberley is located at the corner of RR 12 & Winters Mill Parkway December 2017 Hill Country Sun 15

December Special

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Protect Yourself this Flu Season with Viracid! • Best Preventive Formula (recommended by our Wellness Consultants) • Immediate Immune Support • Two capsules daily • Gluten & yeast free THANK YOU for supporting one of Dripping Springs’ locally owned businesses!

Serving this area for 30 Years!

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Come tour our newly RENOVATED FACILITY

The holiday countdown is on and we know your calendar is filling up by the minute, but with more than 1,000 fitness classes offered each week, the YMCA of Austin is here to help you stretch yourself. Keep the commitment to your health through the holidays, and burn off your seasonal stress at a YMCA near you. Free classes for members include indoor cycling, yoga, pilates, water exercise, group exercise and so much more. For more than a workout. For a better us. LEARN MORE AND JOIN TODAY AT AUSTINYMCA.ORG

16 Hill Country Sun December 2017

CONVENIENT BRANCH LOCATIONS

SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 27216 Ranch Road 12