Hill Country Sun - July 2017

JULY 2017 The colorful and contemporary art of

D.R. Jones Mingling the mythical with the realistic

R

Ludwig & Marglin Leather Company 79 years of craftmanship in New Braunfels

R

Hill Country Parks

by Suzy Moehring Mallard

R

Hill Country Wildlife

by CJ Wright

R The Hill Country’s most complete

Calendar of Events

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

Find us on Facebook HillCountrySun

Suzy Moehring Mallard

Let’s go “be in nature”

hill country PARKS

I

t’s Frio time for us! As I write this just after church on the last Sunday of June, I’m ginning around the house getting packed up for a week on the Frio River just south of Leakey. A bag of river stuff, a bag of clothes because I have to wear something besides a swimsuit for our community dinners, a bag of books for that fabulous deck above the Frio, a cooler of easy-fixin’ food for breakfasts and lunches.

This trip to the Frio on the week before the Leakey Jubilee is one that some of my friends have been making for 40 years – my grandson and I, newbies, are on our 12th year. And part of the beauty of this trip to the Frio is that it gets us close to some great state parks. Zach and his friends grew up going to the summer dances on the pavilion at Garner State Park. And I’ve hiked through some watery grottos at Lost Maples State Park and splashed in the river at Garner.

Another part of the beauty of this annual week on the Frio is family time – my daughter and her husband and their five-year-old will join us in the middle of the week. This is the granddaughter who last week lured 5.25”x6.25” CMYKme into the woods

in the park across the street from our house with a, “Come on, Gern, let’s go be in some nature.” How could I resist?

That walk through the woods was after a sweet morning of trying out the new “landscape elements” playground in Austin’s Perry Park. We’re lucky to have a school across the street, and luckier still to have Perry Park behind the school – an almost wilderness in Central Austin bounded by some heavily-traveled major roads. And Katie Sue and I were certainly “in some nature” as we left the playground and headed down into what we call the quarry so we could find a trail and climb up the forested karst to a path that would lead us through the woods.

The new playground at Perry Park is the result of a partnership between Austin ISD and Austin Parks and Recreation Department, and the playground charms with its faux logs to clamber around and in and on, a climbing rock a little taller than the five-year-old, giant plastic acorns fashioned as seats, and its obstacle course of a wishbone shaped limb and three or four toadstools. Another faux limb holds up the slide.

Just the HCSun

A Luxury Bed & Breakfast on Cypress Creek.

Katie Sue and Jack find a rocky limestone trail through the woods at Perry Park in Austin. Photo by Suzy Moehring Mallard. kind of playground for a little girl who likes to go be in some nature.

Won’t she have a time on the Frio?

This is her fourth year to get out there on our little river rock gravel bar and build her little dams, and float on her tube around the cypress trees, and get nose to nose in her swim googles with tiny river perch. I don’t really know that they’re perch, but little Connor, one of the grandkids in our group who is always fishing when we’re floating and lolling,

calls them perch so that’s good enough for me. Wait, Connor might be in high school by now. Not so little.

So we’re heading off to the Hill Country to “be in some nature,” as Katie says. But we’re lucky enough to be able to be in some nature across the street from our house in Austin, and even in our backyard where the butterflies and squirrels and cardinals and bluejays and spiders entertain us with their comings and goings among all my native plants.

Susanna’s Kitchen hosts Adam Carroll August 17

Adjacent to Blue Hole and within walking distance to the Wimberley Village Square.

Texas Hill Country elegance is yours at this secluded paradise, lush in natural settings, exquisite décor and gracious hospitality. We are your perfect setting for a romantic getaway, intimate wedding, retreat or meeting.

Special treats: • Outdoor hot tub • 600 feet of private access to Cypress Creek • Delicious breakfast buffet • Friday evening guest reception • Schedule an in-room massage • Romance packages for that special occasion

Upscale in-room amenities: • 14 Luxurious private guest rooms • Whirlpool baths, Jacuzzis • Private decks or balconies • Wireless internet available • Flat Screen TV's, DVD and MP3 players

Come stay with us and let your stress melt away.

800-827-1913 www.creekhaveninn.com • 400 Mill Race Lane Wimberley, TX 78676

PAGE 2 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

WIMBERLEY H Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse concert series proudly presents Adam Carroll in concert, Thursday, August 17.

Adam’s musical biography is as winding as the stories in his songs, full of far-away places and close-to-home meditations that encompass a career built on countless shows in Texas clubs, thousands of miles on the road with his partner in life and music, Chris Carroll, accolades of all kinds, and still the burning desire to simply...write the next song. His songs tap into a vein of the human condition that make them deeply moving but ofAdam Carroll. ten humorous.

Photo courtesy Adam Carroll.

“The core of what I do is song writing; it’s the one thing I’m passionate about. It’s the most fulfilling and challenging job I can imagine.” explains Adam. In fact, the scope of Carroll’s song writing influence was recognized in 2016 with the release of “Highway Prayer: A Tribute to Adam Carroll,” featuring esteemed writers and performers including Hayes Carll, James McMurtry, Slaid Cleaves, and Terri Hendrix covering Carroll-penned tunes. The album has garnered attention from publications like Texas Monthly and Rolling Stone, the latter of which noted that Carroll “is talented beyond his years.”

FYI • Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492 (at Wimberley United Methodist Church). 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 the web site at www. wimberleyumc.org or call 512-722-3316.

The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens

Hill Country SUN

presents

Children’s Theatre & Shakespeare Under the Stars

July 2017 Volume 28 • Number 1 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2017 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com Ernie Altgelt Bonnie Eissler Suzy Moehring Mallard C.J. Wright Writers Gerry Burns Adelle Spell Distribution

Luke, Julie & Kenzie Harrington

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 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service.

• Cover: “Gonna Be a Good Day “ by D.R. Jones (See story, page 4.).Photo courtesy D.R. Jones.

Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month.

Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com.

August 3 - 12

July 15 - 30

Saturdays 10:00 a.m.

Sundays 2:00 p.m.

Nightly except Sunday 8:15 p.m.

Performed in the indoor Burdine Johnson Studio Theatre.

Performed on the outdoor Patti S. Harrison Main Stage

Interactive theatre for ages 2 - 102!

Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars!

Playing this Fall in the Studio Theatre The Winter’s Tale - Sept. 1-24 Thumbelina - Sept. 30 - Oct. 22 The Diary of Anne Frank - Oct. 27 - Nov. 19

Gardens open daily! Creative Play Areas ♦ Musical Garden

hillcountrysun.com facebook.com/HillCountrySun

1101 FM 2325 ♦ Wimberley, TX ♦ www.EmilyAnn.org

HENLY

INDEX 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

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2017 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2017 PAGE 3

WIMBERLEY

Vivid imagery of Wimberley artist D.R. Jones

F

By Bonnie Eissler

ourth generation Texan and contemporary artist, D.R. Jones, lives and works in Wimberley. He intermingles realistic and allegorical narratives in his vivid acrylic paintings by placing real world subjects (cowgirl, crow, longhorn, bronco rider) in a mythological world where horses are blue and purple, and crows are big enough to swallow the moon, earth, or sun.

His realistic images are drawn from the landscape and cowboy lifestyle of the ranchlands and High Plains in Lubbock where he grew up, while the more romantic and fanciful features show the cultural mythology and popular perceptions of the American frontier.

“It’s a mythic representation,” D.R says, “but the American West has always been mythologized.”

In the 1950s and 1960s, westerns were the most popular genre on television, with shows like “Gunsmoke,” “Wagon Train,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Bonanza” ruling the airwaves.

D.R. says that in those days, “life wasn’t all that far removed from the cowboys and cattle ranchers shown on television.” The Old West characters today aren’t as stereotypical as those legendary lawmen and outlaws – good

guys have some flaws and villains aren’t completely irredeemable – but the myth of the frontier remains nonetheless.

“About 15 years ago I decided that I would be a painter,” D.R. says. Reflecting on his earlier years, it’s clear that he was already thinking like a painter, and trying to find his style and subject, long before he actually put brush to canvas as a professional artist. D.R showed artistic potential early on, and his mother, who was an accomplished painter, recognized his talent and encouraged him.

On trips with his family, he visited art galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he says, “I had my first exposure to what I perceived to be fine art.” He continued his personal artistic journey during later travels throughout the American Southwest and Mexico.

“I took photographs, went to a lot of museums, and looked at a lot of art,” D.R. says, about these years.

D.R. gravitated toward the early 20th century Expressionist styles of many European artists, especially their unconventional use of color. One of the leading proponents of the modern innovations in use of color, Henri Matisse, said that the invention of color photography (in 1907) “freed painters from the need to realistically copy nature.”

A Distinctive collection of

Fine Art in the Hill Country

Tom Darrah Red Vase 48” x 36,” Oil

512-847-7278

David Schwindt Devil’s Waterhole ‘Inks Lake’ 14” x 18,” Oil

TheArtGalleryAtWimberley.net

On the Square at 100 Oak Dr, Suite 200 • Wimberley (Across from Kiss the Cook) TERRY GRISHAM, DIRECTOR PAGE 4 4 AUGUST JULY 20172016 R HILL COUNTRY SUNSUN PAGE R HILL COUNTRY

Artist D.R. Jones. Photo courtesy D.R. Jones.

After finding out that many of his favorite painters, like John Nieto, also painted in the Expressionist style, D.R. knew that he’d come full circle on his artistic journey.

“My number one favorite artist is John Nieto,” he says. A highly acclaimed contemporary artist, Nieto went to Paris as a young artist on a vision quest, seeking direction for his art. He was impressed by the Fauvist techniques (vivid colors, bold lines), but hadn’t settled on a significant subject until his 86-year-old grandmother asked him to use his art to tell the story of their people. (Nieto’s ancestral heritage is Native American and Spanish.) Knowing then that he’d finally found his subject, Nieto began to paint Native American themes, stepping back in time to tell their stories.

Although D.R. admires Native American art, and his own work includes some

of the same subjects that are found in that genre, he says, “ it’s not my heritage – my ancestral roots are deep in the Texas soil, so I try to pay homage by creating images drawn from my own heritage.”

Two of D.R.’s favorite subjects are horses and cowgirls. Horses because they are part of his Texas story and also have a “connection to the mythical past,” and cowgirls because “I like strong women,” he says.

D.R. has shown his art as part of Wimberley Arts Festivals since 2012. Before moving to Wimberley, he participated in numerous art shows around the state, mostly in Houston and Galveston. Artists seem to be almost mystically drawn to beautiful places and that may be true because D.R. seems to have found this one almost by accident.

“Ten or so years ago, my wife and I See D.R. JONES, page 5

WIMBERLEY

D.R. JONES, from page 4

EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLAGS • Flags & Flagpoles • Patriotic Gifts • Knives & Cutlery

333 FM 2325 • Wimberley, Texas www.EMFlag.com Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm • Friday 9 am-3 pm

512-847-0010 • 800-385-5605 “Best Vintage Find” Southern Accents • “Where to Buy” London Financial Times 2006

The

O

Wild West Store

HUNDREDS OF VINTAGE COWBOY BOOTS •Buy! Sell! Trade!

“Blue Shift Horses” by D.R. Jones. Photo courtesy D.R. Jones. were a road trip, with no particular destination in mind.” he says. “After spending a night in San Marcos, we headed west on Ranch Road 12, which took us to the ‘junction’ and then on toward Wimberley.”

As everyone familiar with this area knows, this approach to Wimberley is simply spectacular, with its far-reaching majestic views of prominent hills and rugged terrain.

D.R. says, “We crossed the Blanco

River, then drove past the square, the huge trees by the creek, and went to the first realtor’s office we found.”

In April 2017, D.R. showed his art at ArtExpo New York 2017, in association with Steidel Fine Art. He is currently working on a series of landscapes for a show this summer.

FYI • See D.R.’s paintings in Wimberley at Bent Tree Gallery and Blair House Gallery. For more information or to see samples of his work and purchase originals or prints, visit the web site at red-hand-art.com.

“The Boot Whisperer”

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

512-847-1219 www.koolboots.com

as seen on BBC World News July 2013

“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.

Suzy Moehring

Bringing you the

Mallard’s

28th Annual

Hill Country Parks

LLano Crawfish open

Less media, more

Great music & a good eats for

nature makes smarter kids

worthy cause

R

stories of interesting people, places and things in the Texas Hill Country.

Attractive & functional backyard chicken housing urban CooP

R

wimberLey arts fest

Beautiful art & setting

ComPany

in Dripping Springs

R

R

Prolific musician

Sausge with a Creole twist from

Larry GarCia Master of the "SA Sound"

28th Annual

R

hiLL Country parks

g

by Suzy Moehrin Mallard

R s

The Hill Country’ most complete CaLendar of

SINCE 1990

MARCH 2016

APRIL 2017

events

Llano Crawfish OPen

Concan, le, Comfort, City, Lake, Castrovil Johnson , Burnet, Canyon Henly, Hancock, New Braunfels Bulverde, n, Gruene, Blanco, Buda, ol & More Falls, Medina, burg, Georgetow Bandera, ch, Marble Uvalde, Vanderpo Serving Austin, Springs, Fredericks Leakey, Luckenba, Wimberley, Utopia, , Dripping , Llano, Driftwood , Stonewall , Kyle, Lakeway Sattler, Sisterdale Kerrville San Marcos, San Antonio,

Find us on Facebook HillCountrySun

Crawlinks Hill Country Sausage Company R

Hill Country wildlife

by C.J. Wright

R

The Hill Country’s most complete

Calendar of events

Serving

Austin, Bandera, Driftwood Blanco, Buda, , Dripping Bulverde, Springs, Fredericks Kerrville, Burnet, Canyon Kyle, Lakeway burg, Georgetow Lake, Castrovill San Antonio, San Marcos, , Llano, Leakey, n, Gruene, e, Comfort, Henly, Hancock, Sattler, Sisterdale Luckenbach, Concan, Marble Falls, Johnson , Stonewall City, Medina, , Wimberley, New Braunfels Utopia, Uvalde, , Vanderpoo l & More

Find us on Facebook HillCountrySu

n

www.HillCountrySun.com

UP TO $50 OFF BOTOX*

CHEMICAL PEELS S K I N P I N ® MIC R O - N E E D L I N G

MEDI FACIALS INJECTIBLES

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

FREE CONSULTATION *CALL FOR DETAILS

The Med Spa, Yvette Strange

themedspawimberley.com

“Crow Steal Sun” by D.R. Jones. Photo courtesy D.R. Jones.

210 Masonic Lodge Road, Wimberley, TX • 512-847-9000 Dr. Ramirez, Medical Director

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2017 PAGE 5

Ludwig & Marglin Leather Company

Tradition of craftsmanship honed over 79 years

I

By Bonnie Eissler

n our Texas Hill Country’s not-so-distant agrarian past when area farmers and ranchers depended more on essential equipment made with leather and not the plastic that we’ve currently become so used to, the manufacture and marketing of the same played an important economic role.

Hence the success enjoyed by regional tanneries, the craftsmen that handworked the treated cowhide and, the

many companies and supply houses involved in its distribution. Yep, the leather goods of yesteryear truly had hundreds of practical, rural uses and, its commercial availability was crucial.

For bucolic (and Germanic) New Braunfels, that same early demand existed that initially resulted in the establishment of a local tannery and later, in 1938, the opening of an exclusive “downtown” emporium where cured leather was cut, carved, stitched, finished and then, pri-

DRIPPING SPRINGS

FULL TIME in DRIPPING SPRINGS! Modern Orthodontics from Friendly People.

Mark A Thompson DDS MS Specialist in Orthodontics

512-858-2916 • dsbraces.com

Corner of Ranch Road 12 @ Highway 290 West

marily wholesaled in hundreds of distinct and functional utilitarian forms.

With the passing of time, the tannery eventually closed but remarkably, that same emporium remains actively “in business” and, even at the same address. Still making and vending (wholesale and retail) the quality, often exquisite, stock and custom leather items needed by the cattleman and/or rider, but now also targeting a more diverse, far-ranging and, at times, citified clientele with its particular wants, Ludwig & Marglin Leather Company has artfully enabled the traditions of quality, craftsmanship and service, carefully honed over its 79-year span, to meld gracefully with a 21st Century consumerism.

Originally named the New Braunfels Leather Company, the enterprise was initially founded by local businessman A. R. Ludwig, who established the shop at 197 S. Seguin Street, located next door to the popular Marglin Butchery in what is now the town’s “historic section.”

And, although A. R. wasn’t a “leatherworker,” over the years, multiple Ludwigs were, and remained, a part of the thriving enterprise.

Much of the store’s early business was primarily “ag” related with the construction and repair of reins, crops, bridle sets, halters, bosals, saddles and harnesses being paramount.

But, with creativity, experience and ability flourishing within the mature stone structure, other products soon came on line. A visit today offers countless examples of the old and new.

The company’s current name, adopted in 2015, was the result of new ownership. Al Ludwig, the great-grandson of the founder was looking for a buyer and, as luck would have it, hometown girl, Terri Moore Cocanougher, a member of the Marglin tribe, had just moved back to New Braunfels and was looking to purchase the old adjacent butcher shop (which didn’t happen)

Terri Cocanougher, owner of Ludwig & Marglin Leather, offering quality, craftsmanship and service carefully honed over a 79-year span in business.

Photo by Ernie Altgelt. when she realized that the leather company next door was available and, couldn’t resist.

As she states, “As a youngster, I grew up riding horses all over the area and knew the leather company well. With its location so close to my family’s now longgone business, buying it just felt right.”

And buy it she did, renaming the company to honor both pioneering German families – the Ludwigs and the Marglins.

What makes Ludwig & Marglin so neat now is, not just its provenance (which includes lots of original equipment and several employees who have worked there for decades) but its inventory.

Within Ludwig & Marglin’s 6,000 square feet of interior space one finds See LUDWIG & MARGLIN, page 7

Jams, Jellies, Dips, Gourmet Foods, Gifts & Warm Friendly Smiles SAMPLE OUR

Texas Pride JalaPeno MusTard Peach salsa Peach aMareTTo & Pecan JaM JalaPeno Jelly Hwy. 290, 7 miles west of Dripping Springs Convenient to Austin, Fredericksburg & San Antonio

Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm

www.newcanaanfarms.com

800-727-5267 PAGE 6 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

LUDWIG & MARGLIN, from page 6

DRIPPING SPRINGS

rack after rack of leather merchandise, all expertly wrought either internally by the staff or, supplied by multiple, higher-end leather manufacturers within the United States or, from abroad.

There’s still the ranch and farm items (many are unique to the company) but also, bags, purses, holsters, cases, sheaths, belts, wallets and more.

The extensive inventory numbers well into the thousands.

And, if a customer can’t find what they’re looking for on the shelf, as Terri offers, “We generally can make it for him or her,” with stunning results reflecting the degree of expert construction, tooling and artistry involved. The store is also replete with leather-working supplies including dyes, finishes, whole hides (including some exotics) and all of the related the paraphernalia needed for leather crafting. Hobbyists and professionals love the place.

But, Ludwig & Marglin Leather offer-

ings don’t stop there. The store sells knives, buckles, spurs and other metal items and, the same artisans that are so accomplished with cowhide are also amazing when it comes to engraving, etching and decorating the same.

The finished work, displaying a harmonization of steel and leather, can be beautiful. There are also many other fun, practical and wearable products available but, you’ve just got to go there to see it all.

So, what’s in the future for Ludwig & Marglin, another 79 years? For their many loyal customers spread across the nation and beyond, let’s hope so. With Terri now in the saddle (but with frequent visits and advice from a semi-retired Al Ludwig), the future looks as bright as the conchos on a custom-made L&M belt.

FYI • Ludwig & Marglin Leather Company is at 197 South Seguin in New Braunfels. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit the web site at ludwigsleather.com or call 860-629-0540.

Books • Artwork • Candles • More Fabric • Sofas • Furniture •

Ludwig & Marglin’s crafter Craig Gourley at work on some holsters.

Photo by Ernie Altgelt.

Designer Fabrics at Discount Prices

• Fabric • Trim • Pillows • Body Care • Furniture • More Fabric

Pottery • Drapery Hardware • Toys

Tremendous Savings Off Suggested Retail Every Day! • Custom Furniture • Designer Fabrics • Decorative Trims • Unique Gifts • Accessories • Toys Let Our Design Staff Assist You with Custom Draperies, Bedding, Baby Bedding, & In-Home Design Service.

All at the best prices!

Like Us On

Trail Head Market • Hwy 290 West • Dripping Springs 512-894-0350 • 800-982-7424 Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5

cowgirlsandlace.com

25% off ALL Last Call Items through Sunday, July 16th!

WE STILL HAVE Summer Specials!

WE SPRAY TAN!

FREE personal training session with membership

OPEN 24/7

Cardio/Strength Equipment Personal Training • Daily Classes Wellness Program • Private Restrooms

512-858-7171

707 West Highway 290 • Dripping Springs HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2017 PAGE 7

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

CJ Wright hill country WiLDLIFe

Summer months are a fun time for family exploration

830-966-2320 • friolodging.com

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

CASA RIO CABIN RENTALS

3978 CR 348 • Concan • friocasario@hctc.net

friorivercasario.com • 830-591-3544

Frio’s Dry FiFty Celebrating Our 33rd Summer on the Frio!

Frio River & GSP T-Shirts H Shorts H Hand Dipped Blue Bell Hawaiian Shaved Ice H Consuela H Southern Tide Salt Life H Patagonia H Hats/Caps H Flip Flops H River Gear Yellow Box H Jewelry H Gifts H and More!

Open Sunday-Thursday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Friday-Saturday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm

Check Us Out on Hwy 127 in Concan, TX

Like Us On

830-232-6300 • friosdryfifty.com PAGE 8 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

I

n late spring when birds fledge their young, when tree leaves still wear fresh green and flowers grace the landscape, they start singing. Heralds of summer, cicadas emerge when soil temperatures eight inches below the surface reach 64 degrees. That’s when these insects start tunneling to the surface.

Coming forth at night, they hurry to vertical structures such as trees or sides of buildings.

Once there, they climb and molt for the last time, leaving behind interesting shells.

Adult have wide heads, large compound eyes, brown bodies and clear, brittle wings. They range from one to three inches, depending on which of the 3000 species you view.

After their exoskeletons harden, they head for treetops where males vibrate membranes on their abdomens to sing long, sometimes shrill songs to attract mates. Some males are heard a mile away, and it’s been said that their deafening calls may ward off predators such as birds or the cicada killer wasp.

Females make clicking sounds.

Once mated, females fly to branches or twigs where they use their ovipositors to cut several grooves into plant tissues, there to lay their eggs. After hatching, the nymphs fall to the ground and dig into the soil to suck liquids from plant roots. They undergo several stages before emerging as adults. Some return to the surface in a year, like the dog day cicadas that emerge mid-summer, while others don’t resurface for another thirteen or seventeen years. The latter two are known as periodical cicadas.

Although periodical cicadas can number in the hundreds of thousands, they don’t create destructive plagues like some locusts do. In fact, the only real damage comes when females oviposit on young trees, in which case landowners must take protective measures.

Something interesting is going on in Maryland this year. Scientists are tracking a puzzling phenomenon: the early emergence of periodical cicadas thought

to be part of Brood X, the largest of fifteen periodical broods and said to number in the trillions. They usually surface every seventeen years across the Northeast, but some are emerging four years ahead of schedule. While weather plays a vital role in cicada behavior, scientists can’t rule out biological, genetic and environmental variables that impact insects, making the cause for the cicada’s early appearance difficult to pinpoint and making the natural world always interesting and dynamic.

The summer months can be a fun time for family exploration.

Strolling through the natural world is not only relaxing but calming and rejuvenating as well.

And there’s so much to see. For starters, a myriad of insects abound, most beneficial.

Damselflies and dragonflies are most often found diving and swooping around pond, pool, and water features.

It’s where females lay their eggs and where these insects feed on the likes of mosquitoes, gnats, houseflies and other flying insects. They are also seen diving and swooping around fields and flowerbeds, especially following a rain.

Dragonflies, like hummingbirds, perform mesmerizing aerial acrobatics, and their names are as interesting as their bodies are beautiful. Some say the common green darner was named for its resemblance to a darning needle, while others reference it by its common name, devil’s darning needle and the myth that it stitched together the lips of wicked children in their sleep. Because this large and aggressive dragonfly is migratory, with thousands seen flying south en masse in fall, they can be found most anywhere, males recognized for their green thorax and bright blue abdomen.

Black saddlebags skimmers have long, wide hind wings with iridescent black bands close to their bodies, making them appear to be wearing saddlebags.

The wings of widow skimmers are marked with thick black bands on either side, and their long abdomens are a light powdery blue. They are large and slow moving, making observation easy. If a rival male intrudes on its borders, a male common whitetail skimmer flashes its white tail by holding it straight up.

Familiar bluets are tiny, bright blue See WILDLIFE, page 9

WILDLIFE, from page 8 damselflies. Males are light blue with black bands and stripes. One way to distinguish damsel from dragonflies is to check wings when they are at rest. Damselflies fold their wings on top of their bodies whereas dragonflies hold their wings perpendicular to their bodies.

On a summer’s evening, the lulling songs of katydids fill the air. Named after their melody of “Katy did, Katy didn’t”, they play that tune by rubbing their wings together. Although cousin to crickets, katydids are slow and awkward when on the ground and thus are most often found on tree branches or bushes.

With much of their diet leaves, flowers and stems, they are cameo green and large—ranging from one to five inches with their antennae two to three times their body length. Though similar to another cousin, the grasshopper, they seldom hop.

Near summer’s end, female katydids lay their eggs in dirt beneath plants.

Though adults normally die in the first frost (In southern areas not subject to frost they may live several years.), eggs remain viable and hatch in spring.

Resembling adults, the nymphs molt and grow, finally molting into winged adults. Their empty shells—like those of cicadas—are fully shaped and can be found attached to sides of trees or buildings.

Prey for birds and small animals, katydids are not a farmer’s friend. Enough of them can decimate a field of produce.

Fascinating creatures, they do bite so it’s best to settle for observing them.

Another bug catching my attention this year is the eastern carpenter bee, a

great pollinator that resembles a bumblebee but, rather than a fuzzy abdomen, its is black and smooth. The size of a bumblebee, it weighs down many blossoms on its search for nectar.

It would be remiss not to mention the many lizards that dart and scurry amidst plants, trees and in wooded areas, feasting on insects, spiders and other invertebrates.

Five-lined and southeastern fivelined skinks are very similar and attractive lizards. Bodies are gray, brown or black, with five white or yellowish stripes, two on each side and one down the center of the back.

Juveniles have a lovely blue tail.

Adult males often lose their stripes, turning reddish or orange around the head.

Found in many habitats, the green anole, otherwise called chameleon, is a popular find. Green or brown, depending on its environment, they often bask in vegetation during warm months and hide under tree bark or rotting vegetation during cooler weather. Males flash a pinkish throat fan in a territorial display or when approaching a potential mate.

Though some think of lizards as slimy, they are cool and dry to the touch, but be warned: if attempting to catch one, you might end up with only a tail which it releases to avoid captivity. Not a problem. It can always grow a new one.

Summer is a great time to leave lawn and pavement behind and enjoy the natural world. In addition to finding

insects and lizards, follow the dizzying flights of hummingbirds and watch them bath on tree branches after pop-up thunderstorms.

Listen to the morning songs of Summer Tanagers and the evening melodies of Wood Thrush if you’re in their neck of the woods. Observe spotted fawns as they frolic around their mothers, and delight in the graceful flights of giant,

black, zebra or tiger swallowtail butterflies. Inhale the aroma and delight in the beauty of wildflowers. Listen to the burble of steams, and much, much more.

In the words of naturalist and writer, John Muir (in John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir), “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

River Rim Resort

Warning...Experiencing Experiencing on the FrioFrio could become Warning... theFall beauty of the could becomehabit habitforming forming

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

Send calendar events to

melissa@hillcountrysun.com

B E A R S M A R K E T . c om

IF Your Gonna be a bear

be a Big one!

W o rt h the trip!!

Specialty Meats, Prepared Foods, Fresh Produce, Beer/Wine, Full Coffee and Ice Cream Bars, Gummy Bear Bar, Home Goods, Decor, Picnic, Gifts, Deer Corn/Feed, Hunting/Fishing License!

830-232-5559 HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2017 PAGE 9

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: 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. Musical garden, creative play area. www. emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart.

Call 512-402-9725 for details.

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.

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. 830-899-2256.

CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of artists. 830-825-3465.

EVERY MONDAY SAN MARCOS: San Marcos/

Wimberley 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 5, 2017 May 8, 2018 ). New Members Reception Tuesday, August 29, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm First Christian Church, 3105 Ranch Road 12.

Register at 512-808-9156, paula.king206@ yahoo.com.

EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: Enjoy Glass Blowing Demonstrations at Wimberley Glassworks. Details at wgw.com, 512-2132110.

EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: All Abilities Chair Exercises. Free class includes breathing, gentle strengthening exercises and mild yoga stretches – all from seated position.

Wimberley Library, 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

512-847-2188.

FIRST TUESDAYS 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 TUESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Art Society of Wimberley (ASW). 6:30 pm. Art Room, 100 Melody Way, Suite H. Email msalaun@austin. rr.com for information.

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music.

Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.

PAGE 10 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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 7 pm at Highway 290, Ranch Road 12. cityofdrippingsprings.com.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Produce Market Day (The Big Red Barn). Local Hill Country wholesale warehouse distributor for the finest fruit and vegetables. Open to the public. 215 A Street. 830-896-7330.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Farmer’s Market. Open year round, rain or shine, the market offers an array of seasonal fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, farm eggs, honey, fresh baked goods, flowers, plants and gifts. River Star Arts & Event Park, 4000 Riverside Drive. 830-456-5942, 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 at 512-4609919.

WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637.

SECOND WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Garden Club meets at Lutheran Church of Resurrection. 101 West Spoke Hill.

(September through May.) Refreshments

9:30 am; meetings and programs at 10 am.

WimberleyGardenClub.org.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS 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 WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

Meet at 10:30 am. Wimberley Community Center. 512-847-2849.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Live music at Cypress Creek Cafe. Check the schedule at cypresscreekcafe.com.

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, business owners, friends and families come together to sell the best of what the area has to offer. Highway39 and Old Ingram Loop. 2 pm to 7 pm. 830-367-2800.

KERRVILLE: Nature Night (through June). Free family fun at Riverside Nature Center. Discover bats, dragonflies, snakes, butterflies and so much more. 6 pm to 7 pm. 150 Francisco Lemos Street. 830-2574837, www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

WIMBERLEY: Cafe’ Susanna. Serving

Hill country calendar 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.

FIRST AND 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 AND FOURTH THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmaster Club. Learn public speaking, leadership. 7:10 pm at “old” Baptist Church, 501 Old Kyle Road.

512-847-6822.

THIRD THURSDAY 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, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-8475464. facebook.com/LindasFineFoods.

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company. 23455 West Ranch Road 12.

Tex-MexBeer.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. Downtown. visituvalde.com.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Enjoy music at the Silver Sage Corral beginning at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969.

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

Variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688.

WIMBERLEY: Movies Under Stars at the Corral Theatre. First run movies at Wimberley’s beloved outdoor theatre. Gates open at dusk, show starts at dark. Tickets $6, concessions $1. Farm Market 3237 and Flite Acres Road. www.CorralTheatre. com (or find on Facebook).

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, and gunfighter reenactments and more Western-themed action on Main Street in Downtown Bandera. 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.

2310 Highway 39. 830-238-4441, www. cridersrodeoanddance.com NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. Find complete details at 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. Find flowers, veggies, transplants, cheeses, much more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428 WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. blairhouseinn.com.

UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner Served at Laurel Tree. utopiagourmet.com.

FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square. 830-796-4447.

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). More than 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. shopmarketdays.com.

SECOND SATURDAY AUSTIN: Gain Peace, NOW: A Study in ‘Divine Love Consciousness’ with Vrinda Devi. 9 am to 11:30 am. $20 (first class free). radhamadhavdham.org, 858-722-5474 or Laura@RadhaMadhavDham.org.

CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days.

Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around Square stay open late offering art,

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 11

Hill country calendar wine, appetizers. Facebook. com/ SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail.

THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm. Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784.

EVERY SATURDAY AND 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.

Books

By

ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. westcave.org.

SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. brightleaf.org.

FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Market Days.

Food, artisans, more. Information at JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

JULY 3 BOERNE: Abendkonzerte. The Boerne

ErniE LEE New Release!

A Book of Poetry by Ernie Lee, the Bard of the Blanco

Signed copies or appearances

ernie.lee@live.com

Available at Amazon.com or & Aim-HiBooks.com

Bring out the best!

34+ Years Experience

We Do What We Promise!

Great References • Friendly Service • Guaranteed!

Exterior Painting H Interior Painting H Restoration Staining H Decks H Carpentry H Drywall Repair

512-360-7062

BallBrothersPainting.com PAGE 12 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Village Band is the longest continuously playing German band in the world outside of Germany. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Main Plaza. visitboerne.org.

JUNCTION: Freedom Celebration.

Enjoy a concert and fireworks along the banks of the South Llano River at Junction City Park. junctiontexas.com.

JULY 4 AUSTIN: Fourth of July Fireworks and Symphony. Auditorium Shores, roadwayevents.com.

BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry..

Silver Sage Community Center. silversagecorral.org.

BANDERA: Pet Parade. Enter anything you can lead, ride or carry. Bandera City Park. banderacowboycapital.com.

BOERNE: Fourth of July Fireworks.

Sponsored by the Boerne Fire Department at Boerne City Park. Bring chairs and picnics. visitboerne.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fourth of July Fire in the Sky. Dripping Springs Ranch Park. destinationdrippingsprings.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Celebrations. visitfredericksburgtx.com.

JOHNSON CITY: FourthFest. Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, food vendors, crafts, family fun at Blanco County Fairgrounds. lbjcountry.com.

KERRVILLE: Robert Earl Keen’s Fourth on the River. Enjoy food, vendor booths, the Guadalupe River, live music, a free concert featuring Robert Earl Keen, and, of course, fireworks. Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. kerrvilles4th.org.

KYLE: Independence Day Fireworks Show. cityofkyle.com/recreation.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Fourth of July Patriotic Celebration A morning parade kicks off the holiday, while the day wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show. Downtown and Landa Park. innewbraunfels.com.

ROUND ROCK: July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration. Austin Symphonic Band performs at Old Settlers’ Park. austinsymphonicband.org.

STONEWALL: July Fourth at the Sauer- Beckmann Living History Farm.

Experience how German pioneers celebrated Independence Day in 1915.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. tpwd.state.tx.us.

TAYLOR: Fireworks. Free display of booming fireworks at Murphy Park, 1600 Veteran’s Drive. taylormadetexas.com.

WIMBERLEY: Annual Independence Day Parade. More than 80 entries, with bands, horses, and floats. wimberley.org.

JULY 6 AUSTIN: “The Wizard of Oz.” zilker.org, 512-479-9491.

JULY 7 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments, and extended viewing hours the first Friday of every month.

Participating fine art galleries in Fredericksburg. ffawf.com.

WIMBERLEY: Cool Art by Hot Artists!

Kick off of Wimberley Valley Art League

annual show and sale at Community Center, with about 40 artists selling more than 100 works. wimberleyartleague.org.

JULY 7-9 NEW BRAUNFELS: Ink Masters Tattoo Expo. New Braunfels Civic/ Convention Center, 375 South Castell. inkmasterstattooexpo.com.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Valley Art League (WVAL) Cool Art Show. Original fine art in many media from local artists on display and for sale at Wimberley Community Center.

WimberleyArtLeague.com.

JULY 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players Present“Cabaret.” Experience this Tony Award-winning musical with iconic favorites like “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” wimberleyplayers.org.

JULY 7, 20 BOERNE: Abendkonzerte. Boerne Village Band performs at Main Plaza. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics. visitboerne.org.

JULY 8 BOERNE: Moondance Concert Series.

Enjoy live music under the oaks and evening stars. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. visitboerne.org.

KYLE: Market Days Farmers market, homemade arts and crafts, live music, and fun activities. City Square Park. cityofkyle.com/recreation.

JULY 8-9 BOERNE: Market Days. Main Plaza. visitboerne.org.

JULY 9 BANDERA: Second Sunday Music Fest. frontiertimesmuseum.org.

JULY 14 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Mike Stinson. Live music at Mercer Street Dancehall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

JULY 14-15 TAYLOR: Taylor Rodeo Association Annual Rodeo. WilCo Expo Center. taylorrodeo.com.

JULY 14-16 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 400 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, a biergarten, live music, more. 355 Sunday Farms Lane. fbgtradedays.com.

JULY 14-29 INGRAM: Hill Country Arts Foundation Presents “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” In a magical underwater kingdom, a young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home behind and live in the world above. hcaf.com.

JULY 15 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Bobby Flores. Live music at Mercer Street Dancehall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Night in Old Fredericksburg. Celebrate heritage of the Texas Hill Country with a barbecue and chili cook-off, live music, food, drinks, more. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. gillespiefair.com.

JULY 15-16 AUSTIN: Body Mind Spirit Expo.

Holistic expo focuses on advancements in spiritual and planetary awakening at Palmer Events Center. bmse.net.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods in the charming Gruene Historic District. gruenemarketdays.com.

KERRVILLE: Kerrville Summer Market.

Arts and crafts event featuring gifts, jewelry, clothing, gourmet food, Texas handmade art, photography, holiday and home décor, and more. Free parking and hourly door prizes. Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center. www. texasmarketguide.com.

JULY 15-30 WIMBERLEY: EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens presents “The Three Little Pigs.” Ineractive theatre for ages 2-102. www.

EmilyAnn.org.

JULY 18 WIMBERLEY: Artist Expo. An evening of sharing art and learning about the art resources in the Wimberley Valley.

Meet artists, gallery owners, musicians, photographers, suppliers and more.

Refreshments and wine will be served.

Reserve your display space today by contacting Shelley Esser at 512-753-9195 or Cathy Moreman 512-847-2201.

JULY 20-23 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fair and Rodeo.

Vendors, kids activities, carnival, plus live music and a Saturday night dance at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com.

JULY 21 BOERNE: Star Party. Astronomy-

filled event features star experts with their telescopes for dazzling night-sky experiences. Meet near the pavilion, no registration required. Bring blankets, chairs and bug spray. Boerne City Lake Park, 1 City Lake Road. visitboerne.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Brady Honeycutt Live music at Mercer Street Dancehall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

JULY 22 BANDERA: National Day of the American Cowboy. Enjoy a Lil’ Wrangler Rodeo and fiddlers competition during the day, and an evening Ranch Rodeo.

Mansfield Park, 2886 Texas 16 North. banderacowboycapital.com.

BURNET: Summer Concert Series. Texas country band Reckless Kelly in concert; FlatlanCavalry opens. Haley Nelson Amphitheater. cityofburnet.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Springs Family Y Open House. 10 am to 2 pm. www.

AustinYMCA.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Bracken Hale. Live music at Mercer Street Dancehall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Art Walk. Galleries and shops are open for viewing and wine tasting from 4 pm to 8 pm. Nugent Avenue. lbjcountry.com.

KERRVILLE: 14th Annual UGRA River Clean Up. Community event to remove trash from the Guadalupe River and raise awareness litter in the community. 8 am to noon at Flat Rock Lake Park. www. ugra.org/annualrivercleanup.html.

JULY 22-23 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Local artisans and craftsmen sell their wares at City Park. U.S. Highway 290 and Avenue G. lbjcountry.com.

SAN MARCOS: Float Fest. Spend a day in San Marcos, floating the river and enjoying one of the most unique music festivals in Texas. Cool Ranch River, 601 Dupuy Ranch Road. floatfest.net.

JULY 25-28 KERRVILLE: Heart of the Hills Golf Tournament. Scott Schreiner Municipal Golf Course, 1 Country Club Lane. hohkerr.com.

JULY 27 BOERNE: A Thirst for Nature. Join the Cibolo Nature Center and their team of experts for an evening of themed cocktails and educational programs, this month about birds of prey. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. visitboerne. org.

JULY 27-30 FREDERICKSBURG: “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Fredericksburg Theater Company presents a journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends, based on celebrated animated film. fredericksburgtheater.org.

JUNCTION: Sizzler Professional Disc Golf Association Tournament. Close to 100 teams travel to the Texas Hill Country to participate, with a course located along the Llano River. 402 Main Street. junctiontexas.com.

GLASSBLOWING Live Demonstrations Handblown Lighting Art Glass & Jewelry Celebrating 25 Years

“A Must See”

-Texas Highways

WGW.COM

512-213-2110

6469 RANCH ROAD 12, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666

FREE COmmUNITY EVENT!

JULY 22

10 am TO 2pm

SpRINGS FamILY Y OpEN HOUSE Bring the family to enjoy our newly expanded and renovated facility.

Activities include: • Guided Facility Tours

• Family Swimming in our New Outdoor Pools

• Free Food and Refreshments • Sampler Classes for Kids & Adults

TAKE A PLUNGE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Aquatics, Fitness, Child Care, Sports, Camp & so much more. Join a community dedicated to building strong families, character values and youth leadership.

SPRINGS FA

JOIN FEE

MILY EXCLU

LIMITED TIME OFFER

SIVE

SAVE $48 & RECEIVE A FREE $50 PROGRAM CREDIT

LEARN MORE AT AUSTINYMCA.ORG

SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 27216 Ranch Rd 12 · 512.894.3309 HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 13

Hill country calendar JULY 27 - AUGUST 20 KERRVILLE: “Images.” Annual juried member’s show at Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. 228 Earl Garrett Street. kacckerrville.com.

JULY 28 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Skyrocket! Live music at Mercer Street Dancehall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

KERRVILLE: Movies in the Park presents “Storks.” Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. 9 pm. kerrvilletx.gov.

JULY 28-30 FREDERICKSBURG: 40th Annual Hill Country Auto Swap Meet. Car corral, flea market with free parking, free shuttle service Saturday and concessions.

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. earhartproductions.com.

JULY 29 BULVERDE: Tejas Rodeo Weekly rodeos, live music, events, and steak dinners.

Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road. visitboerne.org.

JULY 29 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Monte Good. Live music at Mercer Street Dancehall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com.

LAMPASAS: Trade Days. Meet the artists and craftsmen who create one-of-a-kind items, with goods including antiques, collectibles, quilts, crafts, folk art, fine art and home furnishings. Marigold’s Antiques & More, 2646 E. U.S. Highway 190. lampasastradedays.com.

JULY 29-30 FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Bundes Schuetzenfest. Five shooting clubs gather for a parade of clubs, old-fashioned shooting competition, awards ceremony.

Spectators welcome. Grapetown Shooting Range, Old San Antonio Road. 830-9925654.

KERRVILLE: Playhouse 2000 Youth Theater presents “Cinderella.” playhouse2000.com.

KERRVILLE: Texas Gun and Knife Show. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas Highway 27. texasgunandknifeshows.com.

AUGUST 1 BOERNE: Abendkonzerte. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Main Plaza, 100 Main St. visitboerne.org.

AUGUST 3-5, 7-12 WIMBERLEY: “Macbeth.” Shakespeare under the stars at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. emilyann.org.

AUGUST 4-5 NEW BRAUNFELS: Miranda Lambert in Concert. Whitewater Amphitheater. whitewaterrocks.com.

AUGUST 5 AUSTIN: Girlstart’s Back-to-School STEM Saturday. Hands-on activities for the whole family at the Girlstart STEM Center between 9:30 am and noon. Free event with labs and activity spaces open with hands-on STEM activities. RSVP at give.girlstart.org/austin/events/back-toschool-stem-saturday/e128773.

BANDERA: Market Days. Arts and crafts vendors on the courthouse lawn in downtown Bandera. banderatexasbusiness.com.

BOERNE: Moondance Concert Series.

PAGE 14 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill country calendar Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, food and drinks, family, and friendly dogs on leashes for evening full of music, dancing.

Cibolo Nature Center. visitboerne.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. More than 475 booths along a windy, shady path featuring treasures of all sorts. Live music and great barbecue, too. Lions Field, 601 Farm Market 2325. shopmarketdays.com.

AUGUST 5-6 FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Reenactment.

See equipment and weapons used during World War II and a battle reenactment set on an island in the Pacific. National Museum of the Pacific War Pacific Combat Zone. pacificwarmuseum.org.

AUGUST 5, 19 BOERNE: Hot Rod Night. Soda Pops, 103 North Main St. visitboerne.org.

AUGUST 11-12 JUNCTION: HCFA Rodeo and Dance.

Hill Country Fair Association hosts summer classic featuring a parade, rodeo, dancing, and bull riding. junctiontexas. com.

AUGUST 11-13, 18-20., 25-27 STONEWALL: Grape Stomp at Pedernales Cellars. Celebrate the grape harvest grape stomping, live music and award-winning wines. pedernalescellars.com.

AUGUST 11-20 FREDERICKSBURG: “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” Musical featuring more than 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits—a musical trip down memory lane. Fredericksburg Theatre Company. fredericksburgtheater. org.

AUGUST 11-26 INGRAM: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.” Comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic into a murderously funny adventure. Hill Country Arts Foundation. hcaf.com.

AUGUST 12 AUSTIN: Ice Cream Festival This annual festival is fun for the whole family with games, activities, contests, live entertainment, and, of course, ice cream to keep you cool and happy. Fiesta Gardens. austinicecreamfestival.com.

JUNCTION: The Martin Car Show.

Annual event features old, unique, customized hot rods and many other categories of vehicles, which allows anyone to show off their automobiles.

Courthouse Square. junctiontexas.com.

KYLE: Market Days. Farmers market, homemade arts and crafts, live music, and fun activities. City Square Park. cityofkyle.com/recreation.

AUGUST 12-13 BOERNE: Market Days. Artists, crafters, and vendors share their creative talents and wares to the sounds of homegrown Texas music. Main Plaza, visitboerne.org.

AUGUST 12-13, 26-27 FREDERICKSBURG: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Fun for the whole family featuring a full slate of live quarter horse and thoroughbred races at Gillespie County Fairgrounds. gillespiefair.com.

AUGUST 17-20 JOHNSON CITY: Blanco County Fair and Rodeo. Rodeo events, music,

vendors, rides, and food at Blanco County Fairgrounds. lbjcountry.com.

AUGUST 18-20 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. More than 400 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, biergarten, music, more. 355 Sunday Farms Lane. fbgtradedays.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Lone Star Gourd Festival. See award-winning gourd art at this American Gourd Society sanctioned competition, plus demonstrations, more.

Classes available August 16 -17 prior to festival. New Braunfels Convention Center. texasgourdsociety.org.

AUGUST 18 - SEPTEMBER 15 INGRAM: “Color, Value, and Hue.” Exhibit focuses on understanding uses of color in art. Open to all media. Hill Country Arts Foundation. hcaf.com.

AUGUST 19 AUSTIN: Bat Fest. Celebrate as the world’s largest urban bat colony (the 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats who take up seasonal residence beneath the Ann Richard’s Congress Avenue Bridge) take to the skies for their nightly flight. Live music, kids’ activities, costume contest, more. Congress Avenue Bridge, 100 S. Congress Avenue. roadwayevents.com.

KERRVILLE: Kids’ Off-Road Triathlon.

Swim, bike, run for ages pre-K through 18. Singing Wind Park. kerrville.org.

AUGUST 19-20 GRUENE: Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Historic District. gruenemarketdays.com.

AUGUST 20 AUSTIN: Quesoff.

Annual food competition of Texas-size proportions, where the city’s best queso-makers come together to share their best dips and spread the queso love. The Mohawk, 912 Red River Street. mohawkaustin.com.

AUGUST 24-27 FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Fair and Parade. Agricultural, livestock, and home skills displays at the 129th annual event, including horse racing, concerts, dances, carnival and midway all at the longest continuously running fair in Texas. Parade starts at 10 am Friday on Main Street. gillespiefair.com.

AUGUST 26 STONEWALL: Grape Stomp at Chisholm Trail Winery. Celebrate the grape harvest by stomping on grapes and enjoying food and live music.chisholmtrailwinery.com.

STONEWALL: Movies Under the Stars: “All the Way.” Enjoy a film on the LBJ Ranch— just like friends of President Lyndon Johnson experienced. The LBJ biopic “All the Way” (2016) will be shown on a large outdoor screen. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Free admission LBJ National Historical Park. nps.gov/lyjo.

TAYLOR: Kid Fish Registration begins at 8:30 am and fishing starts at 9am.

Free to children ages 15 and younger.

Bull Branch Park, 904 Dellinger Drive. taylormadetexas.com.

AUGUST 26-27 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Local artisans and craftsmen sell their wares.

City Park, U.S. 290 and Avenue G.

lbjcountry.com.

STONEWALL: Grape Stomp at Becker Vineyards. Celebrate end of grape harvest; barrels cut in half and filled with grapes to stomp. beckervineyards. com.

AUGUST 27 STONEWALL: 109th Anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Birthday.

Visitors are invited to attend a wreathlaying ceremony at the Johnson family cemetery. In honor of President Johnson’s birthday, tours of the Texas White House will be free. LBJ Ranch, LBJ National Historical Park. nps.gov/lyjo.

SEPTEMBER 2-3 WIMBERLEY: Gunner Thames Memorial Rodeo. Chester Franklin Arena at Veterans Park. www.GunnerThames.com.

SEPTEMBER 9 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping with Taste Wine and Food Festival. www.

DrippingWithTaste.com.

OCTOBER 28-29 NEW BRAUNFELS: Train Show at the Civic Center. Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Admission $8 adults, $2 kids 5-13. Free train ride on Landa Park Railroad for children up to 10 years of age. www.nbrrm.org; email jedmondson@satx.rr.com.

NOVEMBER 3 WIMBERLEY: HerbFest 2017. Enjoy lunch, tastings, Herb Shoppe, silent auction and speakers. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 101 Spoke Hill Drive at Ranch Road 12. 11 am to 2 pm. www.hillcountryherbs.org.

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

~BEvery I NFriday G O~ v 4 Early Bird Games 7:15pm ~ 50/50 Split v 10 Regular Games 8pm VFW Hall Post 6441 @ Veterans Park 4 mi. no. on RR 12 to Jacobs Well Rd Non Smoking • Plenty of Parking • Air & Heat • Food Available www.texasvfw.net • 512-847-6441 • Lic. #1-74-6066562-7 www.visitwimberley.com/vfw

The Corral Theatre ✯ See the Stars Under the Stars ✯

Wimberley’s Walk-In Outdoor Theatre

Tickets $6 Concessions $1

www.corraltheatre.com

Check our info Visit for more FACEBOOK about how to rent page for updates & The Corral Theatre additional info! for events!

From May 6 - September 3, 2017 Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday Gates open at dusk, show starts at dark www.facebook.com/corraltheatre On the Corner of FM 3237 & Flite Acres rd 512-847-5994 www.corraltheatre.com

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 15

ER M M U S f o y a S D Y n A D tio p G o O d D gA o ls a D i c G e • WA t Dog sp w • Ho ay Previe s d • Holi ys First Saturtidqauyes,

t Da er for An welry e k r a b M Je Shop ru Decem , Clothing, th re e!

March cor, Furnitu res Galor De reasu e T m e o u q H ni s and U stage

n3 o c i es us g a M r e e ev Liv B & Food r & Wine Bee

Ad design & photography by Amy Cartee-Cox

PAGE 16 JULY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN