Hill Country Sun, June 2017 by Julie Harrington

JUNE 2017 20th Annual Bandera Riverfest on the Medina

Jeff Woolsey & the Dancehall Kings Bringing young and old to the dance floor

Unique shopping at Elephant Story in Comfort

Hill Country Food Truck Festival in Luckenbach

Suzy Moehring Mallardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill Country Parks Find some new favorites

The Hill Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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Suzy Moehring Mallard

Find some new favorite state parks

hill country PARKS

isitors at Texas state parks has increased by more than 500,000 in the past four years. This is great news for our park system, but it might mean that you’ll need to alter your plans. When was the last time you visited Blanco State Park or Lost Maples or South Llano River? On a regular basis, many popular sites in the Hill Country close their gates early when the park reaches visitor capacity, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Colorado Bend State Park, Inks Lake State Park, McKinney Falls State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, Garner State Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area, and Pedernales Falls State Park. Daily capacity limits are put into place at Texas State Parks to reduce the impact to natural resources, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure the safety of park goers. Campers with reservations are always allowed into the park when gates are closed. So if you want to be sure about getting in to one of those really popular parks, visiting on a weekday is a good idea. And if you want to check closures, look on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department web site – park Twitter pages or the department social media page.

But the best idea of all is to visit a park you maybe haven’t visited recently – and we have lots of parks close to the old favorites.Lost Maples State Natural Area, Hill Country State Natural Area, and Kickapoo Cavern State Park are within an hour of family favorite Garner State Park. Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool is most known for its colorful display of fall foliage, but the park is much less crowded during the remainder of the year. The park has more than 10 miles of trails, including a trail that takes hikers along the top of a 2,200 foot cliff with a spectacular view of the hill country. Lost Maples also offers 30 campsites with water and electricity and six primitive campsites. Hill Country State Natural Area in Bandera County covers more than 5,300 acres, with approximately 40 miles of multiuse trails that wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. The West Verde Creek has spring-fed streams, and tanks in the park provide several swimming holes with limited fishing for catfish, perch and largemouth bass. Spring water is available for horses, but people should bring their own drinking water. And just south of Enchanted Rock

The Corral Theatre ✯ See the Stars Under the Stars ✯

Wimberley’s Walk-In Outdoor Theatre

Tickets $6 Concessions $1

Swimming at Blanco State Park. Photo courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. State Natural Area and Pedernales Falls State Park lie four hidden gems waiting to be discovered -- Old Tunnel State Park, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, Blanco State Park, and South Llano River State Park. At Old Tunnel State Park near Fredericksburg visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching and general wildlife viewing on a half-mile nature trail. The highlight of a visit to Old Tunnel is the opportunity to view the emergence of a bat colony from the tunnel from May through October. During emergence, the bats spiral upwards in a counter-clockwise direction in order to gain altitude.Aerial predators, such as red-tailed hawks, are sometimes seen catching bats as they emerge and terrestrial predators, such as raccoons, feed on fallen bats. The large, serpentine column of bats can travel as high as 10,000 feet and 60 miles each night to feed on agricultural pests such as the corn earworm, cutworm and webworm moths. Each bat can eat its weight in insects nightly, and the Old Tunnel colony by itself may devour over 25 tons of moths in one night. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and

Historic Site in Stonewall is a day use park that offers a one-of-a-kind way to discover the life history of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The park offers opportunities to picnic, fish, swim, and view the nature and wildlife that call the hill country home including part of the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd. The park also houses the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, which gives visitors a taste of life as it was in 1918. Interpreters wear period clothing, do farm and household chores, and lead tours of the farm and house for visitors. Just off Highway 281 in Blanco lies Blanco State Park. This park offers a onemile stretch of river for visitors to enjoy through fishing, swimming or paddling. Blanco State Park is part of the tackleloaner program, meaning park goers can borrow a rod and reel from the park headquarters to use while at the park. This program is a great way to introduce the sport of fishing without having to make the initial investment. The park also offers areas for picnics, trails to hike and watch for wildlife and geocaching. Time for a new favorite, don’t you think?

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PAGE 2 JUNE 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Bat emergence at Old Tunnel State Park near Fredericksburg. Photo by Nyta Brown, courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Hill Country SUN June 2017 Volume 27 • Number 12 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 Suzy Moehring Mallard Laurel Robertson Genie Strickland 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: Bandera’s 20th Annual Riverfest brings tons of summer fun to the banks of the Medina River (See story, page 8.).Photos courtesy Bandera Riverfest.

Saturday, July 1, 2017 Wimberley Community Center 1 pm - 7 pm Admission $10 Children 12 and Under Free

Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month. Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. hillcountrysun.com facebook.com/HillCountrySun

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

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 3

Jeff Woolsey & the Dancehall Kings

WIMBERLEY

Texas roadhouse royalty will bring you to your feet

The Dancehall Kings: LEFT TO RIGHT Paul Bennett, Jody Cameron, Dixie Hankins, Eddie Moore, Jeff Woolsey and Chuck Crow. Photo courtesy Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings.

Suzy Moehring

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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,

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The Hill Country’s most complete

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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

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! kissthecookwimberley.com • facebook.com/Kissthecookwimberley 201 Wimberley Square • Wimberley, Texas • 512-847-1553 PAGE 4 4 AUGUST JUNE 20172016 R HILL COUNTRY SUNSUN PAGE R HILL COUNTRY

By Ernie Altgelt

he Lone Star State has a long tradition of using its much-loved music as a unifying agent providing the cultural cement that joyfully bonds its diverse citizenry through its pounding rhythms, heart-felt themes and especially, its emotional renditions. As evidence, just study the crowd at any Saturday night social where, if there’s a good band on hand, the tunes invariably fire folks up causing first, a tumult of toe-tapping and then, since this is Texas after all, some inevitable, (some might say, mandatory) two-stepping. With the right mix of volume, venue and voice, it can make for a magic melding of all involved and, that’s something special. One gifted man backed by a crackerjack cadre of musicians has established himself as a premier practitioner of this noted coalescence through countless performances across greater Texas and beyond. For years, Jeff Woolsey with his vaunted Dancehall Kings have provided, not only incredible interpretations of classic C/W standards but, of equal importance, thanks to the personalities and talents involved, a power-packed package of top-tier entertainment that’s guaranteed to bring, by inclusion, any crowd happily to its feet. With that said, if you ever see this oh-so-accomplished act listed on the marquee and want to get with the program, step lively because Jeff and his Dancehall Kings (with one queen) truly are “roadhouse royalty.” Jeff, the band’s founder and undisputed leader, has been performing on stage since he was four years old. Raised in East Texas in a musical family, his “start” at that tender age all began in the early 1970s at a Houston club where his step-father’s semi-professional group had a booking.

During one set, as Jeff recalls, “I was invited to come up and sing ‘Is anybody Going to San Antone,’ an earlier hit by the legendary Charley Pride. After that experience, I was hooked.” And, since that first youthful venture on to a stage, Jeff has basically never stopped singing for others. Blessed with a powerful, emotive voice evident even as a youngster (think Johnny Bush), Jeff eventually joined his step-dad’s band (at 16 years in age), touring and performing almost every weekend before forming his own ensemble three years later. By then, the 19-year-old felt like a seasoned veteran ready to “go it on his own” and, ironically, his new group’s first gig was at the very same Houston club where, 15 years earlier he had performed his inaugural song. His band went on to play about 150 events each year before Jeff decided, in 1997, to take a work-related nine-year hiatus from the music biz and focus on his day job within the construction industry. But by 2006, he felt the pull again, formed his now-lauded Dancehall Kings and re-hit the boards. As he attests, “I didn’t realize how much I missed everything – the touring, the tunes and especially the audiences. I now know I’ll be doing this for the rest of my life.” Before describing a performance by Jeff and the Kings, let’s meet the band members. Comprised of six vastly experienced and talented musicians, frontman Jeff can be found at the mic singing lead while being ably supported, instrumentally and vocally, by keyboardist Chuck Crow, Eddie Moore on the bass, Dixie Hankins playing drums, Paul Bennett bowing the fiddle and Jody Cameron with his steel guitar. Most of these special, accomplished and, 100 percent-pure-Texan individuals See DANCEHALL KINGS, page 5

WIMBERLEY

Lots of fun family events in Wimberley coming up WIMBERLEY H The Wimberley VFW Rodeo June 30 and July 1-2 offers bull riding, tie down calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, mini bull riding, women’s breakaway roping and women’s barrel racing, plus mutton bustin’ and calf scrambles. Enjoy a free fireworks show nightly after the rodeo (weather permitting). Visit www.texasvfw.net for more information The Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival benefitting Camp Good Sam-Wimberley is Saturday, July 1, at the Wimberley Community Center from noon to 7 pm. Admission is $10, kids 12 and under get in free. For more information, call 512-847-9956. Shop ‘til you drop from 7 am to 3 pm Saturday, July 1 at Wimberley Market Days (the first Saturday of each month March through December). Visit www.shopmarketdays.com for more information. Enjoy small town America at its best during Wimberley’s Independence Day Parade July 4. Billed “The Biggest Little Parade in Texas,” the fun begins at 10 am with more than 80 entries, including bands, horses, and floats on the route running down Farm Market 2325 to Ranch Road 12 and through the Wimberley Square. For more information, visit wimberley.org. The Wimberley Community Chorus with the Hill Country Community Band perform hometown patriotic concerts July 4 at 1 pm and 4 pm at First Baptist Church (15951 Winters Mill Parkway). Visit the web sites at wimberleycommunitychorus.org or hillcountrycommunityband.org for more information. And all summer long, enjoy a movie under the stars every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Wimberley’s unique outdoor Corral Theatre. See what’s showing at www.CorralTheatre.com. FYI • For more information on these and other Wimberley events and activities, visit the web site at www.Wimberley. org or call the Wimberley Visitors Center at 512-847-2201.

DANCEHALL KINGS, from page 4

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Fine Art in the Hill Country Playing almost non-stop for up to four hit-packed hours, the Kings coax and cajole young and old out onto the dance floor. Photo courtesy Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings. have played with some of the industry’s biggest names. Dixie is in the Western Swing Hall of Fame and Jody is a member of the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame! All are top notch and, it “shows” in every concert. As a result, the Kings were recently recognized internationally as the 2016 Honky-tonk Group of the year and the 2017 Academy of Western Artists Pure Country Band of the Year. Wow! So, what comprises an actual, live performance? First and foremost (obviously) is the music. With Jeff’s booming vibrato (think Johnny Bush again) caressed, lifted and complemented by the unique contributions from each band member, the effect is quite stunning as one classic country hit follows another. A fan excitedly admitted, “You can’t just sit there. You’re being called!” And, according to Jeff, “That’s the aim – audi-

ence participation.” Playing almost non-stop for up to four hit-packed hours, the Kings coax and cajole young and old out onto the dance floor. As Jeff attests, “If they ain’t dancing, we’re not doing our job!” But, dance they do as the band plays while Jeff, always a showboat with great stage presence, struts, sports, saunters, sermonizes and, above all sings. It’s a show that everyone feels a part of and no one wants it to end – the band included. But, that’s what made them roadhouse royalty. Long live the Kings! FYI • Currently playing more than 50 dates a year across the state, it’s not hard to get to see and hear Jeff and the Dancehall Kings but, for those that need a downtime refresher, the band has produced four wonderful CDs. All are available for purchase on their web site. For more information, including performance dates and locations, visit the web site at jeffwoolseymusic.com.

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Novel shopping experience at Comfort’s Elephant Story

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t’s no secret that folks who live in small towns are caring people. When help is needed, it’s not a question of “why” or, “so what,” but simply, “what can we do?” It’s just a country kind of thing and, that’s pretty darn neat. In the little German community of Comfort, Texas, international oilman and area rancher Ed Story provides a great example of displaying this bucolic big-heartedness. While supporting lots of additional close-to-home causes (physically and financially), his hugest efforts for the past four decades have surprisingly focused on Asian Elephants – say what? Yep, sounds crazy but, for this dedicated do-gooder who lives part of each year in Southeast Asia, saving these massive mammals and their Mahouts (handlers) from mistreatment has become his primary mission. And, to accomplish the same, he’s established a remarkable retail outlet where all of the proceeds generated go to this end. Named Elephant Story and located in two perfectly restored historic buildings on the town’s elegant High Street, this eclectic emporium founded in 2012 offers an immense selection of Far Eastern fun and fancies that all mirror Ed’s unrepentant passion for pachyderms. It’s a colossal calling but, as Ed attests, “Someone’s got to do it.” So, just how does an elephant-centered enterprise come into existence and, end up in Comfort of all places? The answer to the latter is easy. Ed, a native Texan himself, was looking for a ranch/residence 40 years ago when he stumbled onto some wonderful property near the little burg. Smitten, he snatched it up and has been calling the Comfort area home ever since. The “elephant” story (pun intended) developed some years earlier through

Elephant Story founder Ed Story. Photo by Ernie Altgelt. Ed’s commercial involvement with Southeast Asia. As a petroleum professional who began working in that part of the world beginning in the late 1960s, he admittedly “fell in love with the culture of Thailand” and, as he smilingly adds, “Especially playing elephant polo too.” Believe it or not, since the early 20th Century, people have been mounting Asian elephants then, armed with eightfoot polo sticks, have tried to coax a 31/4” ball into a goal. As Ed attests, “It’s a weighty game that’s super fun for all involved including the very intelligent beasts – two- and four-legged.” Because of those competitive experiences, Ed became aware of the Asian elephant’s current plight and vowed to “make a difference.” Sadly, Asian elephants that once were considered the “work horses” of the region have become obsolete. And, their fate as a species, due to a lack of need, is in peril. Many now suffer neglect and/or abuse. But, there are well-run preserves in Thailand and other neighboring countries where the noble aniSee ELEPHANT STORY, page 7

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Since opening, more than $200,000 from Elephant Story has gone to relocation of elephants (and those who care for them) to sanctuaries. Photo courtesy Elephant Story.

ELEPHANT STORY, from page 6

Whether one likes elephants or not (and, who wouldn’t?), a visit to Elephant Story is mandatory as, once inside, the offerings are amazing. Photo courtesy Elephant Story. mals and their lifelong handlers can find refuge and, financially supporting those is what Ed’s Elephant Story, through the sales of its many indigenous Southeast Asia products, does so admirably. Whether one likes elephants or not (and, who wouldn’t?), a visit to Elephant Story is mandatory because, once inside, the offerings are amazing.

Ed, when in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia, seeks out village craftsmen and women who work with textiles, in woods and, with other materials to fabricate exquisite items, often expertly and delicately rendered featuring tribal and/or cultural (often elephant-centric) themes then, purchase the same for sale at his Comfort shop.

Tomato Round Up June 24 DRIPPING SPRINGS H Come whet your appetites as local tomato growers show off their prized produce, and local tomato aficionados get a chance to taste everything from Romas to Red Slicers at the sixth annual Dripping Springs Tomato Round-Up and Contest Saturday, June 24. The tomato-centric event will be held at Veterans Memorial Park (the Triangle), located at the corner of Ranch Road 12 and Highway 290 in downtown Dripping Springs. The tomato tasting and competitions will include garden fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes, from the smallest cherries to the largest, juiciest slicers to the tastiest heirlooms. First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in five categories: cherry, yellow, heirloom, red slicers and Romas. Round-Up attendees can learn from Hays County Master Gardeners about growing the perfect tomato, listen to Hill Country-inspired music, and bite into some new favorite tomato varieties to taste or grow. Find multiple varieties by the pound in the Tomato Store; local vendors will offer tomato-themed food and drink. Two separate competitions will take place. In the People’s Choice contest, members of the public sample tomato varieties and vote for their favorites. In the Judged Competition, a panel of professional chefs, city officials and distinguished gardeners and tasters pick the winners. Categories include prettiest, most unusual, biggest, tastiest and best heirloom. The grower whose tomato garners the title of Best in Show will be honored with the Harley Clark Award, named in memory of Dripping Springs’ beloved organic farmer and tomato-growing wizard. FYI • Parking is free. The Round-Up begins at 9 am (8 am for those submitting tomatoes for the contests) with prize winners announced at noon. The Tomato Round-Up is sponsored annually by the City of Dripping Springs and organized by its Farmers Market Committee. Generous business and individual sponsorships, which are currently being sought, help make the event possible. For more information on entering the contest, or attending or supporting the Tomato Round-Up, visit the web site at www.cityofdrippingsprings.com and click on “Tomato Round-Up” under the “events” tab, find Tomato Round-Up on Facebook or call 512-858-4725.

The resulting inventory is a delightful handmade hodgepodge of colorful clothing, jewelry, stationary, house wares, antiques, art and more, all reflecting visual traditions from half a world away. Because of the altruistic formula, everyone wins including the shoppers who now have access to the rare and extraordinary, those that make the items and then are fairly compensated for their talents and labor and ultimately, the elephants themselves through the substantial monies raised to provide sanctuary. Since opening, more than $200,000 has gone to the relocation of these magnificent creatures and those that lovingly

care for them onto various, welcoming sanctuaries. Additional monies are generated annually through the sponsorship of Elephant polo matches in Thailand. Ed, still personally participating in the action, fields a team each year. Do you want to feel good about your future purchases knowing you’re really doing some good? Then, schedule a trip to Comfort and stop in at Elephant Story. As Ed promises, “You will be enormously impressed.” FYI • Elephant Story is located at 723 and 725 High Street in Comfort. For more information, visit the web site at the-elephant-story.com or call 830-995-3133.

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Corner of Ranch Road 12 @ Highway 290 West HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 7

Unique summer fun in Bandera June 24

he 20th Annual Bandera Riverfest – the “ultimate riverside picnic” — is almost here and the beautiful Medina River is running strong. Riverfest offers all kinds of fun — from water games, music, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, even hula hoops, to a car show, arts and crafts, and the Bandera Idol competition. T The International Bar B Que Cookers Association Cook-off has grown so much that this year’s fest is offering a guaranteed $10,000 pay out.

Entries are being accepted for the “Anything That Floats Regatta,” so it’s time to get busy preparing your ride for this most unlikely of river parades! There is no fee to enter, and no rules other than your entry must float. So, decorate up your best row boat, kayak, inner tube, raft, tractor tire tube. Use your imagination... if it floats, it can be in the parade. Trolling motors (for those not wanting to paddle the river) are allowed. Trophies include best nonprofit, best business, and best individual or family entries.

More of a beach lover? The Bandera Coastline – graciously donated by Bandera Rock and Road — is a perfect place to unwind with fun, sun and sand! And the kids will have a great time on a giant slip and slide. At Riverfest there is something for everyone. In addition to kids’ games, arts and crafts, food and drink, and an Open Car Show, you can enjoy live mu-

sic on two stages. Sit in the shade... enjoy a beer, margarita or lemonade, bring the kids and enjoy a great day on the Medina River. FYI • Gates open at 10 am. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for Seniors 55 and older. Kids ages 12 and under and active Military with I.D. get in free. All riverside games and water activities are absolutely free. For more information, visit the web site at www.BanderaRiverFest. com or call 210-215-1995.

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A foodies’ delight: 4th Annual Food Truck Fest

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

ead to legendary Luckenbach’s Fourth Annual Hill Country Food Truck Festival for delicious food, Texas wine, ice cold beer and great Americana music Saturday, June 24. Food truck vendors include Cheesy Jane’s (burgers), Cousin’s Main Lobster, Backwoods BBQ, Slider Provider (slider burgers), Hippie Momma’s (comfort food), Stouts Pizza, Top Notch Diner (comfort food), Teka Molino (Mexican), Get Fried Café (gourmet fries), Wheelie Gourmet (Mediterranean), Hitchin’ Post Steakhouse, SaWeet Cupcakes, Tikiz Shaved Ice and JustTeaBar. Vendors will serve lunch and dinner from noon to 8 pm (or until they sell out). A “Weingarten” featuring Becker Vineyards, Bending Branch Winery, 4.0 Cellars, Wedding Oak Winery, Lost Draw Cellars, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Henly Vineyards, Kissing Tree Vineyards, Hye Meadow Winery and Flanigan’s Texas Distillery & Winery. Wine by the glass and by the bottle will be available through 8 pm, and you’ll find Texas craft (and other) beers at the Luckenbach Texas bar. Bring your lawn chairs to claim a perfect shady spot in the music stage area and kick back for some live Texas music on the outdoor stage under the oaks. The Dirty River Boys from El Paso headline, plus hear Zac Wilkerson, Jeff Plankenhorn, Sweet Shine & Honey (Rachel Laven), Audry Oliver,

830-966-2320 • friolodging.com Food, libations and music await guests to the 4th Annual Food Truck Festival June 24 in Luckenbach. Photos courtesy Fredericksburg CVB.

Clayton Gardner, L&M Kings and Julia Hatfield. FYI • Grounds admission tickets are $15 per adult; children 12 and under are free. Rain or shine. Tickets are on sale now on the web site at www.luckenbachtexas.com. or available at the gate starting at 11 am on festival day. Parking is free. The event is family friendly and dogs on leashes welcome. Proceeds benefit Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts (TCWCA), an approximately 15,000 square foot educational facility to be built in Fredericksburg. For more information, visit the web site at www.visitfredericksburgtx.com.

July Jubilee celebration, rodeo LEAKEY H A rodeo June 30 and July 1 features bareback riding, calf roping, bull riding, saddle bronc, breakaway, team roping, ladies’ barrel racing and steer wrestling. The Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce presents July Jubilee Saturday, July 4. A 10 am hometown patriotic parade kicks off the day, followed by arts, crafts and food vendors on the downtown square. FYI • For more information, call 830-232-522, email friochamber@hctc.net or visit the web site at www.FrioCanyonChamber.com.

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Adult soapbox derby racing fun MARBLE FALLS H The historic downtown district of Marble Falls will be filled with racing, live music, vendors and excitement at the 8th Annual Soapbox Classic June 16-18. Not to be confused with the youth soapbox derby racing than began in the 1930s, this is an adult amateur racing event. Individuals, families, social groups and businesses race cars they have built themselves. Racing rules and guidelines are available on the event website. Spectators can enjoy the races at the Grand Bank Grandstands: shade covered bleachers on the 3rd Street race track. Lawn chairs and small shade tents are also welcomed on the 3rd Street track. A Saturday night street dance will feature Tom Ben Lindley at 9:30 pm. The Marble Falls Soapbox Classic is produced by the National Adult Soapbox Derby Association; a Marble Falls sports association. Sponsorship, volunteer and racing information is available on the event website. FYI • Parking is available in the parking lot at 2nd Street and Avenue J (please enter from 2nd Street.) For more information, visit the web site at www.AdultSoapboxDerby.com. Photo courtesy Marble Falls Soapbox Classic.

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

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830-232-6300 • friosdryfifty.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 9

Hill country calendar

~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

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PAGE 10 JUNE 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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 TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: Enjoy Glass Blowing Demonstrations at Wimberley Glassworks. Details at wgw.com, 512213-2110. 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. 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 512-460-9919. 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 Meeting. 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 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

Hill country calendar 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 fine art galleries, many offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended hours the first Friday of every month. 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. Corner of Farm Market 3237 and Flite Acres Road. www.CorralTheatre.com (or find on Facebook for updates and more information). 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.

EVERY SATURDAY 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. 830-8335428 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, 858-7225474 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, 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. 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. JUNE 1-11 KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival. Texas Hill Country–based international songwriters festival features more than

100 songwriters and their bands. Quiet Valley Ranch. kerrvillefolkfestival.org. JUNE 1-25 KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show. National competition of some of the best gourd artists in America. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. kacckerrville. com. JUNE 2 - JULY 2 WIMBERLEY: “West Side Story.” EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. www. emilyann.org. JUNE 2 -3 TAYLOR: Taylor International BBQ CookOff. taylorchamber.org.

JUNE 3 BANDERA: Market Days. Arts and crafts vendors offer their wares on the Bandera County Courthouse lawn. banderatexasbusiness.com. BOERNE: Family Fish. No one needs a fishing license or stamp endorsement on Free Fishing Day first Saturday in June. Boerne City Lake Park, 1 City Lake Road. visitboerne.org. DRIPPING SPRINGS: RED Arena Round Up. Free family fun, with no charge to park or enter. Cheer on riders of all abilities in 7th annual horse show. Kids’ entertainment. BBQ, snow cones, raffles

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Send calendar events to

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2017 PAGE 11

Hill country calendar

published by the

Hill Country SUN Your Complimentary Guide to Wimberley from the Hill Country SUN

Spring/Summer 2017

PRSRT STD AUTOCR U.S. POSTAGE PAID WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 PERMIT NO. 21 POSTAL PATRON

Bring out the best!

and silent auction. Dripping Springs Ranch Park. More info at REDarena.org. KERRVILLE: Hill Country Swap Meet. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, kerrmarketdays.org. JUNE 3 SAN MARCOS: Wimberley Glassworks 25th Anniversary Fest. An electric evening of glassblowing, live music and celebration, with music from Marcia Ball and her band, Middleton Brewery craft beers, wine tasting. Free concert at 5 pm, wine tasting by Patio Dolcetto into the evening. RSVP at Eventbrite or WGW. com. 512-393-3316. STONEWALL: LBJ Fishing Day. Annual fishing clinic for children and families on the Pedernales. Equipment provided or bring your own. tpwd.state.tx.us UVALDE: Fishing Derby. Open to kids ages 3-16 (one adult per two kids in attendance). Uvalde National Fish Hatchery. fws.gov. JUNE 3, 24 BOERNE: Hot Rod Night. Soda Pops, 103 North Main Street. visitboerne.org. JUNE 9 INGRAM : Troubadour Nights Presents Shake Russell, Michael Hearne, and Bill Hearne Trio. Doors at 7 pm. 3044 Junction Highway. www.bluesagehall.com. JUNE 9-10 BURNET: Burnet County Fair. burnetcountyfair.com JUNE 10 KERRVILLE: National Get Outdoors

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Day. Experience healthy, active outdoor fun at Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. www.kerrvilletx.gov. WIMBERLEY: Book Festival. Authors from around Texas will present their books for sale. Community Center. wimberley.deartexas.info. JUNE 10-11 BOERNE: Market Days. 100 Main Street. visitboerne.org. KERRVILLE: Hill Country Gun Show. 70 vendors at Hill Country Veterans Center. Proceeds to help local Veteran projects and assistance. Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. 411 Meadowview Lane. 830-315-3101. JUNE 11 BANDERA: Second Sunday Music Fest. frontiertimesmuseum.org. WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents Dale Watson. Doors open 7 pm. Tickets $25 adults, $5 for kids (at the door only.) Pizza, tamales, pie, coffee and soft drinks available. Proceeds benefit The Barnabas Connection, Operation Good Shepherd, and WUMC Mother’s Day Out. www.wimberleyumc.org. JUNE 16-17 STONEWALL: 56th Annual Stonewall Peach Jamboree. Rodeo and dance with Two Tons of Steel Friday and Mark Chestnutt Saturday. StonewallTexas.com. JUNE 16-18 MARBLE FALLS: 8th Annual Adult Soapbox Derby. Free admission, parade, vendors, more plus racing Friday night, street dance Saturday night and finals Sunday. AdultSoapboxDerby.com. JUNE 16 - JULY 1 INGRAM: Hill Country Arts Foundation Presents “Doublewide, Texas,” a JonesHope-Wooten comedy. hcaf.com. JUNE 17 BURNET: Summer Concert Series Presents Roger Creager in Concert. 301 Garden Trails Drive. cityofburnet.com. KERRVILLE: Kerrville Skateboard Competition. Entrants will have three minutes to perform their best skating skills. Helmets required. 10 am to 3 pm at Singing Wind Park. 830-257-7300, www. kerrvilletx.gov. UVALDE: Senior Citizens and Veterans’ Fishing Derby at Uvalde National Fish Hatchery. fws.gov. JUNE 17-18 NEW BRAUNFELS: Liberty Gun Show. New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, libertygunshow.com. JUNE 22 BOERNE: A Thirst for Nature. Evening of cocktails and programs at Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. visitboerne. org. JUNE 23-24 BURNET: Barbecue Cook-Off and Bulldog Thunder Truck and Tractor Pull. Burnet Fairgrounds. More information at burnetchamber.org. GEORGETOWN: Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo. Mutton bustin’ for the kids, live music and dancing after the rodeo each night, plus vendors, displays, and concessions on site. georgetownrodeo.com.

JUNE 23-24 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. City Park, U.S. Highway 290 at Avenue G. lbjcountry.com. JUNE 24 BANDERA: Riverfest (See story, page 8). Plenty of river activities, arts and crafts, children’s activities, music, and more along the banks of the Medina River. Car show and parts swap meet, barbecue contest or the “Bandera Idol” competition. Bandera City Park. banderariverfest.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Tomato RoundUp. Dripping Springs Farmers Market hosts a homegrown tomato contest, plus tomato tasting, judging, store, cuisine, gardening and live music. Entry registration 8 am to 9 am, awards at noon. Veterans Memorial Park www.cityofdrippingsprings.com. KERRVILLE: Jason Roberts Band. Grammy Award-winning, fiddle player brings his signature style to Cailloux Theater. 910 Main Street. 830-896-9393, www.caillouxtheater.com. LUCKENBACH: 4th Annual Hill Country Food Truck Festival (See story, page 9). Food lovers’ paradise of food trucks, wine, beer, and live music in legendary Luckenbach. 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. luckenbachtexas.com. JUNE 29 - JULY 23 KERRVILLE: Hometown Crafts Teachers Show. A tribute to Hill Country educators at Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. kacckerrville.com. KERRVILLE: Texas Angora Goat Raisers’ Association 98th Annual Show, Sale and Fiber Show. Registered white and colored Angora Goats will be for show and sale, plus vendors offering all types of natural fibers. Show Friday at 9 am, sale Saturday at 1 pm. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Highway 27. 830-6881391. JUNE 30 - JULY 2 LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Independence Day celebration featureing a small-town parade, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and a cowboy rodeo in historic downtown. Frio Canyon Chamber Arena and Downtown Leakey, 146 U.S. Highway 83. friocanyonchamber.com. WIMBERLEY: 72nd Annual VFW Rodeo. Traditional rodeo events include calf scrambles, bull riding, tie-down calf roping, bare back riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, mini bull riding, women’s breakaway roping, and women’s barrel racing. Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 6441, 401 Jacobs Well Road. wimberleyvfwrodeo.com. JUNE 30 - JULY 15 KERRVILLE: “Carousel.” Musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. caillouxtheater.com. JULY 1 BANDERA: Market Days. Arts and crafts vendors on the Bandera County Courthouse lawn. 500 Main Street. banderatexasbusiness.com. BOERNE: Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines. Cave Without A Name, Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road. cavewithoutaname.com.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR JULY 1 COMFORT: Celebration of American Independence. Enjoy a parade downtown at 10 am, a barbecue, family activities and vendors in Comfort Park until 4 pm. comfort-texas.com. KERRVILLE: Annual Open Car Show. Trophies for all categories, plus food trucks and vendors at family-friendly event to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main Street. dietertcenter.org. WIMBERLEY: Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival. 1 pm to 7 pm at the Community Center. Admission $10, kids 12 and under get in free. Benefits Camp Good Sam Wimberley. 512-847-9956. 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. JULY 1-2 FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Reenactment. Equipment and weapons used during WWII plus a battle reenactment set on an island in the Pacific. National Museum of the Pacific War Pacific Combat Zone. pacificwarmuseum.org. NEW BRAUNFELS: Ryan Bingham in Concert. With Steve Earle and Jamestown Revival. Advance tickets recommended. Whitewater Amphitheater. whitewaterrocks.com. JULY 1-2, 15-16 FREDERICKSBURG: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Fun for the whole family featuring a full slate of live quarter horse and thoroughbred races. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. gillespiefair.com. JULY 1, 4 LLANO: Rock ‘N Riverfest. Enjoy jet ski racing on the Llano River July 1, and fireworks over the Llano River on July 4. Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive. llanochamber.org. OZONA: Fourth of July Celebrations. Small-town event kicks off with a G.I. Joe Stars and Stripes Fun Run Saturday. Tuesday’s activities include food booths, games and entertainment, parade and fireworks. Ozona’s Historic Town Square, intersection of Ozona Business Loop 466 and Texas 163. ozona.com/ eventscalendar. JULY 3 BOERNE: Abendkonzerte. The Boerne 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 3-9 LAMPASAS: Spring Ho Festival. Since 1972, this week-long fest includes a beauty pageant, kiddie fishing derby, county fair, special exhibits at the Keystone Square Museum and Lampasas County Museum, carnival, dance contest, arts and crafts fair, pet parade, a barbecue cook-off,

two dances on the Square, the famous kayak races, a huge parade, washer and horseshoe pitching contests, music and singing. Various locations. springho.com. JULY 4 AUSTIN: Fourth of July Fireworks and Symphony. The Austin Symphony hosts annual, family-friendly concert of patriotic music culminating in spectacular firework display over Lady Bird Lake. Auditorium Shores, roadwayevents.com. BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Grand Old Opry-style entertainment hosted by Gerry and Harriet Payne. Silver Sage Community Center. silversagecorral.org. BANDERA: Pet Parade. Enter anything you can lead, ride or carry. If you don’t have a pet, get creative: wear makeup or dress like your ideal pet. Bandera City Park. banderacowboycapital.com. BOERNE: Fourth of July Fireworks. Sponsored by the Boerne Fire Department at Boerne City Park. Bring chairs and picnics. 106 City Park Road. visitboerne. org. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fourth of July Fire in the Sky. Celebrate Independence Day with a professional fireworks show at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. destinationdrippingsprings.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Celebrations. Community parade down Main Street followed by a patriotic program at Marktplatz, chili cook-off at Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, live music in Luckenbach, and a concert and fireworks at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg. visitfredericksburgtx.com. JOHNSON CITY: FourthFest. Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, food vendors, crafts, music and 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. If you can see the water tower, you’ll have a great view of the 20-minute fireworks show. Parking on paved parking lots around the intersection of Kohler’s and Kyle Parkway are safest locations. Plum Creek Golf Course, 4301 Benner Road. 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, 199 State Park Road 52. tpwd.state. tx.us.

JULY 4 TAYLOR: Fireworks. Free display of booming fireworks at Murphy Park, 1600 Veteran’s Drive. taylormadetexas.com. WIMBERLEY: Annual Independence Day Parade. Features more than 80 entries, including bands, horses, and floats. Parade begins on Farm Market 2325 to Ranch Road 12 and through the Wimberley Square. wimberley.org. JULY 6 AUSTIN: “The Wizard of Oz.” Enjoy the 59th annual Zilker summer musical. 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. 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. You can vote on the coolest. Reception at 4:30 pm, as Franko the Ice Man carves an ice sculpture. Lots of cool edibles and libations, too. Show continues through the weekend. wimberleyartleague.org. JULY 7-9 NEW BRAUNFELS: Ink Masters Tattoo

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Hill country calendar

Catch Dale Watson at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse in Wimberley June 15. Photo courtesy Dale Watson. Expo. More than 200 tattoo artists at New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center, 375 South Castell. inkmasterstattooexpo.com. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Valley Art League 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 — longest continuously playing German band in the world outside of Germany — performs at Main Plaza. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. visitboerne.org. JULY 8 BOERNE: Moondance Concert Series. Enjoy live music under the oaks and evening stars. dancing and fun. Cibolo Nature Center. 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. Artists, crafters,

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and vendors share their creative talents and wares to the sounds of homegrown Texas musicians. Main Plaza. visitboerne. org. JULY 9 BANDERA: Second Sunday Music Fest. Frontier Times Museum and Bandera Music Hall of Fame present afternoon of music, food, and fun. frontiertimesmuseum.org. 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 NGRAM: Hill Country Arts Foundation Presents “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” In a magical underwater kingdom, young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave ocean home behind and live in world above. hcaf.com. JULY 15 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. GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods in the charming Gruene Historic District. gruenemarketdays.com. 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. Astronomyfilled 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. 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. JOHNSON CITY: Art Walk. Galleries and shops are open for viewing and wine tasting from 4 pm to 8 pm. Nugent Avenue. lbjcountry.com. 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. JULY 27 - AUGUST 20 KERRVILLE: “Images.” Annual juried member’s show at Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. 228 Earl Garrett Street. kacckerrville.com. JULY 28-30 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. LAMPASAS: Trade Days. Meet the artists and craftsmen who create one-of-a-kind items, with goods including antiques, collectibles, quilts, crafts, folk aer, 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. 830-992-5654. KERRVILLE: The Playhouse 2000 Youth Theater presents “Cinderella.” playhouse2000.com. KERRVILLE: Texas Gun and Knife Show. FInd new and used guns, knives, gold and silver coins, jewelry, camping gear, military supplies and more at Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas Highway 27. texasgunandknifeshows.com.

Hill country calendar

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