Hill Country Sun

March/April 2019

Since 1990

A Texas Wine & Music Festival May 16-18 Over 700 seats in a large, seated listening room, under a tent.

Available on a first come, first served basis.

Hosted by Walt Wilkins featuring

Live Music • Wine • Art

The Texas Wine Country Jellystone Park • www.twcjellystone.com • 830.990.2267 Located on US 290 - West of Stonewall and 8 miles east of Fredericksburg!

more info @ waltstockandbarrel.com • admin@waltstockandbarrel.com

Rio Bella Resort All Rentals Overlook the Frio

on the Frio

Vacation H Wedding H Reunion

Kayaks H Paddleboards H Tubes H Motorcycles Welcome 5 miles to Garner State Park • 13 miles to Golf Club at Concan

(830)232-4781 www.RioBella.com • Open Year Round

25% OFF

one regularly priced item

THROUGH 4/30/19 • WITH THIS AD

River House

Superb ColleCtion

Shop Local!

Blanco River Outfitters at 7A Ranch 333 Wayside Dr, Wimberley • 512-847-2517

Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Bring out the best!

Home • Ladies • Gents • Baby + Gifts 104 Wimberley Square • Wimberley, TX 78676

512-847-7009 /River House Wimberley

Jean’s Antique Mall

35+ Years Experience

We Do What We Promise!

Buy • Sell • Rent Space 11552 Ranch Rd 12

Wimberley, Texas

Get a fresh, new look this spring!

Professional • Dependable • Guaranteed

512-847-3305

cell 713-376-2554

Dedicated Project Managers for a Job Done Right!

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

Call today to Schedule Your Free Estimate!

512-360-7062

BallBrothersPainting.com

JeansAntiqueMallTX.com March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 3

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2019 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

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

Are you tired of pills and cortisone shots?

Stem Cell Therapy may be the solution!

Complimentary Consultation (w/X-rays) (A $269 value) Call or schedule online in January and February at NO CHARGE WITH THIS AD.

BOOK ONLINE TODAY!

thestemcellcenterDS.com • 512-968-4425 800 Highway 290 West, Bldg. F • Dripping Springs, TX

To advertise, call Julie 512-484-9716 or email julie@hillcountrysun.com Hill Country SUN 4 March/April 2019

Volume 29, Number 1 ISSN: 1524-2315.

Entire contents © Copyright 2019 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Ad Sales 512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com

Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 • melissa@hillcountrysun.com

Ernie Altgelt • Suzy Mallard Moehrng Laurel Robertson • CJ Wright Writers

Gerry Burns Distribution COVER The 30th Annual Llano Crawfish Open April 26-27 features live music, great food, a golf tournament and more! See story on page 12. Tracy Lawrence (photo top left, courtesy Tracy Lawrence) and Josh Ward (photo bottom right, courtesy Josh Ward) perform,

Private Rooms for Professionals

facebook.com/hillcountrysun • hillcountrysun.com

2 spaces are open at $125-135/week.

A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER HAPPY SPRING! Spring is in the air! Finally!

I love it when I wake up and hear the birds singing away in the mornings, the magnificent stands of bluebonnet exclusiveto our area, warmer mornings, and the new fawns that are discovering their surroundings. I love that our rivers and lakes are full this spring. All of this and so much more...it just doesn’t get much better! Whether you are visiting or live here....aren’t we so blessed and lucky? I love the new beginning of spring and all it brings to us! Nature is calling for you to get out and explore...and so are all of the wonderful people, places and events in our beautiful Hill Country! Have fun and enjoy!

— Julie

IN THIS ISSUE

Professional atmosphere open for professionals of any kind (i.e. Realtor, Therapist, Seamstress, etc.). Current tenants include Hair Designers and Manicurist.

If you love what you do and want to be a part of this awesome vibe we have going on, call or email

512-847-3377 • michelessalonandboutique.com

GLASS BLOWING See Us Create Art Glass & Lighting WGW.COM

Libelula Free spirited boutique in Wimberley .........................................................................6

ART GLASS & LIGHTING WGW.COM FREE GIFT WITH AD

Hill Country Parks “Save the Day Passes” for State Parks and more .......................................................8

Mercer Street Dance Moves New home for popular Dripping Springs dancehall.................................................10

30th Annual Llano Crawfish Open Live music, crawfish, fun for the whole family in Llano...........................................12

Hill Country Wildlife Spring brings new beginnings in the natural world .................................................14

“South of Hanna” New novel explores life of musician on local jazz scene............................................16

Calendar of Events ................................................................................ 18 March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 5

Libelula

By Colleen Brooks

T

Ashley Knoblauch with the Dust in the Wind candle line.

he Wimberley Square welcomed a new boutique last spring with mother and daughter team Julie and Ashley “Stella” K no bl a uc h .

Libelula — which translates to dragonfly in Spanish — is a tribute to their beloved Dustin, who passed away suddenly in 2009. “My brother was always so full of life,” Ashley recalls.

“He walked in a room and everyone knew he was there. He had tons of friends and was very goofy and funny. He wanted to make everyone laugh and if he didn’t, he’d just try harder until he did.”

Dustin passed away just eight days before his 27th birthday after an automobile accident. The healing process brought his mother, Julie, to Wimberley. “It was a peaceful place to move to,” she recalls. “We searched the hill country, and something brought us here. There are so many beautiful oak trees. It’s full of animals with a variety of deer. Dustin’s patron saint is St. Francis, the saint of animals. I feel my son here.”

The inspiration for her candle line, “Dust in the Wind,” came from a series of events that occurred after Dustin’s passing. The first was a red dragonfly who started visiting her pond. Julie smiles, “Red was Dustin’s favorite color. This dragonfly visited us every day and would let us get close to it, take photos and videos.” Ashley affirms, “We felt Dustin. This dragonfly wasn’t scared of us, no matter how close we tried to get.”

After a few months, the dragonfly suddenly disappeared.

Julie pleaded to see it one last time. The dragonfly reappeared, circled around her, and then was gone. Ashley recalls, “It reappeared in times of significance — like when Dad had his surgery, and it landed on his truck antenna. That was Dustin’s sign to us that he was always going to be with us. So, then it became our symbol.”

As Julie was walking down gallery row in Santa Fe, NM, one evening, she saw a boutique named Dragonfly and, as she turned to the opposite side, a sign that read “Dust in the Wind.” Julie affirms, “Dragonflies symbolize change and are often believed to be visitors.” Her desire to keep her son’s memory alive through the light of a candle and the memories of those who knew him inspired her to create her Dust in the Wind candle line.

Julie was working at a shop next door on the Wimberley Square with her candle line and a small area of boutique clothing when her current storefront became available. She told her husband, “I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but it just feels right.” She called Ashley in San Antonio, and her daughter was ready to take the leap. “Since the dragonfly represents new beginnings, change and free spirit, we decided to name the store Libelula,” Ashley recalls. “The perfect day to open the business was on March 23, the day Dustin was born.”

See LIBELULA, page 7

Hill Country SUN 6 March/April 2019

LIBELULA, from page 6

Ashley and Julie Knoblauch show off their dragonfly collage. Photo by Colleen Brooks.

Inside Libelula, you’ll be greeted with warmth, smiles, and a variety of colorful merchandise that sparks positivity – Bohemian-style clothing for men and women, greeting cards, purses and totes, swimsuits, coverups, decorative pillows and prints, fairtrade merchandise, and a collection of beaded and inspirational jewelry.

Ashley explains, “After my brother passed, we found a tiny piece of paper on his dresser that he had written on that said, ‘Diminish your fear and your weakness shall follow. Overcome your weakness and you shall not know fear.’” They incorporated the message into a beautiful copper bracelet, and it is the motto by which they live.

Their Dust in the Wind candle line offers unique and refreshing scents, different from many of the candles currently on the market. You’ll find the rich scent of “Santa Fe” (made with orange and chili pepper), “Sensual” (an amber and leather scent made with six essential oils), and “Stella” (made with amber, smoky sandalwood, musk, and sweet vanilla). Julie

laughs, “Dustin’s candle is our ‘signature’ candle, and it’s got three scents – ‘Jamaica me crazy,’ vanilla, and whiskey.”

The boutique is also an ideal place to grab a last-minute gift, and the lad are happy to gift package your purchase. Dragonfly lovers will find cute merchandise in this free spirit boutique.

Julie laughs, “We’ve actually had dragonflies fly into the store.”

Libelula has served as a healing place for mother, daughter, and visitors alike. As Julie explains, “We often get dragonfly gifts from visitors. We’re very touched! Some of the people who come in have lost a child or a spouse or a loved one, and we can help them or inspire them. It has turned out to be a healing place for many of us.”

Julie and Ashley reflect on their experience in Wimberley.

“We love what we do here, and Dustin is with us all the time.

Wealth isn’t what we have gotten by opening the store. All the money in the world doesn’t mean anything compared to the richness we have received here — connecting with people, being able to open our hearts, and being touched by their stories. That is the greatest gift of all!”

Julie puts her arm around her daughter and smiles. “We are here to help others who have lost someone, too. We give a whole lot of hugs in this place,” she says. “It’s comforting, not only to them, but to us. We are doing okay. Dustin’s light lives on through us!”

Libelula Free Spirit Boutique is located on the square in Wimberley, open Tuesday through Sunday 10:30 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 512-842-3372 and follow Libelula Free Spirit Boutique and Dust in the Wind on Facebook.

Photos courtesy Libelula.

March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 7

Hill Country Parks a column by Suzy Mallard Moehring

P

ark visitors can now buy a “Save the Day” pass, book specific campsites, cabins. and shelters and buy or renew a Texas State Park Pass online My little six-year-old granddaughter wants to see snow, and not just the kind of snow that makes Austin drivers and school officials freak out, and definitely not the kind of snow that an ice truck hoses into a parking lot or driveway for a Snow Day Play Day. Katie Sue wants to see real snow.

So for Spring Break she’s hauling her folks, my daughter and son-in-law, to New Mexico’s mountains, with stops at McDonald Observatory, Indian Lodge, and Carlsbad Caverns.

“It’s too cold for Balmorhea, right, Mom?” my daughter asked me. I’m probably not the one to answer that question because I’m the one who jumped into Balmorhea Springs with my sister a couple of years ago in late March just as a cold front whipped into the area and brought the temperature into the low 50s. As long as we were in the water, we were fine – it was that run from the water into the bathhouse that about did us in. The good news is that you can warm up with those handy-dandy hand-dryer blowers by the sinks.

Anyway, the McCanns are heading west from Central Texas to parks and sights they haven’t been to since the mom and dad were kids. And planning these kinds of trips just got easier thanks to new online features in the Texas State Parks reservation system. The new options allow visitors to reserve a specific campsite, buy day passes in advance and buy or renew a Texas State Parks Pass online.

“We are excited to introduce these helpful features to park visitors and provide a new way to efficiently schedule a trip, either for the day or overnight, to any Texas State Park,” says Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “These options give park goers the ability to plan their perfect state park vacation, no matter where and when they want travel.”

The system includes online features that are mobile-friendly and easy to use.

Visitors now have the option to purchase day use passes up to one month in advance, guaranteeing access to parks even during busy times like weekends and holidays.

The new “Save the Day” pass helps address the growing issue of visitors not being able to get into a popular state parks due to overcrowding.

Day passes for some of the most popular parks have specific arrival time slots. Visitors to parks such as Balmorhea State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Garner State Park, and Government Canyon State Natural Area can select an arrival time and have peace of mind knowing they can get in the park.

Anyone planning overnight trips at a Texas State Park can now choose a specific site when making reservations up to five months in advance.

Photos and details of campsites, shelters and cabins are available online, so campers can pick their site before arriving at the park. Visitors can search for sites by specific parks and site types, see photos of the site before making their decision and see details for each site including utilities, parking pad length and width, and amount of shade.

Larger families and groups can also select and reserve neighboring sites, so they can enjoy the outdoors together.

Parkgoers can also renew or purchase a Texas State Parks Pass online. With a Texas State Parks Pass, an entire vehicle of guests gets unlimited visits to more than 90 Texas State Parks with no entry fee for 12 months.

If you made your reservation before the upgrades, you’re still all good because all the existing reservations moved into the new system. If you still like the phone call method, call 512-389-8900. Otherwise, reservations and more are at texasstateparks.org/reservations.

I’m still trying to figure out how my daughter got reservations at Indian Lodge a month before spring break. Lucky, I guess. Or flexible. Time to travel to a state park, y’all.

Photo © Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg

Your Hill Country Used Car Superstore

No-Nonsense Used Car Dealer • Tasteful Website Shopping

WE CONSIGN CARS ~ WE SELL CARS It’s no secret that buying a used vehicle can be a daunting experience. We believe that purchasing your next vehicle should be as easy and fun as a trip to your favorite market.

512-288-5000 • toll free 866-933-5002 LOCATED 10 MILES EAST OF DRIPPING SPRINGS

loneoakmotors.com • 10010 Hwy 290 West

“Come see us in our new dancehall & thanks to everyone that helped make it possible!”

Enjoy a great selection of ice cold beer, wine, liquor and soft drinks while listening and dancing to some of the finest music the Texas Hill Country has to offer...

Music schedule subject to change without notice All Shows are 18 and Up

23490 Ranch Road 12, Driftwood, Texas 78619 • (512) 858-4314 (3.5 miles south of Hwy 290) www.MercerStreetDancehall.com March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 9

New home for

Mercer Street

Dancehall

TOP Sunset view from the porch at the new Mercer Street Dancehall. ABOVE The new location includes a 5,000-square-foot

building with a 2,000 square-foot wraparound porch and the original hall’s front doors. Photos courtesy Mercer Street Dancehall.

By Laurel Robertson

M

ercer Street Dancehall’s move from downtown Dripping Springs to a new location just south of town is a story of blood, sweat, and tears, says Nick Dotin owner, contractor, manager, sound engineer, and janitor of the popular honky-tonk.

“The sweat happened when we poured the slab and put up the frame in July and August. The blood came when I nailed my index finger to the wall with a nail gun,” he recalls with chagrin.

The tears, he says, were from his wife and daughter, Gay and Shelby. “At first those were tears of sympathy - but when they saw I was ok, they laughed ‘til they cried about what I’d done.”

After getting off their full-time day jobs, Gay and Shelby work nights right alongside Nick in the family-run business— which even includes Gay’s 94 year-old mother, Sis, who collects entry fees from her perch at the front door.

The Dotins honed their family management act for five years at the dancehall’s original location on Mercer Street. Last spring, confronted with a dramatic rent increase, they decided to accelerate their plans to build a new dancehall on three acres they owned on Ranch Road 12 along Little Onion Creek.

Nick packed up virtually all he had installed in the old location: stage, bar, air conditioning unit, wall signs, tables, chairs even the glass front doors (reading “Mercer Street Dancehall”) and moved everything to the new location. Then he hit the ground running: the old dancehall closed in May; Nick broke ground on the new one in June.

All summer, as general contractor, he poured concrete, Hill Country SUN 10 March/April 2019

framed, roofed and trimmed during the day. Then at night he ran the Little Mercer Dirt Bar out of food trailers at the new site. “It wasn’t up for debate — I had to do it!” he contends.

His goal was to open the new dancehall by Thanksgiving, to keep alive its tradition of offering a free show and buffet on Turkey Day. Though Nick recounts working under lights all one night to finish - the new Mercer Street Dancehall opened its doors last Thanksgiving for the community feast.

The new location includes a 5,000 square-foot building with a 2,000 square-foot wraparound deck. Inside the new structure, an entry room with a bar and fireplace opens onto the main hall with its large stage and wooden dancefloor flanked by tables and seating. The entry bar wraps around to serve the main room, as well, with a large selection of local beers on tap, bottled and imported brews, wine, and mixed drinks.

Bands are thrilled with the larger stage and covered loading bay leading directly to their own Green Room, Nick says.

“Roger Creager brought his portable kitchen and cooked fajitas for everyone in the loading bay — it was great!”

A musician and sound system technician himself, Nick is particularly proud of the hall’s new acoustics. “You gotta have a great sound system to go with great music,” he insists.

The Dripping Springs community has added their own flair to the hall. An old “Alfard Hohman for Sheriff” sign, a neon UT clock sign (vintage 1970s), a longhorn skull from a “crazy longhorn named Nicky”, and even a classic Velvet Elvis painting have made their way into the décor.

See DANCEHALL, page 11

DANCEHALL, from page 10 Nick says he does miss a few things about the old location on Mercer Street. “I liked being able to walk over and visit with my neighbors - Buddy and Wally at DS Rental, John at Acopon Brewery. We’re still just three-and-a-half miles away…” he muses. “But I love sitting out on the new deck, looking at the sun set behind the hills - and knowing it will be here forever,” he says with certainty.

The new Mercer Street Dancehall is located at 23490 Ranch Road 12, 3.5 miles south of Highway 290. Hours are Wednesday 4 pm to 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 4 pm to midnight, Saturday 4 pm to 1 am, Sunday noon to 8 pm. Dance lessons Saturday 7:30 pm are included in ticket price. For information, including upcoming shows, visit www.mercerstreetdancehall.com, or find them on Facebook.

Your one stop wellness shop!

Tired of making trips to see your chiropractor... then your therapist... then off to your massage? We can do all this (plus more) under one roof.

Located in the Arbor Center

800 Highway 290 W Bldg F • Dripping Springs Dr. Chae Tracy • Dr. Monya Tracy • Dr. Samuel Calloway

Dripping Springs/Wimberley area

SERVICES OFFERED Specific Family Chiropractic Massage • Custom Nutrition • Sports Massage • Progressive Rehab Manual Stretching SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

512-858-WELL • www.ffchiro.com

Jams, Jellies, Dips, Gourmet Foods, Gifts & Warm Friendly Smiles Sample our Texas Pride Jalapeno Mustard Peach Salsa Peach Amaretto & Pecan Jam Jalapeno Jelly Convenient to Austin, Fredericksburg & Dripping Springs Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Hwy. 290, 7 miles west of Dripping Springs

newcanaanfarms.com

800-727-5267 March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 11

Llano’s Annual

By Ernie Altgelt

S

Crawfish Open

ince 1989, come every late April, the lovingly laid-back Llano suddenly heats up and simmers as thousands of snapping, strutting, steaming, spicy and, most importantly, super savory crawfish deliciously descend on this usually somewhat sedate Hill Country community, always causing quite an annual stir. And thankfully, in response to this colossal crustacean migration, hordes of hungry humankind also follow in its wading wake eager to snap up a ‘dad or two or 10. Yep, when taken together – man and mudpuppy, all seasoned with a lot of merriment – what it simply boils down to is that it’s time again for the oh-so appetizing Llano Crawfish Open where a blast is measured by the bucketful. Heads and/or tails, it’s a hoot!

When first celebrated, the “open” initially grew from the charitable need of a motorized wheelchair for a local individual. Area residents wanted to hold a fund raiser but weren’t sure what to do. Enter the “Beaumont Connection.”

Each year a group of visiting deer hunters from East Texas made Llano their base camp.

When they heard that the town’s citizenry was looking for something “fun and different” to generate donations, these guys had just the thing – a traditional Cajun crawfish boil! Add to the mix a golf tourney (to attract those who weren’t quite sure about the little snappers) and an event was born. Folks came, consumed and contributed.

All agreed it was a lot of fun but, more importantly, the imported crawfish ultimately netted the $400.00 needed for the purchase of the wheelchair.

Realizing that there were so many other deserving charities, city leaders soon decided to make the Llano Crawfish Open an annual happening and, over the next 29 years, that’s exactly what they did, again and again and again!

The 2019 open marks the 30th annual iteration.

Through the decades, the number of participants – human and crawfish – along with the expanded activities, have grown exponentially. Attendees are expected to number in the thousands and, to accommodate, 18,000 pounds of crawdads have offered their services as well.

The Beaumont Connection will be on hand to oversee the cuisine while local volunteers will run everything else including the two-day golf tournament to be held at the challenging Llano River Golf Club, various (and exciting) live auctions, multiple kid’s activities, an arts and crafts shopping fair, team roping competitions, a five-K race, a motorcycle run and, of course, the not-to-be-missed, top-shelf entertainment-fueled day concerts and nightly dances.

This year’s performers include the always popular Tracy Lawrence, Josh Ward, Weldon Henson and the Mayeaux Broussard band. With the majority of the diversions taking place in the very comfy and commodious City Park facilities, all agree that the Llano Crawfish Open is truly a one-stop

Hill Country SUN 12 March/April 2019

cavalcade of bayou bliss and more. So, grab your bibs, put on your dancing boots and sidle on over to Llano this April. But you better snap to. There’s gonna be a crowd!

For information about the multi-day, multi-activity event, including concert times, directions to the City Park, ticket pricing, to register in the golf tournament, vendor participation, as well as race, motorcycle run and team roping entry requirements visit the website at llanocrawfishopen.com. The Llano Crawfish Open takes place on Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27. All proceeds raised benefit area charities. Photos courtesy Llano Crawfish Open.

Ask About Our Services!

Tree Trimming & Falling Small Scale Landscaping including plant recommendation and design, mulching, rock beds & bed development & revitalization

Property Clean-Up

including clearing trees, bushes, weeds & removal

Dripping Springs Area

Call, Text or Email

512-587-2790

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

LANDSCAPING • TREE WORK

Designer Fabrics at Discount Prices

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

The Moose is Loose!!

Pottery • Drapery Hardware • Toys

Tremendous Savings Off Suggested Retail Every Day!

• Blinds, Shutter and Shades • 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

td@mooseislooselawncare.com

Dripping Springs Alumni

Tracy & Tom Demchuk

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS

512-894-0350 • 800-982-7424 Open Mon-Sat 10-6

cowgirlsandlace.com

In Stock Fabric 25%

The Hill Country’s Most Complete

Wellness Pharmacy

OFF

THANK YOU for supporting one of Dripping Springs’ locally owned businesses!

Serving this area for 35 Years!

Visit one of our Wellness Consultants for a FREE consultation and GET 10% OFF Any Supplement Purchase with this ad (offer good thru April 30, 2019 at our Dripping Springs Pharmacy location only; not valid with other offers and this ad must accompany the purchase)

DRIPPING SPRINGS PHARMACY

100 Commons Rd, #1 Dripping Springs –512-858-7935 • 512-894-0285 March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 13

Hill Country Wildlife a column by CJ Wright

A

Carolina Wren bursts into song in the still cool air on a late January morning and hope begins. Green tips of daffodil leaves push through the soft earth, and whorls of bluebonnet leaves grow. Hope turns to anticipation. With the return of Purple Martin scouts, spring can’t be far behind.

Soon wild plum, cherry and redbud blooms color the landscape and wintering birds prepare to leave for their breeding grounds. Golden-cheeked Warblers return to Central Texas in March, the start of spring for many a birder. The only bird species to breed solely in Texas, these bright-faced warblers received protection—primarily due to habitat loss—under the Endangered Species Act in 1990. Despite this listing, they lost one third of their habitat and their population declined 25 percent in less than 30 years. But hope for a day when these tiny birds might one day make a sustainable rebound came on February 6, 2019, when a federal judge rejected developers’ lawsuit to remove the warbler from the endangered species list, upholding its protected status.

As temperatures heat up, so does action, and soon that kernel of hope in January blossoms. Where one day bare tree limbs wave in warming breezes, green foliage appears seemingly overnight. Monarch butterflies leave Mexico, arriving in southern Texas in March, depositing eggs to launch the first generation of 2019. After years of drastic declines, monarch population rebounded last year according to a recent census of their wintering population.

On this 2018-19 count, monarchs covered nearly 15 acres of pine and fir trees in central Mexico (Clustering monarchs are so dense on trees that they can’t be counted individually.), numbers researchers say they haven’t seen in over a decade. Amazing. Millions of monarchs from throughout the eastern U.S. and southeast Canada funnel down to occupy a few acres of treed mountain land each winter.

Researchers credit last year’s ideal weather for growing monarchs as the main cause of the upsurge in numbers. Because last spring was unusually cool for Texas, monarchs remained stationary, hatching eggs and increasing the first generation’s numbers.

Throughout the growing season, conditions remained favorable for continued growth.

Spring brings the return of other insects that enjoy long-distance flying, including the migratory green darner, a large and common dragonfly. Between January and May the first generation of green darners flies north from southern parts of the continent to points north as far as the northern U.S. tier, where they lay eggs then die.

These eggs will either turn into adults or remain as nymphs until the next year. Come fall, the adults migrate south where they produce a non-migratory generation whose eggs will hatch to become the next spring’s migratory generation.

Other high flyers, Mexican (also known as Brazilian) freetailed bats start to return in early spring to Central Texas from

Hill Country SUN 14 March/April 2019

their winter homes in Mexican caves. Females form large maternity colonies where they each birth a single pup come June.

Males form smaller bachelor colonies and bow out of pup rearing.

Mexican free-tails form the largest mammal congregations in the world. Their largest colony, numbering nearly twenty million, streams out from Bracken Cave near San Antonio to consume 250 tons of insects each evening, sometimes flying at speeds of 60 mph, traversing as much as 100 miles round trip and climbing to heights of 10,000 feet, all in search of food. Not only are these flying mammals beneficial, they are intelligent. In fact, they are our distant relatives! For, like us, they have upper and lower arm bones, with four fingers and a thumb, indicating they and we share a common ancestor.

Although we do not have the ability to think and feel like another species, thanks to the experiments of Donald Griffin, an American ethnologist, we can better understand echolocation in bats. And it’s remarkable. First, Griffin found that echolocation is more than a bat’s warning of an eminent collision.

It is an amazing tool. Griffin, who championed animal cognition, found that bats use information from sound bouncing off objects to not only calculate its distance from the object, but also the object’s movement and speed. The bat then corrects its own flight path while at the same time discriminating its own vocalization from that of other bats nearby—all in a matter of seconds. Not only that, but when some insects’ hearing evolved to help them avoid bats’ detection, some bats countered with vocalizations below the hearing level of their prey.

Resident birds are feeding young, and bluebonnets begin to carpet road and hillsides. By early to mid April, bird migraSee WILDLIFE, page 17

WILDLIFE, from page 14

gration is in full swing. Unfortunately for our feathered friends, it’s also a time of year when our climate is in transition, when cooler air meeting warmer air causes unstable conditions, resulting in thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Storm systems frequently force birds to land in large numbers along the Gulf coast. Already exhausted from hours of flying, the birds literally fall onto beaches—a phenomenon referred to as fallout.

Fortunately birds have a means to avoid spring storms and it has to do with infrasound. Infrasonic sound sometimes results naturally from severe weather when storms produce pervasive infrasound vibrations around 0.2 Hz., too low for people to detect but not some birds. Case in point: back in April 2014, researchers were tracking a group of Golden-winged Warblers in Tennessee. As a storm loomed, the warblers suddenly disappeared. Using geolocators, the scientists discovered the warblers had gone to Florida; in fact, one landed in Cuba. A few days later they returned to Tennessee, none the worse for their 900-mile round trip.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and from the wildlife that surrounds us we find that hope is not just a thing with feathers.

Translate your vision into a beautiful, functional landscape

Full Landscape Design & Installation Flagstone Patios & Walkways • Outdoor Kitchens Xeriscapes • Landscape Lighting • Arbors & Pergolas

512-923-0210 • www.BlazekLandscapes.com

HEATHER H. BOBB

DDS

512.858.7200

heatherbobb.com

Thanks to all who have made this a great 10 years...looking forward to the next 10!

Changing Smiles, Changing Lives 331 Sportsplex Drive, Suite B | Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

9/15/18 to 11/15/18

333 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. #405 • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

(512) 829-4782 • drippingsprings.wbu.com

March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 15

South of Hannah

A Book Review

By Ernie Altgelt

F

or those of us with a passion for the pulsing Texas jazz scene that snaps and crackles up and down I-35 between Austin and San Antonio, the new novel, “South of Hannah,” should be considered a must read. Exquisitely researched and written by an accomplished area musician, the book offers intimate glimpses into the lifestyles of various (fictional) devotees of this truly American genre while focusing primarily on one practitioner’s personal struggles, on and off stage. Readers will find the entire composition compelling.

“South of Hannah” is the creation of Boerne resident David Norman, a teacher, author and jazz pianist. A native of San Antonio, David attended Texas State University in San Marcos where he received an MFA in Creative Writing and has taught college-level courses in writing for the past 10 years while still finding the time (and energy) to pen a number of lauded short stories that have appeared in numerous literary publications.

And of course, there are his regular gigs as a semi-professional jazz keyboardist. “South of Hannah,” his most recent and perhaps, most individualistic, creative undertaking accurately reflects all of David’s considerable abilities as a gifted

David Norman.

Photo by Ernie Altgelt.

Author and jazz keyboardist David Norman LEFT with his band.

Photo courtesy David Norman.

communicator – whether through word or sound.

His reasons for writing the book were many — personal experiences, industry knowledge, geographical awareness and other background familiarities all contributed.

But, as David states, “At some point, imagination takes over” and, that’s just what happened here. ‘South of Hannah’ started out as a short a story but when it was finished, David admits that the protagonist’s voice, “just wouldn’t go away.”

A longer tale was needed and, after four years of additional, intense writing followed by careful revision, the novel eventually “found itself.” And the exceptional result after so much individual effort was extremely well received. The book garnered an Impress Prize for New Writers Commendation in 2016.

A brief synopsis of the story: it emotionally revolves around a very troubled, though talented jazz pianist and part-time academic (Cole Howland), the painful loss of his long-term girl friend, the struggle to maintain mentoring contact with the girl friend’s young pianist daughter (a recognized child prodigy) and assorted other, essential characters (good and bad) that constantly interact, musically, romantically and violently.

Throughout it all, Cole finds himself fighting a number of demons – some self-inflicted – as he attempts to bring order to all aspects of his seemingly shattered life. The book’s final pages provide a perfect summation for this passionate account ensuring that readers will not be disappointed. As a side note, David does a wonderful job creating a supporting cast that, as you become engrossed, you’ll never be sure if they’re actual people or not. He’s very convincing in this regard.

In closing, to any and all who live, work and play in the communities that coalesce on and around the booming I-35 corridor, this book will be very relatable. If the reader is a jazz aficionado, there’s even more to love. But, really, this is one telling that everyone will definitely enjoy.

“South of Hannah” (291 pages. Published by Impress Books, LTD.) is available on Amazon.com. For more information about the book and David, visit www.davidrnorman.com. At this year’s San Antonio Book Fair, David will be reading from “South of Hannah” on Saturday, April 6.

Science Mill’s aquaphonics greenhouse

JOHNSON CITY H The Science Mill, a hands-on, nonprofit science museum in Johnson City, recently celebrated its fourth birthday with the opening of an exciting addition to the museum: a 1,000-square-foot aquaponics greenhouse.

The new experience at the Science Mill allows visitor to walk into a working aquaponics system and see how fish, plants and microbes work together to create healthy food. Guests will discover how tilapia, prawns, koi and snapping turtles provide the food to grow fruit, vegetables and tropical plants in vertical growing tubes, floating rafts and in a giant living wall. The unique ecosystem represents the technology, beauty, practicality and science for sustainable agriculture and healthy eating.

“We’re thrilled to mark our fourth birthday with this exciting addition to the Science Mill,” says Bonnie Baskin, Science Mill founder. “It’s one more way we’re igniting kids’ curiosity, showing the relevance of science in their everyday lives, and inspiring them to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

Housed in an historic 1880s mill, the Science Mill is a family destination with an interactive learning environment for all ages.

With more than 50 interactive exhibits, a 3D theater, special events, and programs, the non-profit science museum expands understanding and appreciation of science in everyday life.

The Science Mill is located at 101 South Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City, and is open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit the website at sciencemill.org for information on hours, special events, birthday parties, field trips and summer camps.

Sample local wineries, breweries & distilleries

DRIPPING SPRINGS H The Dripping with Taste Trail gives participants access to 23 wineries, breweries and distilleries in the Dripping Springs and Driftwood area, with free tastings at each participating venue during the months of May and October. Purchase your Dripping with Taste Trail Passport online.A passport includes visits to up to four participating locations per day for a free tasting, and can be used as often as you like throughout the month of May, and an additional Passport purchased for the October event. Tickets are $50 for individual Passport tickets and $90 for a couple.

Participating wineries include: Argus Cidery, Bell Springs Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Hawk’s Shadow Winery, Sidecar Tasting Room, Solaro Estate Winery, Westcave Cellars Winery, Driftwood Estate Winery and Fall Creek Vineyards at Driftwood. Breweries include: 12 Fox Beer Co., Acopon Brewing, Family Business Beer Company, Ghost Note Brewing (October only), Last Stand Brewing, Suds Monkey Brewing Company, Twisted X Brewing Company and Vista Brewing.

Distilleries include: Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co, Desert Door Texas Sotol, Dripping Springs Distillery, Frog Pond Distillery, Goodnight Loving Vodka, Revolution Spirits, Stinson Distilling and Treaty Oak Distilling.

Dripping With Taste is a fundraising event for the Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau. For more information, visit DestinationDrippingSprings.com or call 512-858-4740.

Shop where the Antique Dealers shop!

Cranberry’s

Antiques Best prices in Texas!

More than 10,000 square feet of antiques OPEN EVERYDAY 10 AM-6 PM

On the Blanco Square (830) 833-5596 • 405 3rd St in Blanco

28 years in business

March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 17

Calendar of Events NOTE: Event location/times listed may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm.

Ash Creek hideAwAy 3 Acre Country Home | Seasonal Creek Wildlife & Birdwatching 3 miles North of Leakey | Sleeps 14

210-842-1555 vrbo.com/1250951

(830) 232-5758

BE A PART OF THE

hill country Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations and home delivered to all homes in Wimberley ISD and Dripping Springs ISD by the US Postal Service.

Hill Country SUN 18 March/April 2019

Contact Julie

512-484-9716

julie@hillcountrysun.com

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. gruenehall.com.

EVERY SUNDAY HELOTES: Family Night and Free Dance at John T. Floore’s Country Store., 14492 Old Bandera Road. 6 pm. liveatfloores.com.

SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Second Sunday Music Fest. Afternoon of music, food, and fun at Frontier Times Museum. banderacowboycapital.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art. Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290.

FIFTH SUNDAY DRIFTWOOD: United Methodist Church Bluegrass Gospel Singalong Service. 11 am. 512-944-6300 EVERY MONDAY EVERY MONDAY CYPRESS MILL: Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of artists. 830-825-3465. EVERY TUESDAY EVERY TUESDAY SAN MARCOS/WIMBERLEY: Community Bible Study. Interdenominational Bible Study. Men, Women, Couples, Spanish, Youth & Children. 6:30 pm to 8 pm. First Christian Church, 3105 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos. Register at 512-808-9156, paula.king206@yahoo.com.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 6 pm at Highway 290, Ranch Road 12. cityofdrippingsprings.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Veteran Music Group at VFW Post 7110. 5 pm to 8 pm. Open to all veterans, all skill levels. Song writing, guitar, keyboard, more. 600 Peace Avenue. Gary Walter, 512-460-9919.

SAN MARCOS: Kent Finlay’s Songwriter’s Circle. You never know who’ll drop in to join the circle at the historic Cheatham Street Warehouse. 8 pm. cheathamstreet.com.

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY through SUNDAY SAN MARCOS: Wimberley Glassworks. Watch art being created in a live glassblowing demo. Gallery is open 10 am to 5 pm daily and Sunday noon to 5 pm. wgw.com THIRD WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club. 6:30 pm. VFW Hall. For more information, email ryoncrew@ yahoo.com.

WIMBERLEY: Heart of Texas Genealogy Society meets at Wimberley Village Library. 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm. wimberleylibrary.org.

FOURTH WEDNESDAY WIMBERLEY: Meeting of the Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am.

Community Center. 512-847-2849.

EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts, Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. thymeanddough.com.

INGRAM: Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market. Highway 39 & Old Ingram Loop. 2 pm to 7 pm. 830-367-2800.

FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday. Events, food and music plus special sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. drippingspringstx.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Vince F. Taylor American Legion Post 290 of Dripping Springs meets at 7 pm. 512-858-5637.

FIRST & THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions. Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406.

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. Marilyn Pierce, mp@ smpierce.net.

SECOND & FOURTH THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmaster Club. Learn public speaking, leadership. 7 pm to 8 pm. Community Center. 512-847-6822.

THIRD THURSDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Pickers who play cowboy, Texas, or West-

Calendar of Events ern swing music welcome to sit in. banderacowboycapital.com.

BOERNE: A Thirst for Nature. Learn about the plants and wildlife of Boerne and the Hill Country’s surrounding areas. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. 830-249-4616.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs VFW Post 2933 meets at 7 pm. 512-858-5637.

WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of best in Hill Country music. Intimate, smoke-free venue makes for great listening. Pie, tamales, pizza, coffee, soft drinks available. Doors 7 pm, music 7:30 pm. wimberleyumc.org.

WIMBERLEY: Third Thursday. Shops stay open in downtown area ’til 8 pm. WimberleyMerchants.com.

EVERY THURSDAY - SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 FM 2325. facebook. com/LindasFineFoods.

EVERY THURSDAY through SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting, Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Co. Tex-MexBeer.com.

EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open & Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. realalebrewing.com.

WIMBERLEY: Bingo. Family friendly fun at the VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441.

FIRST FRIDAY BANDERA: Knights of Columbus Fish Fry. 5 pm at St. Joseph’s Hall. www.banderacowboycapital.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. ffawf.com.

MARBLE FALLS: Art Walk. 5 pm to 8 pm. marblefalls.org.

SECOND FRIDAY BANDERA: Medina Community Jam Session. Bring a covered dish, snack, dessert. Community Center. banderacowboycapital.com.

UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Shopping, food, music, art. 6 pm to 9 pm. visituvalde.com.

EVERY SATURDAY BANDERA: Flying L Chuckwagon Dinner Enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, gunslingers, line dancing, more. flyingl.com.

BOERNE: Farmer’s Market. 9 am to 1 pm. cibolo.org.

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.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Farmers Market. nbfarmersmarket.com.

WIMBERLEY: Tour Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods, divers, and experience beauty of the spring that started the town of Wimberley. 10 am. jacobswellspring.org.

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428 WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. www.blairhouseinn.com.

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

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

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale. Public Library. 830-796-4213.

BANDERA: Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters. Re-creating shootouts and life of the Old West. High noon and 2 pm. banderacowboycapital.com.

BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. See and interact with a sample of the Old West cowboy lifestyle on Bandera Main Street. banderacowboycapital.com DRIFTWOOD: Community Club. Group meets to enhance community spirit. Dinner 7 pm. driftwoodtx.org.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days and Hill Country Swap Meet.

Youth Exhibit Center. Free admission, kerrmarketdays.org.

SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

WIMBERLEY: Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around the Wimberley Square open late offering art, wine, appetizers. www.Facebook.com/ SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail.

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company, live music and food. TexMexBeer.com.

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

FIRST/LAST SATURDAY-SUNDAY LAMPASAS: Trade Days. Meet artists and craftsmen who create oneof-a-kind items, from antiques, collectibles, quilts, and crafts, to folk/fine art, home furnishings. marigoldsantiques.com SECOND SATURDAY-SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. brightleaf.org.

FOURTH SATURDAY-SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. JohnsonCityTexas-Chamber.com.

MARCH 9-24 STONEWALL: Spring Break Activities at the LBJ National Historical Park. Enjoy talks by LBJ staff about the Hangar, Secret Service Building, Texas White House, and more. 830-868-7128, nps.gov/lyjo.

MARCH 15-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 400 vendors, relax in the biergarten with live music. fbgtradedays.com.

MARCH 15-18 LLANO: Llano Earth Art Fest. Grenwelge Park. llanoearthartfest.org.

MARCH 16 BANDERA: Wild Hog Explosion. Wild hog catch, bar-b-que cookoff, arts, crafts, music and family fun. Mansfield Park, 2886 Highway 16 North. wildhogexplosion.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Celebrate Texas! History comes alive with The Old Chisholm Trail Show, the Traditional American Indian Society, Tales of the Texas Rangers, and more. Texas Rangers Heritage Center, 1636 East Main. 830-990-1192, trhc.org.

LUCKENBACH: Mud Dauber Festival and Chili Cookoff. Feel the heat

March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 19

Calendar of Events

See weiner dogs compete, find family fun April 27-28 at the Buda Lions Country Fair & Weiner Dog Races. at this open chili cookoff and music festival named in honor of that pesky wasp. luckenbachtexas.com.

MARCH 16-17 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Gruene Historic District, 1601 Hunter Road. gruenemarketdays.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Hill Country Comicon. Comic books, toys, cards, games, artwork, cosplay, apparel, guest creators, and celebrities.

Break out your capes, helmets, light sabers, and wands and gather for a fun weekend. Civic & Convention Center. hillcountrycomicon.com.

MARCH 23 BOERNE: Concert in the Cave. A musical experience unlike any other in the natural acoustics of the Queen’s Throne Room. Cave Without A Name, 325 Kreutzberg Road. 830-537-4212, visitboerne.org.

BOERNE: Hot Rod Night. Live music and classic cars at Soda Pops, 103 North Main. 830-331-8799, visitboerne.org.

WIMBERLEY: Metaphysical & Holistic Fair. Free lectures, plus energy workers, Reiki practitioners, Tarot readers, life coaches, holistic products, pyschic mediums, crystals and stones, essential oils and more at Community Center. 11 am to 5 pm. heavenspathways.com.

UVALDE: Corks and Kegs Queso Fest. Enjoy three things Texas does best: queso, craft beer, and live music. Queso competition, food and retail vendors. Uvalde Memorial Park. uvalde.org.

MARCH 23-24 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Local artisans sell handmade items, jewelry, and plants. Food trucks on-site. City Park, Avenue G at US Highway 290. 830-868-7684, lbjcountry.com.

MARCH 26 BOERNE: Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Boulevard. 830-331-9079, visitboerne.org.

MARCH 29 AUSTIN: March 29 David Ball and That Carolina Sound in Concert The Grammy Award-winner is the sole surviving member of the Austin/Carolina country-jazz trio Uncle Walt’s Band. Stateside at the Paramount. 512-472-5470, austintheatre.org.

MARCH 28-31 Thunder in the Hill Country Biker Rally. Tent camping, a poker run, vendors, food, field events, music all day, bike show, tattoo contest, and a Sunday morning church service. 21 or older, no exceptions.

Mansfield Park. banderacowboycapital.com.

MARCH 29-30 FREDERICKSBURG: Fort Martin Scott Days. Living history event Hill Country SUN 20 March/April 2019

brings 1850s fort to life with cannon firings, bugle calls, military drills, soldiers’ stories, pioneer crafts and cooking. ftmartinscott.org.

GEORGETOWN: Quilt Show. Vendors, raffle quilt, tea room, and silent auction. Community Center. handcraftsunlimited.com.

LLANO: Wildflowers in Bloom Quilt Show hcqguild.wordpress. com/2019-quilt-show.

MARCH 29-31 CONCAN: 1st Annual Women Who Wander Outdoor Retreat. Enjoy expert-led classes, excursions, hiking, nature photography, plus shopping, treehouse dining, wine tasting, live music and much more. info@visituvaldecounty.com.

MARCH 29 - APRIL 14 FREDERICKSBURG: Texas Hill Country Wine and Wildflower Journey. Self-guided tours, including special events, tastings and discounts. Various locations. texaswinetrail.com.

MARCH 30 BOERNE: Spring Family Fun Fest. Historical homestead, gardens, farmers market plus kids’ activities, workshops, food and artisans.

Historic Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road. 830-249-4616, visitboerne.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Indian Artifact Show. More than 75 tables of Native American artifacts including arrowheads, beads, and pottery. Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.

830-626-5561, hillcountryindianartifacts.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Art Walk. Galleries are open to view the newest exhibitions and artists. Adult beverages and snacks are served. Nugent Avenue and Main Street. 830-868-7684, artjc.org.

STONEWALL: 12th Annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour. Routes of 10, 30, 42, and 62 miles. lbj100bicycletour.org.

MARCH 30-31 DRIPPNG SPRINGS: Texas Night Sky Festival. Biggest night sky celebration in Texas at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. 812-565-9989, TexasNightSkyFestival.org.

MARCH 30-31, APRIL 6-7 CYPRESS MILL: 27th Annual Art Show & Sale at Bunkhouse Art Gallery. More than 30 artists show 400-plus traditional, contemporary and abstract paintings, more. Music, wine tasting. Wenmohs Ranch, 573 Old Spicewood Drive. 11 am to 6 pm. BunkhouseGallery.com.

MARCH 31 AUSTIN: Zilker Kite Festival. The nation’s oldest kite festival complete with kite flying contests, food, games, and more. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. abckitefestival.org.

APRIL 4 GRUENE: Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros. Free, live music at Gruene Hall. 6 pm to 10 pm. gruenehall.com.

APRIL 5 BOERNE: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Boulevard. 830-331-9079, visitboerne.org.

APRIL 5-6 LLANO: Llano River Chuckwagon Cookoff. Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive. llanochuckwagoncookoff.com APRIL 5-7 FREDERICKSBURG: Texas Vintage Motorcycle Fandango. Includes a vintage parts swap meet, bike show, and vintage dirt races. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive. cherokeeamca.org.

LLANO: Fiddle Fest. Fiddle concert, fiddle tricks, and a fiddle contest. Lantex Theater, 113 W. Main Street. llanofiddlefest.com.

APRIL 5-26 WIMBERLEY: Concerts in the Park. Musical groups perform on lawn

by Cypress Creek. Bring your picnics, chairs, and blankets. Blue Hole Regional Park, 512-660-9111, facebook.com/blueholeregionalpark.

APRIL 6 BOERNE: Bierfest. Tickets includes entry, commemorative stein, sample tickets, entertainment. 102 City Park Road. visitboerne.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Historic Country Schools Open House Tour.

Take a self-guided tour of schools listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Various locations. historicschools.org.

Calendar of Events MASON: Spring Arts Fest. Texas artists and craftsmen set up on the Square. Mason’s Historic Square. 325-347- 5758, masontxcoc.com.

MASON: Seaquist Mansion Tour. See the historic three-story Victorian mansion. 400 Broad St. 325-347-4058, masontxcoc.com.

WIMBERLEY: Market Day. More than 450 outdoor booths are filled with art, furniture, collectibles, and treasures of all kinds. Live music and food and drink make for a shopper’s delight. Lions Field, 601 FM 2325. 512-847-2201, shopmarketdays.com.

APRIL 6-7 FREDERICKSBURG: WWII Pacific Combat Program at the National Museum of the Pacific War. History comes to life with equipment and weapons used during WWII and a battle reenactment set on an island in the Pacific. Pacific Combat Zone, 508 East Austin. 830-997-8600, pacificwarmuseum.org.

KERRVILLE: Hill Country Swap Meet. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 State Highway 27. kerrmarketdays.org APRIL 6-21 FREDERICKSBURG: Wildflower Celebration at Wildseed Farms. Celebrate the arrival of spring and Texas wildflowers with colorful fields, great shopping, butterfly gardens, and special activities. Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Drive. wildseedfarms.com.

APRIL 12-13 BLANCO: Wild Woman Weekend. Shopping, yoga, activities, 0tours and much more. Details and tickets at wildwomanweekend.org BOERNE: Handmade Market. Creative and new vendors selling all handmade items, plus a craft class, dessert, drinks, music, snacks, and giveaways. Cana Ballroom, 202 W. Kronkosky St. visitboerne.org.

APRIL 13 BANDERA: RRCF Buckwild Rodeo. Events at this rough stock rodeo include mutton busting, mini broncs, cash scramble, mini bull riding, open bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback. Mansfield Park, 2886 State Highway 16. 830-796-3045, banderacowboycapital.com.

BOERNE: April 13 Boerne Parade of Artists. Self-guided tour of local galleries, studios, and other venues principally located along the Hill Country Mile. 100 N. Main. visitboerne.org.

ROOMS

WITH A VIEW 1918-2019 New- Vintage - Historic

44th Annual Heritage Home Tour

MAY 4 & 5

TICKETS HeritageSanMarcos.org FREE LECTURES

Saturday March 23, 2019 Saturday June 29, 2019 Saturday, October 12, 2019

www.heavenpathways.com

Wimberley Metaphysical & Holistic Fair

Don’t miss Waltstock & Barrel, a Texas wine and music festival May 16-18 at Jellystone Park in Fredericksburg, hosted by Walt Wilkins. Photo courtesy Walt Wilkins.

March/April 2019 Hill Country SUN 21

Calendar of Events APRIL 13 FREDERICKSBURG: Bluebonnet Antique Tractor Ride. Antique tractors, cars and trucks make a 20-mile loop through scenic Gillespie County. Various locations. rustyiron.org.

KYLE: Market Days. City Square Park, 101 South Burleson Street.

512-262-3939; cityofkyle.com/recreation.

SPRING BRANCH: 23rd Annual Heart Of Texas (HOT) Corvair Reunion Car Show. 8:30 am to 10:30 am, 499 Singing Oaks. 713-4109595, corvair69@gmail.com, www.austincorvair.com/events.html.

APRIL 13-14 KERRVILLE: Texas Gun and Knife Show. New and used guns, knives, gold and silver coins, jewelry, camping gear, more. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. texasgunandknifeshows.com NEW BRAUNFELS: 31st Annual Train Show Jamboree. Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm. Admission $8 ages 14+, $2 for children 5-13. Free train ride on Landa Park Railroad for kids up to age 10 yrs old. Civic Center, 375 South Castell Avenue. NBRRM.org.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Folkfest. Costumed interpreters join troops of Buffalo Soldiers, Confederate veterans, and Revolutionary War officers to demonstrate life in early Texas. texashandmadefurniture.org.

APRIL 19-21 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop with more than 400 vendors or relax in the biergarten with live music. fbgtradedays.com.

KERRVILLE: Annual Easter Hill Country Bike Tour. Routes suitable for participants from novices to experienced. ed@bikeaustin.org.

APRIL 20 COMFORT: Easter Volksmarch. Includes long and short walks through scenic countryside in and around town. Comfort Park, 423 Main Street. 830-995-3131, comfort-texas.com.

CONCAN: River Road Market Fest. 10 am to 4 pm. Andy’s on River Road. VisitUvaldeCounty.com.

KERRVILLE: Easterfest, Cookoff, and Open Car/Motorcycle Show.

Enjoy a barbecue and chili cookoff, food, games and rides for all ages, vendors, live music, Easter egg hunt, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Flat Rock Lake Park. 830-896-1155, kerrvilletx.com.

BLANCO: Real Ale Brewing Company’s 23rd Anniversary Party. Ticket information at www.RealAleBrewing.com.

APRIL 25-28 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Film Festival. Annual fest screens best of independent film from Texas and around the world. Fritztown Cinema, 2254 US Highway 87. 866-224-7714,hillcountryff.com.

APRIL 26-27 LLANO: Crawfish Open. Crawfish takes center stage, but a golf tournament, arts and crafts, an auction, and children’s activities help round out a fun Hill Country event happening rain or shine. Robinson Park, 123 Robinson Park Drive. 325-247-5354, llanocrawfishopen.com.

APRIL 27 BOERNE: Texas Corvette Association Annual Open Car Show. Hill Country Mile, 100 North Main. 830-226-5386, visitboerne.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Spring Fish Fry. Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fish fry features freshly fried catfish with all the trimmings, plus live music. Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street. 830-9977521.

FREDERICKSBURG: Spring Market. Browse goods from local vendors and enjoy delicious eats from a food truck. Messina Hof Winery, 9996 US Highway 290. messinahof.com.

SAN MARCOS: Just for Fun Parade. Put on your wildest outfit and get ready to join the parade. Downtown Square. 512-393-5930.

WIMBERLEY: Butterfly Festival. More than 3,800 butterflies released throughout the day during amazing festival with crafts, games, bounce houses, wonderful food, and an exotic butterfly flight house.

EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. emilyann.org.

APRIL 27-28 NEW BRAUNFELS: Crawfish Festival of New Braunfels. Comal County Fairgrounds. crawfishfestivalnewbraunfels.com.

Hill Country SUN 22 March/April 2019

APRIL 27-28 BUDA: 22nd Annual Buda Lions Country Fair and Weiner Dog Races.

Parking at Cabela’s with free bus rides to the event. 1761 FM 1626.

512-565-0505, www.BudaLions.com.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Arts Fest. See and shop works of more than 100 artists, plus enjoy food, beer and wine, and music on the river at The Waters Point. wimberleyartsfest.com.

MAY 1-31 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping with Taste Trail and Passport. Visit up to four participating local wineries, breweries and distilleries each day and receive free tastings at each. www.DrippingWithTaste.org.

MAY 4 SAN MARCOS: Wimberley Glassworks Water’s Edge Art Opening.

Live jazz and cocktails to celebrate Tim de Jong’s latest hand blown glass collection. Watch artisans create a piece live and hear about the inspiration. 3 pm to 6 pm wgw.com.

MAY 4-5 SAN MARCOS: 44th Annual Heritage Home Tour. Features new, vintage and historic homes, silent auction, treasure hunt for all ages, handcrafted work by local artists and street tacos and margaritas at La Cima. Noon to 5 pm. Tickets at HeritageSanMarcos.org.

MAY 16-18 FREDERICKSBURG: Waltstock and Barrel — A Texas Wine and Music Festival. Hosted by Texas troubadour, singer-songwriter Walt Wilkins and his band, The Mystiqueros, with Johnny Nicholas, Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines, Drew Kennedy, Josh Grider, Zac Wilkerson, Susan Gibson and more. Fine art silent auction, Texas Hill Country wine garden, food trucks, family fun. At Jellystone Texas Wine Country, 10618 US Highway 290. waltstockandbarrel.com.

22nd Annual Buda Lions

Country Fair & Weiner Dog Races North of Buck’s Backyard 1761 FM 1626, Buda, TX 78610

FREE PARKING at Cabela’s with FREE BUS RIDES to the event

April 27-28, 2019 • 8:00 am to 6:00 pm WEINER DOG RACES - Saturday 10:00 am and 2:00 pm & Sunday 10:00 am with finals Sunday at 3:00 pm MIXED BREED RACES - Saturday 11:30 am and 3:00 pm & Sunday at 11:30 am with finals Sunday at 1:30 pm BBQ Cook-Off (Saturday), Arts & Crafts Booths, Food, Kid Games includes Bouncy Houses, Petting Zoo, Fish Pond, Live Music, The Buda Bee $5.00 General Admission - Kids 12 years & under get in FREE!

Club Info: 512-565-0505 • www.budalions.com

100 Artists, Food, Beer & Wine and Music For more information go to our website http://wimberleyartsfest.com

The Biggest Night Sky Celebration In Texas

MARCH 30th, 2019 Night Sky Advocates Workshop March 31 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Dripping Springs, Texas

812-565-9989 TexasNightSkyFestival.org

March/April 2019

PRSRT ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PFLUGERVILLE, TX 78660 PERMIT NO. 16

Post Office Box 1019 Dripping Springs, TX 78620

LOCAL POSTAL PATRON

Join the Dripping with Taste Trail and visit as many as 4 of our 25 participating wineries, breweries, and distilleries each day, during the month of May with your Dripping with Taste Passport and receive FREE tastings at each establishment.

The Dripping with Taste Trail & Passport serves up the best wine, beer and spirits tastings available! Sip and savor like a local and discover hidden gems in the most beautiful region in the Lone Star State.

Learn more about the Trail and get your May Dripping with Taste Passport at: www.DrippingwithTaste.com See you on the Trail!