Hill Country Sun, May 2017

MAY 2017 Classic design of Tejas Hummingbird Feeders Attracting Hill Country hummers since the ’50s

R Head to Wimberley for A Night to

Remember & Wimberley Market Days R

Hill Country Parks

by Suzy Moehring Mallard

R

Hill Country Wildlife

by CJ Wright

R The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

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

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Suzy Moehring Mallard

Wildflowers galore, new playscape for the kids at Government Canyon

hill country PARKS

T

exas Hill Country parks are in full bloom with an impressive wildflower display of yellows, purple, blue, pink, and orange.

We enjoy more than 5,000 species of native wildflowers in Texas, and this spring has seen a proliferation of wildflower populations.

The state’s more than 90 Texas State Parks present some of the best and safest places to view and photograph nature’s bounty of wildflowers and blooming shrubs and trees.

“Spring wildflower displays have been glorious in East, Central, North

and coastal Texas recently,” says Jason Singhurst, botanist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“As more rain is expected over the next few weeks, we should expect increasing splendor.”

In Central Texas we’re still seeing bluebonnets, as well as Indian blanket, greenthread, four-nerve daisy, wine cups, phlox, Missouri primrose, pink primrose, prickly pear blooms, blackfoot daisy, prairie verbena, Mexican hat, spiderwort, Drummond’s skullcap, foxglove, Lindheimer’s daisy, roughleaf dogwood, and paintbrush. And really,

A Special Gift for a Special Mom! Available at Gibsons in Kerrville, Texas or at

TejasHummer.com

In Central Texas we’re still seeing bluebonnets, as well as Indian blanket, greenthread, four-nerve daisy, wine cups, phlox, Missouri primrose, pink primrose, prickly pear blooms, blackfoot daisy, prairie verbena, Mexican hat, spiderwort, Drummond’s skullcap, foxglove, Lindheimer’s daisy, roughleaf dogwood, and paintbrush. Photo © Chase Fountain, Texas Parks and Wildlife. y’all, these wildflower displays will just keep on going through the summer and fall as we enjoy fields of sunflowers, showy retama and desert willow, and medians of lantana and purple sage.

“When taking annual family portraits with spring wildflowers, please refrain from sitting in or trampling wildflowers,” says Singhurst.

“Sitting or stepping on wildflowers to get photos damages them and reduces or eliminates their ability to reseed themselves for next year. Photos can be framed so the wildflowers enhance the photo, but are not harmed during the process.”

Pluswhich, be really, really careful of critters who might be nesting, resting, or waiting to pounce – not to be scary, but there are some venomous snakes and ants out there.

Government Canyon State Natural Area out of San Antonio has a new children’s nature playscape. The new ADA playscape was celebrated recently with a dedication.

“Children visiting the natural area will now have a place to play that offers an alternative to the typical playground you see at a city or county park,” says Chris Holm, superintendent at Government Canyon State Natural Area. “With boulders, ropes, and log features, our new playscape will provide children with an adventure that combines play with the natural world around them.”

A companion project to create an allweather, 1.25 mile ADA accessible inter-

PAGE 2 MAY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

pretive nature trail loop is underway.

“Currently when it rains, existing trails can become muddy and has made us close our 40-mile trail system,” says Holm.

“The combination of an ADA playscape and an all-weather ADA interpretive trail will provide our visitors with new options for outdoor recreation that fit within the mission of a state natural area.”

The playscape project was funded

by Friends of Government Canyon through grants and generous donations “We are excited about what the great partnership with our friends group has been able to accomplish,” says Holm.

“This new nature playscape is an exciting new offering that fills a long-awaited need of the natural area.”

The initial seed money for the nature playscape was provided by a challenge grant through the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation.

The friends group’s fundraising challenge was met by several large donors, including donations from Mannapov, LLC, out of Boerne; Zigmund Khersonsky; Tim & Karen Hixon; the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation; and hundreds of individual, private donors.

“The support for this playscape project has been overwhelming,” says Holm. “We even had little children putting their allowance money in the donation box to help make this happen.”

Government Canyon SNA is open weekly Friday through Monday.

Hill Country SUN May 2017 Volume 27 • Number 11 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 Oda Lisa Roberts Suzy Moehring Mallard CJ Wright Writers Gerry Burns Adelle Spell Distribution

Luke, Julie & Kenzie Harrington

The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted.

• Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service.

• Cover: Since the 1950s, Tejas Hummingbird Feeders have been attracting hummingbirds to back porches and overhangs the Hill Country (and the country) over.

Manufactured in a “mom and pop” shop in Kerrville, these feeders are a part of Texas history. (See story, page 6.). Photo by B. Molina.

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

Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. hillcountrysun.com facebook.com/HillCountrySun

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2017 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

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WIMBERLEY

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Dinner, dancing, more at A Night to Remember

I

By Colleen Brooks

t will surely be “A Night to Remember” May 20 at the Wimberley Community Center, as St. Mary Catholic Church in Wimberley hosts a special evening from 6 pm to 10 pm. In addition to dinner and dancing to Steve Schoen and the Jazz Messenger Boys, the event will center around a reverse raffle.

Dinner includes a three-course buffet, featuring hand-carved, herb-roasted rib eye served with caramelized potatoes and green beans, or a marinated and grilled Ahi Tuna topped with pesto served over fresh pasta tossed in lemon and parmesan.

Each entrée will be served with a Mediterranean salad, and guests can choose from a strawberry and cream or a chocolate caramel dessert. An assortment of beverages and table wines will be served. Tickets for the dinner and dance are $50 per person, including the reverse raffle, with drawings throughout the evening.

“They’ll start drawing the losers at the beginning. It’s a lot of fun and builds up the momentum,” explains James Svetlik, event chair. Just 250 event tickets will be sold, with reverse raffle cash prizes of $2,000, $500 and $250.

The top three cash prize winners do not need to be present to win, but must be over 18 years of age. Additional cash door prizes will also be drawn throughout the night.

A public raffle gives contestants a chance to win a 2017 Jeep Patriot (retailing for $22,260). Other prizes include an Apple 128GB Air2 iPad, a 48” Samsung Smart TV and a Fitbit Charge 2. These raffle tickets are $5 each, or 5 for $20, and are available at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church office and at King Feed in Wimberley during normal business hours.

The public raffle drawing will take place at 9:45 pm May 20 at “A Night to Remember.” Everyone is welcome to arrive at 9:30 pm to see the reverse raffle grand prize of $2,000 (for event attendees) and the 2017 Jeep Patriot prizes awarded.

Raffle ticket holders do not need to be present to win, but must be over the age of 18.

St. Mary Catholic Church contains more 40 ministries within its church.

“I’ve never seen a church so small, but ac-

Take a chance to win this 2017 Jeep Patriot in the public raffle for St. Mary Catholic Church. Photo courtesy A Night to Remember. tive with more ministries. Our parish has the family values and sisterhoods and brotherhoods that I think make Wimberley Valley special,” James explains. “Our ministries help take care of people’s needs in the church and community who don’t have spiritual and family resources.”

It is this teamwork of parishioners that has enabled them to host past events such as their Summerfest and Lenten Fish Fry. Their Night to Remember will allow parishioners and community members to come together for fun and fellowship while fundraising for the common good.

St. Mary Catholic Church currently has a plan to build a new parish hall to accommodate their growing community.

Members hope to break ground in late May 2017 and to have the new parish hall complete in late fall.

“It would be wonderful to have space large enough to house more of our ministries without scheduling conflicts, to be able to have a space big enough to host our own fundraisers, and other ministries within our ever-growing community,” says James.

“This event will continue to provide for the parish so we can concentrate on extending our parish grounds.”

FYI • A Night to Remember is May 20 from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Wimberley Community Center. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the church office Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, or at Wimberley ACE Hardware or Brookshire Brothers on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Raffle Tickets are 1 for $5 or 5 for $20 and may be purchased at St. Mary’s Catholic Church which is located at 14711 Ranch Road 12; or at Wimberley King Feed during normal business hours. This event is limited to 250 guests. For more information, call St. Mary’s Catholic Church office at 512-847-9181.

Kick off summer at Lago Fest

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

LAGO VISTA H Kick off the summer on the shore of Lake Travis at Lago Fest, the free music and fine art festival right on the water’s edge in Lago Vista Saturday, May 27, from 1 pm to 9 pm. In conjunction with Austin Yacht Club’s Turnback Regatta, Lago Fest features fantastic beats from award-winning musicians Drew Womack, Hector Ward & the Bigtime and The Eggmen.

Shop fine art from nationally-exhibiting artists, enjoy eats by some of Austin’s best food trucks, and bring your dancing shoes, eye for fine art, appetites and picnic blankets. Then cool off in the waves of Lake Travis right on the festival site!

The fest is free to the public; purchase tickets to the VIP Lounge including food, craft beers, and musician meet-and-greets. Free shuttles begin at noon for a noon to 1:30 pm happy hour.

FYI • For more information visit the web site at www.lagofest.com.

WIMBERLEY

Wimberley Market Days’ 2017 season in full swing

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

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By Oda Lisa Roberts

arch 2017 marked the beginning of the 48 th anniversary of the fun-filled Wimberley Market Days season. Through December, the first Saturday of each month Lions Field will be decorated to represent a certain theme to celebrate popular events like the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas.

More than 470 new and returning vendors offer a wide array of unique “treasures” and functional items ranging from antiques, works of art, hand-made crafts, home decorations, indoor and outdoor furniture, and many more kinds of shopping-finds.

New to Lions Field, a ninth concession stand playfully called “Fun L Cakes,” will serve up those namesake sweet treats.

Many other concession stands have made a few changes to their menus. Concession 1 adds a “Soup of the Month” using hearty and homemade recipes. Not ones to mess with success, the Lions Club’s famous barbecue and chicken fajitas are still Market Days staples.

Introduced in 2016, the “hide and seek” game continues as a dozen especially shaped coupons are hidden around the marketplace and are redeemable for a free meal. For the shoppers’ listening pleasure, live music is performed at three on-site venues, the Pavilion, Hilltop, and Shady Grove stages. Another fun feature at Market Days is the “Café a la Cart,” navigated by a Lions Club member and mascot, Roary, who travels around with a variety of snacks and beverages including hot dogs, cotton candy, chips, fruit and lemonade.

The Wimberley Lions Club also implements a new recycling program, with the help of members of local high school Leos Clubs. Each concession stand has two collection containers, one for aluminum and the other for plastic recyclables.

Another important community service added this year, the Courtesy Cart provides free mobility assistance for elderly, or disabled visitors (with any gratuities given

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Plants, bird feeders, yard art items and much more at Market Days.

Photo by Amy Cartee Cox. going to charity).All profits generated by Wimberley Lions Club Market Days go back into the community through projects and activities. It is projected that, in 2017, the Lions will reach a considerable donation milestone. Some of these include scholarships for 32 Wimberley students, assistance for 10 students to participate in the Lions Club Youth Exchange program, Special Olympics and the Hays County Youth Shelter.

The Lions Club also gives grant money to a variety of non-profit organizations such as Crisis Bread Basket, the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, and KWVH 94.1 FM, Wimberley Valley Radio. Even local animal rescue organizations, namely WAG, PAWS, and ARF receive grant money.

Your purchase of food and drink at any of the concessions stands or parking in the Lions attended parking lots, help to support many worthy area organizations and projects, as well.

FYI • Shop Wimberley Market Days on the first Saturday of each month, March through December, rain or shine. Shopping from 7 am to 4 pm., with live music at three stages, beginning at 11 am. Find this festive marketplace at Lions Field, off FM 2325, about a mile from the Wimberley Square. There is ample parking in three Lions Club lots, plus other nearby privately managed lots. For more information, visit the web site at shopmarketdays.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/wimberleymarketdays.

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Glassblowing Demos Patio Dolcetto Fine Wines HEB Wine Tasting Middleton Craft Beer Stroll the tree-shaded paths and shop the wares of more than 470 vendors at Wimberley Market Days the first Saturday of the month March through December.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2017 PAGE 5

Birdfeeder company humming along after 60 years

O

By Ernie Altgelt

ne sure sign of spring is the much anticipated arrival of the beloved hummingbird.

Why, just watching these adorable darters flitting from bloom to bloom after a long, cold winter is always a welcome mood-lightener.

With that in mind, attracting these Hill Country hummers (there are 18 species in the state) back into our yards and gardens is, for many, an essential, seasonal undertaking that requires thought, preparation, planting and, above all, a functional feeder or two.

One remarkable Kerrville enterprise that’s been manufacturing and marketing feeders since the mid-1950s is the venerable Tejas Hummingbird Feeders company.

Producing a now-classic design that currently adorns countless porches and overhangs across the Lone Star State and beyond, Tejas’ time-tested models have

proven for many to be “the preferred” delivery system for that craved and nurturing nectar that all varieties of hummers seek.

And amazingly, it all started 80-plus years ago with a discarded hospital I.V. bottle and a punctured tin can!

That initial feeder (made in the 1930s) was pioneered by Kerrville native-son Prentiss Swayze, a consummate tinkerer with a love for the hummer. He hit upon the idea of attaching a flat tin can (that originally held adhesive tape) to an inverted glass I.V. solution bottle.

Prentiss drilled “sipping” holes in the can’s lid then, by soldering the bottle’s cap to the tin can, connected both together with the bottle on top and the can on the bottom.

After filling with a sugar and water mixture, gravity fed the contents into the tin can’s base. The entire unit was then hung and, after discovery by the hummingbirds, quickly became a favorite

WIMBERLEY

stop on their feathered foraging expeditions.

Prentiss gladly made many over the years for countless family members and friends.

In the 1950s, Prentiss’ creation went commercial. An old friend of his named Sam Chiodo Marion and Harriet Lewis, owners of Tejas Hummingbird who resided a few Feeders Photo courtesy Tejas Hummingbird Feeders. miles away in Leakey, Texas, saw some economic potential and, with Pren- workshop still boasts those Chiodo-era tiss’ blessing, after adding some home- machines where the company’s one emmade mechanization to the manufactur- ploy (now it’s just Marion. Harriet busies ing process which greatly sped up herself elsewhere) stamps, presses, production and sourcing new materials paints, assembles and packages the feed(while, of course maintaining the integ- ers.

He admits to being able to produce rity of the original design), opened for about 90 per week when “working” but, business.

It proved to be lucrative with Sam even at that pace, he’s still left with a lot ultimately (and profitably) wholesaling of time for golf.

And, that’s one of the things he likes Tejas feeders across Texas through variabout the feeder biz! Another is the posious and assorted retailers.

By 1995, with Sam’s eyesight failing, tive feedback he and Harriet constantly the company acquired its present owner- receive from their many delighted (and, ship comprised of husband and wife often repeat) customers.

So, if you want a real piece of Texana, (who lived at the time in Rio Frio but have since moved to Kerrville) Harriet you’ll definitely want a “genuine,” alland Marion Lewis. Nearing retirement, metal and glass Tejas feeder.

With success have come many (plasthe Lewises were looking for “something to do” and, being long-term customers of tic) imitations, so be careful when buyTejas, liked the product, liked “making ing. And, to ensure you will get your things” and “decided to give it a go” by true Tejas, you’ll have to visit the company’s web site to place an order since buying Sam out.

And, 22 years later, they’re still plea- Marion and Harriet have pretty much surably producing (one at a time) and gotten out of wholesaling preferring to selling Tejas Hummingbird Feeders to a sale direct to the public.

FYI • For information and to order visit the web site clamoring public determined to keep at www.tejashummer.com or call 210-602-4252. Your their hummers happy.

A visit to Marion Lewis’ hillside hummingbirds will be glad you did!

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Drawing May 20 • 9:45 P.M.

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Winners need not be present to win. Public welcome at 9:30 P.M.

raffle tickets • $5 for 1 • $20 for 5 PAGE 6 MAY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

A real piece of Texana, the genuine all-metal and glass Tejas hummingbird feeder, manufactured and marketed since the mid-’50s. Photo courtesy Tejas Hummingbird Feeders.

Celebration of Art League gallery’s 10th anniversary

WIMBERLEY H Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Wimberley Valley Art League’s gallery Friday, May 19, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the opening reception for a member show juried by artist educator Dana Brown. Guests will be treated to a selection of up to 50 works in various media by local artists, displayed in the gallery that held its grand opening in May of 2007.

Much thought and care went into creating a successful gallery. Working closely with the board of the Wimberley Community Center to create a mutually beneficial arrangement, the Gallery Steering Committee, under the guidance of (then president) Deborah Elliott and president-elect, Marianne Vieregg, pursued the gallery concept as a means of promoting the arts and in turn, Wimberley tourism. Careful consideration was given to the lighting, hanging system and wall color to enhance the art. Those foundational elements continue to serve the gallery today.

The Wimberley Valley Art League was begun in 1990 by Pam Lamoureux, Lois Richards and Gail Stoops to encourage the promotion and production of fine art in the Wimberley Valley. The League has since grown to an approximate membership of 170-plus artists. In addition to hosting bi-monthly juried shows, the League supports artists with workshops, a studio tour, a non-juried show and sale and a student show which features work by area schools.

FYI • The Wimberley Valley Art League’s mission is to encourage support and appreciation of art, promote learning for its members, and assist in the development of community-wide interest in art. For more information about the Wimberley Valley Art League, including membership, visit the web site at www.wimberleyartleague.org.

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AUSTIN H Celebrate Monteverdi as Texas Early Music Project, or TEMP, rounds out its season of musical transition and innovation with the monumental Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, just in time to celebrate the composer’s 450th birthday (May 9, 1567). Guests can choose from two performances Saturday, May 13, at 7 pm and Sunday, May 14, at 3 pm, both at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church Claudio Monteverdi was a major power in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque, and his Vespers of 1610 includes elements of both musical eras. The Vespers is a powerhouse of widely diverse styles from beginning to end, ranging from virtuosic solos and duets to exuberant double-choir pieces in a glorious fusion of late Renaissance and early Baroque styles.

The 27-voice chorus includes guest soloists tenor Ryland Angel, bass Peter Walker, and tenor Temmo Korisheli. The many additional soloists are part of TEMP’s core singers, including Gitanjali Mathur, Jenifer Thyssen, Cayla Cardiff, Brett Barnes, and more. The expanded early Baroque orchestra includes three cornetti, three early trombones, bowed strings, and an amazing continuo section of three theorbos, harp, portative organ and harpsichord.

FYI • Don’t miss the pre-concert lecture one hour before each concert by Sara Schneider. Admission is $30 general; $25 seniors (60+); $5 students (at the door only). Tickets are available by cash, check, or credit card at the door or online at www.early-music.org/buy-single-tickets. Northwest Hills United Methodist Church is at 7050 Village Center Drive, Austin, TX 78731. For more information, call 512-377-6961.

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AUSTIN H Join Yard to Market Co-op at TreeHouse for “Introduction to Beekeeping” May 6 from 10 am to 1 pm and learn about the biology, behavior and domestication of the European Honey Bee. Examine Langstroth hives as well as Top Bar hives and learn all the essential gear you need to get you going on the journey of beekeeping. The class is aimed at backyard gardeners, homesteaders, urban and small farmers and anyone else interested in starting their own hives.

John Swan, instructor, is owner of Wicked Bee Apiary, where he manages 50 honeybee hives and provides training and consultations for other beekeepers and hive management services. Last year, the Apiary produced nearly one thousand pounds of Wildflower and Mesquite Honey. John is owner of Wicked Bee Removal Service, created to help save honeybees from unnecessary extermination by providing live removal and relocation when bees setup a colony in an undesirable location. This year alone, John saved more than 25 feral honeybee colonies from extermination.

FYI • To register for Introduction to Beekeeping go to www.eventbrite.com/e/bee-keeping-101-tickets-33548640888. Treehouse is at 4477 South Lamar in Austin. For more information, visit the web site at tree.house.

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CJ Wright hill country WiLDLIFe

Becoming individual stewards of dwindling natural resources

W

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e’ve all experienced it. We travel a highway prepared to rest our eyes on native landscapes that connect our city with another only to discover that those views are now home to strip malls and housing developments. Or, on our drive to local shops we discover that the field where a Red-tailed Hawk sailed searching for dinner is now bulldozed, future home to a motel and parking lot.

Recently I attended a flower and garden show where I had the privilege of listening to talks given by Douglas W. Tallamy, professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and author of the eloquent book, Bringing Nature Home.

Tallamy spoke with grace and humor of how as we trade our wildlands for uncontrolled expansion, it’s leading to the day when we may lose the wildlife we wish to enjoy. For when constructions scour the land of its natural vegetation and replace it with businesses and housing, rolling lawns and exotic (alien, not native) plants, there is little to sustain the creatures that once lived there.

Much life is lost when alien plants proliferate. If one examines the leaves of Bradford pears, Japanese honeysuckles or muliflora roses for example, they are close to pristine. Insects avoid them.

Why? Plants and insects share an evolutionary history; therefore, most insects cannot or will not feed on alien species.

Perhaps a gardener’s dream, but in referencing preeminent biologist and naturalist, E.O. Wilson, Tallamy said, “Insects are the little things that run the world.”

If insects go away, we would have no

flowering plants. Insects also pollinate one-third of our crops. Additionally, many animals depend partially or entirely on insect protein for food.

Although resident birds started nesting in April, throughout May and June most birds are raising young and searching for protein-rich insects to feed them.

What many of us might not realize is much of that food takes the form of caterpillars. As Tallamy pointed out, caterpillars are soft and large, and one cat may be the equivalent of 200 aphids! Therefore, cats are the preferred food offered to young by a pair of Black-capped Chickadee parents, for example.

To the amazement of much of his audience, Tallamy described how the busy chickadee parents brought a cat to the nest every three minutes. In three hours their young consumed meals consisting of 17 species, and a pair on any given day fed young between 390 and 570 caterpillars—depending on brood size!

Not only birds but many other animals, such as frogs, lizards, fish, foxes and bears consume insects. Indirectly, so do humans. As Tallamy summarized, without insects our land would be devoid of most forms of higher life.

The way plants and insects interact determines the diversity of animal communities. At least 90 percent of all planteating insects are specialists. They have evolved together with one or a few plant lineages.

Probably the most well-known example of this interaction is the monarch butterfly, which requires milkweed, the only plant its caterpillars will eat. Other examples include the red-spotted purple See WILDLIFE, page 9

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Corner of Ranch Road 12 @ Highway 290 West PAGE 8 MAY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

WILDLIFE, from page 8 butterflies and host plants cherry and wil- ian and bee declines, despite the State of low trees, clouded sulphur and buffalo the Birds Report 2014, despite the assessclover, black swallowtail and the carrot ment by the Zoological Society of London family, Abbott’s sphinx moth and grapes and Virginia creeper, luna moth and alder, American beech, birch, hickory, maple, oak and willow trees.

In addition to planting for diversity, to ensure the return of the insects drawn to your native foliage, remember in autumn when plants drop their leaves, that it’s important for The way plants and insects interact determines the diversity leaf litter to remain. of animal communities. Photo © Yurikr | Dreamstime.com.tif.

Firefly larvae feed in leaf litter.

Leaving leaf litter beneath trees and and WWF that if trends continue twoin discreet piles elsewhere will allow the thirds of all vertebrates may be lost by 88 percent of insects that pupate in soil or 2020…, all is not lost. We know the causes: tree litter to survive. Also in fall, keep in human activity, including habitat loss, mind that native bees (There is one Euro- wildlife trade, pollution and climate pean honeybee and 4,000 native bees.) are change. And, although many small wildground and woody plant nesters. Allow life populations are vulnerable, they’re the stalks of the year’s elderberry, golden- not yet extinct.

As Dr. Mike Barrett, head of science rod, and black-eyed Susan stems, for example, to remain in the ground for bees. and policy at WWF, has said “We know Or, if you wish, cut and stick them in the what the causes are…it really is now ground elsewhere for bees to nest in, rath- down to us to act.”

Tallamy strikes a hopeful note: Reer than use commercial bee hotels, which Tallamy warns are bee predator magnets. gardless of the size of the land we occupy, Biodiversity is essential to life and we can make a difference—each one of us many alien species, having been trans- individually.

As he says, there’s no need to call for planted to a new environment lacking the same ecological pressures present on their government to act or send money to an home turf, multiply without control, of- organization in hopes the money will be ten choking out native species and hence put to productive use.

It’s up to us, where we live, planting the insects that feed on them, reducing the native plants that support the animals biodiversity.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that evolved there. With these plants “as our nation’s urban population increased the foundation of our landscapes,” Tallaby 12.1 percent from 2000 to 2010. This my writes in his book, “We may be able to area accounts for 80.7 percent of our pop- save much of our biodiversity from exulation. So what, some might say. Look at tinction. In essence, we will for the first all the parks and preserves we have. time coexist with nature rather than comThere’s plenty of space for wildlife to live. pete with her.”

And if enough individuals and busiSadly, studies indicate that few national parks are large enough to contain nesses do so, we could form the corridors ecosystems. Missing are the conservation needed to link protected lands.

After storing seeds in the refrigerator, corridors needed to link these protected then scarifying and soaking them before areas.

These fragmented habitats—vulnera- placing them in soil, there is something ble to degradation by suburban, urban magical about seeing the first tiny green and agricultural pressures—show a 13- sprout push through the soil’s surface. To to- 75 percent reduction of wildlife diver- add to my sprouts, I recently visited a nasity, with the greatest percentage occur- tive nursery to add to the native plants ring closest to the edge. Within these already in my beds and along wooded fragmented habitats nearly half of all spe- tree lines.

Spring is a wonderful time to apprecies are gone within 20 years, with this ciate life in all its forms. And as I garden, downward trend continuing over time. ”Biodiversity is the foundation of all I keep in mind the words Tallamy inlife on earth… The more diverse an eco- scribed in my copy of his book: “Garden system is, the more stable it is.” Therefore, as if life depended on it!”

FOOTNOTES: Search “Protected Areas in the United it tends to be more productive and more capable of withstanding environmental States Too Small to Preserve Biodiversity, Studies Find” by stress. “Biodiversity is essential for sus- Michael Sainato, June 4, 2015. conservationtools.org/ taining the natural ecosystems on which guides/95economic-benefitsofdiversity. World Wildlife ‘falls by 58 percent in 40 years by Rebecca Morelle, Science humans, and all life, depend.”

Despite the alarming rates of amphib- Correspondent, BBC News, 27 October 2016.

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friorivercasario.com • 830-591-3544 HILL COUNTRY SUN R MAY 2017 PAGE 9

Hill country calendar NOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations.

Please call ahead to confirm information.

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Enjoy great, live music at Gruene Hall. There are free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Find a complete schedule of performers at gruenehall.com.

WIMBERLEY: Gardens Open Daily at EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. Musical garden, creative play area. www.emilyann. org, 512-847-6969.

EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart. Call 512-4029725 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, 512-213-2110.

EVERY TUESDAY SAN MARCOS: Community Bible Study (Interdenominational). Tuesdays through May 9. 6:30 pm to 8 pm. “Red Sea to the Jordan River.” Classes for men, women and couples.

First Christian Church, 3105 Ranch Road 12.

512-808-9156.

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 512260-3602, extension 101.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 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 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.)

PAGE 10 MAY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Refreshments 9:30 am; meetings and programs at 10 am. WimberleyGardenClub.org.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club. 6:30 pm. VFW Hall. Email ryoncrew@yahoo. com.WIMBERLEY: The Herb Society of America Hill Country Unit Meeting (August through May). 9:45 am to noon at Wimberley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 956 Ranch Road 2325. HillCountryHerbs.org.

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.

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 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. 512-847-5464. 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.

SAN MARCOS: Laugh Tracks. Subtle DJ set broken up between two local comedian acts.

Texas State University’s Student Center. 8 pm to 11 pm. Email ktswpr@gmail.com.

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

Hill country calendar WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club Meeting. (September through November, January through May) 11 am. Chapel in the Hills. Email Milly Maxey (millymaxey@gmail. com) or call Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595.

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.

EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.

AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market.

Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976.

BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Barbecue, wagon rides, roping, branding, more. flyingl.com.

BOERNE: Tejas Pro Rodeo Series Live Rodeo.

Gates 5 pm, rodeo at 7:30 pm. Live music and dancing 9 pm. tejasrodeo.com.

BOERNE: Farmer’s Market. 9 am to 1 pm. More information at www.cibolo.org.

COMFORT: Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park, Highway 27.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. solaroestate.com.

FISCHER: Jackson Open Artisan and Farmers Market. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. jacksonopenairmarket.com, 830-935-2781.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. Find complete details at www. theenglishbrothers.com.

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

10 am. jacobswellspring.org.

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market.

Find flowers, veggies, transplants, cheeses, much more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428 WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. blairhouseinn.com.

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

FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square.

830-796-4447.

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

DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club.

Group meets to enhance community spirit.

Dinner at 7 pm. driftwoodtx.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). More than 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. shopmarketdays.com.

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

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

WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail.

15 galleries around Square stay open late offering art, 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.

MAY 3-7 AUSTIN: 20th Annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival. Various locations. cinelasamericas.org.

MAY 4 NEW BRAUNFELS: The Bellamy Brothers in Concert. Best-known for easy rolling, ’70s southern soft rock classic “Let Your Love Flow,” The Bellamy Brothers are one of the most successful duos in country music history, consistently climbing into the upper reaches of the Billboard country charts during the ’80s. brauntex.org.

SAN MARCOS: San Marcos Heritage Home Tour Preview. Features food, music and entertainment by professional magicians and comedians from 4 pm to 9 pm at Kissing Tree’s Model Home Park. www.heritagesanmarcos. org, 512-392-4295.

MAY 4-7 AUSTIN: “Six Guitars.” Chase Padgett becomes six different guitarists, each with their own distinct voice, views and musical style. The Long Center. thelongcenter.org.

MAY 5 LUCKENBACH: Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally. hillcountryrun.com.

SAN MARCOS: Magical History Tour and Open House. Explore the town and the river, including a “Magical History Tour” of downtown San Marcos including commercial and historic sites of interest to both visitors and longtime residents, puzzles to solve and an art gallery reception in the afternoon. www. heritagesanmarcos.org, 512-392-4295.

MAY 5-7 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally. Enjoy bike rides through the hills, live music, a cowboy breakfast, brews and barbecue, and more. Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. hillcountryrun. com.

MARBLE FALLS: Howdy-Roo CASI Regional Chili Cook-Off. Join the Highland Lakes Chapter of CASI in Johnson Park for three days of good food, good friends and good fun.

Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J. howdyroo.com.

MAY 6 AUSTIN: Beekeeping 101. Learn about the biology, behavior and domestication of the European Honey Bee, look at Langstroth and Top Bar hives and learn the essential gear you need to get you going on the journey of beekeeping. Instructor, John Swan is the owner of Wicked Bee Apiary. Treehouse South Lamar, 10 am to 1 pm. eventbrite.com/e/beekeeping-101-tickets-33548640888.

BLANCO: Twin Sisters Dance. Bring the whole gang to this family friendly monthly dance in a more than 100-year-old country dance hall.

Twin Sisters Dance Hall, South of Blanco on U.S Highway 281. twinsistersdancehall.com.

BOERNE: Art in the Park. Free community festival celebrates both beauty of natuand artistic expression.Artists set up art activity stations, where both kids and adults participate together in making art and more.

Music, dance and storytelling throughout the day. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. visitboerne.org.

BOERNE: Handmade Market. All handmade items, including bath and body products, home decor, children’s items and food.

Food trucks, plus playground for kids and live music. Kendall County Fairgrounds. visitboerne.org.

BOERNE: Hauptstrasse Quiltfest. Colorful quilts on display, live music, special exhibits, presentation, more. Main Plaza, 100 North Main. visitboerne.org.

CONCAN: River Road Market Fest: Fiesta on the Frio. Vendors, petting zoo, face painting, food, kids’ games. a jalapeno eating contest and more at Andy’s on River Road. 830-2324310, www.VisitUvaldeCounty.com.

MAY 6 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Wine Tour and Pairing Experience at Bell Springs Winery. www. bellspringswinery.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Hill Country Rally for Kids Gala. The year’s opening event for the Hill Country Rally for Kids. Live music, dancing, dinner, auction items, and adult beverages.

Ticket required, sponsorships available. Hog Heaven. www.hcrally.com/gala.

JOHNSON CITY: Girl Scout Day. Central Texas Daisies, Brownies and Juniors are invited for an all-day, family-friendly STEM adventure.

Scouts can earn badges while exploring more than 40 exhibits and have a opportunity to discover more in optional Learning Lab, available for advance reservation and purchase. Scouts not attending lab can pay admission upon arrival. www.sciencemill. org/visit/upcoming-events.

KERRVILLE: Hill Country Swap Meet. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27. kerrmarketdays.org.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Kindermasken Parade.

Enjoy New Braunfels’ oldest heritage

CANYON LAKE...YEAR ROUND VACATION LIVING Come enjoy our clear lake and cool, refreshing river!

Shop • Dine • Swim • Tube • Raft • Canoe • Fish • Camp • Sail

800-528-2104 • canyonlakechamber.com

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

The Texas Hill Country Premier Music Venue Providing Great Sunsets and Fun for the Whole Family Serving Great Texas BBQ, Cold Beer & Texas Wines

9 Miles West of Drippin’ on 290 Shows beginning in April thru November

Presenting Legends & Rising Stars Featuring $15.00 GA $25.00 VIP Sky Box Seating Johnny Rodriguez

Tickets at www.StoneValleyTexas.com

Braydon Zink

May 13, 2017 Gates Open at Noon. Show begins at 1:00pm Cold Beverages and Texas BBQ www.StoneValleyTexas.com for Tickets 713-851-0163 9 Miles West of Dripping Springs HILL COUNTRY SUN R May 2017 PAGE 11

Hill country calendar

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tradition. nbheritagevillage.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Wein and Saengerfest.

Wine and craft beer tastings, live music, a grape stomp, an artisan market, more. Main Plaza. weinandsaengerfest.com.

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

MAY 6-7 AUSTIN: Pecan Street Festival. Street fair features local artisans, food vendors, musicians and kids’ activities. Sixth Street Historic District. pecanstreetfestival.org.

COMFORT: Spring Antique Show at Comfort Park. 423 Main Street. comfort-texas.com.

SAN MARCOS: Heritage Home Tour.

Saturday and Sunday’s historic district home tour and designer showcase will be open from noon to 5 pm, including eight historic and modern homes throughout San Marcos. Tour is self-guided. www.heritagesanmarcos.org, 512-392-4295.

STONEWALL: Lavender Festival. Celebrate everything lavender with vendors, cooking demonstrations, more. beckervineyards.com.

MAY 6, 20 BOERNE: Hot Rod Night. Derringer Band and The Lost Mule Band perform. Soda Pops, 103 North Main. sodapopsboerne.com.

MAY 7 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Barks for Beer at Treaty Oak. Divine Canine dogs along with live music, cocktails and beer, plus brunch. www. treatyoakdistilling.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Maifest German Chorale Concert. Evening of German song and Fredericksburg hospitality at St. Joseph’s Halle. visitfredericksburgtx.com.

MAY 9 COMFORT: Music in the Park. 423 Main Street. comfort-texas.com.

MAY 10-13 MARBLE FALLS: MayFest. Fun for the entire family in a lovely outdoor green space, with carnival, free concerts, washer pitching, games, food and craft vendors, more. Johnson Park, 230 Avenue J. marblefalls.org.

MAY 12-14 AUSTIN: “Alice in Wonderland.” Alice along with cast of the eccentric characters she encounters, jump from page to stage in wacky, whimsical production. The Long Center. balletaustin.org.

MAY 13 BOERNE: Art Waddle. Stroll, ride bikes, picnic along Cibolo Creek, as neighbors display art in The Flats of Boerne. artwaddleboerne.com.

BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine.

Travel to each gallery in the downtown area on foot or on the Shabby Bus. Various locations. visitboerne.org.

JOHNSON CITY: Legends and Rising Stars at Stone Valley Music Park featuring Johnny Rodriquez and Braydon Zink. Starts at 1 pm. www.stonevalleytexas.com.

MAY 13 FREDERICKSBURG: Texas Flower Country Women’s 5K and 10K Run. Enjoy a postrace champagne brunch. Wildseed Farms. runintexas.com/flower.

SUMMER EVENTS UNTRY O C L L I H TEXAS

Year Round Hunting, River Access, Kayak, State Park & Paddling Trail, Fish, Shop, Golf, Disc Golf, Tennis, And More!

WWW.JUNCTIONTEXAS.COM PAGE 12 MAY 2017 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

June 3 Cowboys & Cajuns July 3 Fireworks July 27-30 Sizzler Disc Golf August 11-12 Rodeo/Dance/Car Show Sept 1-2 Kayak Race

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

Robert Earl Keen plays the 21st Annual KNBT Americana Jam in Gruene May 21.

Photo courtesy Robert Earl Keen.

JOHNSON CITY: Legends and Rising Stars presents Johnny Rodriguez and Braydon Zink. Live music, barbecue, beer and wine.

Stone Valley Music Park. Gates open at noon. www.StoneValleyTexas.com.

MAY 13-14 BOERNE: Market Days. Artists, crafters and vendors share their creative talents and wares to sounds of homegrown Texas musicians.

Main Plaza. visitboerne.org.

MAY 14 AUSTIN: Mother’s Day at the Capitol. Austin Symphonic Band performs on south steps of State Capitol. 1100 Congress Avenue. austinsymphonicband.org.

GRUENE: Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. gruenehall.com.

MAY 14-15 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Tour the Talent Studio Tour. Visit seven area studios representing 30 artists. artistsalliancehc.com.

MAY 18 WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse Concert Series presents Shake Russell and Michael Hearne. Pie, tamales, pizza, coffee, soft drinks. Doors 7 pm, music 7:30 pm.

Wimberley United Methodist Church. www. wimberleyumc.org/susannas-kitchen.

MAY 19 GRUENE: Tanya Tucker. Live music at Gruene Hall. gruenehall.com.

MAY 19-21 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop with more than 450 vendors or relax in the Biergarten while listening to live music.

Sunday Farms, 355 Sunday Farms Lane. fbgtradedays.com.

MAY 19 GRUENE: Jerry Jeff Walker. Live music at Gruene Hall. gruenehall.com.

KYLE: Starlight Symphony Orchestra Concert. Hays Performing Arts Center. starlightsymphony.org.

WIMBERLEY: A Night to Remember. Dinner dance with live jazz, buffet, live auction and bucket raffles, cash prizes and chance to win a 2017 Jeep Patriot. Wimberley Community Center. saintmaryswimberley.com.

MAY 20 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Redbud Artisan Market. All-handmade artisan show features the unique works of more than 60 Texas artisans. Find pottery, jewelry, wall art, metal

art, home goods, outdoor decor, sewn items, soaps, glass art and much more unique fine art and craft, as well as great local music, food and local wine. Dripping Springs Ranch Park. redbudartisanmarket@gmail.com.

MAY 20-21 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Features more than 100 artisans offering handmade items including packaged Texas foods.

Event includes live entertainment, specialty shopping, wine tasting, unique dining and river rides. Gruene Historic District. gruenemarketdays.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Liberty Gun Show.

Convention Center. libertygunshow.com.

MAY 21 AUSTIN: New Kids on the Block in Concert with Paula Abdul, Boyz II Men. Frank Erwin Center. uterwincenter.com.

GRUENE: 21st Annual KNBT 92.1FM Americana Music Jam. Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers (acoustic), Wade Bowen, Cody Canada and Mike McClure, Seth James Band, Bruce Robison, Flatland Cavalry, Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, Dalton Domino, Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines and more. gruenehall.com.

WIMBERLEY: Starlight Symphony Orchestra.

First Baptist Church. starlightsymphony.org.

MAY 22 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Chorus Rehearsal. Group begins rehearsals for the July 4th season 6:30 pm at the Lutheran Church, 101 Spoke Hill Road. Register online at www. wimberleycommunitychorus.org or call 512517-3111 for more information.

MAY 25 BOERNE: A Thirst for Nature. Join Cibolo Nature Center and their team of experts for an evening of themed cocktails and educational programs. visitboerne.org.

AUSTIN: Clint Black in Concert. Nutty Brown Cafe & Amphitheatre. Tickets on sale now. www.NuttyBrown.com MAY 25 - JUNE 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.

MAY 25 - JUNE 25 KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show.

National competition of some of the best gourd artists in America. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. kacckerrville.com.

MAY 26-28 BANDERA: Pro Rodeo. Three nights of actionpacked PRCA rodeo action featuring the top cowboys in the nation, mutton bustin’ for the little ones and nationally recognized entertainment. banderaprorodeo.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Crawfish Festival.

A three-day fest dedicated to music, entertainment, food, beverages and fun inspired by all things Cajun. Marktplatz. fbgcrawfish.com.

KERRVILLE: “Dimensions in Quilting” Quilt Show. Hill Country Quilt Guild presents more than 200 judged quilts, more plus a quilt drawing. hillcountryquiltguild.com.

MAY 26-28 KERRVILLE: Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Show. Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference Center. texasmasters.com.

MAY 27 FREDERICKSBURG: USO Style Memorial Day Hangar Dance. Swing dance lessons and music by Lone Star Swing Orchestra. Pacific Showroom, Hangar Hotel. hangarhotel.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: WWII Pacific Combat Program. Bringing history to life with equipment used during WWII and battle re-enactment set on an island in the Pacific.

National Museum of the Pacific War. pacificwarmuseum.org.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R May 2017 PAGE 13

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MAY 27 LAGO VISTA: Lago Fest—Boats, Beats, Arts & Eats.In conjunction with Austin Yacht Club’s Annual Turnback Regatta. Musicians, fine artists, some of Austin’s top food trucks. 1 pm to 9 pm. Early, free shuttles begin at noon for noon to 1:30 pm happy hour. lagofest.com.

MAY 27-28 AUSTIN: Citywide Garage Sale. Vintage, collectible and antique market at Palmer Events Center. cwgs.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. City Park, U.S. 290 at Avenue G. lbjcountry.com.

KERRVILLE: May 27-28 Festival of the Arts.

Features 100 artists working in a variety of media outside under big tents, with concessions on site and nearby restaurants and shops. Downtown Kerrville. kvartfest.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Schlittercon XIV. Schlitterbahn’s 35th birthday with discounted member pricing includes two days of admission, breakfast, two dinners, a nighttime float, two evening heated pool parties and evening dessert party. schlitterbahn.com.

MAY 29 FREDERICKSBURG: Memorial Day Observance. National Museum of the Pacific War. pacificwarmuseum.org.

JUNE 2 - JULY 2 WIMBERLEY: “West Side Story.” EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. www.emilyann.org.

JUNE 2 -3 TAYLOR: Taylor International BBQ Cook-Off. 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 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.

JULY 7-9 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Valley Art League (WVAL) Cool Art Show. Reception July 7.

Original fine art in many media from local artists on display and for sale at Wimberley Community Center. WimberleyArtLeague.com.

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.

JUNE 9-10 BURNET: Burnet County Fair. burnetcountyfair.com

JUNE 10 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.

JUNE 11 BANDERA: Second Sunday Music Fest. frontiertimesmuseum.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 17 BURNET: Summer Concert Series Presents Roger Creager in Concert. 301 Garden Trails Drive. cityofburnet.com.

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.

JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. City Park, U.S. Highway 290 at Avenue G. lbjcountry.com.

JUNE 24 BANDERA: Riverfest. 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.

LUCKENBACH: 4th Annual Hill Country Food Truck Festival. Food lovers’ paradise of food trucks, wine, beer, and live music in legendary Luckenbach. 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. luckenbachtexas.com.

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.

JULY 1 BOERNE: Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines.

Cave Without A Name, Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road. cavewithoutaname.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.

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