SepTember 2015 Weekend showcase of rodeo skills at Dripping Springs Fair & Rodeo
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Pat Molak Gruene's real honky tonk hero
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Savor Sweet Sorghum Day at Stonewall’s Sauer Beckmann Farm
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Patriot Day Celebration in Wimberley
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Hill Country Wildlife by C.J. Wright
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Sacred Springs Powwow in San Marcos
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Sweet September Sorghum Day in Stonewall
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By Laurel Robertson
hundred years ago, the sweetest day of the year for a kid growing up in the Hill Country was sorghum cooking day. Everyone on the farm worked together, harvesting the cane sorghum that had ripened in the field over the summer, pressing the stalks until its sweet green juices ran. Then they stirred the boiling juice over a fire for hours, until it cooked down into an thick amber syrup. Like maple syrup in the Northeast, cane syrup (sometimes called “sorghum molasses”) was the most common sweetener available to a rural family in the South and an ingredient in many traditional southern dishes. September 12, modern-day residents Hill Country residents can experience the special day on the farmstead, as the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm hosts their Sweet September Sorghum Day. Staff and volunteers in period clothing will press and cook sorghum syrup just as it would have been done in 1908, the year LBJ was born, just across the Pedernales River from the farm. The cane sorghum, planted in the Sauer-Beckmann fields last May, will be hand-harvested and then pressed in a vintage horse-powered sorghum press. Because the county is currently under an outdoor fire ban, the juice it yields will be cooked on a wood-burning stove in the farm’s original log cabin. The sights, sounds and smells of the syrup-making
Stirring “sorghum molasses,” or cane syrup. Photo courtesy LBJ State Park & Historical Site.
The crew pressing the cane. Photo courtesy LBJ State Park & Historical Site.
process will be true to the traditions of the German immigrant farm. Sweet Sorghum Day is one of many demonstration days offered by the living history farm on a regular basis. The schedule is staggered, so that it can be several years before a particular activity is offered again, says Stephen Baethge, LBJ State Park Ranger and Farm Manager at Sauer-Beckmann. He urges people interested in seeing sorghum making to make it out for this year’s demonstration.
The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, part of the LBJ State Park in Stonewall, is a little piece of the Hill Country frozen in time at the beginning of the 20th century. “We chose that period, because that’s what LBJ would have known as a boy growing up nearby,” explains Stephen. The farm is worked every day of the year by a park staff of four, assisted by volunteers. The workers wear period clothing and perform all the farm and household chores just as they would have been done at the time. Some chores are seasonal, such as canning and butchering. Farm animals, however, must be cared for on a daily basis, including activities like feeding, milking, gathering eggs and slopping the hogs. The house is cleaned, meals are cooked, butter is churned and cheese is made. Visitors may see the “family” scrubbing the floors with homemade lye soap, or plowing the garden with a team of horses. “The only thing we don’t do is sleep here,” says Stephen with a chuckle. The Sauer-Beckmann Farm adds to LBJ’s life story as presented at the State Park, because it exemplifies the rigors of Hill Country farm before rural electrification finally came to the region in the late 1930s, says Stephen. As a young Congressman, LBJ was instrumental in making that change come about, he explains. According to the LBJ State Park web site, “The setting for the present-day living history activities is an authentic Hill Country farm. Johann and Christine Sauer, along with their four children, settled this land in 1869. Their family prospered and grew and, by 1885, several stone buildings were built near the original rock and log cabins. Eventually, the Sauers had ten children. One of those, Augusta Sauer Lindig, served as midwife at the birth of President Johnson. “The Beckmann family acquired the property in 1900. A good cotton crop in 1915 allowed Emil and Emma Beckmann to build a new barn, to add a frame room onto the old rock structure, and to construct porches connecting to a lovely Vic-
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Cane fields at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm on the grounds of LBJ State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall. Photo courtesy LBJ State Park & Historical Site.
Above, goodies made with the sorghum molasses. Guests to Sweet Sorghum Day can walk the nature trail to the farm, see the American Bison and Texas Official Longhorn Herd, learn about the President’s legacy and life and enjoy the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Photo courtesy LBJ State Park & Historical Site. torian house covered with fashionable pressed tin. “In 1966, Edna Beckmann Hightower sold the site to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Archeological surveying and restoration work was undertaken and the farm opened to the public in 1975.”The Sauer-Beckmann Farm is open to the public every day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. FYI • Sweet Sorghum Day at the Sauer-Beckmann Farm is Saturday, September 12, from 10 am to 3 pm. The Farm is located in LBJ State Park in Stonewall. For more information, visit the web site at tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/ sweet-september-sorghum-1.
Hill Country SUN September 2015 Volume 26 • Number 3 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2015 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 Colleen Brooks Ernie Lee Laurel Robertson C.J. Wright Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie Adelle Spell Distribution
Kenzie, Luke and Julie Harrington Photo by Becky Roberson Photography.
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: It’s a wild western weekend of fun at the Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo October 2-4. (See story, page 8.) Enjoy a CPRA rodeo, ranch rodeo, mutton bustin’ and goat roping, team roping, evening dances and much more. Photo courtesy Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo. • Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month. Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. www.hillcountrysun.com www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun
INDEX
HENLY
Texas Hill Country Locator Map
© 2015 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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hill country WILDLIFE
Migrating birds take to skies
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ack in July and August, when heat defined our landscape, fall bird migration quietly got under way. Purple Martins left their staging areas, heading for South America. Cave and Bank Swallows gathered by the hundreds on power lines, readying to migrate. Chimney Swifts started to congregate at staging areas. Golden-cheeked Warblers headed for the highlands of Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. On August 1, Smith Point and Corpus Christi Hawk Watches started their counts. Meanwhile, shorebirds with migratory paths too long to cover in one trip— birds such as Black-bellied Plovers, Sanderlings, Black Terns, Ruddy Turnstones and Simipalmated Plovers—arrived from their Arctic nesting sites to rest and feed along shorelines, mudflats, fields and sod farms before leaving for wintering grounds in the Caribbean or coastal South America. In my neck of the woods, RubyThroated Hummingbirds, too numerous to count, zinged, sparred and twittered from trees to feeders and back. Having burned so much energy, one hopes this constant activity is designed to strengthen their endurance and maneuverability, preparing them for their long migration to Mexico and Central America. Now, from September and stretching into October, migration revs up. The airwaves fill with millions of birds that stream across our country, driven by an inherent need to fly south. With days growing shorter, temperatures cooling and food sources in shorter supply, they leave for warmer lands where days are longer and food more abundant. Whereas we once thought that “our” hummingbirds, wood warblers, vireos, orioles and tanagers, for instance, left for the warm tropics to avoid cold winters and lack of food, we now know that is half true. In reality, their fall migration to tropical climates is also a response to an ancient calling. It’s a return to their roots, to their ancestral homes. About 10,000 years ago, when the last continental glacier receded, birds began to expand their breeding territories. Abundant food and great expanses of land to the north allowed them to raise their young free of serious competition over resources. When returning to their homelands in fall, some birds continue to retrace the routes taken by their ancestors, a less direct pathway. Others, including hummingbirds, take shortcuts, choosing to fly over the Gulf of Mexico to reach home. An extreme example of the latter is the Blackpoll Warbler, a tiny bird whose fall
Rufous Hummingbird. Photo by LeAnn Sharp, Hill Country Nature Center. migration takes it from northeastern North America to northeastern South America, a 3,000-mile trip over the Atlantic and the Caribbean. On the return trip in spring, it takes a more familial route through the West Indies, Bahamas and eastern North America. The Northern Wheatear, another tiny bird with an even more impressive migration, departs from its breeding grounds that span from Alaska to Greenland to northern Asia, and wings its way across open ocean, ice and desert to winter in Sub-Saharan Africa, an annual migration of 18,000 miles. Although migration has received much study over the years, mystery remains. How do birds chart their migratory path? How do they find their way back to a former nest site, a site hidden from view? How does a Rufous Hummingbird travel from Alaska or the Pacific Northwest to winter and to feed on nectar at the same Texas yard each fall? What fortitude drives an Arctic Tern to travel each fall from one pole to another, from breeding grounds in Greenland to feeding grounds in Antarctica, a trip that crosses the Atlantic Ocean? On average, this tern travels 44,000 miles round trip. Even more mind blowing, what of the documented trip of a Bar-tailed Godwit that flew 7,145 miles on a non-stop trip from Alaska to New Zealand, crossing the Pacific Ocean in nine days without food, water or rest? Venturing on its maiden voyage, an unescorted juvenile bird has an innate ability to fly toward its homeland. Even when storms blow it off course, many such young manage to reorient and to regain their bearings, reaching their ancestral grounds. How do they work through adverse situations and find home? Bird migration, however, is not the only major, natural phenomenon to occur in September. Hurricane season heats up as well, causing the deaths of most birds that fly into a tropical cyclone’s path. A See WILDLIFE, page 9
WIMBERLEY
Patriot Day celebration in Wimberley September 11
EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLAGS • Flags & Flagpoles • Patriotic Gifts • Knives & Cutlery
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By Colleen Brooks
ark your calendars for the Patriot Day Ceremony at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Friday, September 11. The seventh annual event honors first responders and flood responders at 10 am at the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza on the grounds of the EmilyAnn. “Once the Veterans Memorial Plaza was in place, the EmilyAnn began celebrating Patriot’s Day September 11 to honor first responders,” explains Ann Rolling, EmilyAnn’s Executive Director. “The veterans name a Patriot of the Year and the award is given on this date. Each year, the recipient is honored with a paver to be placed around the American Flag at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.” James Clements, Vice President of Community Outreach with Central Texas Returning Heroes, describes criteria for nomination: “The Patriot of the year is an annual recognition of an individual who served in the US Military, was honorably discharged and has continued to serve their community in a volunteer capacity.” Past recipients include A.I. “Van” Keese (2014), Charles Ray Winder (2013), Jack Tatum and Rodger Parker (2012), Lewis M. Smith (2011), Morris Haggerton (2010), Bill Johnson (2009), and J.B. Young (2008). Prior to the Friday morning Patriot Ceremony, the Central Texas Returning Heroes host the Patriot of the Year banquet Thursday, September 10, from 7 pm to 10 pm at the Salt Lick Pecan Grove in Driftwood. Guest speaker Stephen Fogle, a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1983
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Battlefield cross at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Veteran’s Memorial Plaza. Photo courtesy EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens.
and current Chairman of the Warrior and Family Support Center Fund Board (Returning Heroes Home, Inc.), will be accompanied by Retired Army Lieutenant General Glynn Mallory. The board supports the Warrior and Family Support Center at Joint Base-Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. As Wimberley continues to recover from the Memorial Day flood, the Patriot Day Ceremony will also serve as a special time to honor the community’s flood responders. Ann explains, “We are so thankful for all of our first responders. In Wimberley we are blessed with amazing teams of EMS workers, firefighters, the sheriff’s and constables departments, and healthcare personnel. But also, everyone in this community became a first responder after the flood, from filling emergency bags immediately after to tearing out sheetrock, and the continued cleanup and rebuilding efforts.” She adds, “We are a town of first responders.” FYI • The Patriot Day Ceremony is Friday, September 11 at 10 am. The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens is located at 1101 Ranch Road 2325 in Wimberley. There is no charge to attend. Tickets for the September 10 Patriot of the Year banquet at the Salt Lick Pecan Grove in Driftwood are $50 each or $75 per couple, available from any Central Texas Returning Heroes member or on the web site at www.CTRH.us. Seating is limited. Net proceeds from this event will support local first responders and veterans, and will also help construct a handicapped restroom at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Veterans Memorial Plaza. For more information, call Veteran’s Plaza at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens in 512-847-6969 or visit the web Wimberley hosts a Patriot Day celebration September 11. site at www.emilyann.org. Photo courtesy EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens.
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HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 5
Pat Molak: Gruene, Texas’ “Honky-tonk” hero
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By Ernie Altgelt
ighly accomplished men are generally associated with something specific — corporate success, creativity within the arts, foresight, great discoveries, even civic conscience. Amazingly, when reflecting on the personal substantial achievements of San Antonio’s legendary (but oh-so down-home) Pat Molak, not one, but all of the above seem applicable. Yep, somehow over this unique individual’s colorful, productive and enviable career, spanning four decades and primarily centered around a formerly decaying Hill Country community, Pat has managed to amass the aforementioned accolades by admirably melding preservation and progress with prosperity resulting in a lot of welcome, greatly appreciated, revitalization. And remarkably enough, it all began with an old dance hall. Because of his efforts, to many, he’s considered nothing less than a hero – albeit a “honky-tonk” hero! Born, bred and still residing in San Antonio, Pat has spent the majority of his 68 youthful years doing what most of us would love to be doing – profitably running the world-famous musical venue, Gruene Hall, while overseeing multiple popular (and usually packed) eateries, ac-
quiring and appropriately developing valued real estate and, perhaps most rewarding, spearheading the rescue and restoration of a quaint historical township that, in a rapidly deteriorating state 40 short years ago, seemed destined for the dust heap. Couple everything with the fact the he gets to do it all (weather permitting) while generally wearing well worn but comfortable tee shirts, shorts and sandals and, can you say cool? Absolutely! So, how did this modern-day master of the laid-back achieve the considerable business success (and obvious personal satisfaction) he enjoys today? While certainly smart, a hard and focused worker and possessed of a visionary spirit, according to a somewhat modest Pat, “A lot of the credit can be attributed to luck!” As he remembers, “For me, it was quite simply being at the right place, at the right time and, that was all pure serendipity.” That “time” was the early 1970s and the “place” a forgotten backwater located on the beautiful Guadalupe River – a place dubbed Gruene (pronounced “green”), Texas. As a 20-something during what became a culturally transformative time, Pat wasn’t particularly, professionally-speaking, happy.
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Pat Molak. Photo by Ernie Altgelt. After a fun but fairly unproductive stint at the University of Texas in Austin (eventually leaving without a degree) followed by an unsatisfying (and thankfully brief) job as a licensed stock broker, the antsy young man, who even then preferred wearing shorts and tees, just hadn’t found his “passion.” But, he knew what he liked. In those heady years, Texas, and especially Austin, were undergoing an unprecedented good ol’ boy music renaissance led by the likes of Willie, Waylon and Jerry Jeff and fueled primarily by Lone Star Beer. Molak, something of a party animal himself who frequently enjoyed “stepping out” into the Austin scene took note. Fired by all of the Texas-chic cultural activity, Molak decided he wanted to get in on the action, not just as a consuming participant but rather, on the commercial side. To that end he, with no previous experience in the hospitality business and not much hard cash either, began a relentless search for the acquisition of a genuine Texas bar and dance hall. When queried why he was looking for this kind of investment property, he responds, “Because these types of places were going great guns and, more importantly, being a Texan, it looked like something I’d like.” After several disappointing “visits” to various available establishments, Lady Luck smiled. In 1974 a friend took him to the remnants of the old German community of Gruene, located a few undeveloped miles north of New Braunfels. It was there that he found, among the semi-deserted buildings and storefronts, the barely-operating Gruene bar with a spacious shuttered dance hall out back. While others with a lot more business savvy might have walked away, for Pat, acting on pure instinct, the old building with its undeniable charms (not to mention the area’s proximity to the college towns of Austin and San Marcos with their large student populations) represented potential and opportunity. He was smitten.
Eagerly closing the deal (with a loan from his supportive but skeptical father), he took possession in January of 1975. Following a modest amount of renovation – mainly just cleaning the place out and upgrading the electrical system – a revitalized, but with its historical integrity intact, Gruene Hall re-opened later that year. At the beginning, there were two employees, he and a bartender. But, by spring, the first band took the stage and the crowds soon followed. His experiment quickly proved to be a success and, as legions of fans from across the state and beyond can attest, the joint’s been rockin’ ever since. Over the years the dance hall has earned its well-deserved legendary status by showcasing the very best in current and future stars all presented in its primitive but welcoming, cozy and unpretentious atmosphere – a combination that, as the proprietor proudly states “has been well received – by the talent and the public.” And, somewhat uniquely, the music that the owner personally brings to his hall crosses all genres, tastes and beats. Willie Nelson, George Strait, Little Richard, Leon Russell, Albert Collins, Hootie and the Blowfish and many other greats and neargreats have graced the archaic stage. After 40 successful years, folks continue to love the music and the ambience. With Gruene Hall prospering – thanks in part to Pat’s knack for finding (and keeping) wonderful and gifted co-workers – his sights turned towards greater Gruene. Of the 25-acre footprint (15 of it now designated as a National Historical District), he owns 23. His next project was the refurbishing of the old (mostly burned) cotton gin. This structure, overlooking the scenic riverfront, became today’s acclaimed Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Pat and longtime partner Mary Jane Nalley, opened the establishment (again with little or no past experience running a restaurant) in 1977 initially selling beer and burgers out of a tiny kitchen. Today, it is renowned for its See MOLAK, page 7
MOLAK, from page 6
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Molak’s milieu
Since 1975, under his guiding hand, Pat Molak and his township have grown together. Starting initially with the dance hall and one employee, today the former old German commercial district has grown to include 11 thriving businesses – most owned and operated by Pat, the rest leased from him – and utilizes an impressive workforce of more than 600 local men and women.
LOTS OF
Smiles of the Month!
Molak owned and operated stores and restaurants in Gruene:
GRUENE HALL Texas’ oldest continuously operating dance hall opened initially in 1878.
GRISTMILL RIVER RESTAURANT & BAR Owned and operated by Molak
and his long-term partner, Mary Jane Nalley, the Gristmill, (opened in 1979) has become a frequent destination for discriminating diners from near and far.
THE GRAPEVINE Local, national and international wines and beers are on tap and available for purchase and, it’s all housed in a charming old storage barn built circa 1900.
CANTINA DEL RIO Fashioned after a traditional South Texas ice house, this casual eatery offers a wide range of mouth-watering Tex-Mex favorites
MOZIE’S Located in community-founder H. D. Gruene’s original mercantile, this establishment boasts a full bar along with a variety of delicious offerings including sliders, spicy hot dogs, other sandwiches and salads.
COTTON-EYED JOES This shop is chocked full of Texas- and Gruene- themed gifts, souvenirs and tee-shirts.
LONE STAR An eclectic inventory of gifts fills this 1902 structure including home accessories, dinnerware, furniture, antiques, lighting and body care products.
GRUENE ANTIQUE COMPANY Located in another Gruene mercantile
building (built in 1903), the 6,500 square-foot emporium is home to up to 30 separate dealers offering the best in country decorative items, collectables and furniture. Other privately held Gruene establishments that are on Molak-owned property:
GRUENE GENERAL STORE Housed in the original 1870s Gruene mercantile
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store, it’s a lovingly rendered recreation of what was that includes a functioning soda fountain along with myriad, fun and fanciful products including food items, house wares and gifts.
BUCK POTTERY A fully functioning clay studio where visitors can witness the act of creation as recognized artist Dee Buck demonstrates processes and techniques.
GRUENE OUTFITTERS A fisherman’s (and outdoorsman’s) dream. It has it all in the way of outdoor clothing, footwear, fly fishing equipment and more. extensive menu featuring many traditional South Texas favorites bolstered by an equally impressive wine and beer list. It can accommodate comfortably up to 800 diners. Multiple other Molak-owned and operated (or leased) ]businesses have subsequently blossomed over the years utilizing other existing buildings (See inset, above). Reflecting Molak’s commitment to preservation, all, including the iconic water tower, have been carefully restored to period exactness. Most have received recognition from the Texas Historical Commission, something he is justifiably proud of. In 1990, he was even recognized with a
proclamation from the Texas Senate for his efforts. When looking back over his very productive and profitable career as successful developer, booking agent, restaurateur, historical restorationist and bar-keep Pat reflects on his “good luck.” But, to any and all who have had the pleasure of visiting Gruene – two-stepping at the hall, dining at one of the restaurants, shopping, tubing the river or just escaping briefly from big city pressures – it all becomes obvious that it wasn’t solely providence that’s “kept Gruene real.” It was, still is and will continue to be, Pat Molak, a true Texas honkytonk hero!
HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 7
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Full weekend of western fun
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t’s the most rodeo you’ll find under one roof in the Hill Country. On October 2-4, the Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo will fill the 166,000 square-foot Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center with cowboys and cowgirls competing in dozens of different rodeo events. With CPRA champions, teams of working cowboys from Texas ranches, and a whole herd of daring small-fries testing their riding skills on the backs of bucking sheep, it’s sure to be a weekend full of Western fun for everyone! Co-hosted by the City of Drippings Springs and Dripping Springs Ag Boosters, the event will raise money to support local FFA and 4H youth. Last year’s Fair and Rodeo netted a whopping $640,000 to purchase animals and projects from 4-H and FFA youth at the Hays County Livestock Expo. This year’s event is expected to raise even more, says Rich Moore, president of DS Ag Boosters and its Rodeo Committee. “It grows every year, now that we have this great Event Center to host it,” he says. CPRA award-winnning Diamond Cross Rodeo Company will stock and stage this year’s event. Rich credits the company’s high-quality show production and animal stock with the success of last year’s rodeo. “We believe we put on a top-notch production, and Diamond Cross Rodeo
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Company is one big reason,” he claims. Seasoned rodeo announcer Rob “Kamikaze” Smets will keep the two nights’ commentary lively and renowned rodeo clown, Mark Swingler—who has twice been nominated as PRCA Clown of the Year— will make sure the crowd is entertained, while keeping the riders safe. Festivities begin Friday evening with the initial round of Mutton Bustin’. The first 10 kids to enter will vie for two spots in Saturday night’s final competition. The CPRA Rodeo gets underway at 7:30 pm, with bull riding, tie down roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, women’s breakaway roping, and barrel racing. After the rodeo, folks can dance the rest of the evening away to live music by the Carport Casanovas. Saturday morning starts off early with the popular (and free!) Cowboy Breakfast from 8 am to 10:30 am. A Mutton Bustin’ Shootout at 9 am is open to all-comers under 55 pounds; the top eight finalists earn a place in Saturday evening’s final competition, where belt buckles will go to the Grand Champion and Reserve Champion riders. There will also be goat roping competitions Saturday morning in the arena. The Ranch Rodeo begins at 1 pm Saturday and will showcase essential cowboying skills such as steer roping, calf branding, trailer loading, and steer yoking. Teams of four cowboys compete against other teams, using skills they’ve honed in their everyday work on a ranch. Saturday night’s CPRA rodeo will get underway at 7:30 pm, and include a $7,000 added purse. Saturday night’s dance following the rodeo will feature music by Michael Myers. Sunday morning there will be Team Roping with a $1,000 added purse. (That’s
See plenty of exciting cowboy action at the Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo October 2-4. Photo donated by William Kierce (Kierce Photography, Kerrville, Texas). number 8 and number 10 Team Roping events, for you real rodeo fans.) This year’s roping is a memorial event for Larry Hileman, who lived in Wimberley and taught more than a thousand kids to rope. Besides competing in mutton bustin’, kids can “play rodeo” with pony rides, a petting zoo and a lot of fun activities that promise to keep them entertained all day, says Rich. Full concessions with hamburgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn will be served from noon on by Pappa D’s Catering from Wimberley. Shop vendor booths in the Event Center’s Vendors’ Hall, with delights such as western clothing, boots, hats, decor and more. FYI • Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo is October 2-4 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 DS Ranch Road in Dripping Springs. For a complete schedule of events and more information, visit the web sites at www.drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com or www.dsagboosters.com.
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Mutton bustin’. Enjoy the fun, exciting tradition for kids Thursday, Friday and Saturday (October 2-4) evenings before (and during) the Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo. Photo donated by William Kierce (Kierce Photography, Kerrville, Texas).
Powwow celebrating Native American heritage October 10
E
By Colleen Brooks
njoy more than 100 Native American dancers, art vendors, drummers and singers at the 5th annual powwow set on the shores of Sacred Springs October 10. Immerse yourself in Native American culture, including will bountiful indigenous food such as buffalo tacos, turkey legs, roaster corn and the ever-popular fry bread tacos. New this year, a native culture tent will serve as the site for lectures, presentations, and performances, including those of Apache storyteller Grandmother Emma Ortega, and Mohawk flute player, Virgie Ravenhawk. Guests can enjoy a presentation about the “White Shaman” rock painting by the Institute’s Sacred Sites program director Luis Aguilar, who is Coahuiltecan. This rock painting is believed to display the creation story of the Coahuiltecan people who believe the San Marcos springs is their origination site. “The Coahuiltecans were ancestors of many Texans who identify as Mexican American,” says Dr. Mario Garza, Board of Directors chair of Indigenous Cultures Institute. “The 4,000-year-old White Shaman panel tells the story of how we traveled through the underworld to emerge here in Spring Lake, through our Sacred Springs.” Dr. Garza will also bring ancient artifacts — arrows, points, bows and atlatls — on display for guests to enjoy. Indigenous Arts Summer Camp students will present the camp’s grand finale in a performance including a salute to the four directions, danza Chichimeca, flute playing, and singing in a Native language. “People are interested in learning more about Native American culture,” says Dr. Mario Garza, “So we’re introducing presentations and performances that demonstrate our heritage.” Exciting performances include the new drum and singers group “IronHorse,” who travel from Apache, Okla-
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Head man dancer Cecil Gray performs. Photo courtesy Sacred Springs Powwow. homa, to perform in the southern style tradition. The Eagle Point Singers (featured in every major powwow in the state of Texas) will perform the northern style drum. The Mitotiliztli Yaoyollohtli danza group of Dallas will perform on the Aztec drum. Cecil Gray returns to the powwow this year as head man dancer. Maria smiles, “He’s an outstanding performer and his wife, Hauli Sioux, will be our head lady dancer; she’s just amazing!” Cecil is Cheyenne/Kiowa and Hauli is Ponca/Tonkawa. The couple travels to San Marcos for this event from Yukon, Oklahoma. The Sacred Springs Powwow is thought by many to be the most spiritually moving powwow in Texas. The powwow will begin at 10 am October 10 with a traditional native blessing by Native American elders, and conclude at 5:45 pm with a closing prayer. FYI • The Sacred Springs PowWow is Saturday, October 10, from 10 am to 6 pm at the Meadows Center (previously the Aquarena Center) at 201 San Marcos Springs Drive in San Marcos. Admission for adults is $3, children under 12 years of age get in free. The Indigenous Culture Institute is partnering with local hotels for special rates for Powwow attendees. Just mention “powwow rates” when making hotel reservations. Parking is available at Bobcat Stadium and there shuttle buses will run. For more information, including a complete schedule of events, call 512-393-3310 or visit the web site at www.indigenouscultures.org.
WILDLIFE, from page 4 Whimbrel named Chinquapin was an amazing exception. Back in 2010 a team of scientists started tracking Whimbrels, curlews that breed in northern Canada and winter in Brazil. These birds stand about 1.5 feet tall and almost double their weight before they migrate. They travel along their 3,500-mile migration route without rest, clocking speeds of up to fifty miles an hour. In 2010, Chinquapin, armed with a satellite transmitter backpack flew around Tropical Storm Colin while a second bird flew through the storm and perished. Then in 2011, Chinquapin encountered Hurricane Irene and flew through it. Without any data coming through, scientists waited, uncertain as to whether the bird had survived. Forty-eight hours later, a new set of data came in. Chinquapin was well and resting in the Bahamas. According to scientists, Whimbrels are probably one of only a few birds that can fly through a hurricane and make
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landfall. They attributed Chinquapin’s success to the large amount of fat it stored, enabling it to expend the energy needed to fly though the hurricane’s eye. Scientists continue to study birds in migration, trying to learn just how some navigate around major storm systems and survive. We know fall migrants such as Chimney Swifts take advantage of cold fronts. After the front passes, they ride the northeasterly trade winds that carry them to their wintering grounds. One can argue that because domestic pigeons are trained to find their way home from distant points, birds in the wild can also learn to navigate over long distances, sometimes encountering adverse conditions, and reach their destination. The difference, as Alexander F. Skutch observes in The Minds of Birds, is that wild birds are self-taught. May all fall migrants avoid tropical storms that come their way, and may the winds be always at their backs.
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t seems the Hill Country has made up for the late spring by bringing on the heat. Summer is upon us with a vengeance. Despite the heat, the beauty and peace of the Hill Country certainly shows in this season. Hill Country Sun reader Kathy McGregor agrees with me. Kathy lives in Wimberley, a city hit hard by floods in late spring, and our hearts go out to those who have suffered. Her poem “Summer Canvas” is well worth reading. I like the poem because it paints a picture of summer. You can almost feel the summer breeze, smell the river, hear the birds. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your poem with us. This is a clever little poem, designed to read like free verse. However, this poem is actually a sexain in heptameter couplets. The rhyme scheme is aabbcc. If you look closely you will see the couplets. However, Kathy has shrewdly spaced the piece so it brings variety to the equally cadenced lines. This is an excellent example that you could copy to avoid what sometimes seems like a singsong effect of rhyming couplets. Well done, Kathy. Whether Kathy did this on purpose, or if that is just the way she expressed her summer feelings doesn’t really matter. If she wasn’t aware, she instinctively designed the poem in a way that suited her, and it worked. If she knew, she is an advanced poet, indeed. My point: the reader rarely knows. The piece stands on its own merit, regardless of the skill or knowledge of its writer. The wonderful thing about self-expression through poetry is – there is no wrong way! There is nothing to prevent you from writing down your feelings and observations in poetic expression. You don’t have to worry about if this is the way real poets do it or not. If you did it – then it is! What is a “real” poet anyway? So, pick up that pen, finger that keyboard, write away. Be bold. Go where no poet has gone before. Be creative. If you write it, and you like it, then you are done. Please do not try to wrap your creations in someone else’s blanket. Knit your own. And then, share it with me! The Bard will be leaving soon for a tour of the Northeastern states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine. I can’t wait to visit and soak up some of that culture. The Bard also ap-
peared at the Sun Poets’ Society in the historic Olmos Pharmacy in San Antonio in July. I was also seen at Wake the Dead Coffee Shop in San Marcos recently, and hope to return this month. Hope to see you there. Our subject next time, as always, will be Texas Hill Country. I know of no other place more inspiring. Or, write about almost anything. Send your poems to Ernie Lee at bardoftheblanco@hotmail.com. I’ll read each one, and print the one we liked best. We’ll talk about why and how the poem worked. We’ll discuss devices the poet used, such as simile or metaphor. Don’t be shy. You will be surprised how many people are already writing things down and keeping them hidden. What a tragedy — you never know when something you write may touch someone else. Thank you for participating. If you are a published or practiced poet, please reach out and share your work with us. Give us some insight into your poem: how, why, and what method you chose to express your work. I’m pleased and honored to be your host and facilitator. Until next time, happy writing. I’ll be waiting to read you!
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: Live music at Gruene Hall. Free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com. EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart, 12812 Shops Parkway #400. adoptions@ thunderingpaws.org, 512-402-9725. SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cowboy music at Frontier Times Museum. Free. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321. JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art. Rockin’ gospel to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. 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 other artists. 830-825-3465. WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band Meets. First Baptist Church. 512858-7960. EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: A premier hand blown glass lighting and art glass studio since 1992, Wimberley Glassworks hosts glass blowing demonstrations for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-213-2110. FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Senior Center. 830-796-4969. SECOND TUESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Art Society of Wimberley (ASW) Meeting. 6:30 pm at the Art Room, 100 Melody Way, Suite H. Please email msalaun@austin.rr.com for more information. THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music. Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547. LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101. EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com. 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 the Resurrection, 101 West Spoke Hill Drive September through May. Refreshments at 9:30 am; meetings and programs start at 10 am. www.WimberleyGardenClub.org THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club. 6:30 pm. VFW Hall. Email ryoncrew@yahoo.com for more information. FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am at the Wimberley Community Center. 512-847-2849. EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Live music at Cypress
Creek Cafe. Check listings at www.cypresscreekcafe.com EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts and Open Mic. Hours are 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and Flying Armadillos. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Live Music at Smoke ‘N Hops. smokenhops.com. FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday. Participating businesses offer special events, food and music plus sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. www.drippingspringstx.org. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions meet at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406. SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society. Meeting. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net. THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of the best in the Hill Country’s musical talent. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www. wimberleyumc.org. EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. Delicious food, beautiful music at 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-5464. www.facebook.com/LindasFineFoods. EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. www.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. WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035. FIRST FRIDAY FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com. SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever. Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www. castroville.com, 830-931-2479. UVALDE: Four Square Friday Enjoy late night shopping, food, live music and art at the event named for town’s original design with four town squares. 6 pm to 9 pm. Downtown. www.visituvalde.com. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club Meeting. (September through November, January through May) 11 am at Chapel in the Hills, 14601 Ranch Road 12. Milly Maxey at millymaxey@gmail. com or Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595. THIRD FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Parkinson Association Meets at Chapel in the Hills Community Church. Speakers on subjects pertaining to Parkinson, members share happenings. 11 am at 14601 Ranch Road 12. Call Gae Koen at 512-847-7953.
FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. At the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. Call 830-796-4969 for information. 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 lessons, branding, and more. Details at www.flyingl.com. COMFORT: Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park, Highway 27. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. www.solaroestate.com. FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2781. NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245. EVERY SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Tour Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods, divers, experience beauty of spring that started the town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org. WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Flowers, fresh veggies, cheeses, more. Ranch Road 2325, Highway 165. 830-833-5428.
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Friday 3 pm - 8 pm
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Saturday 11 am - 10 pm Sunday 10 am Church Service under the big tent
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Parking $5/car • Free Admission Hosted by Western Sonrise Ministries Deanna and Jerry Dosser. Portion of proceeds to the Barnabas Connection and My Neighbors Keeper.
HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 11
HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR
Sat, Sept 19 • 9 am-6 pm Sun, Sept 20 • 9 am-5 pm Ranch Park Event Center 1042 Event Center Drive
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EVERY SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. www.blairhouseinn.com. UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner Served at the Laurel Tree. A special dining experience. www.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 meets to enhance community spirit. Dinner at 7 pm. www.driftwoodtx.org. WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www.shopmarketdays.com.
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PAGE 12 SEPTEMBER 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
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SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316. WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around Square open late offering art, wine, appetizers. Facebook. com/SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Club, learn public speaking and leadership skills. 10:30 am at the Wimberley Village Library. 512-913-4804 for information. 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 ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. www.westcave.org. SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org. FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Johnson City: Market Days. Food, artisans, vendors and more. 830-868-7684, JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com. SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 16, 2015 AUSTIN: “Ladies and Gentlemen ...The Beatles.” Traveling exhibit explores Beatles’ impact on American pop culture, including fashion, art, advertising, media and music from 1964-66, when British boy band was at its peak. LBJ Presidential Library. www.lbjlibrary.org. SEPTEMBER 1-6 AUSTIN: “Impressionism and the Caribbean: Francisco Oller and His Transatlantic World.” Blanton Museum of Art. www.blantonmuseum.org. SEPTEMBER 1 - OCTOBER 1 KERRVILLE: Photo Quest 2015. The Hill Country Camera Club’s annual photography competition features natural and digital photography. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com. SEPTEMBER 2 KERRVILLE: Texas Heritage Music “Coffee House Series.” Features Texas musicians and open-mic performers. Schreiner University. www.texasheritagemusic.org. SEPTEMBER 3-6 BOERNE: 110th Annual Kendall County Fair. Includes rodeo and bull riding events, a livestock show, arts and crafts, exhibits, live entertainment, a barbecue cook-off, horseshoe and washer pitching, children’s activities, a pageant and a carnival. Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.kcfa.org. SEPTEMBER 4 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Sam Bentley Band at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. SEPTEMBER 4-5 AUSTIN: German-Texan Heritage Society Conference. Event highlights German Texan cultural values through presentations, discussion groups, walking tours, genealogy and German food. German Heritage Society, 507 East 10th Street. www.germantexans.org. BERTRAM: Oatmeal Festival. 38th annual event includes a morning horse ride, parades, live music in the park, the Oatmeal Baking Contest, an evening dance
with live music, children’s activities and more. Downtown. oatmealfestival.org. SEPTEMBER 4-6 AUSTIN: Ballet Austin Presents “Hamlet.” Contemporary ballet based on the classic Shakespeare play. The Long Center for the Performing Arts. www.balletaustin.org. 512-476-2163. BANDERA: Celebrate Bandera. Longhorn cattle drive, parade, Circle of Life Inter-tribal Powwow, National Professional Bull Riders, Cowboy Mounted Shooters and more. www.celebratebandera.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Gunner Thames Memorial Jackpot, Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Call 512-858-4725 or visit the web site at www.gunnerthames.com. HARPER: 51st Annual Harper Frontier Days Celebration. Three-day event includes a parade, rodeo, dance, roping and barrel racing, kids fishing contest, washer pitching and 42 tournament. Harper Community Park on Highway 290 West. www.harpercommunitypark.org. KERRVILLE: Fall Music Festival. Features songwriters, wineries, concerts, food and camping along with songs around the campfires. Quiet Valley Ranch. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com. UTOPIA: UTOPIAfest. Three-day music and camping festival features performances by Explosions in the Sky, Leftover Salmon, Tune-Yards, RJD2, Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, Of Montreal, Man Man and others. Four Sisters Ranch. www.utopiafest.com. UVALDE: Texas Labor Day Weekend Celebration. Enjoy live music, a carnival, parade, Pro Rodeo and other activities. Uvalde County Fairplex. www. palominofest.com. SEPTEMBER 4 - OCTOBER 4 WIMBERLEY: “Godspell.” Enjoy the musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew set in modern-day times. Using song and dance, the apostles traverse the city, spreading Christ’s message of love and tolerance as the time moves ever closer to his betrayal and crucifixion. Performed in the indoor Burdine Johnson Studio Theatre. Limited seating. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 pm. www. emilyann.org. SEPTEMBER 5 AUSTIN: Art in The Garden. Artist Sherri Jones shows children how to paint using nature as inspiration. Morning session is for children ages 6 to 8 years old, and early afternoon is for children ages 9 to 11. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. www.wildflower.org. BANDERA: Market Days. Features local arts and crafts on the Courthouse Lawn, 500 Main Street. 830-796-4447. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Jake Ward and the Coast Riders at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. FREDERICKSBURG: USO-Style Hangar Dance. 1940s-style dance has swing dance lessons, big band live music, costume contest, photo booth and concessions. Pacific Showroom at the Hangar Hotel, www.hangarhotel.com. KERRVILLE: Hill Country Swap Meet.
Hill country calendar Community garage sale and flea market offers all types of merchandise. 8 am to 3 pm at Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. www.kerrmarketdays.org. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Lions Market Day. Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Lions Field. www.ShopMarketDays.com. SEPTEMBER 5-6 FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Program. See a livinghistory demonstration of World War II weaponry, clothing, training and tactics of U.S. and Japanese military complete with tank and flame thrower. www.pacificwarmuseum.org. STONEWALL: Grape Stomp at Becker Vineyards. Plenty of fun 11 miles east of town on U.S. Highway 290. www.beckervineyards.com. WIMBERLEY: Gunner Thames Memorial Rodeo. Mutton bustin’ before and during rodeo, sign up starting at 6 pm. BYOB. Wimberley VFW Rodeo Grounds. www. gunnerthames.com. SEPTEMBER 7 JUNCTION: Arts-and-Crafts Fair. Annual Labor Day celebration offers arts and crafts, food and live entertainment along the banks of the Llano River. Junction City Park. www.junctiontexas.com. SEPTEMBER 10 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dinner by the Bite at Wilson Appliance. An exciting evening of gourmet food, drinks and auction items to benefit PAWS Shelter of Central Texas. Tickets on sale now at www. pawsshelter.org. SEPTEMBER 10-20 COTTONWOOD SHORES: Hill Country Community Theatre presents “Cookin’ with Gus.” Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:15 pm. www.thehcct.org. SEPTEMBER 11 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Silo Road at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. KERRVILLE: Marty Stuart in Concert. Cailloux Theater. 7:30 pm. www.caillouxtheater.com. WIMBERLEY: Patriot Day Celebration at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza. (See story, page 5.) EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. 10 am. 512-847-6969, www.emilyann.org. SEPTEMBER 11-12 JOHNSON CITY: We Got Yer Goat Cook-Off .Teams of cooks compete with their best recipes for cooking cabrito, or goat meat. Also enjoy a washer pitching tournament, arts and crafts, food and prizes. Blanco County Fairgrounds. www. wegotyergoat.com. SEPTEMBER 11-13 FREDERICKSBURG: Fall Planting Days. Enjoy lectures and demonstrations by John R. Thomas showing successful and timely wildflower planting techniques. Wildseed Farms, 7 miles east on U.S. Highway 290. www.wildseedfarms.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Frontier Days at Fort Martin Scott. Explore history re-enactors, pioneer crafts, chuck-wagon food,
Old West shootouts, Native Americans, storytellers, musicians and hands-on activities for kids. Fort Martin Scott, 1606 East Main Street. www.ftmartinscott.org. SEPTEMBER 11 - OCTOBER 4 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players Present “The 39 Steps.” www.wimberleyplayers.org. SEPTEMBER 12 BLANCO: Hill Country Heartbeat. Fundraiser for Blanco EMS. Barbecue dinner, music and dancing to Lost Sounds of the Texas Honky Tonk, raffle for guns and jewelry. Dinner 4:30 pm to 7 pm, dancing 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Yett Memorial Park, 1813 South U.S. Highway 281. www.hillcountryheartbeat.org. SEPTEMBER 12 DRIPPING SPRINGS: 8th Annual Dripping with Taste Wine and Food Festival. Featuring 75 Texas wineries, breweries, distilleries, chefs, caterers, gourmet vendors and more. Noon to 6 pm. Dripping Springs Ranch Park. www. drippingwithtaste.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Clay McClinton with Bill Small at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. FREDERICKSBURG: Fredericksburg Professional Bull Riders. Features 40 of the PBR’s best riders and some of the crankiest bulls. Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Highway 16 South. www. gillespiefair.com. HELOTES: Robert Earl Keen. Live music from prolific Texas singer-songwriter at John T. Floore Country Store. www. liveatfloores.com. KYLE: Kyle Market Days. Enjoy local vendors, arts and crafts, farm-to-market items, and live music. City Square Park. www.kylepard.com. STONEWALL: Sweet Sorghum Day at the Sauer-Beckmann Farm. (See story, page 2.) 10 am to 3 pm. LBJ State Park and Historic Site. www.tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/ sweet-september-sorghum-1. SEPTEMBER 12 - OCTOBER 4 WIMBERLEY: “Snow White and Rose Red.” 40-minute show promises fun for audience members ages two to 102. Performed in the indoor Burdine Johnson Studio Theatre. www.emilyann.org. SEPTEMBER 12 - NOVEMBER 15 HONDO: South Texas Maize. See if you can find your way in and out of the seven-acre puzzle carved into stalks or corn. 911 U.S. Highway 90 East. www. southtexasmaize.com. SEPTEMBER 13 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy traditional cowboy music, or bring your own guitar and join in the song circle. www. frontiertimesmuseum.org. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Billy Garza at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com. SEPTEMBER 14 WIMBERLEY: Community Chorus Rehearsals Begin. Calling all singers as chorus begins rehearsing for 2015 Christmas Concert. (All future rehearsals are Mondays, 7 pm to 9 pm). For more information, visit www.
HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 13
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www.wimberleyumc.org. SEPTEMBER 18 AUSTIN: Christopher Cross in Concert at the Paramount Theatre. www. austintheatre.org. DRIPPING SPRINGS: The Pearl Snaps at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com. SEPTEMBER 18-20 BANDERA: Rumble on the River. Event includes tent camping, a poker run, field events, music all day Friday and Saturday, bike show, tattoo contest, Sunday morning church service, vendors and food. Mansfield Park. www. banderacowboycapital.com. BURNET: Day Out with Thomas. Take a 25-minute ride on a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt,
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PAGE 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
and enjoy storytelling and music. Burnet Depot and Community Center. www. austinsteamtrain.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors in seven barns with acres of antiques, or enjoy the Biergarten and live music. Seven miles east of town off U.S. Highway 290, across from Wildseed Farms. www. fbgtradedays.com. SEPTEMBER 19 BURNET: Bluegrass Festival and Fiddlers Contest. Watch fiddlers, enjoy live performances by the Sieker Band, Dueling Harts and the acclaimed Flatt Lonesome. Haley Nelson Amphiteater. www.cityofburnet.com. COMFORT: Comfort Art Festival. Works of local artists displayed throughout the downtown area from 10 am to 4 pm. 830995-3131. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Weldon Henson at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com. FREDERICKSBURG: 2015 Annual Nimitz Foundation Symposium. Discussion features internationally recognized scholars, authors, historians and veterans. Steve W. Shepherd Theater. www.pacificwarmuseum.org. KERRVILLE: “The Party” Western Art Sale and Exhibition. Evening reception with music by the Almost Patsy Cline Band. www.museumofwesternart.com. MARBLE FALLS: Main Street Market Day. Craft vendors line Main Street (between First and Fourth streets) offering unique items. 830-693-2243. SAN MARCOS: Hays County Master Gardener Fall Sale. Herbs, vegetables, fruits, berries, butterfly and hummingbird plants, landscaping plants, more. Cash only. 10 am to 2 pm. Hays County Extension Office at 1253 Civic Center Loop. 512-789-6671. WIMBERLEY: 4th Annual Talk Like a Pirate Day. Internationally known balloon artist Jason Vaughn, much more! 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Wimberley Village Library. 512-847-2188. SEPTEMBER 19-20 BURNET: Plein Air Artfest. Downtown Square. 512-756-4297. GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm in the Gruene Historic District. www.gruenemarketdays.com. NEW BRAUNFELS: Vintage Guitar and Instrument Show. New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 South Castell Avenue. 210-655-0195. SEPTEMBER 23 AUSTIN: Girlstart Game Changers Luncheon. A fun, unique celebration honoring women who have made a significant impact utilizing their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. www.girlstart.org. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Hays County Master Gardener Fall Sale. Planning a fall garden? Find herbs, vegetables, fruit, berries, butterfly and hummingbird plants, more. Cash only. Farmers Market from 3 pm to 7 pm located at northeast
Hill country calendar corner of Ranch Road 12 and Highway 290. 512-789-6671. SEPTEMBER 23-27 NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Includes a downtown parade, live music and dancing, carnival rides for the kids and a PRCA Rodeo. www.comalcountyfair.org. SEPTEMBER 25 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thom Shepherd at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. KERRVILLE: Texas Heritage Music Day. Free educational event features more than 50 performers and demonstrators and a tribute to Jimmie Rodgers at Schreiner University. 9 am to 1:30 pm. 830-792-1945, www.texasheritagemusic.org. SEPTEMBER 26 COMFORT: Taste and Treasures of Comfort. A fundraiser for the library at Happy H Ranch features samples from local restaurants, a live and silent auction. more. 830-995-3131, info@comfort-texas.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Pioneer Days @ Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead. Family friendly experience on grounds of the museum, featuring more than 40 demonstrators of crafts and skills. 10 am to 4 pm. www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org DRIPPING SPRINGS: Chris Salinas at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days. Old-fashioned market on the square features handmade crafts, art, homegrown plants, produce. 9 am to 4 pm. Kerr County Courthouse. www.kerrmarketdays.org. LAKEHILLS: Medina Lake Cajun Festival. Great Gumbo Cook-Off, Cajun and Zydeco bands, jazz, country, second-line dancing, games, more. 11 am to 10 pm at www.cajunfestival-medinalake.com. MASON: Old Yeller Days. Features contests, entertainment, arts and crafts, a dog show, and a 5K/10K run and walk. Courthouse Lawn. 325-347-5758. SAN ANTONIO: 7th Annual “Lighting the Way” 5K/10K Walk/Run. Benefits San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind. www.salighthouse.org/events. SEPTEMBER 26 - JANUARY 3, 2015 AUSTIN: “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” Exhibit presents the panoramic story of professional football, from humble beginnings in late 19th century to current cultural phenomenon. Bullock Texas State History Museum. www.thestoryoftexas.com. SEPTEMBER 27-28 AUSTIN: Moonlight Hikes. Explore grounds of the Wildflower Center on a three-mile guided walk under the light of the moon. www.wildflower.org/events. SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 4 AUSTIN: “The Little Mermaid.” www. BroadwayInAustin.com. SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 24 KERRVILLE: Wet Paint Show and Sale. Works painted on location by dozens of artists. Reception October 2 6 pm to 8 pm. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett Street. www.kacckerrville.com. OCTOBER 1-31 COMFORT: Comfort Scarecrow Invasion.
Enjoy the usual and the unusual, creative and delightful (and all non-creepy) scarecrows around town. 830-995-3131, info@ comfort-texas.com. OCTOBER 2-4 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo. (See story, page 8.) CPRA Rodeo, mutton bustin’ and goat roping, Friday and Saturday evening dances, ranch rodeo, team roping and more at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. www.drippingspringsfairandrodeo.com. OCTOBER 7 KERRVILLE: Fall Texas Music Coffeehouse Series presents Jon Hogan and Maria Moss. Schreiner University. www. texasheritagemusic.org. OCTOBER 8 DRIFTWOOD: The Friends Foundation 22nd Annual Barbeque at the Salt Lick Pavilion. Silent and live auctions, raffle, barbeque buffet, live music from Hot Texas Swing Band, more. www. thefriendsfoundation.org. OCTOBER 9-11 WIMBERLEY: 36th Annual Wimberley Gospel Music Festival. Hill Country Cowboy Church, 120 Green Acres. www. WimberleyGospelMusicFestival.com. OCTOBER 10 HORSESHOE BAY: Native Plant Society Festival, Garden Tour and Plant Sale. 9 am to 1 pm. Naturalist Carrie McLaughlin on “Milkweeds, Monarchs, More” at 10 am. Two home gardens tours $5 for ages 18-plus. Sale of native plants at the headquarters. Headquarters at Horseshoe Bay City Hall, #1 Community Drive, in Horseshoe Bay. 830-598-5352. SAN MARCOS: Sacred Springs Powwow. (See story, page 9.) Celebration of Native American cultures from 10 am to 6 pm at the Meadows Center. www.indigenouscultures.com. OCTOBER 14 SAN ANTONIO: 7th Annual “Fore” the Blind Charity Scramble at Republic Golf Club. Benefiting: the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind. www.salighthouse. org/events, 210-531-1533. OCTOBER 16-18 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival. Enjoy 35 featured songwriters in six venues on six stages in the Historic District. Performers include J.D. Souther, Pam Rose, Eliza Gilkyson and Drew Womack. www.drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com. OCTOBER 17-18 COMFORT: 29th Annual Comfort Village Fall Antique Show. Annual event brings antiques of many eras. More information at Comfort Chamber of Commerce, 630 Front Street (Texas Highway 27). Call 830995-3131, email info@comfort-texas.com. OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 1 NEW BRAUNFELS: Train Show. See a special large Lego layout, on which kids can run the trains. Plus see six more layouts, shop more than 350 tables with all train items for sale (including eight vendors from out of state). Admission $7 for guests 18 years and older, $2 for kids 5-17 years. For more information, email jedmondson@satx.rr.com.
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HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2015 PAGE 15
___________ Schedule of Events _____________ DS Ag Boosters Oct. 2 Friday CPRA Rodeo—7:30 pm Dance, Music by Carport Casanovas City of Dripping Springs
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