Hill Country Sun, September 2016

SEPTEMber 2016 Honoring a hometown hero Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding

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Blanco County Courthouse Celebrating 100 Years

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30th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest

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“Raise the Roof” Benefit for Twin Sisters Dance Hall

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Hill Country Parks

by Suzy Mallard Moehring

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CJ Wright’s Hill Country Wildlife

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The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

The 18th Annual Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding

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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Blanco County Courthouse celebrates Centennial

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By Laurel Robertson

or its dedication ceremony in 1916, folks arrived at the newly completed Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City by horseback, in horsedrawn buggies and wagons, and a few in new Model T Fords. They listened to dignitaries from the State Capitol, played games, feasted on barbeque and beer, and danced at a Grand Ball that evening on the Square.

Fast forward 100 years – and the scene is remarkably the same. The Centennial Celebration of the Blanco County Courthouse on September 17 will include an historic-themed parade with riders on horseback and a 1915 fire truck, lots of antique cars, several horsedrawn carriages and wagons from the

Blanco Buggy Barn Museum, lawn games, state dignitaries giving speeches, and a big street dance on the Square that night.

The centerpiece of the entire celebration, the magnificent Blanco County Courthouse itself, has not changed much in the intervening 100 years, either.

It’s still an inspiring 2-story limestone edifice that dominates the Johnson City Square and serves as a center of government activity for the entire county. It’s also an archetype of Texas limestone vernacular architecture, designed to meet the demands of Hill Country weather.

“I remember that in the hot summertime, inside it was cool as could be,” recalls Rosie Vantz, co-chair of the Cen-

13th AnnuAl

HUNTER’S NIGHT OUT

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tennial Planning Committee and lifelong Blanco County resident, now in her 80s. “It was built for the climate - to capture the summer breezes. When you went inside, your hair would blow,” she recalls.

As a child, Rosie thought the courthouse was big – “huge to me,” she remembers.

She says citizens from all over Blanco ABOVE Blanco County Courthouse after its completion, County – including the circa 1918. BELOW The modern day Courthouse, lit for the small towns of Round holidays. Photos courtesy Blanco County Courthouse Centennial Committee.

Mountain, Sandy, Hye, Post Oak, Rocky Creek, Kendalia, Blanco and Twin Sisters - would gather at the Courthouse on election nights to monitor the returns.

She also recalls the crowds applauding as election officials periodically posted the election results on large chalkboards. “Cheering would go up from the crowd with each update,” she says.

Today, Rosie notes, the same thing There’ll be proclamations by the Texhappens at the Blanco County Court- as Historic Commission and state dignihouse each election night.Residents taries, and old-fashioned games on the from all around the county assemble at lawn, such as three-legged races, bean the Courthouse Square to learn the re- bag toss and egg races. A bouncy house sults of important local elections that for the kids and food and drinks for evwon’t be reported on TV news for days. eryone will keep the crowd happy until “They still post the results on a big chalk- the band, Dudley Ilse and the Downbeats, board,” she notes. starts up around 8 pm.

At September’s Centennial celebra“What’s important to remember is tion, the Courthouse will be open for self- that this is the courthouse for all of guided tours from 5 pm to 8 pm, with vol- Blanco County,” says Rosie, “not just unteers on hand to answer questions. Johnson City.” The entire county is inVisitors can view photos from the origi- vited to attend. nal construction and enjoy an old-fashFYI • The Centennial Celebration for the Blanco ioned small town parade with kids and County Courthouse will be September 17 from 5 pm to 11 pm pets in costume, marching bands, and on the Square, 101 East Pecan Street, in Johnson City. All more hometown fun. events are free to the public. For more information, find The re-dedication ceremony begins at Blanco County Courthouse Centennial Celebration on Face6 pm, followed by a birthday cake for 300. book, or call 830-833-5101.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Bill Kammerer 713-628-1410 Mike Reagan 916-838-7722 | Mark Jones 210-632-5844

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PAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Building the Blanco Courthouse, 1915-16. The Cupola being built (from the West side). Photo courtesy Blanco County Courthouse Centennial Committee.

Hill Country SUN

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

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The 18Th AnnuAl

Brent Thurman

September 2016 Volume 27 • Number 3 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2016 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

Bringing

PBR Bull Riding

Kenzie, Julie & Luke Harrington

SATURDAY • OCT 1

Happy Fall, Y’all!

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: The 18th Annual Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding and Exceptional Rodeo is Saturday, October 1, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (See story, page 7). Photo and Inset Photo Left Brent Thurman.

Inset Photos Right Scenes from the Exceptional Rodeo. All photos courtesy Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding.

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

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

Exceptional Rodeo 5:30 pm PBR 7:30 pm followed by dance featuring Sam Bentley Band

Sept 30 - Friday Night Cowboy Auction

Mercer St. Dance Hall Sam Bentley Band, Doors at 6 pm

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dhenley2@austin.rr.com $20 Adults • $10 kids ages 5 to 12 Kids Under 5 Get In Free

www.brentthurman.com INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2016 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 SUN R SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 3

Wine, music lovers gather in Gruene October 6-9

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By Ernie Altgelt

or such a little place, Gruene sure has a lot going for it – year ‘round world-class music, tons of traditional two-stepping, ample amounts of appetizing Hill Country cuisine and an oh-so cool river bank venue that just can’t be beat. Who could ask for anything more?

Why wine lovers, of course! Come October, Gruene has got them covered, too.

Yep, next month the historic old community will host its not-to-be-missed 30th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Festival where oenophiles and audiophiles happily harmonize to all things grape and guitar over four days of tunes, tasting and

toe-tapping largely for the benefit of the Comal County United Way. So, come one, come all and join the joy at this by-theglass class event where the fun and flavor flows faster than the Guadalupe. It’ll be a real corker!

Initially started in 1987 as a smaller scale music fest with a charitable aim, the festival drew a dedicated crowd of Country and Western enthusiasts that partied, played and generated $450 in donations.

By year 2000, the wine connection was added and, with that extra dimension, the event really took off. In comparison, last year’s festival raised a whopping $159,153.65 for the United Way – wow!

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Four days of tunes, tastings and toe tapping are in store for guests to Gruene’s Music and Wine Festival October 6-9. Photo courtesy Gruene Music and Wine Festival.

This October’s festival should prove to be the best yet with vintners from 30 different notable Texas wineries all showcasing and sharing more than 100 delectable varieties of their best fermentations.

Attendees are encouraged to saunter, sip and sample and, if the palette is pleased, purchase some of the same vintage from Gruene’s very own Grapevine wine outlet. As past participants will attest, this can be “thirsty work” but well worth the effort – hic-cup!

And of course, what would be a music and wine fest without the music?

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Thankfully, Gruene knows its stuff where that’s concerned.

Top-notch musical entertainment will be featured on multiple stages throughout each day, with the audio attractions culminating with kickin’ stellar concerts every evening except Sunday in the legendary Gruene Hall, the Lone Star State’s oldest continuously operating dance hall that originally opened in 1878.

Scheduled performers include: Margo Price, Thursday night, Jack Ingram, Charlie Robison and Bruce Robison: Unleashed Live Reunion, Friday night and finally on Saturday night, the legendary Marshall Tucker Band. Be sure to get your tickets early.

Multiple arts and craft vendors will be offering their quality wares throughout the event allowing fest goers to get an appreciated jump on Christmas gift buying. Couple this activity with what Gruene’s permanent restaurants augmented by diverse food trucks will be deliciously dishing out daily and it seems that almost all physical, emotional and (where wine is concerned) spiritual needs can and will be accommodated.

The event will be held across the sprawling township grounds. Much of the activity, if not physically indoors, will be tented. Oak trees provide additional shade. Seating is abundant and parking is plentiful and free.

All ages are welcome but, due to the festival’s wine and music theme, most attendees will be adults. Admission tickets are sold by the day with most including wine tasting chits, souvenir glasses, raffle entries and concert access.

FYI • The 30th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Festival starts Thursday, October 6 at 5:30 pm, Friday, October 7 at 5:30 pm, Saturday, October 8, at noon and, Sunday, October 9, at 10:30 am (for a Gospel brunch). Each night except Sunday closes with an evening concert at Gruene Hall.

For more information, visit the web site at www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org. The festival is a co-production of Gruene Hall and KNBT 92.1 FM Radio. Gruene is located on New Braunfels’ northern edge just off IH 35. Take IH 35 to Exit 191 (Canyon Lake, FM 306), go west 1.5 miles then turn left at the traffic light at Hunter road and travel one half mile to the town.

WIMBERLEY

Benefit to “raise the roof” at Twin Sisters Dance Hall

EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLAGS

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By Laurel Robertson

nce every century or so, even the best roof needs replacing. And when that old roof begins to let rain leak onto one of the finest hardwood dance floors in Texas, folks all over the Hill Country care enough to help.

Since the 1870s, Twin Sisters Dancehall outside Blanco has been home to thousands of dances, weddings, family reunions, fundraisers and community gatherings. Now that the historic building needs a helping hand herself, the community is coming together to help out their old friend.

On Saturday, September 24, Twin Sisters’ “Raise the Roof” Fundraiser will collect money for the roof repairs doing what the old dancehall does best: throwing a great party! The day-long celebration/ fundraiser will begin at 10 am with live music, and continue all afternoon and into the night with chili and barbeque brisket cook-offs, a salsa contest, a silent auction and raffle, a washer pitching tournament, a Kids Corral, lots of good food, and – as always – plenty of great music.

Beginning that morning with Ricky Triesch and continuing through the afternoon with Broken Duck Feet, the ABCs of Country Music, the Cajun sounds of Zydeco Blanco, blues with Bobby Mack – the all-star entertainment goes into the evening with the traditional dances of Mexico from Grupo Folklorico de Bendiciones of San Antonio.

Twin Sisters’ 3000 square-foot dance floor will come alive that night to the sounds of the Hot Texas Swing Band, winners of multiple awards from the Academy of Western Artists, and Jason Roberts, the original fiddler from Asleep at the Wheel, and his band.

The dance hall has been owned and operated by the Twin Sisters Hall Club, Inc. since 1918, when they purchased it for $5 from Henry Bruemmer, Jr., great-great grandfather of Roy Bruemmer, who lives nearby and often comes to the hall.

Over the years, the group has done all the upkeep on Twin Sisters with their own hands, expanding the building twice and keeping the dance floor in sterling condition with regular waxing and refinishing.

But replacing the roof on the large dance hall is a job too big for the small group.

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A September 24 fundraiser will raise money to replace the roof at Twin Sisters Dance Hall, a special place for generations of Hill Country residents.

Photo by Willard Gibbons.

“It’s all volunteer (labor) – whatever we can do,” says Fernando Martinez, who often helps with the repairs. “The roof is one big job that we just can’t do and we’re trying to get the money to where we can pay someone to get it done right. It’s very important to us to get it done right.”

The cost of the roof repair is estimated at $50,000, says Club president Jo Nell Haas. A fundraiser last year raised $12,000 towards that total, “which made us beyond happy,” she adds.

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser, along with a possible $30,000 grant from the Texas Historical Commission (they’ll know the results in October) might put the fundraising project over the top, she hopes.The Texas Dancehall Preservation, Inc., a non-profit group dedicated to preserving and restoring traditional Texas dancehalls, is offering a $1000 challenge grant to encourage people to donate to the effort.

Alex Dormont, leader of the Hot Texas Swing Band and donor to the cause sums it up: “Too many Texas dancehalls have cut out their public dances and just gone to private events. We don’t want that to happen to Twin Sisters. The first Saturday of every month [dance] for over 100 years – that’s really special. We want to keep that going.”

FYI • Twin Sisters’ Raise the Roof Fundraiser will be Saturday, September 24 from 10 am until midnight. Morning and afternoon admission is by donation; tickets for the evening dances are $10 advance, $15 at the door. For more information, visit the web site at www.twinsistersdancehall. com, find them on Facebook, or call 830-833-5773. Twin Sisters Dancehall is located six miles south of Blanco at 6720 Highway 281 South.

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Since the 1870s, Twin Sisters Dancehall has been home to thousands of dances, weddings, family reunions, fundraisers and community gatherings. Photo by Willard Gibbons.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 5

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www.CunninghamOrthodontics.com PAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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hether the weather cools off or not in September, it might be a pretty entertaining and active time to be in the state parks. You can help keep a river clean, get your dog a water-dog badge (and you both go swimming), you can stomp seeds, you can see how your old grandparents worked on the farm – and that’s just a sample of what’s going on in Texas Hill Country state parks.

Frio River Trash Bash – September10 Garner State Park is hosting its 27th annual Frio River Trash Bash Saturday, September 10. Friends of Garner and all volunteer comers (ones that can get into the crowded park, anyway) will pick up trash in and along the park’s section of the Frio River from 10 am ‘til 2 pm.

If you’re coming to the park to help, be in the Day Use line by 8:30 am to have a better chance of being able to enter the park. If you want to enjoy Saturday night in a water-only campsite where the overnight fee will be waived, call Tracy Lewis at 830-232-6132 ext. 221 by September 7 to make your reservation – only 10 free spaces are available and it’s first-come, first-served.

Meet at the pavilion at 10 am for the kickoff of the Frio River Trash Bash, pick up trash along the river, then meet back at the pavilion at 6 pm for a thank-you meal sponsored by Friends of Garner.

The Frio River attracts more than 400,000 campers every year to swim and fish in the 2.9 miles that run through Garner State Park.

“Help us keep the beautiful Frio River clean, clear, and healthy by joining us to pick up trash in and along our section of the Frio,” say Friends of Garner.

More info: Cara Bierschwale, 830232-6132, ext. 236 or cara.bierschwale@ tpwd.texas.gov and come help keep the Frio clean from Ranch Road 1050 bridge all the way to Old Baldy.

Bark Ranger Workshop at Pedernales Falls – September 10 That’s right, y’all, a park ranger class for your dog. Bark Ranger Workshop – Water Dogs. Also on Saturday, September 10, from 2 pm to 4 pm, you can bring your canine friends to learn Bark Ranger Skills at Pedernales Falls State Park.

Register with Wendi Laws at 830868-7304, ext. 235 or wendi.laws@tpwd. texas.gov then come to the amphitheater on the trail in the camping loop where the program begins with a short workshop covering canine hiker, dog gear, trail treats, and canine etiquette for parks.

Then a hike down the hill for a swim.

Bring your river wading shoes, water and a towel, good luck dressing for the

The working Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm at LBJ State Park. Wearing period clothing, park employees cultivate crops, raise livestock and maintain the agrarian-based lifestyle of the early Texas Hill Country. TPW photo by Earl Nottingham.

Texas weather – and remember that all those doggies must be on a leash.

The workshop is free, just pay those normal state park entrance fees.

Annual LBJ Seed Stomp — September 17 and 18 Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18, from 10:30 am to 12 noon, LBJ State Park and Historic Site (west of Stonewall) will sponsor its annual LBJ Seed Stomp.

Native wildflower seed mix will be handed out, and you’ll learn about scattering seed and stompin’ it in so that everyone will enjoy Texas wildflowers in the fall. Keeping it native, y’all – so important for our soil, birds, bugs, butterflies, environment.

Info: Iris Neffendorf at 830-644-2252 or iris.neffendorf@tpwd.texas.gov Before Life became Automatic – September 24 And then come back to LBJ State Park and Historic Site on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 am ‘til 3 pm to get a look at how things were done in days gone by.

The Sauer-Beckmann Farm at LBJ State Park is a living history farm set in 1900-1919 where interpreters in period clothing do farm and household chores as they were done at that time. Lunch is cooked on a wood-burning stove, and families are doing the day-to-day activities needed on a turn-of-the-century Texas-German farm.

September 24 is soap-making day at the farm, and you’ll get to see a bit of blacksmithing as well. Some chores are seasonal, such as canning and butchering, but the animals are cared for on a daily basis – feeding, milking, gathering eggs, slopping hogs. You and the kids might also see the farm family churning butter, making cheese, scrubbing floors, or plowing with a team of horses. Life the oldfashioned way – before life became so, well, automatic.

More info: Iris Neffendorf at 830-6442252 or iris.neffendorf@tpwd.texas.gov.

DRIPPING SPRINGS

Brent Thurman PBR Bull Riding

Honoring memory of hometown hero

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By Julie Harrington

rent Cullen Thurman. He’s known as a gentleman who never met a stranger, the guy who made you feel like you were his best friend. The one you wanted to hang out with, who always had a grin on his face. He was one of the good guys, and hero to many. Brent Thurman is not to be forgotten…not ever.

His legacy as a compassionate and driven young man has left many treasured memories and a permanent reminder of what goodness and selflessness is all about. Brent Thurman truly cared about and loved people and life beyond measure with a real enthusiasm. “He lived everyday of his life exactly like he wanted. Brent lived more in 25 years than I could if I lived to be 100,” says his mother, Kay Thurman.

A Hill Country boy, Brent graduated from Dripping Springs High School in 1988. Extremely active as a child and teenager, he played football, ran track and loved to golf. He was even on a speed skating team as a child at “Hotwheels” (for our old school South Austin friends who remember that jewel of a place).

But Brent’s true passion in life was bull riding. By the age of eight, he was fearless — possessing a unique style of riding (in which he carried his free arm lower than other riders and used his feet more than his upper body) which distinguished him even as a child. He was extraordinary and eventually ranked among the top 30 bull riders in the world. That amazing kid from Dripping Springs was headed to the top!

Brent qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo in 1993, finishing fifth in final standings and 13th in the 1994 Crown Royal World standings. Little did we know that December 17, the tenth and final round of the 1994 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas would be the final ride of his career. Brent sustained an injury and never regained consciousness.

One of the original founders of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), Brent was recognized for his contribution and sport of bull riding when he was inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor in October 2011.

Helping others was another of Brent’s passions. “He volunteered at Covington Junior High that at that time they had a

The Exceptional Rodeo starts at 5:30 followed by the PBR at 7:30 pm.

Photo courtesy BTMB.

pm

program for special needs children,” explains Denise Henley. “When the Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding first started, that program was still active so we were able to have them participate in the Exceptional Rodeo for many years.”

“What sticks in my mind was a trip to take the class to the Travis County Livestock Show and Rodeo…. he was as taken with them as they were with him. Hours of fun rides, funnel cakes, touring ‘the car that Bonnie and Clyde were shot in,’ made the top of the list,” remembers Kay. “Brent and I both realized early in the trip that those children gave us much more than we could ever have given them. That particular day makes the ‘Top 10’ in my list of memories with Brent and I am so blessed to have so many.”

Those who love Brent keep his memory and the legacy of love alive at the Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bullriding. This year’s 18th annual event is October 1 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Festivities kick off Friday night at Mercer Street Dancehall ($10 cover) with a Cowboy Auction followed by a dance featuring the Sam Bentley Band. Doors open at 6 pm, the auction starts at 8:30 pm, with music before and after the auction.

Saturday evening’s events begin at 5:30 pm at Dripping Springs Ranch Park

with the “Exceptional Rodeo” in which “exceptional athletes” ( adults of all ages who know challenge and adversity in their lives ) participate in rodeo events designed specifically for them. It is one of the highlights of the event.

“Our association with Marbridge came from the first annual Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding. Marbridge was asked to be part of Brent’s Special Day and each and every one of them stole our hearts — many of the same athletes still compete today. They have an Equestrian Program at Marbridge and that is what our donations fund each year,” Kay shares. Your heart will be overwhelmed at the happiness you see in the faces of participants. And that is exactly what Brent would have wanted.

Following the Exceptional Rodeo, the much anticipated PBR event gets underway at 7:30 pm with thrilling performances by professional bull riders. The fun continues afterwards with the Sam Bentley Band — you can dance the night away.

Come out and support the Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding Saturday, October 1. It’s an unforgettable evening created to keep the memory of a real cowboy hero alive. Proceeds benefit Marbridge Ranch, Jason Walford Foundation, Red Arena and Special Olympics Area #13.

FYI • For more information about the Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding, visit the web site at www.brentthurman.com. For more information about Marbridge, visit the web site at www.marbridge.org.

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The 18th annual Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding is October 1 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Photo courtesy BTMB.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 7

C.J. Wright

Monarch migration in crisis

hill country WILDLIFE

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n early October days the skies would sometimes be awash with orange and black, a river of monarchs flowing through central Texas. In recent memory that flow has slowed to less than a trickle. Monarch migration in crisis.

In spring the monarch begins life as an egg the size of a pinhead, an egg its mother—often in Texas, a re-migrant from Mexico—lays on milkweed plants, usually the underside of a leaf. In the process she secretes a small amount of glue to attach the egg to leaf. There the egg remains for three to eight days, depending on temperature.

Too dry, the egg won’t hatch. (Although a female lays on average 300 to 400 eggs, mortality rates are high.)

If the tiny larva hatches, it feeds on milkweed, the only plant its mother seeks out, the only plant it is made to feed on.

For the next nine to fourteen days—under normal temperatures—the larva is an eating machine, feeding solely on milkweed plants, storing the plant’s toxins that make the caterpillar, and eventually the butter-

fly, toxic and distasteful to predators.

The larval stage is not without danger.

Many larvae do not survive. Some predators have evolved ways to tolerate toxins.

Frogs scarf up any caterpillar which ventures within tongue’s length. Larvae can be exposed to diseases from bacteria, viruses and fungi or attacked by parasites.

Changing temperature and precipitation can affect parasitoid abundance.

The parasitoid wasp lays its eggs in the caterpillar. When eggs hatch, they feed on their host until ready to pupate. At this point the larva is usually either dead or dying.

Another parasite, Ophyrocystis elektroscirrha (OE) also lives within its host where it grows and multiplies. Most damage, however, occurs during the pupal stage.

The caterpillar that survives eats its weight in food each day, causing it to outgrow its skin, molt and grow into a larger, new one. It goes through five instars, the intervals between molts. Once it reaches

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Monarch butterfly. Photo by Marilyn Gould. the fifth instar, the larva grows fat. This stage usually takes 9-14 days, depending on temperature. When exposed to higher temperatures (above 29°C) the larva’s growth may be retarded. Exposures above 36°C for any length of time are fatal.

If temperatures are normal, the larva prepares to pupate. It moves rapidly, often traveling far from milkweeds, seeking an appropriate site. There it spins a silk mat, attaches itself to it and curls into a J-shape.

Shedding its skin for the final time, it forms a chrysalis.

During the larval stage, the adult’s wings and organs have already developed.

The complete transformation occurs during the pupal stage. This final stage lasts from eight to fifteen days under normal summer conditions.

If the caterpillar was infected, OE spores on pupa appear as dark spots two or three days before the butterfly emerges.

The spores form on eyes, antennae and wing veins, but most form on the abdomen. Once infected, the monarch never recovers.

Some heavily infected monarchs die before emerging. Others are weak, finding it difficult to leave the chrysalis. They struggle to expand their wings and fall to the ground. Those severely deformed soon die. Unfortunately OE spores are resistant to extreme environmental conditions and populate monarchs worldwide.

Once the monarch butterfly emerges it will live for another two to six weeks. During this time it migrates in a northerly direction, nectaring and mating. The cycle continues, giving birth to the next generation for a total of three to five generations, dependant on temperature for the thermometer influences reproductive development in both adult male and female

with optimal temperature of 28°C for both.

When an OE-infected butterfly nectars or the female lays eggs, the spores on its abdomen land on leaves. There the spores remain dormant until eaten by another caterpillar, repeating the cycle.

In late summer the final generation emerges. These monarchs will live for approximately eight to nine months during which time they go into diapause, suspending reproduction.

Fluctuating temperature, decreasing daylight and aging milkweed prompt these delicate butterflies weighing on average half a gram (under .02 ounces) to migrate to wintering grounds as much as 3,000 miles away, in Mexico. Unfavorable temperature and precipitation during fall migration can force them to gather in “staging areas” for perhaps several days.

Once in the high mountains of Mexico’s oyamel rain forest, the monarchs enjoy an ideal microclimate, resting on fir trees boughs, literally causing them to shimmer orange and black. Below-freezing temperatures, however, can prove lethal—especially when combined with moisture.

The area the overwintering butterflies occupy is an indirect indicator of the monarchs’ abundance, a measurement taken in the February timeframe each year. Based upon their numbers’ spiraling decent, the eastern monarch migration is classified as an endangered phenomenon.

The highest monarch population, 18.19 hectares, was recorded during the 1996-97 season. Since the 2006-07 record of 6.87, the numbers have fluctuated, but on a downward curve. In 2013-2014 the overwintering population measured 0.67 hectares, the lowest ever recorded. In 2014See WILDLIFE, page 9

WILDLIFE, from page 8 15 the population received a small bump, measuring 1.13 hectares.

On February 26, 2016 the long awaited-announcement came: monarchs occupied 4.01 hectares, up from 1.13 from previous winter. Monarch watchers rejoiced.

Then, on March 8 and 9, a storm carrying freezing temperatures, strong winds, rain and sleet descended on the oyamel forest, uprooting fir trees and freezing clinging butterflies. Though some had already left, estimated losses ranged—depending on colony—from 3 to 50 percent, with 50 percent loss in the most populated colony.

This year’s spring and early summer sightings of monarchs were low. Many

watchers reported seeing few or no monarchs or eggs at sites where they’re normally present. The impacts of unfavorable weather and the storm in Mexico appear to have been serious.

High on the threats to monarchs are habitat conversion and changes in land management practices, especially in the US Corn Belt through which monarchs migrate. Glyphosate herbicide used on crops has caused dramatic milkweed and nectar plant loss—plants monarchs require throughout their flyway. Milkweed shortage is exacerbated when higher temperatures diminish its quality. Although many milkweed species are drought-tolerant

Wimberley Glassworks opening of new Solar Ray art glass installation SAN MARCOS H Join Wimberley Glassworks as they present a stunning array of glass, September 17 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Watch the illumination of the Glassworks’ latest art glass installation transition into the night. Daylight streaming through the windows allows the unique textures and contours of the glass to glisten. At night the piece is ignited with an auroral display of color against a dark sky, using the latest RGB technology. Playing off the tower’s architecture, as it arches towards the sun, this installation exemplifies how the Glassworks’ designs create wonderment and discovery in public spaces.

Meet artist/owner, Tim DeJong, and peruse the gallery of art glass collections and blown glass lighting. RSVP at wgw.com to enter the drawing and enjoy an evening of glassmaking, live music by the Outliers, and fine wine tasting by Patio Dolcetto of San Marcos.

FYI • Wimberley Glassworks is at 6469 Ranch Road 12. For more information, visit the web site at www.wgw.com.

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when established, dry conditions affect the availability of both milkweed and nectar plants. Another threat: deforestation and forest degradation through illegal logging in Mexico.

If this monarch migration goes the way of the passenger pigeon, why does it matter? In this hectic, often troubled world, when we come upon something that gives us pause, to stand in awe, when it lifts us up and we linger in that moment of beauty without words, we find in it a timeless message. If we lose it, we lose a part of what makes us human. *Monarchs are found in many parts of the world, the largest numbers being in

North America where there are three distinct populations. This column focuses on the eastern population. Experiencing a 50% decline from its long-term average, the population west of the Rockies migrates a shorter distance to California where its coastal forest groves provide an ideal winter microclimate. A smaller, nonmigratory population resides in southern Florida.

FYI • For further information, visit monarchwatch.org, monarchjointventure.com or Google WWF Wildlife and Climate Change Series: Monarch Butterfly. The beautiful film “Flight of the Butterflies” which has been a feature in IMAX theaters for the past few years is now available on DVD. Amazon carries it. It is well worth the viewing.

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SATTLER H Cruisin’ Canyon Lake Weekend Getaway October 7, 8 and 9 is a great escape. An incredible variety of activities for adults of all ages are planned. Among them: party boat cruising, pottery, card making, silk scarf painting, kolache making, line dancing, a Canyon Lake Gorge tour, nature hike, golf, fly tying, a guided tour of the Heritage Dinosaur Museum, silent auction and much more. You can browse and shop vendors offering stained glass window hangings, photography, pottery, purses, hand painted scarves, jewelry and more, enjoy a wine tasting tour or garden class. A Saturday night concert will feature Grateful Geezers Band.

Lodging and restaurant discounts are available.

FYI • For registration and complete details about the three day Cruisin’ Canyon Lake event, including all activities, visit the web site at www.cruisincanyonlake.com. Proceeds go to the CRRC and the Tye Preston Memorial Library.

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Dripping with Taste Fest September 10 DRIPPING SPRINGS H You can sample an assortment of Texas wines, craft beers, gourmet foods and spirits —all under one roof — at the 9th Annual Dripping with Taste Wine & Food Festival Saturday, September 10, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center.

Sponsored by the Dripping Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the festival was created to showcase the growing number of local vineyards, breweries, distilleries and gourmet food fares in the area. This year’s festival includes more than 75 “tasteful” vendors, plus cooking demonstrations, drink mixology classes, live music, specialty vendors, a free photo booth and actual grape stomping.

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

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INGRAM H Enjoy the Texas Hill Country and celebrate your Celtic heritage with song, dance and Scottish athletics at the 2nd Annual Kerr County Celtic Festival, Scottish Highland Games and Highland Dance Competition October 8-9.

Enjoy artisans, archery, music, dancing, and Pipes and Drums.

Sample the food, activities, and history of the Celtic Nations at the Hill Highland dance competition. Photo courtesy Kerr Co. Celtic Festival.

Country Arts Foundation in the Shadows of Stonehenge. The Texas Celtic Athletic Association will host the Highland Games all weekend for all classes. Interested in trying your hand? A novice seminar Sunday at 8 am by reigning Masters World Champion Michael Dickens, hosted by the Scottish Games League, will qualify novices to compete in the games on Sunday. ($10/person) Participants can learn Braemar, Open Stone, Heavy Weight For Distance, Light Weight For Distance, Light Hammer, Heavy Hammer, Caber, Sheaf and Weight for Height FYI • Tickets are $10 per day for adults ($15 for both days) and $5 for kids 5-12, cash only. The Hill Country Arts Foundation is at 120 Point Theatre Road. For more information, visit the web site at www.kerrcountyceltic.com.

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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, 512402-9725.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Celebrate Recovery. 6 pm to 8 pm at Gateway Hill Country Church, 14121 West Highway 290. Call 512-858-7582 for more information.

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. 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: Glass blowing demonstrations at Wimberley Glassworks. wgw. com, 512-213-2110.

EVERY TUESDAY SAN MARCOS: Community Bible Study (Interdenominational). Tuesdays September 6 - 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.

FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Senior Center. 830-796-4969.

WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band Rehearsal. Chapel in the Hills. 7 pm to 8:30 pm. 512-517-3111.

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

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music.

Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.

LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter, Vaccination. For more information, call 512-260-3602, extension 101.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. 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 Resurrection. 101 West Spoke Hill. Meets September through May. Refreshments at 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 for more information.

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 FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

10:30 am at the Community Center. 512847-2849.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Live music at Cypress Creek Cafe. Find details at www. 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, www.wimberleyumc.org.

FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday.

Participating businesses offer events, food and music plus special sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. www.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 the best in the Hill Country’s musical talent. www.

wimberleyumc.org.

WIMBERLEY: Third Thursdays. Shops stay open until 8 pm. WimberleyMerchants.com.

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

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company. Live music and food Saturday and Sunday. 23455 West Ranch Road 12. TexMexBeer.com.

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.

FIRST FRIDAY FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours the first Friday of every month. www.ffawf.com.

SECOND FRIDAY UVALDE: Four Square Friday Shopping, food, 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.

Chapel in the Hills. Milly Maxey (millymaxey@gmail.com) or Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Enjoy music at the Silver Sage Corral begining 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. www.flyingl.com.

BOERNE: Tejas Rodeo. Rodeos, music, events, steak dinners. TejasRodeo.com.

BOERNE: Farmer’s Market at the Cibolo.

9 am to 1 pm. www.cibolo.org.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 11

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

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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. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-9352781.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show.

830-626-8200.

SAN ANTONIO: Tejas Pro Rodeo Series Live Rodeo. Gates 5 pm, rodeo at 7:30 pm. Live music and dancing 9 pm. Adults $12, kids 6-12 $6. www.tejasrodeo.com.

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

UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner Served at Laurel Tree. 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..driftwoodtx.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (First Saturday March through December).

Shop more than 475-plus booths, enjoy free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www. shopmarketdays.com.

SECOND SATURDAY AUSTIN: Gain Peace, NOW: A Study in ‘Divine Love Consciousness’ with Vrinda Devi. Classes aim to share ancient Vedic Knowledge to help participants end loneliness, feel centered and calm, realize eternal connection, meet like-minded people and enjoy a vegetarian lunch. 9 am to 11:30 am. $20 (first class free). www. 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 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. 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, more. Information at JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

SEPTEMBER 1-4 UVALDE: PalominoFest and Pro Rodeo Labor Day Weekend Celebration. Enjoy a carnival, food booths, petting zoo, pro rodeo, live music, much more. uvaldecountyfairplex.com.

SEPTEMBER 1-16 AUSTIN: “Wish You Were Here: Postcards from the Texas State Archives.”

More than 100 postcards, photographs highlight timeless tourist destinations. www.tsl.texas.gov.

SEPTEMBER 1-18 AUSTIN: “Journey Into Big Bend.”

Bullock Museum shines spotlight on Big Bend region with photography, personal artifacts, reflections. www. thestoryoftexas.com.

SEPTEMBER 1-25 KERRVILLE: Photography Exhibits at Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. 228 Earl Garrett Street. www.kacckerrville.com.

SEPTEMBER 2 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com.

SEPTEMBER 2-3 BRADY: World Championship Barbecue Goat Cook-Off. The longest-running goat cook-off in Texas includes an arts-andcrafts fair, washer pitching tournament, the Goat Gallop 5K/10K Fun Run and Walk, a street dance and children’s games.

Richards Park, 100 Memory Lane. www. bradytx.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Vereins Quilt Guild Show: “Take My Breath Away.” More than 100 quilts, plus vendors, tea room and prize quilt drawing. Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 North Llano. www.vereinsquiltguild.org.

HARPER: Frontier Days Celebration. Enjoy a parade, rodeo, dance, roping and barrel racing, kids fishing contest, washer pitching and 42 tournament. Harper Community Park on U.S. Highway 290 West. www.harpercommunitypark.org.

SEPTEMBER 2-4 BANDERA: Celebrate Bandera.

Longhorn cattle drive down Main Street, parade, powwow, bullriding, historical reenactments and much more. www. celebratebandera.com.

BOERNE: Kendall County Fair and Rodeo. Enjoy home-grown fun with a carnival, rodeo and livestock show plus homestead heritage exhibits, food booths, craft booths, live music, clowns, children’s activities, more. Parade starts at 10 am Saturday. Kendall County Fair Grounds, www.visitboerne.org.

KERRVILLE: Kerrville Fall Music Festival. Songwriters, wineries, concerts, food and camping along with songs around the campfires. Quiet Valley Ranch. www. kerrville-music.com.

SEPTEMBER 2-25 WIMBERLEY: “Measure for Measure.”

Often called one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” it was, and continues to be, classified as comedy, though its tone and setting defy those expectations. An in-

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PAGE 12 SEPTEMBER 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill Country Calendar door studio show. EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, www.emilyann.org.

SEPTEMBER 3 BANDERA: Bandera Market Days. Arts and crafts vendors on the Courthouse lawn. www.banderatexasbusiness.com.

BERTRAM: Oatmeal Festival. Fun family event includes food and craft vendors, games, fun run, horse trail ride, pet and grand parades, oatmeal drop flyover, bake-off, music, dance and a vintage movie theater. Downtown Bertram. www. oatmealfestival.org.

DOSS: Doss VFD Benefit Fish Fry. Fundraiser sponsored by the volunteer fire department, which includes golden fried catfish with all the trimmings, prize drawings and live entertainment. Doss VFD Fire Station, 14500 Ranch Market 783. www.dossvfd.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Historic Luckenbach School Open House Enjoy an open house at a former rural school, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 11 am to 4 pm. 3566 Luckenbach Road. www.HistoricSchools.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: USO Style Hangar Dance. Enjoy 1940’s style dance with swing-dance lessons, big band live music, costume contest, photo booth, concessions. Hangar Hotel, 155 Airport Road. www.hangarhotel.com.

JUNCTION: Labor Day Celebration. Enjoy arts, crafts, food and music along banks of Llano River beneath cool shade of old pecan trees. City of Junction Park, 402 Main Street. www.junctiontexas.com.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days.

Indoor marketplace features vendors of original handcrafted goods, artwork and home-grown plants and produce. Kerr

County Hill Country Youth Event Center. www.kerrmarketdays.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. More than 475 booths along shady path featuring treasures of all sorts, live music and food.

Lions Field, 601 Farm Market 2325. www. shopmarketdays.com, 512-847-2201.

SEPTEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24 BOERNE: Tejas Rodeo Company. Weekly rodeos, live music, events and steak dinners. www.tejasrodeo.com.

SEPTEMBER 9-10 JOHNSON CITY: “We Got Yer Goat.” Annual goat-roast cook-off. Blanco County Fairgrounds. www.wegotyergoat.com.

SEPTEMBER 9-11 FREDERICKSBURG: Fall Planting Days.

Daily lectures and demonstrations by John R. Thomas showing successful, timely wildflower planting techniques. www.wildseedfarms.com.

SEPTEMBER 9-OCTOBER 2 WIMBERLEY: The Wimberley Players present “Lost in Yonkers.” Written by Neil Simon, a funny and poignant play.

Wimberley Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road. www.wimberleyplayers.org.

SEPTEMBER 10 BLANCO: Hill Country Heartbeat BBQ Dinner, Dance, Gun and Jewelry Raffle.

Fundraiser for Blanco EMS. 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Yett Park. www.blancochamber.com.

BURNET: Bluebonnet Air Show. 25th annual air show features World War II aircraft in static and flight demonstrations.

Air show performances noon to 4 pm, with kids’ activities and aircraft rides follow.

Burnet Municipal Airport, 2402 South Water Street. bluebonnetairshow.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping With Taste Wine & Food Festival. Texas wines,

Dr. Joseph Pound Historical Farmstead Presents the 26th Annual

ping Dripring’s Sp LY ONseum!

Mu

September 24, 2016 10am — 4pm

Experience EARLY TEXAS for the entire FAMILY! H TOURS of the Restored Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead led by our docents in period dress H LIVE Old-Time Blue Grass and Folk Music H Artisans Demonstrating Genuine Texas Pioneer Skills & Crafts, Blacksmith Demonstrations, live animals, Civil War reenactors, and Horse-drawn Wagon Rides H Children’s Area with Pioneer Games and Creating Crafts, including Candle Making

H Savory BBQ Plates, Hot Dogs, Refreshing Ice Cream, Kettle Corn and more H Silent Auction with a tempting array of items donated by our Pioneer Demonstrators and local establishments H “A Day in 1800’s Texas”, Living History Program H The Pound’s Grounds Café featuring homemade pound cake, sold whole or by the slice

The Farmstead is located on RR 12 North, in Founders Park.

512.858.2030 the historical heart of Dripping Springs

Member 2016

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ADMISSION $5.

Age 4 & Under Free!

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www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org

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The most tastes of Texas under one roof!

Saturday, September 10 Dripping Springs Ranch Park

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WimberleyMerchants.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R SEPTEMBER 2016 PAGE 13

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

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craft beer, distilled spirits, food, music, artisans and fun at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. DrippingWithTaste.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Fredericksburg Professional Bull Riders. 40 of the PBR’s best riders and some of the crankiest bulls around make this a must see event.

Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Texas 16 South. www.gillespiefair.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Hill Country Heartbeat Fundraiser for Hill Country EMS, the event will include live music and a barbecue dinner complete with drinks and dessert. Yett Memorial Park, Blanco County Fairgrounds. www.hillcountryheartbeat. org.

JOHNSON CITY: “Kolbassa and Kab” Dinner and Wine Tasting. www.TexasHillsVineyard.com.

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

SEPTEMBER 10-11 BOERNE: Boerne Market Days. Outdoor market blends traditions of Texas Hill Country with the creations of today’s culture. Main Plaza. www.visitboerne.org.

SEPTEMBER 11 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy traditional cowboy music. Bring your guitar and join in the song circle. Bring your own refreshments and chair. Frontier Times Museum. www. frontiertimesmuseum.org.

BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine.

Travel to area galleries in the downtown area on foot or on the Shabby Bus. www. visitboerne.org.

SEPTEMBER 15 WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen pres-

ents Bill Kirchen. Great live music in an intimate setting. Doors at 7 pm. www. wimberleyumc.org.

SEPTEMBER 15-17 BURNET: Burnet Art Festival. Historic Town Square. www.artburnet.com.

SEPTEMBER 16-17 NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal County Fair Barbecue Cook-Off. Washer pitching tournament, team competition, rodeo queen’s contest. Comal County Fair Grounds. www.innewbraunfels.com.

SEPTEMBER 16-18 AUSTIN: Capital of Texas Quiltfest. See more than 400 quilts, plus vendors, demonstrations and boutique of handmade items. Palmer Event Center. www.captxquiltfest.org.

BANDERA: Rumble on the River Biker Rally. Camping, poker run, vendors, food, field events, music, bike show, tattoo contest and Sunday morning church service. www.bikerralliesoftexas.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Fredericksburg Trade Days. More than 400 vendors in seven barns, acres of antiques, biergarten, more. www.fbgtradedays.com.

SEPTEMBER 17 BULVERDE: Bulverde Jubilee. Vendor and food booths, music, rides and games.

10 am to 5 pm, parade starts at 11 am.

Downtown (2300 block of Bulverde Road). www.facebook.com/BulverdeJubilee.

BOERNE: Moondance. Outdoor concert series under the oaks and evening stars at Cibolo Nature Center and Farm. 140 City Park Road. www.cibolo.org.

BURNET: Bluegrass Festival. Day filled with great music, wine tasting, vendors and fun. Haley Nelson Park, 301 Garden Trails Drive. www.cityofburnet.com.

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512-858-0020

COMFORT: Art Festival and Barbecue.

Original artwork by local artists throughout downtown area, followed by a barbecue dinner and country store in the park.

Historic Downtown and Comfort Park, 423 Main Street. www.comfort-texas.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Nimitz Foundation Symposium “We Served Too: The Evolution of Women’s Role in National Security.” Features internationally recognized scholars, authors, historians and veterans. Steve W. Shepherd Theater. www. pacificwarmuseum.org.

KERRVILLE: The Museum of Western Art Sale and Expedition. Chuck-wagon breakfast, special tours, and exquisite art for sale by today’s Western artists. 1550 Bandera Highway. 830-896-2553.

MARBLE FALLS: Main Street Market Day. www.marblefalls.org.

SAN MARCOS: Junior Texas Water Safari. 16-mile water adventure helps participants prepare for the big Texas Water Safari next summer in June. San Marcos City Park, 170 Charles Austin Drive. www.texaswatersafari.org.

SAN MARCOS: Wimberley Glassworks Solar Ray Opening. 5 pm to 8 pm. RSVP at to enter drawing and enjoy an evening of glassmaking, live music and wine tasting as you watch the illumination of piece transition from the light of day to an auroral display of light at night. wgw.com SEPTEMBER 17-18 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Market Days Artisan Market. 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm Sunday at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. dsmarketdays@ gmail.com.

GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Historic District. GrueneMarketDays.com.

KYLE:Retro Recess Games for Adults at Kyle Park. Teams compete in games like Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, , more. www.cityofkyle/specialevents.

SEPTEMBER 17-NOVEMBER 20 HONDO: South Texas Maize. People of all ages find their way in and out of 7-acre maze, plus family friendly activities. 911 U.S. 90 East. southtexasmaize.com.

SEPTEMBER 19-23 HUNT: Fall Quilting Retreat. Create unique art in large workspace while experiencing new and modern techniques and tool demonstrations. Mo-Ranch. www. moranch.org, 830-238-4455 ext. 246.

SEPTEMBER 20 KYLE: Pet Vaccination Clinic. Greater Texas Federal Credit Union, 5433 Kyle Center Drive (next to IHOP). 5 pm to 7 pm.

512-238-1093, 512-497-4638.

SEPTEMBER 20-25 NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Comal County Fairgrounds, comalcountyfair.org.

SEPTEMBER 23 SPRING BRANCH: Birdies & Blackjack – Golf, Dinner and Casino Night. Nine hole golf tournament shotgun Start 3 pm; Dinner and awards 6:30 pm, Casino play starts at 7:30 pm. River Crossing Golf Course & Clubhouse. www.facebook. com/events/1598812797076740.

SEPTEMBER 23-24 BURNET: Burnet Barbecue Cook-Off and Music Festival. Burnet County Fairgrounds. www.burnetchamber.org.

SEPTEMBER 23-25 AUSTIN: “To China, With Love…” Ballet Austin kicks off season with selections expected to be performed during troupe’s

first-ever tour of the People’s Republic of China. The Long Center. balletaustin.org.

SEPTEMBER 24 BLANCO: “Raise the Roof“ Chili and Barbecue Cook Off and Twin Sisters Dance Hall Fundraiser. Dance from 7 pm to midnight features Hot Texas Swing Band and Jason Roberts Band. www. twinsisterdancehall.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: 26th Annual Pioneer Day at Dr. Joseph Pound Historical Farmstead. Experience early Texas for the entire family. Live music, artisan demonstrations, children’s area, food, silent auction, living history demonstrations and more. 10 am to 4 pm. www.drpoundhistoricalhomestead.org.

JOHNSON CITY: Art Walk. Galleries and eclectic furniture stores open for browsing in the evening. Downtown Johnson City. www.asmithgallery.com.

LAKEHILLS: Cajun Festival and Gumbo Cook-Off. Cajun and Zydeco music on two stages, Great Gumbo cook-off, homemade Cajun food, dancing, arts and crafts, games, souvenirs. Lakehills Civic Center. www.cajunfestivalmedinalake.com.

SEPTEMBER 24-25 AUSTIN: Lone Star Book Festival.

Two-day book festival for indie authors and publishers of Texas. www.

LoneStarBookFest.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: SAXET Gun Show.

Guns, knives, ammo, coins, militaria and supplies. Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Ranch Park Event Center.

FREDERICKSBURG: Open Golf Tournament at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Texas 16 South. www.golffredericksburg.com.

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

KERRVILLE: Kerrville Triathlon. Louise Hays Park. www.kerrvilletri.com.

KERRVILLE: Kerrville Traders Fest and Open Car and Bike Show. www.kerrvilletradersfest.com.

SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 2 UTOPIA: UTOPIAfest. Outdoor threeday camping and music festival. www. utopiafest.com.

SEPTEMBER 30 AUSTIN: Texas American Indian Heritage Day. Celebration of American Indian heritage at Bob Bullock State History Museum. 512-371-0628.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding Cowboy Auction. Music by Sam Bentley Band.

Doors at 6 pm. Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.BrentThurman.com.

KERRVILLE: Texas Heritage Music Day. Celebrate music of Jimmie Rodgers with music, living history, storytelling, western exhibits, chuck wagons, teepees and hands-on learning about Texas culture. . www.texasheritagemusic.org SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1 AUSTIN: Austin Postcard and Paper Show. Thousands of postcards for sale or trade. www.ctxpc.org.

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2 BURNET: Day Out with Thomas. Take a 25-minute ride with a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt; enjoy stories, music and children’s activities. Burnet Community Center. www.austinsteamtrain.org.

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 3 FREDERICKSBURG:Oktoberfest. Celebrate the fun and flavor of Fredericksburg’s German heritage with three days

of music, food, drink, dancing, arts and crafts, children’s entertainment and more. www.oktoberfestinfbg.com.

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2, OCTOBER 7-9 AUSTIN: Austin City Limits Music Festival. More than 130 local and nationally known bands perform on eight stages at festival that stretches through two weekends. Zilker Park. www.aclfestival.com.

OCTOBER 1 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Brent Thurman Memorial PBR Bull Riding. Exceptional rodeo at 5:30 pm; PBR at 7:30 pm followed by dance featuring Sam Bentley Band. www.BrentThurman.com.

SPRING BRANCH: Market Day. 120-plus vendors. 20475 Highway 46 West (Bealls/ Blanco Bank parking lot). 10 am to 4 pm, free admission. 830-438-4285.

OCTOBER 7-9 SATTLER: Cruisin’ Canyon Lake Getaway Weekend. Activities, fun events and lodging discounts. www. cruisincanyonlake.com.

OCTOBER 8 SAN MARCOS: Sacred Springs Powwow.

A festival celebrating Native American culture with drums, dancers, traditional songs and Native food, arts and crafts.

Meadows Center, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive. 10 am to 6 pm. www.

IndigenousCultures.com.

OCTOBER 8-9 INGRAM: Kerr County Celtic Festival, Scottish Highland Games, Highland Dance Competition. www. kerrcountyceltic.com.

OCTOBER 15 WIMBERLEY: WUMC Fall Car Show. Vintage/Classic/Unique. Free registration- pre or on-site Hot dogs, drinks, snacks $1 each. 10 am to 2 pm.

Wimberley United Methodist Church www.wimberleyumc.org, Dave at 713410-9595; email corvair69@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 14-16 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Songwriters Festival. 44 songwriters, six venues, six stages. Rodney Crowell headlines. www. drippingspringssongwritersfestival.com.

OCTOBER 21-22 KYLE: Hogwash Barbecue Cook Off at Gregg-Clark Park.Registration and more at www.Kyle-Hogwash.com.

OCTOBER 22 WIMBERLEY: 13th Annual Hunters Night Out 30 Gun Raffle. 6 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14711 Ranch Road 12.

Ticket includes one meal and entry for raffle. Live music 6 pm to 8 pm. www. wimberleykchunter.org.

OCTOBER 22-23 DRIPPING SPRINGS: The SHOW at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. See 60 fine artists, enjoy live original music and spirits by Mercer Street Dance Hall. 10 am to 6 pm. www.TheSHOWspotlight.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Train Show. Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Free train ride for kids up to age 10 on Landa Park Rail Road. Civic Center, www.

NBRRM.org, jedmondson@satx.rr.com.

NOVEMBER 6 DRIPPING SPRINGS: 19th Annual Empty Bowls Project at Mercer Street Dance Hall. Benefits Helping Hands. www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org.

NOVEMBER 25 BULVERDE: Christmas Lighting. Enjoy vendors, food booths, and Santa’s arrival at 6:30 pm, plus snow pad for the kids’ enjoyment 5:30 pm to 9 pm Downtown.

830-438-4285.

Hill Country Calendar Sat, Sept 24 9 am-6 pm Sun, Sept 25 9 am-5 pm

Guns • Knives • Ammo • Coins Militaria • Shooting Supplies Ranch Park Event Center 1042 Event Center Drive Dripping Springs From Highway 290, go north on Ranch Road 12 for 2 miles

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