Hill Country Sun. June 2016 by Julie Harrington

JUNE 2016 Bandera Riverfest

Summer fun fest on the Medina

Cypress Creek Reserve Handcrafted rum & more in Wimberley

Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks Blue Mountain Peak Ranch honored

Book Preview “A Secret Silence” by Ashlee S. Kinsel

A visit to Radha Mahdav Dham

The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

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Bandera Riverfest family fun June 25

By Genie Strickland

Photo © Mason Photography • www.mason-photography.com

ummer is almost here, just in time for the 19th Annual Bandera Riverfest – the ultimate riverside picnic Saturday, June 25. Nineteen years ago, the Bandera Business Association decided Bandera needed to show off one of their best assets – the beautiful Medina River. Recent rains have the Medina River flowing at its best in years. Bandera Riverfest has grown to include some great events. You can find everything from water games, music, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, car show, arts and crafts, and more. The Lone Star Bar-B-Que Cook-off has grown so much that a guaranteed $10,000 payout is being offered this year! Join in the fun —enter the “Anything That Floats Regatta.” Every merchant in town, every sailor worth his salt, and every character (Bandera has never been at a loss for those) that ever walked the streets of Bandera and surrounding towns should be busy preparing their entry for this most unlikely of river parades. There is no entry fee, and no rules (except that your entry must float), so decorate up your best row boat, kayak, inner tube, raft, tractor tire tube, stryo-packing material…well you get the picture. If it floats, it can be in the parade. Trolling motors are allowed for those not wanting to paddle the river. A $200 award goes to the winner of each of the following categories in the Regatta: Best Nonprofit, Best Business and Best Individual or Family. More of a beach lover? No worries.

You’ll find plenty of family friendly summer fun on the Medina River at Bandera’s Riverfest June 25. Photos courtesy Bandera Riverfest. The Bandera Coastline (graciously donated by Bandera Rock and Road) is a perfect place to unwind. So come on down for some fun, sun and sand. With or without the kids, building sand castles is a fun way to spend the day, and you can grab a shovel and bucket and be as creative as you like. There’s also a giant slip ’n slide for the kids. Riverfest has always been about the river, so wear your river shoes and swimsuit and get ready for the River Rodeo. Guests can also enjoy kayak races and a

river rescue race. It is easy to enter and does not require any special equipment (Bandera River Yacht Club provides the tubes and kayaks). There is no entry fee. At Riverfest, there is something for everyone, including arts and crafts , great food and drink and an Open Car Show. Mixed in is the Lone Star Bar-B-Que Society’s sanctioned Barbecue Cook-off and the finals of the Bandera Idol Competition, plus plenty of live music from some of the best bands and entertainers around. Come sit in the shade, sip a beer, margarita or lemonade, bring the kids and enjoy.

FYI • The 19th Annual Bandera Riverfest is June 25. Gates open at 10 am. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 55 and older. Children (12 and under) and active Military (with identification) get in free. All riverside games and water activities are absolutely free. For more information visit the web site at www.BanderaRiverFest.com or call 830796-4447.

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Kenzie, Luke and Julie Harrington Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com Ernie Altgelt Ernie Lee Suzy Moehring Mallard Laurel Robertson Genie Strickland Writers Gerry Burns Adelle Spell Distribution

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: Bandera’s 19th Annual Riverfest brings plenty of summer fun to the banks of the Medina River (See story, page 2.).Photos courtesy Bandera Riverfest. Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month. Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. www.hillcountrysun.com www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun

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Austin J5 Bandera B10 Bergheim D9 Bertram I2 Blanco F6 Boerne D9 Buchanan Dam F2 Buda J7 Bulverde G10 Burnet G2 Camp Verde B8 Canyon Lake G9 Castroville C12 Center Point B8 Clear Springs H11 Comfort C8 Concan A11 Driftwood H7 Dripping Springs H6 Fischer G8 Fredericksburg C5 Georgetown K2 Granite Shoals G2 Gruene H10 Hancock G8 Helotes G6 Henly G6 Highland Lakes F2/3 Hondo B13 Hunt A7 Hye E6 Ingram B7 Johnson City F5 Kendalia F8 Kerrville B7 Kingsland F2 Kyle I8 Lampasas G1 Leakey A9 Llano D2 Liberty Hill I12 Luckenbach D6 Luling K10 Marble Falls G3 Martindale J9 Mason B2 Medina A9 New Braunfels H10 Oak Hill I6 Oatmeal H2 Pipe Creek C10 Round Rock K3 San Antonio F12 San Marcos I9 Sattler H9 Seguin I11 Sisterdale D8 Spring Branch F9 Startzville G9 Stonewall D6 Utopia A10 Vanderpool A9 Wimberley H8

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Wimberley’s Cypress Creek Reserve

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instead to build his own still, starting with avid Watson went all the way a manufactured stainless steel tank. After to Mauritius in 2000 to dive for spending a lifetime welding on offshore oil platforms and making ancient sunken competition barbeque pits, treasure — but what figuring out rum distilling he found of most worth equipment came to him on the island paradise pretty naturally. was their fine rum. “I saved enough money He returned home to creating my own still to covWi m b e r l e y e m p t y er the startup costs for my handed, but with a whole business,” he claims. head full of ideas for Cypress Creek Reserve starting his own rum has the light body and dry distillery in the Texas Hill Country. Award-winning Cypress Creek taste that David was after, with just a touch of sweetUsing fresh spring Reserve rum. Photo by Jim Allen. ness for character. water that feeds Cypress For his Vanilla Rum, Creek and blackstrap molasses from the cane fields of East Tex- David ages Cypress Creek Reserve with as and Louisiana, David experimented Tahitian vanilla beans (more aromatic that for years to work out the right recipe and common Madagascar variety) just long distillation process for his Cypress Creek enough to enhance the flavor. “People who think they don’t like Reserve Rum. He admits his first batch was awful — flavored rum taste it and are always pleasbut after four years of research (and lots antly surprised,” he says. Leaving the Tahitian vanilla beans of taste tests with friends and neighbors) — he’s developed an award-winning steeping longer at a higher concentration crystal rum, vanilla rum and a gourmet yields Cypress Creek Reserve Vanilla Exvanilla extract. David, a professional welder and allaround tinkerer, eschewed buying manufactured distilling equipment, preferring

Guests enjoying cocktails on the patio at Cypress Creek Reserve on Jacobs Well Road in Wimberley. Photos courtesy Cypress Creek Reserve. tract, developed by David’s wife and business partner, Laura. She also manages the office and shipping/bottling room (which smells deliciously of vanilla!) Located on Dave and Laura’s acreage near Jacob’s Well, Cypress Creek Reserve (aka D.E. W. Distilling, LLC) offers a See CYPRESS CREEK RESERVE, page 8

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PAGE 4 JUNE 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

WIMBERLEY

BOOK REVIEW

“A Sacred Silence,” new book by Ashlee S. Kinsel

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an Antonio writer Ashlee S. Kinsel’s first novel, A Sacred Silence, is a must-read for any and all who have struggled with a deep despair following a personal loss. Through this well written narrative, an engrossing story unfolds about a young lady’s struggle to “understand” why her God has taken so much, ultimately leaving her with a profound emptiness and inability to love. But, as readers will joyfully discover, through the foresight of her remarkable grandmother, the deeply troubled protagonist, Eliza, is able to find redemption, romance and, so much more. A Sacred Silence is truly an inspiring story of spiritual re-birth that those of all faiths, backgrounds and ages can and will easily relate to. As the story recounts, remarkably, it was a long-hidden diary penned by Eliza’s deceased but much adored grandmother, Dusky, that ultimately offered an avenue for salvation from her unhappy existence which, due to her father’s earlier abandonment followed by the tragic death of her mother, left her stifled by grief, anger and confusion. “A Sacred Silence.” Set equally Photo courtesy Ashlee S. Kinsel. in the San Antonio of the mid 1960s, Northern Mexico during the heated revolution of the early 20th Century and, on a present-day remote and secluded Hill Country ranch near Camp Wood, readers will be excitingly transported across space and time as the plot seamlessly intertwines building to a rewarding, revealing and much anticipated conclusion. The characters introduced are believable, admirable and inspirational in their own right and, as the story progresses, it becomes impossible not to cheer for the major participants with the hope of a positive resolution. Thankfully, due to the meticulous historical research conducted coupled with Ashlee’s natural gift for narration and creativity, readers won’t be disappointed with any aspect of the book. When queried about the impetus for penning this novel, the author offers, “My personal, emotional experiences led me to develop the book. After losing my father tragically in 1993, I struggled with grief for 15 years and had no one to help

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“Eliza let the silence fall around her as the tears came faster and faster. She drew strength from her grandmother’s words, from her heart, from all she had endured and, from the woman she chose to be. What God had done in her grandmother, Eliza begged Him to do again, but this time in her own heart.” me cleanse the confusion and despair from my own heart. It was a desperate, lonely time.” For a first effort, she has succeeded admirably in communicating that darkness and, as was in her case, ultimately finding peace and understanding for the book’s primary subjects. Ashlee divides her time between her San Antonio home and her husband’s family’s working ranch in Cotulla, Texas. She enjoys writing and is especially excited with the release of A Sacred Silence, her biggest literary project to date. With the early success of this initial effort, a lot more is expected from this very talented and empathetic writer. FYI • A Sacred Silence ($16.99, 253 pages, published by Deep River Books, Sisters, Oregon) is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books and also on the author’s web site at ashleekinsel.com.

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hill country PARKS

Blue Mountain Peak Ranch is 2016 Leopold Conservation Award winner

hen Richard Taylor and his late wife, Sally, moved to Texas in 2001 and bought land in the heart of Mason County, they knew their work was cut out for them. The land had been overgrazed and overworked for years and was in desperate need of restoration. Fifteen years later, the Taylors’ dedication to habitat and wildlife conservation earned their Blue Mountain Peak Ranch in the Texas Hill Country recognition as the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award recipient for Texas. Taylor and partner Suzie Paris accepted the state’s highest honor for private land conservation, including a crystal award depicting Aldo Leopold and a check for $10,000, at the 21st Lone Star Land Steward Awards dinner in Austin last month. Given in honor of conservationist Aldo Leopold, author of Sand County Almanac, the award is given each year by Sand County Foundation to a property in each of 10 states. Since the program began 21 years ago, more than 200 landowners have been honored for conserving more

than 3 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat. In Texas, Sand County Foundation works in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program, sponsored by the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation, DuPont Pioneer and The Mosaic Company. When the Taylors purchased Blue Mountain Peak Ranch, they dreamed of rehabilitating the land to what it looked like before European settlement in the 1800s, with more live oak savannah grassland in the uplands and a higher density of woody plants restricted mainly to the draws. “The goal we have for the ranch is simple: We want to increase species diversity and put water in the aquifer,” said Taylor. “We asked ourselves what could possibly bring back the plants and animals we love to see every day, and we found that back around 1800 was a good period of time because there were a lot more species here.” While they spent several years workSee HILL COUNTRY PARKS, page 7

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Richard Taylor, Suzie Paris of Blue Mountain Peak Ranch. Photo by Chase Fountain. ing to clear the Ashe juniper that dominated much of the landscape and allowing the native herbaceous plants to recover, Taylor began applying prescribed fires on sections of the ranch every year. With the exception of a 10-acre educational demonstration plot, Taylor eradicated the juniper, restoring the potential for livestock grazing and allowing the grassland and wildlife to flourish. The quantity and quality of the ranch flora has thrived under Taylor and Paris’ management. They have made improvements to rainwater catchment and infiltration through increased ground cover, reducing soil runoff and erosion, which has led to improvements in wildlife habitat for black-capped vireos, Texas horned lizards, and spot-tailed earless lizards. “Mr. Taylor has come a long way with this property,” said Evan McCoy, a TPWD private lands biologist who works with Taylor and his land. “He started with really a rugged, abused, mismanaged piece of property, and he was able to create habitat for a lot of species that weren’t here prior to his management. Now it’s abundant with good wildlife.” With assistance from TPWD, the ranch does an annual deer survey for harvest recommendations and has made significant improvements in buck quality and ages. To control the feral hog population, Taylor uses a combination of trapping and hunting, resulting in the removal of hundreds of hogs over the years. The ranch has also served as a study site for graduate level projects by Texas Tech on the effects of prescribed burning and for species such as the Texas horned lizard. Beyond the ranch, Richard and Sally co-founded The Conservation Agency, a scientific nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of natural biodiversity. “If this is work, this is my most favorite job in the world,” Taylor said. “I look forward to going out even when it’s hot out. I consider it to be fun. This is the most fun I’ve ever had.”

Other Texas Hill Country winners of the Aldo Leopold Award for Conservation include Jack and Jan Cato’s Buckhollow Ranch in Uvalde County and their Stockard-Sirianni Ranch in Frio County, both in 2013; David Bamberger’s Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve in Blanco County in 2009; the Vandivier family’s Llano Springs Ranch in Edwards County in 2008; and the Treadwell Brady Ranch near Menard in 2006.

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Summer Smiles!

Ice Cream Festival brings old-fashioned fun July 2 WIMBERLEY H Don’t miss an old-fashioned ice cream festival Saturday, July 2, at the Wimberley Community Center from noon to 7 pm, where you can enjoy contests and entertainment every hour on the hour. The Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival is a product of brainstorming by members of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church to raise funds for Camp Good Sam-Wimberley. Three years ago, Darelle Jordan, Wimberley Independent School District nurse (and a member of Saint Stephen’s) introduced Camp Good Sam-Wimberley to the Wimberley Independent School District’s superintendent. His response was enthusiastic. Satellite Camp Good Sam’s summer programs exist in many communities throughout south Texas. The Wimberley camp offers local elementary school children a six-week summer day camp that includes transportation to and from the camp, breakfast, lunch, and a structured age-appropriate learning curriculum, along with field trips and fun activities. The camp addresses summer learning loss and isolation often experienced by children in our community and serves children of all races and religious preferences. Funding for Camp Good Sam-Wimberley is made possible by joining forces with local clubs, nonprofit organizations, merchants, participating members of the Wimberley Ministerial Alliance and the Wimberley Independent School District. FYI • Admission to the Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival is $10, children 12 and under get in free.

Raffle, live music, more at St. Mary summer festival WIMBERLEY H St. Mary Catholic Church Summerfest is Saturday, June 25, at the Wimberley Community Center from 11 am to 7:30 pm. The event features a dozen food and beverage vendors, and kids’ games and activities complete with prizes. Guests can enjoy three bands, and a live auction with more than 70 items (each valued at more than $50), will be held in the late afternoon. This year’s raffle grand prize is a cherry red 2016 Jeep Patriot with a dealers suggested list price of $21,600. Also offered is a 48inch Samsung Smart TV or an Apple Watch Sport 42mm. A silent auction features a variety of items from stays in vacation homes to gourmet dinners for two. Raffle tickets ($5 each or $20 for five) are on sale now, available from members of the church and at various retail locations in Wimberley as well as in the Parish office.. Father Richard Tijerina will draw the winning tickets shortly after 6:30 pm. Proceeds will go to such church programs as the youth ministry, religious studies, and family Christian movies, shown on Sunday evenings, that are open to the community. St. Mary Catholic Church has established community outreach programs the last 15 Years to bring together family, friends, and the community for the purpose of celebrating family values and good will. Last year’s event contributed $4,000 to flood victims in the Wimberley area. FYI • Admission to Summerfest is free. For more information, call 512-847-9181.

CYPRESS CREEK RESERVE, from page 4

Carly C. Cunningham, D.D.S., M.S. 512-858-1311 • Next to Dripping Springs High School 131 Benney Lane, Suite A • Dripping Springs

www.CunninghamOrthodontics.com PAGE 8 JUNE 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

covered patio area with a serving bar and tables, overlooking lush green hills rolling down to Cypress Creek. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists to gather on a beautiful Saturday afternoon — to sip rum, talk and enjoy watching the deer and chickens on the lush lawn under spreading live oaks. Dave and Laura lineup special events during the season, including barbeque cookoffs and touring antique car shows. The patio is also available for private special events. Cypress Creek Reserve rum is available in liquor stores throughout Texas, and by the glass or the bottle at the distillery and outdoor patio. They market a cute 750 ml wooden barrel filled with raw rum that will age to perfection in 80 days instead of the usual six months required in a 55-gallon barrel. Dave reports selling a lot of those for gifts, especially around the holidays. After traveling the entire world with his oil company job for so many years, Dave retired last year and now devotes more time to building and tinkering around the distillery and grounds. He

Cypress Creek Reserve vanilla extract. Photo by Jim Allen. installed the cedar-lined bar on the cocktail patio and expanded the seating area. Next up is a horseshoe court and expanded lawn area for customers’ enjoyment. FYI • D.E.W. Distilling, LLC, owner of Cypress Creek Reserve rum, is located at 1400 Jacobs Well Road in Wimberley. Hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm. $5 tours include a rum tasting. For more information, visit www.cypressreserve. com, call 512-847-6874, or find them on Facebook.

A visit to Rahda Madhav Dham near Driftwood

By Ernie Lee

ou might have noticed it off Farm Market 1826, out past the Salt Lick Bar-B-Q restaurant in Driftwood, rising from the surrounding fields as a tall decorative tower-like edifice, beautiful in its deceptive simplicity. The structure is obviously not typical of Texan buildings, appearing like a temple right out of India. What is it? Who are the people who inhabit such a place? What do they do? On my recent visit (along with my wife, Donna, and with just such questions in mind), I found an enchanting and charming place of peace, acceptance, and openness at the Radha Madhav Dham. Our guide, Vrinda Didi, welcomed us to the Temple, and was more than willing to answer our questions. This is indeed a Hindu Temple, even more, it is a place of worship for the Hindu faith; a place of reflection and introspection for those who seek answers; and a warm and hospitable place for anyone of any faith. One thing I can tell you, above all else: You are welcome. On your visit to the Temple and the grounds, you will find friendly, respectful and kind people who will welcome you. This magnificent 200-acre property was formerly part of the Friday Mountain Ranch and Camp for Boys. It is the same site where Roy Bedichek, encouraged by J. Frank Dobie, went to write his classic book, Adventures with a Texas Naturalist. You can take your own self-guided tour around the grounds if you wish. A brochure is available that will guide you. Be sure to pick one up in the lobby of the Temple so you will know what you are seeing and looking for. Remember to take off your shoes before you enter the Temple. Many of the sites on the grounds are representative of holy and special sites in Braj, India. Peacocks, the national bird of India, are everywhere. You are free to attend or ob-

The Temple tower. Photo by Donna Lee.

View from a hilltop at Rahda Madhav Dham. Photo by Donna Lee.

serve services, as the curtains part to reveal the shrine inside the Temple, while the faithful pray, chant, and worship. The 35,000-square-foot structure features the 90-foot granite shikhar, or tower, you can see from the road, handcrafted by artisans from India called shilpis, or craftsperson. Inside the compound are dining halls, accommodations for overnight visits and public areas for use. Throughout the year, many festivals and events take place here, open to guests to attend and learn more about Hindu culture. Photography is not allowed inside the Temple, but you may take pictures of the grounds outside. My favorite view was from the summit of the hill overlooking the valley An open house was held in May, and a Festival of Lights is planned in the fall. Each March brings the Festival of Holi

where revelers celebrate in a most colorful fashion. You are welcome to attend any and all of these celebrations. A schedule of annual events is available in the lobby and on the web site. (No pets, weapons, or alcohol, please.) Guests can walk the grounds and see the sights. Don’t forget to visit the grotto,

especially when the waterfall is active. Pleasant and kind hosts will appreciate your interest and your visit, and will return your efforts with respect and friendliness. FYI • For more information,visit the web site at radhamadhavdham.org, where you can even take a virtual tour of the grounds.

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2016 PAGE 9

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

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Big fun in small town Utopia every July 4th

By Wanda Waters

idafternoon each July 4, Utopia shuts down Highway 187 to allow passage of the annual 4th of July parade of brightly decorated bicycles, carts, vehicles, and trailers hauling families and groups of friends waving American flags and throwing candy to spectators lining the road in lawn chairs or tailgates. An assortment of antique cars, vintage fire trucks, and military vehicles join the group. That evening, Utopia will swell with thousands of people driving to the area to enjoy the fireworks display that begins at dark from the park. It is hard to know how many people enjoy the elaborate fireworks show; cars fill the parking areas in and around the park, spill over into the town, and literally line highways 187, 470, and 1050 that lead to Utopia from all directions. Many watch Utopia 4th of July parade. from their homes or acreage Photo courtesy Hattie Barham Photography. in the hilly area that provides scenic views. The 45-minute discharge of more than 40,000 fireworks fills the sky with aerial bursts, many 300 feet in diameter, and rivals the best of shows from any large city or country club. A volunteer group uses four to five large trailers, each holding around 45 “cakes” (a bundle of 100 to 600 tubes holding firework shells). The fireworks are painstakingly wired together and electrical charges attached, requiring months of preparation. On the big night, the trailers are set up on the baseball field adjoining the park, placing the pyro equipment at least 300 feet away from the spectators, and the fireworks are ignited electrically. All of the fireworks are purchased with generous donations collected at the previous year’s show. FYI • For more information, visit the web site at utopiatexas.info.

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June 25

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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, 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. Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. FIFTH SUNDAY DRIFTWOOD: United Methodist Church Bluegrass Gospel Sing-along Service. Every fifth Sunday on months with five Sundays. 11 am. Farm Market 150 and Elder Hill Road. 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 other artists. 830-825-3465. EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: Glass blowing demonstrations at Wimberley Glassworks for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-2132110. 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. 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. 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.

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. www.cypresscreekcafe. com. EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts, Open Mic. Hours are 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and Flying Armadillos. Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Live Music at Smoke ‘N Hops. smokenhops.com. WIMBERLEY: Cafe’ Susanna. Serving lunch 11 am to 1 pm. $9 for entree, two sides and decadent desserts. Wimberley United Methodist Church, Corner of 1492 and Ranch Road 12. www.wimberleyumc.org. FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday. Participating businesses offer special events, food and music plus special 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. 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. 512847-5464. 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.

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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 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 at Chapel in the Hills, . Milly Maxey at 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 lessons, branding, more. www. flyingl.com. BOERNE: Tejas Rodeo. Rodeos, live music, events and steak dinners. TejasRodeo.com. BOERNE: Farmer’s Market at the Cibolo. 9 am to 1 pm. www.cibolo.org. 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. 830935-2781. NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245. 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 spir-

it. 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 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, plus 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. JUNE 1-9 AUSTIN: “Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition.” Exhibition introduces contemporary Czech culture. State Capitol Visitors Center. www.polkaworks.org. JUNE 1-12 KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival. Texas Hill Country based international songwriters’ festival features more than 100 songwriters and bands. www. kerrville-music.com. JUNE 1-24 AUSTIN: “Our Global Kitchen.” Exhibition tell stories of complex, entwined relationship between humans and food. Bullock Museum. www. TheStoryofTexas.com. JUNE 1-26 KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show. See the finest examples of gourd art by gourd artists from across the nation. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett Street. www. kacckerrville.com. JUNE 1 - AUGUST 28 KERRVILLE: Kerr Arts and Cultural Center Summer Exhibits. 228 Earl Garrett Street. www.kacckerrville.com. JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 16 AUSTIN: “Wish You Were Here: Postcards from the Texas State Archives.” Display featuring more than 100 postcards, photographs and documents highlights timeless tourist destinations. www.tsl.texas.gov. JUNE 1 - SEPTEMBER 18 AUSTIN: “Journey Into Big Bend.” Bullock Museum shines spotlight on Big Bend region with photography, personal artifacts, reflections. www. thestoryoftexas.com.

JUNE 2-5 AUSTIN: Summer X Games. Action sports and youth cultural experience showcases talents of more than 200 world-class action sports athletes competing for medals and prize money, plus musical performances and wideranging interactive festival elements. Circuit of the Americas. www. xgamesaustin.com JUNE 3 DRIPPING SPRINGS: RED Arena Wine-Up Party. Free wine tastings, snacks, music, silent auction at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. 5 pm to 8 pm. REDarena.org. FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours the first Friday of every month. Various venues. www.ffawf.com. JUNE 3-4 KERRVILLE: Shakespeare in the Park: “Hamlet.” Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy is presented. Louise Hays Park. www.caillouxtheater.com. JUNE 3-25 INGRAM: “Oklahoma.” The Point Outdoor Theatre, 120 Point Theatre Road. www.hcaf.com. JUNE 3 - JULY 2 WIMBERLEY: “Shrek: The Musical.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, 1101 Farm Market. 2325. www.emilyann. org, 512-847-6969. JUNE 4 BANDERA: Bandera Market Days. Find arts and crafts vendors on the Courthouse lawn. www. banderatexasbusiness.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: RED Arena Round-Up. Free family fun: bounce houses, games, petting zoo, mini horses. Plus barbecue, raffles, silent auction. Dripping Springs Ranch Park. 10 am to 2 pm. More info at REDarena.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Masonic Open Car Show. Features classic cars, live music and food. Marktplatz, www. fredericksburgmasons.com. KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days and Hill Country Swap Meet. Indoor market with handmade crafts, artwork, and homegrown plants and produce. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 Texas 27. www. kerrmarketdays.org. STONEWALL: Annual LBJ Fishing Day. Children and families can try fishing on the Pedernales River. Equipment provided or bring your own. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ lyndon-b-johnson. WIMBERLEY: Lions Market Days. Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more at the Hill Country’s oldest and largest outdoor market. Also enjoy barbecue and other delicious treats with live music under the pavilion.

At 601 Farm Market 2325. www. shopmarketdays.com. JUNE 4, 11, 18, 25 BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, hat and pistol branding, archery, oldfashioned photos, a cowboy stage show, gunslingers, line dancing and other entertainment. Flying L Ranch, 566 Flying L Drive. www.flyingl.com. JUNE 4-5 AUSTIN: Austin Pond Society Pond and Garden Tour. See ponds and gardens of every size and description—including waterfalls, streams and fountains— at more than 20 locations. www. austinpondsociety.org, 512-629-7825. JUNE 5 AUSTIN: Chef Jacques Pépin. World renowned as the host of his acclaimed and popular cooking programs on public television and as a prolific author, respected instructor and gifted artist. Long Center for the Performing Arts.thelongcenter.org. JUNE 9, 16, 23, 30 AUSTIN: Nature Nights. Take hikes with experts in their fields, hear talks and participate in hands-on learning about nature. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. www.wildflower. org. JUNE 10 AUSTIN: Republic of Texas Biker Rally Parade and Free Concert. Motorcycles travel down Congress Avenue from 11th Street to the river and turn around and go back north. Congress Avenue. www.roadwayevents.com. UVALDE: Four Square Friday Late night shopping, food, live music and art from 6 pm to 9 pm every second Friday. www.visituvalde.com. JUNE 10-11 BURNET: Burnet County Area Fair. Enjoy exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, a car show, children’s activities, a barbecue lunch Saturday, gunfighter shows and more. www. burnetcountyfair.com. BURNET: Burnet Pro Rodeo. Watch real Texas cowboys as they compete in bull riding, bronco busting, calf scrambles, barrel racing and more. Burnet County Fairgrounds, 1301 Houston Clinton Drive. www.burnetchamber.org. JUNE 10-12 BLANCO: Blanco Lavender Festival. Celebrate all things lavender in Blanco, the Lavender capital of Texas. www. blancolavenderfest.com. June 10-12 NEW BRAUNFELS: Texas River Festival. Float the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, eat and drink at the best venues, and enjoy live music. www.texasriverfest.com. JUNE 11 AUSTIN: Big Czechs, Little Czechs. Day of family activities that features food, language, music and dance. Capitol Visitors Center, 112 East 11th Street,

Hill Country Calendar

Saturday, July 2, 2016 Wimberley Community Center Noon - 7 p.m. Admission $10 Children 12 and Under Free Benefiting Camp Good Sam Wimberley For more information contact St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 512-847-9956

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2016 PAGE 13 Have client sign the approval__________________________________ Every design going to print should have an approval for content, color, spelling, numbers, etc..

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR www.polkaworks.org. BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine. Participating galleries go all out each month with complimentary beverages and a variety of hors d’oeuvres along with fantastic art. Travel to each gallery in downtown area on foot or on the Shabby Bus. Galleries in Boerne. www.visitboerne.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Antique Tractor and Engine Show. Engine displays, tractor pull and parade, working sawmill, wheat thrashing, blacksmithing, flea market, arts and crafts and more. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www. rustyiron.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Volkssport 40th Anniversary Founders Day Walk. Family-friendly, fun, waterworks, live band. Kinderhalle Pavilion at the Marktplatz. www.walkintexas.com. GEORGETOWN: Market Days on the Square. Stroll the square and shop with crafters, artisans and retailers while enjoying food and entertainment. www. VisitGeorgetown.com. KERRVILLE: National Get Outdoors Day. Encourages healthy, active outdoor fun for families. Louise Hays Park. www.kerrvilletx.gov. KYLE: Kyle Market Days. Farmers market, homemade arts and crafts, live music and fun activities. Kyle City Square, 101 South Burleson. www.

cityofkyle.com. LAMPASAS: Sulphur Creek Car Cruise. Owners of classic cars and street rods line the park to show off vehicles. Also enjoy live entertainment, barbecue dinner, vendors and prizes. W. M. Brook Park. www.lampasaschamber.org. WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4 pm to 7 pm. Various locations. www.facebook. com/SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Book Festival. Features Texas authors. Wimberley Community Center. 512-554-9560 JUNE 11-12 BOERNE: Jail House Rock-and-Roll Market Days. Hundreds of festive booths display everything from collectibles and remembrances of past to modern innovations. Kendall County Courthouse. www.visitboerne.org. JUNE 12 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy traditional cowboy music, or bring guitar and join in the song circle. www. frontiertimesmuseum.org. GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with Texas Twist. Awe-inspiring gospel music coupled with mouth-watering buffet 10:30 am to noon. Advance tickets recommended. Gruene Hall. GrueneHall.com.

INGRAM: Hill Country Jamboree. Classic country music show and dance. 3 pm to 6 pm at Blue Sage Hall. www. bluesagehall.com. JUNE 16 GRUENE: Come and Taste It. A featured winemaker showcases three of its newest released top-selling or hardto-find wines, alongside a handpicked craft brew. Guests can also enjoy live music and giveaways. The Grapevine. 830-606-0093. WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse Concert Series presents Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines. Enjoy live music by local and nationally known performers in an intimate setting. Ranch-to-Market 12 at County Road 1492. www.wimberleyumc.org, 512-847-3109. JUNE 16 - JULY 3 FREDERICKSBURG: “Beauty and The Beast.” Fredericksburg Theatre Co. www.fredericksburgtheater.org. JUNE 17-18 STONEWALL: Stonewall Peach JAMboree and Rodeo. 55th annual event celebrates peak of peach season in Gillespie County. Stonewall Chamber of Commerce, 250 Peach Street. www. stonewalltexas.com. JUNE 17-19 BOERNE: Berges Fest A three-day family friendly German heritage festival at 100 Main Street. Details at

www.visitboerne.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Fredericksburg Trade Days. Shop with more than 400 vendors in seven barns, acres of antiques, biergarten, live music and more. www fbgtradedays.com. TAYLOR: Juneteenth Celebration and Bill Pickett Days. Meet and greet is Friday. Gospel brunch and pageant are Saturday, which concludes with music under the stars. Fannie Robinson Park, 206 South Dolan. 512-296-6109. JUNE 18 AUSTIN: House Party 2016. Featuring food, desserts, cocktails and great music and benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. The Palm Door on Sabine, 401 Sabine Street. 512-628-5935. BURNET: Summer Concert Music Series. Features American country music singer William Clark Green with J.B. and the Moonshine Band opening. Haley Nelson Amphitheater, 301 Garden Trails Drive. www.cityofburnet. com. 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. GrueneMarketDays.com. JUNE 19 AUSTIN: Father’s Day Concert in the Park. Spend an evening with dad listening to marches, Broadway show

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Hill Country Calendar tunes and band classics. Bring a picnic supper and spread out a blanket under the pecan trees. Begins at 7:30 pm at Zilker Hillside Theater, 2206 William Barton Drive. www.austinsymphonicband. org. FREDERICKSBURG: Open House Tour of Historic Schools. Self-driving tour of 10 historic country schools in Gillespie County. www.historicschools.org. JUNE 22 AUSTIN: James Taylor and His All-Star Band in Concert. Frank Erwin Center. www.uterwincenter.com. JUNE 23 AUSTIN: “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses—Master Quest” This multimedia concert experience features performances of new symphonic scores accompanied by new gameplay imagery, in addition to favorite repertoire from seasons past. Long Center for the Performing Arts. www.thelongcenter.org. BURNET: Summer Concert Music Series Concert. Features Texas Country/Red Dirt artist Stoney LaRue and opening act Brandon Jenkins. Haley Nelson Amphitheater, 301 Garden Trails Drive. www.cityofburnet.com. JUNE 24 UVALDE: Uvalde County Stargazing. Just after sunset, the public is invited to view the season’s stars, constellations, planets, and deep sky objects. Historic Fort Inge. www.visituvalde.com JUNE 24-25 SONORA: Outlaw Pro Rodeo and Sutton County Days. Includes rodeo action, a 9 am parade Saturday, live entertainment, food, crafts and more. Sutton County Park, www.sonoratexas. org. JUNE 24-26 LAMPASAS: Lampasas Trade Days. Browse antiques, collectibles, glassware, quilts, crafts, folk and fine art, furniture, clothing, jewelry, candles, handbags, electronics, ironwork, outdoor decor, plants, tools and more. Marigold’s Antiques and More, 2646 U.S. Highway 190 East. 512-556-5599. JUNE 25 BANDERA: Riverfest. (See story, page 2.) River activities, arts and crafts, children’s activities, car show and swap meet, barbecue contest, music along banks of Medina River. City Park. www. banderariverfest.com, 830-796-4447. JOHNSON CITY: Last Saturday Art Walk. An evening of art and complimentary wine, beer and appetizers. Show featuring the art of Kathleen Marie in conjunction with Black Spur Emporium. Texcetera, 207 North Nugent Avenue. 4 pm to 8 pm. www.texcetera. net. JOHNSON CITY: Art Walk Galleries, wine shops and shops are open from 4 pm to 8 pm. Various locations. www. lbjcountry.com. LUCKENBACH: Hill Country Food

Truck Festival. Third annual event featuring regional food trucks, Texas Hill Country wine, Texas craft beer and live Americana music. www. luckenbachtexas.com. OZONA: Escondido 175. Off-road race includes Ultra 4, Trophy Truck, ATV Side by Side and Motorcycle. Escondido Draw Recreation Area, located 7.8 miles south on Crockett County Road 406. Park is on the left. www.torraracing. com, 432-254-1080. SAN MARCOS: BIGFest Nationally known and regional singer-songwriters and groups perform range of music. Cheatham Street Warehouse. www. cheathamstreet.com. WIMBERLEY: Summerfest. Community event features food, drink, kids’ games and activities, adult games, live music from three bands, plenty of prizes plus live and silent auctions. Wimberley Community Center, 11 am to 7:30 pm. Free admission. www.stmaryswimberley. org. JUNE 25-26 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Avenue G. www.lbjcountry.com. JUNE 26 BOERNE: Boerne Concert Band Fourth of July Concert at 100 Main St. www. visitboerne.org. FREDERICKSBURG: Concert in the Park. Enjoy a free Sunday evening concert this month featuring music from The Sophisticates. www. fredericksburgfestivals.com. JUNE 30 - JULY 24 KERRVILLE: KACC Exhibits. Includes “Hometown Crafts Teachers’ Show,” a tribute to Hill Country educators; “Visions 10,” works in a variety of media; and “Trees,” photographs of leaves and trees by Joseph Walsh. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www. kacckerrville.com. JULY 1-2 LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Enjoy fun, parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, cowboy rodeo and dance in the historic downtown. 146 Highway 83 South. www.FrioCanyonChamber.com. JULY 2 WIMBERLEY: Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival. Enjoy tasting scoops of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt and nondairy treats. Entertainment and contests. Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12. www.ststeve.org. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Lions Market Days Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more at the Hill Country’s oldest and largest outdoor market. At 601 Farm Market 2325. www.shopmarketdays.com. JULY 2 COMFORT: July 4 Celebration. The parade begins at 10 am, followed by barbecue, live entertainment and raffles. Downtown and Comfort Park.

www.comfort-texas.com. JULY 4 AUSTIN: Austin Symphony’s July 4 Concert and Fireworks. Auditorium Shores. www.roadwayevents.com. BANDERA: Pet Parade. Includes costume judging at 10 am before the parade begins at 10:30 am Bandera City Park, 1102 Maple Street. 830-796-3045. FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Celebrations. Parade down Main Street followed by a patriotic program at Marktplatz and more in the area. www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com. KERRVILLE: Robert Earl Keen’s Fourth on the River. Enjoy food, vendor booths, live music, Robert Earl Keen concert. Fireworks begin around 9:15 pm. Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. www.kerrvilles4th.org. STONEWALL: July Fourth at the Sauer- Beckmann Living History Farm. Experience how German pioneers celebrated Independence Day in 1915 at the historical farm site. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ lyndon-b-johnson. TAYLOR: Independence Festival Day. Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, entrance on West Lake Drive. www. ci.taylor.tx.us.

JULY 4 WIMBERLEY: Independence Day Parade Downtown, Green Acres Road at Farm Market 2325 to Ranch Road 12. www.wimberley.org, 512-847-2201. JULY 4-10 LAMPASAS: Spring Ho Festival. Fest commemorates sulfur-laden springs that put Lampasas on the map. Find arts and crafts booths, a parade, carnival, beauty pageant, county fair, fireworks, the Toughest 10K in Texas, barbecue cook-off. Various locations. www.springho.com. JULY 8-31 WIMBERLEY: “Jesus Christ Superstar” At the Wimberley Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road. Details at www. wimberleyplayers.org. JULY 9 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Tomato Roundup at the Triangle. Celebrate all things tomato. cityofdrippingsprings.com. JULY 9-31 WIMBERLEY: “Cinderella.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. www.emilyann. org, 512-847-6969. AUGUST 4-13 WIMBERLEY: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Shakespeare comes alive at Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens. www. emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JUNE 2016 PAGE 15

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POOL SWIM READY FOR AS LOW AS $25,995 PAGE 16 MAY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN