Hill Country Sun, July 2016 by Julie Harrington

JULY 2016 Bandera celebrates National Day of the American Cowboy

Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks Summer in the parks

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Hill Country Wildlife by C.J. Wright

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The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

National Day of the American Cowboy in Bandera

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Suzy Moehring Mallard hill country PARKS

Summer in the Parks: a contest, a new parks guide, a birthday

The new Texas State Park guide is available now, full of information about the our 95 state parks. Photo © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

exas State Parks and an organization called Get to Know are teaming up for the fourth year for a Youth Arts Contest. The contest runs through November 1; anyone 19 and under can enter works of art inspired by the natural beauty in any state park. Get to Know is all about inspiring children to get outdoors and make connections with nature. “Everyone enjoys state parks in different ways and this is a fun way for young people to express their experiences,” said Russell Fishbeck, deputy director of Texas State Parks. YOUTH ARTS CONTEST The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Youth Arts Contest encourages youth to share their outdoor experiences using art, writing, photography, video and music. Works will be entered in both the state and national Get to Know Contests.Check out entry rules at get-toknow.org/contest/us/ where you’ll see that the contest has three age groups: 1419, 10-13 and under 10. Prizes will be awarded to an overall winner, as well as to first through fourth places for each age category.

PAGE 2 JULY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Cooling off in the Frio River. Photo courtesy Suzy Moehring Mallard. Several Hill Country parks offer Arts in the Parks workshops: Garner State Park offers watercoloring in its Painting on the Frio in the pavilion at 10 am July 3, July 17, and July 31; Paint the Park Day happens at Pedernales Falls State Park in the Butterfly Garden at 9:30 am July 9, July 23, and August 13; and Prickly Pear Artwork happens at Enchanted Rock at 9:30 am July 3 near the start of the summit trail. All the supplies you need will be provided, or you can bring your own. GET YOUR NEW STATE PARK GUIDE NOW Get yourself to a state park and grab a copy of the hot-off-the-presses updated Texas State Park Guide. The thing has lots of information about our 95 parks and state natural areas that are part of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Parks officials say this is a year of record-level visitation, what with the launch of a fine new app, some historic new state legislation, and a nationwide campaign built around the National Parks Service’s 100-year anniversary. The new edition of the Texas State Park Guide features photos of every park and lists each site’s available amenities, maps, and activities. Descriptions of each park plus examples of top programs and activities give travelers options on things to do and places to stay, whether you want a night under the stars at a campsite or an airconditioned room or maybe your pick of lodges, cabins, group bunkhouses, or screened shelters. Regional maps show all state parks located around Texas’ major cities so you can plan a day trip – and don’t forget that little ones younger than 12 get in the

parks for free. Speaking of free, the cost of the free parks guide was underwritten by Toyota and advertisers in the guide. No state money spent. Yippee!! For a mobile guide to all 95 state parks, download the Texas State Park mobile app atthe App Store or Google Play. Again – free. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GARNER SP! Garner State Park celebrates its 75th anniversary this summer. Seventy-five years of coolness on the Frio River. “It’s important to provide perspective of where Garner State Park began and chart a course for a sustainable future,” said Garner State Park superintendent Steve Killian. “This park has been and continues to be a place for visitors to relax, recreate and recharge with family while enjoying a diverse natural landscape for years to come.” Garner State Park was dedicated and opened to the public June 1, 1941, after construction by Civilian Conservation Corps. The young men of CCC used local materials to build the park, making it a testament to their hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship. My Daddy used to talk about his trips to Garner State Park when he was a 19-year-old in Army Air Corps flight school in San Antonio in 1942. Garner State Park was named in honor of former Uvalde County resident John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner, vice president of the United States from 1933 to 1941. The park is all about tradition: summer dances under the stars, family camping trips, splashing in the Frio River. And still making fun a tradition for thousands of visitors every year.

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

Kenzie, Julie and Luke Harrington The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted. • Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service. • Cover: There’s no better place than Bandera— Cowboy Capital of the World— to celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy July 22-23 (See story, page 9). Photos courtesy Bandera Chamber of Commerce. 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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ou might not notice unless you know it’s there, but just northeast of Wimberley Square on Old Kyle Road sits Radio Wimberley. It took a lot of elbow grease there to turn a retail space into a working radio studio, and that hard work and dedication has paid off big dividends for the citizens of Wimberley. During the wildfires in Bastrop in 2011, getting timely reports out of the area was frustrating. Could something similar happen to Wimberley? A group of dedicated volunteers worried that it might. A group of concerned citizens, including Susan Raybuck, formed to discuss the lack of local communications, and out of that meeting the idea for a local, low-power radio station for Wimberley was born. The organization was formed as a 501(c)(3)non-profit communications organization, and the effort began to get FCC licensing. That window opened in 2013, when the FCC began to accept applications for just such a purpose. Call letters were chosen, and the group applied for a construction permit to put the station together. The wheels of government often move slowly. When the potential disaster founders feared actually happened with

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94.1 FM KWVH station manager, Mike Crusham. Photo by Ernie Lee. the Memorial holiday flood in 2015, everything kicked into high gear. FCC issued an emergency license. Broadcasting from a local coffee shop, KWVH 94.1 FM came to life covering the aftermath of the flood. In early 2016, the regular license was officially granted. Susan says, “We wouldn’t be here without our volunteers, but we aren’t done yet.” It is impressive how far they have progressed in such a short time. Susan now serves on the Community Affairs committee, but it doesn’t mean she is working less. The non-profit exists on donations and grants. There are plenty of ways you can participate. The opportunities are endless. You can give money, buy a sponsorship, donate your old vehicle, or give of your time. New station manager, Mike Crusham, is looking for talent. Want to be a DJ? Now is your chance. Auditions are being taken for on-air talent. Current programing is pre-recorded, but live broadcasting from the station will begin soon. No radio? No problem. You can listen to live streaming on your computer. Current offerings hosted by local celebrities include “Alphabet Soup,” a program that includes local news about poetry, books, and live theatre. “Animal Chat” is a program focused on the health and care of animals. “Mind/ Body Talks” is centered around holistic health. “Mother Earth” offers lots of good information about sustainable living, gar-

In the studio. Photo by Ernie Lee. dening and food. “Pet of the Week,” “Voices of our Hearts” and more locally produced shows can be heard as they are broadcast, or from the recorded archives. Town Hall meetings, public hearings, elections and community calendars are covered, as well, so you never have to miss a thing. Listeners can mix and match between live, pre-recorded, and audio archives to have Wimberley Radio on a personal schedule. KWVH 94.1 has all you could wish for in a local radio station — local news, weather, emergency reports, community events, talent, and talk, all in a commercial-free environment. Give it a try. It’s all about Wimberley! FYI • Submit your programming ideas and resume for Radio Wimberley KWVH 94.1 to Mike at Programdirector@wimberleyvalleyradio.org. You can listen online, make a donation and find complete information at wimberleyvalleyradio.org.

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Susanna’s Kitchen presents blues prodigies The Peterson Brothers WIMBERLEY H The Peterson Brothers will perform at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehoue Concert Series Thursday, July 21. Doors open by 7 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. Food, dessert and refreshments will be available. A huge inspiration to blues artists everywhere — mainly because of their sheer talent at such a young age — these two young prodigies are the epitome of the phrase “Keeping the Blues Alive.” Just a few years ago, the The Peterson Brothers. late Pinetop Perkins’ manager, Photo courtesy The Peterson Brothers. Pat Morgan, gave Glenn and Alex Peterson their first opportunity to play onstage with the legendary bluesman. It was apparent at their debut at Antone’s in Austin that these two talented young musicians showed great promise. The Peterson Brothers— Glenn Jr., 19, and Alex, 17—have continued to solidify their place on the Austin music scene as true prodigies with a deep Blues sensibility that belies their years, living up to earlier predictions by wowing audiences and adding regular bookings across the country. The Peterson Brothers Band has appeared in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans at clubs and Blues festivals across the country, including the prestigious Chicago Blues Festival and The King Biscuit Festival in Helena, AR. They have opened for artists including B.B.King, Los Lonely Boys, Lisa Marie Presley, Michael Burks, Pinetop Perkins; Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Marcia Ball, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Buddy Guy invited them to share the stage with him during one of his shows at ACL Live in Austin. FYI • Susanna’s Kitchen is in the Fellowship Hall of Wimberley United Methodist Church (corner Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492). Tickets are available the door. Admission is $20 for adults and $5 for students under 18. For more information, visit the web site at www.wimberleyumc.org or call 512-722- 3316.

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s we turn the calendar page to July, we might assume that some migrant songbirds are working on a second brood with little thoughts of migration. True, for just a few—Purple Martins and Golden-cheeked Warblers, for example—leave for their wintering grounds by the end of the month. Yet, in the world of shorebirds “fall” migration has begun. Yes, it’s been about six weeks since Hudsonian Godwits, Ruddy Turnstones, American Avocets, American Golden Plovers and others fed along the shores of lakes, reservoirs or playas and in flooded fields, en route from wintering to—in most cases—arctic breeding grounds. Conditioned by short Arctic summers, however, shorebirds’ breeding season is short. Therefore, if nesting fails, the pair turns back south rather than attempt a second brood. Even with chicks in the nest, one parent will have already headed south, leaving its mate to raise the young. Then, offspring raised, the remaining parent migrates south, leaving its progeny to find their way later. A study of shorebirds reveals a realm of fascinating birds. The Sanderling is heralded as the little wading bird that circumnavigates the Americas during its yearly migration—a daunting trip for this two-pound shorebirds. For each autumn it flies across the top of North America and along the Atlantic coast to its wintering grounds in Chile and Peru, then in spring returns to its arctic breeding grounds via the western coast. Simple, right? Well, not necessarily. Some Sanderlings migrate south only as far as the northeast coast of the U.S., there to spend the winter. And for those that migrate to South America, many of the non–breeding juveniles will choose to remain on their wintering grounds throughout the summer. After leaving their breeding grounds in the western U.S., the American Avocet begins to arrive in Texas in early July, passing through the state, heading to the Texas coast and Mexico. Carrying its large, 18-inch body on long, stilted legs, this elegant and striking bird, wears rusty head and neck plumage when in breeding colors. Equally startling is its black and white upper parts. It utilizes its thin and long upturned bill to swing from side to side through shallow, muddy areas, snapping up aquatic invertebrates. Although it vocalizes in sharp kweeps, those call notes change when predators are afoot. Those series of notes slowly grow in pitch, simulating the Doppler ef-

fect, making its approach sound faster than it actually is. Though broader billed than avocets, Marbled Godwits are also large, long legged shorebirds. Some godwits breed in Alaska, but most nest in northern prairies amongst grasslands and scattered wetlands. Because they’re hard to flush off their eggs, they’re difficult to find. Interestingly, some adults can even be picked up from their nests! Now in migration, they pass through most of the country on their way to winter along the coasts. When in flight, listen for their laughter, a series of rollicking ahs, anks and kaaweks. Among early migrants, Willets average 15 inches, have long legs and straight bills. In flight, they display a bold white and black stripe running the length of each wing. Like killdeer, they will feign a broken wing to draw predators away from eggs or chicks. John James Audubon considered their eggs “tasty” and the young “fat and juicy.” By the 1900s most had vanished north of Virginia. But thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 that banned market hunting, Willets have made a comeback. Semipalmated Sandpipers nest in the lower Arctic and winter along South American coasts. It’s thought that some eastern populations migrate nonstop on transoceanic flights of 1,900 - 2,500 miles, from New England and southern Canada to South America. Small at just over six inches, they’re named for the short webs between their toes. (Palmated means webbed.) Small and stocky shorebirds with sand-colored upper bodies, white undersides and orange legs, Piping Plovers prefer open, flat sand beaches with little vegetation where they run along the ground snatching up insects, spiders and crustaceans. Piping Plovers are an endangered species in the Great Lakes area and in Canada, and are threatened in the Northern Great Plains and the northern Atlantic coast, all areas where they breed. Natural occurrences—flooding from too much spring rain or lack of rain allowing vegetation to grow—make some sites unsuitable for nesting. Development that claims much of their coastal beach habitat and dams that raise and lower water levels of lakes and rivers diminish their nesting areas even more. Although each year some measures are taken to restrict human access to plover nesting sites as well as to limit development and manage water flow, the PipSee HILL COUNTRY WILDLIFE, page 7

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Golden cheeked warbler. Photo © Dreamstime. ing Plover is among eight shorebird species included in the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List, which identified 233 U.S. bird species most in need of conservation action. Yes, Piping Plovers will viciously attack another bird invading its nesting territory, but they’re no matches for human activity that causes them to abandon their nests. People—walking or driving—accidentally crush eggs and young; dogs and cats harass and kill. Natural enemies like fox, gulls and crows prey on young and eggs. Listen for their clear pehps whistled in quick succession and peeto or peelo as they stop by on their way to the Gulf. In the Arctic where Buff-breasted Sandpipers breed on dry, grassy tundra, their lek mating system is unique among

shorebirds. As they migrate through the middle of the continent to winter on the dry grasslands of southern South America, watch for them to feed on insects in pastures and plowed fields. Medium-sized and buffy all over, the crowns, backs and upper wings of these slender sandpipers are covered with small blacks dots that give a scale-like appearance. In the 1920s hunting brought Buffbreasted Sandpipers to near extinction. With regulations numbers increased, however their population appears again on the decline. They’re on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List. So, enjoy the shorebirds’ fall migration. For as John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

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Plenty of summer fun at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds FREDERICKSBURG H The Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association announces four big weekends of Parimutuel Horse Racing, plus a festival, a fundraiser, Professional Bull Riding event, and the “Oldest Continuous County Fair in Texas.” Exciting live horse racing returns to the Fairgrounds’ Class 3 track, with Quarter horse and thoroughbred racing as well as special races, trials, and futurities July 2-3, July 16-17, August 13-14 and August 27-28. Post time is 1 pm each day. Gates open at 11 am and races run until approximately 6 pm. Admission to the races is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Reserved seats are available for $10, box seats are $15. Night In Old Fredericksburg presents Sommerzeit! July 16. A new celebration of Hill Country Cultures, Sommerzeit! will feature a Mexican Market, German Biergarten and up-and-coming Texas Country Music stars including the Dirty River Boys and Brandon Rhyder. Hours are 4 pm to midnight, $10 per person general admission. The Gillespie County Fair the weekend of August 25-28 offers four days of Hill Country hospitality the whole family will enjoy. The fair is filled with great events including a carnival and midway, plenty of your favorite fair foods, livestock judging, agricultural and household exhibits, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, as well as live pari-mutuel horse racing. FYI • The Gillespie County Fair Grounds are located 3 miles south of downtown Fredericksburg on Highway 16. Tickets for all events are available online at www.gillespiefair.com. For information, call 830-997-2359, email info@gillespiefair. com or visit the web site at www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com

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toried Firearms, owned and operated by Charlie and Cherie Harris, is located between Dripping Springs and Austin in the sprawling Texas Compound, a project that started in 1986 when a developer acquired a Santa Fe Railroad Depot at San Saba scheduled for demolition. Over the years more depots and structures – supply and fuel warehouses, old stainless steel railroad passenger cars – were saved from the scrap yard and restored, and are now leased to commercial tenants. Charlie and Cherie have set up shop in the cheery yellow and green Dumas Santa Fe depot, built in 1931. The husband and wife team share a passion for shooting and for preserving history. They promote Storied Firearms as “an Austin gun store without the attitude,” where they offer advice, answer questions, and treat customers with respect. Cherie says, “we can be silly and have a lot of fun, but people trust us and know that we are very fair with prices.” They buy, sell, and trade a large selection of modern, collectible and antique rifles, shotguns, handguns, knives, ammunition, cleaning products and accessories, and if they don’t have the item they will do their best to find what the customer wants.

Charlie and Cherie Harris, proprietors of Storied firearms. Photo courtesy Storied Firearms. It seems fitting that Storied Firearms is surrounded by structures from the 1900-1950 era of the railroad and petroleum industries in Texas, because this quintessential gun store is a reminder that firearms have always been an important part of the American experience, history and culture, from pioneers and soldiers to collectors, hunters, and competitive shooters. An interest in the family stories that are often attached to particular firearms inspired the store’s name, and Charlie hopes to acquire more firearms with a documented family history. Sometimes the personal stories can be a challenge to track down, but they carry other firearms that could also be considered storied because of their link to historical figures such as Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Remington. Any firearm manufactured before December 31, 1898 is considered an antique even if it fires modern ammunition. The old guns are appealing for their history as well as the high degree of craftmanship. The two oldest guns currently in the shop are an 1858 Colt Dragoon and an

1849 Colt pistol. Designed by Samuel Colt, the dragoon was introduced after the Mexican-American War, and was also widely used during the Civil War. Colt was a successful inventor who revolutionized gun manufacturing especially in the years between 1850 and World War I. Storied Firearms keeps Charlie and Cherie busy, but Charlie still finds time to participate in numerous shooting activities. He is a nationally recognized competitor in Cowboy Action Shooting, where shooters use a combination of pistols, rifles, and/or shotguns in different Old West scenarios, and are judged for time and accuracy. “Clothing is cowboy period with some outfits that are pretty extravagant,” says Cherie, while others just do basic cowboy.” Charlie has also won many state and regional titles as well as finishing in the top 10% in national and world championships. FYI • Storied Firearms is located at 9300 US Highway 290 West, Building 2. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, The shop is closed Sundays and Mondays. For more information and a link to Storied Firearms online store, visit the web site at www.storiedfirearms.com.

Currently, the two oldest Firearms at Storied Firearms are an 1858 Colt Dragoon and an 1849 Colt pistol, both pictured here. Photo by Bonnie Eissler.

PAGE 8 JULY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Bandera celebrates National Day of American Cowboy

By Patricia Moore

eehaw! Bandera, Texas — Cowboy Capital of the World —celebrates the National Day of the American Cowboy July 22-23, and you’re invited! To be honest, Bandera celebrates and pays homage to the cowboy and cowboy heritage 365 days a year. But on this unique weekend of the National Day of the Cowboy, several special events are planned to further cement and highlight that heritage. Begin the weekend Friday evening at the historic Frontier Times Museum as two artists well known and respected for capturing the essence of the cowboy are inducted into the Texas Hall of Heroes. Honored posthumously is Norma Jean Anderwald, whose bronze sculpture, “Monument to the Cowboy Champions of Bandera County” stands on the lawn of the Bandera County courthouse. Bill Stevens’ most recent works are large murals depicting the days of the trail drives. Both of these artists’ works are highly visible and photographed landmarks in Bandera. Following the artists’ induction, you

A ranch rodeo is part of the fun in Bandera during the National Day of the American Cowboy celebration. Photo courtesy Bandera Cowboy Capital.

A covered wagon on Main Street. Photo courtesy Bandera Cowboy Capital. can head over to Mansfield Park for the final performance of the Cross P’s Buckle and Saddle Rodeo series, where you can whoop, holler and cheer on your favorite bull rider, roper or barrel racer. Finish out the evening dancing under the stars at Mansfield Park gazebo or come back into town and dance the night away at one of Bandera’s famous honky tonks. Saturday morning at 11 am, you won’t want to miss the dedication of Bill Steven’s mural, “Crossing the Medina,” depicting a herd of Texas longhorn cows crossing the Medina River. The mural adorns the side of the Bandera Fire Station and will provide a visual backdrop for the Heritage Trail Park and its historical markers. These markers serve as story boards as to Bandera’s distinction as to the Cowboy Capital of the World, being designated as the trail head of the Great Western Cattle Trail and as the International Headquarters for Trick and Fancy Roping. Take a minute and read all three. At high noon and 2 pm, the Bandera Cattle Company will perform historical re-enactment gunfights at the Bandera Visitors Center. You’ll learn a little history about the by-gone era of Bandera and be entertained as well. And make sure you bring the kids—at the end of each show they can be “deputized.” In addition to the gunfights, the streets of Bandera will be filled with cowboy characters and displays as part of Cowboys on Main from 1 pm to 4 pm.

You can check out a chuck wagon, enjoy strolling cowboy singers, saddlebroke Texas Longhorns, even take a wagon ride. After all the afternoon fun treat the family to the Flying L’s chuck wagon supper featuring a barbeque with all the fixin’s, entertainment, archery, and more. Serving starts at 5:30 pm. Closing out the day is the AFCC Ranch Rodeo Qualifier at Mansfield Park presented by Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship. Not your typical rodeo, a ranch rodeo is comprised of teams competing against each other in activi-

ties still used on the ranch by cowboys such as sorting, doctoring, branding, mugging and stray gathering. The winning teams become eligible to possibly compete at the American Federation of Cowboy Church’s finals. Come early and enjoy the Ridin’ the Cowboy Fellowship’s band from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm. Rodeo action gets underway at 7:30 pm And to truly immerse yourself in the cowboy lifestyle, you might check into one of Bandera’s area dude or guest ranches. FYI • For more information, visit the web site at www.banderacowboycapital.com or call 800-364-3833.

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• Chair Fitness Water Exercise • Zumba Yoga & Pilates Balance, Strength and Flexibility Classes Caregiving and Support Programs Volunteer Opportunities

Join today at AustinYMCA.org or call 512.894.3309 Historal reenactors, The Bandera Cattle Company, deputizing new recruits. Photo courtesy Bandera Cowboy Capital.

SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA- 27216 Ranch Road 12

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2016 PAGE 9

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

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julie@hillcountrysun.com PAGE 10 JULY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Frio Canyon Chamber’s Redneck Games July 30

By Ernie Altgelt

n the competitive world of sports, there seems to be something special for almost every segment of humanity – polo for the posh, chess for the cerebral, rodeos for the wrangler – but, what about the bumpkin? Those salt-of-the-earth, dirt under the fingernails, simple country folk never really had their own “official and recognized” contests where hayseed vied against hayseed in hard-fought (but friendly) free-for-alls goaded by the delighted hoots and howls from gobs of gap-toothed groupies. Enter Leakey’s first annual, open to the public Redneck Games, a daylong diversion devoted entirely to the “rube.” At The July 30 Frio Canyon Chamber Redneck this July 30 inaugural series of exciting Games benefits charity. (some might say “earthy”) events, beer- Photo courtesy Frio Canyon Chamber. bellied, overall-ed champions will be Between the contests, and the eating crowned and crow as befitting their backwoods bubbahood and, you ain’t gonna and drinking, various venders will be on hand tempting attendees with their arwanna miss it, no how! The brainchild of the Frio Canyon rays of quality arts, crafts, foods and othChamber of Commerce, this fun-filled er must-haves. This will be a very familyfest is guaranteed to give all rednecks a friendly event fit for the entire clan chance to strut their stuff as they vie for including Fido as well. And, wearing top honors in a number of unique and redneck attire is definitely encouraged, appropriate competitions where goofy so, patch up those old jeans and wipe the mud off the clod-hoppers. prizes and a passel of pastoral presAlso, what would a hilltige will be heaped on the billy gathering be without anointed corncob kings lawn chairs? Be sure and leaving the also-rans to bring a few for you, cry into their beer (or Ma, Pa and the little sodas). ‘uns. Parking the The events inrusty pick-up won’t clude tossing toilet be a problem as well lids (clean, of course), – just don’t reckon hubcap Frisbee on leaving it in the throwing, white-trash front yard! piggy-back racing, To get everyone in greased pig chasing, the mood for Saturday’s arm pit serenading and Redneck Games, a “kickmany other decidedly nonoff” dance will be urban-style chalheld at Leakey’s lenges suited espeA hubcap frisbee toss is just one cially to those with of the unique events you’ll find at these Frio Pecan Farm the Friday night before. rural, red, white games.Photo © Dreamstime. Music will be proand blue pedigrees. vided by rural rockIt promises to be a hoot and a holler for all involved, ers Gunpowder Soup and, the fun starts whether as a participant or just cheering at 8 pm. Besides tripping the lights fantastic (or chawing) from the sidelines, allowing everyone to bask in a shared redneck glo- (if that’s possible in combat boots) there will be a cash bar and lots of Panjo’s pizry of sweat, guts and guffaws. Of greatest importance however are za for sale. A $5 donation gains admisthat the proceeds will be used exclusively sion and goes directly into the Frio Canto benefit the very worthy Wounded yon Chamber Scholarship Fund. So, come one, come all to Leakey this Warriors of Texas Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to former July and enjoy the simple (minded?) pleasures at this one-of-a-kind celebraservicemen and women in need. The games are slated for Saturday, tion dedicated to the “bubba” in all of us. FYI • The 1st Annual Frio Canyon Chamber Redneck July 30 at the very accommodating Frio Canyon Chamber Arena. A $5 minimum Games and related activities are slated for Saturday, July admission fee or donation will get you on 30, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Frio Canyon Chamber Arena the grounds where fun and food awaits. located at 226 Ranch Road 336 in Leakey. Admission is $5 Event registration starts at 8 am with a $2 at the gate. The Friday, July 29 kick-off dance is scheduled entry fee for participation in each compe- for 8 pm at the Frio Pecan Farm located at 144 Red Wright tition. Gates for the general public open Road, also in Leakey. For more information, including at 10 am, with the games starting shortly event descriptions and entry requirements, visit the web site at www.friocanyonchamber.com/events. thereafter then culminating at 5 pm.

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

40th annual July Jubilee features a rodeo, parade

Paradise is closer than you think!

LEAKEY H Leakey’s 40th annual July Jubilee July 1-3 is good old fashioned family fun in a beautiful setting. Don’t miss the hometown patriotic parade Saturday morning at 10 am, plus arts, crafts and food vendors on the Courthouse Square from 8 am to 4 pm. You can also enjoy a Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening rodeo, featuring bareback riding, calf roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, ladies’ barrel racing and more. A Saturday night dance following the rodeo features Rough River Band. FYI • For more information, call 830-232-5222 or visit the web site at www.friocanyoncahmber.com.

Independence Day family fun at Summerfest in San Marcos

SAN MARCOS H Come out to San Marcos Plaza Park July 4 for Summerfest, the city’s annual free Independence Day celebration starting at 6 pm. The celebration will feature live music, children’s parade, a patriotic costume contest, food vendors and a grand finale fireworks display. The evening includes live music from Adam Johnson, a Children’s Patriotic Parade and Costume Contest and more, plus fireworks at 9:30 pm. San Marcos Plaza Park is at 206 North CM Allen Parkway. For more information, call 512-393-8400 or visit the web site at www.summerfestsmtx.com.

Celebrate Lady Bird Day at Wildflower Center July 24

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AUSTIN H The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center honors its founder and all that she did for our nation’s treasured environment on Lady Bird Day Sunday, July 24, from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. Lady Bird Day recognizes Mrs. Johnson’s environmental legacy and legislation that she inspired. With her influence, President Johnson’s administration enacted more than 200 environmental laws with lasting national and local impact, including the Highway Beautification Act, also known as Lady Bird’s Bill. Activities include story time, a chance to make flower crafts, s short film about Mrs. Johnson, and writing/drawing reflection exercises for all ages. An 11:30 am Lady Bird Johnson. Photo by Frank Wolfe, guided tour of the Wildflower Center’s in- courtesy of the LBJ Library terior spaces, will feature historic items owned by Lady Bird Johnson. Guests can also shop the sale of a small selection of books owned by President and Mrs. Johnson from the Johnson Estate at the Store. Prices begin at $50. View four rarely exhibited portraits of Mrs. Johnson from the Center’s collection in the McDermott Learning Center (for one day only). FYI • The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located at 4801 La Crosse Avenue in Austin. To learn more about the inspiring, adventurous, compassionate Mrs. Johnson, visit the web site at ladybirdjohnson.org or call 512-232-0100.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2016 PAGE 11

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, 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. 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 for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-213-2110.

FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Senior Center. 830-796-4969. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 512-847-5464. 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. Find more information at TexMexBeer.com. EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. Visit the web site at 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

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CowgirlLoca.com PAGE 12 JULY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill Country Calendar 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 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. 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 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. JULY 1 KERRVILLE: First Friday Wine Share. Meet new people and try new wines at fun, friendly event. Bring one bottle of wine per two people and your own wine glasses. Venues change each month; this month’s meeting is at 6 pm at Riverside Nature Center, 150 Francisco Lemos Street. www. storkcountry.com. JULY 1-2 LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Enjoy family friendly fun, a parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, cowboy rodeo and dance in the historic downtown. 146 Highway 83 South. www. FrioCanyonChamber.com. WIMBERLEY: “Shrek: The Musical.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, 1101 Farm Market. 2325. www.emilyann. org, 512-847-6969. JULY 1, 2, 3 FREDERICKSBURG: “Beauty and The Beast.” Fredericksburg Theatre Company. fredericksburgtheater.org. WIMBERLEY: Annual VFW Rodeo. Gates open at 5:30 pm, Mutton Bustin’ at 7 pm; Rodeo begins at 8 pm. Events include bull riding, tie down calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, mini bull riding, women’s breakaway roping and women’s barrel racing. Two calf scrambles nightly: one for ages 5-8 and another for kids 9-12. Free fireworks show nightly after the rodeo performance (weather permitting). www.texasvfw.net, 512-847-6441.

JULY 1-24 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 - SEPTEMBER 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. JULY 1 - SEPTEMBER 18 AUSTIN: “Journey Into Big Bend.” Bullock Museum shines spotlight on Big Bend region with photography, personal artifacts, reflections. www. thestoryoftexas.com.

JULY 2 BANDERA: Bandera Market Days. On the Bandera Courthouse Lawn. Details at www.banderatexasbusiness.com. BLANCO: Twin Sisters Dance. This monthly old-fashioned and family friendly dance is held in a more than 100-year-old country dance hall. Twin Sisters Dance Hall, Highway 281. www.twinsistersdancehall.com. COMFORT: July 4 Celebration. Parade begins at 10 am, followed by barbecue, live entertainment and raffles. Downtown and Comfort Park, 427 Main Street. www.comfort-texas.com, 830-995-3131. KERRVILLE: Freedom Fest Outdoor Concert. Bring your lawn chairs for an Independence Day celebration with live music. 3600 Fredericksburg Road. www.kerrvillehillswinery.com.

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Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2016 PAGE 13

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JULY 2 WIMBERLEY: Lions Market Days Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gifts, clothing and more at Hill Country’s oldest and largest outdoor market. Live music 11 am to 2 pm by Elton Wetz, Thought Cloud and Jerry Kirk. www. shopmarket days.com. WIMBERLEY: Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival. Enjoy tasting scoops of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt and non-dairy 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 2-3, 16-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Fun for the whole family featuring a full slate of live quarter horse and thoroughbred races, special races, trials and futurities. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www. gillespiefair.com. JULY 2-4 BRADY: July Jubilee. 90th annual celebration will feature live music, mud volleyball and a parade. www. bradytx.com, 325-597-3491. JULY 4 AUSTIN: Austin Symphony’s July 4 Concert and Fireworks. Auditorium Shores on Riverside Drive. www. roadwayevents.com. BANDERA: Pet Parade. Costume judging at 10 am, parade at 10:30 am. Bandera City Park, 1102 Maple Street. 830-796-3045. FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Celebrations. Community parade down Main Street in Fredericksburg followed by patriotic program at Marktplatz and more. www. VisitFredericksburg TX.com/july4. FREDERICKSBURG: Wrede Historic School Open House Tour starts at 3:30 pm, followed by fireworks display at dusk. Wrede Historic School, 3828 Texas 16 South. www.historicschools. org, 830-644-2655. KERRVILLE: Car Show. 9 am to 4 pm at Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main Street. www.dietertcenter.org. KERRVILLE: Robert Earl Keen’s Fourth on the River. Enjoy food, vendor booths, live music and Robert Earl Keen in concert. Fireworks around 9:15 pm. Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. www.kerrvilles4th. org. OZONA: Fourth of July Celebrations. Town Square, Highway 163 at 11th Street. 325-392-2827. ROUND ROCK: Frontier Days

Celebration. Enjoy free watermelon, kids’ games, arts-and-crafts vendors and skydivers, leading up to fireworks display with patriotic music by the Austin Symphonic Band. Old Settler’s Park. www.austinsymphonicband.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, 830-644-2252. TAYLOR: Independence Festival Day. Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive, entrance on West Lake Drive. www. ci.taylor.tx.us, 512-352-3675. 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 5 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Enjoy Grand Old Opry-style entertainment hosted by Gerry and Harriet Payne at the Silver Sage, 803 Buck Creek. www.silversagecorral.org. JULY 8-30 INGRAM: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” Classic tale of good versus evil in 1890s Wild West. Hill Country Arts Foundation Outdoor Theater. www.hcaf.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. GEORGETOWN: Market Days on the Square. www.VisitGeorgetown.com. KYLE: Kyle Market Days. Enjoy a farmers market, homemade arts and crafts, live music and fun activities. City Square. www.cityofkyle.com. 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. JULY 9-31 WIMBERLEY: “Cinderella.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. www.emilyann. org, 512-847-6969. JULY 10 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy traditional cowboy music, or bring your own guitar and join in song circle. 510 13th

Street. www.frontiertimesmuseum.org. INGRAM: 2nd Sunday Dance at Blue Sage Event Hall. Lots of great family fun. BYOB, soft drinks, setups and snacks available. 3044 Junction Highway. 830-928-6162, www. bluesagehall.com. JULY 14-16, 21-24, 28-31 BULVERDE: “BARK!” Fun musical , presented from a dog’s point of view, is quirky, boisterous and full of puppy love. Krause House Theater, 1300 Bulverde Road. 830-438-2339. JULY 15 FREDERICKSBURG: Talks and Tours with the Curator. Get a behind-thescenes look at the photo studio and learn why it is so important to the Nimitz Education and Research Center. National Museum of the Pacific War, 340 East Main. www. pacificwarmuseum.org. JULY 15-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 400 vendors in seven barns, enjoy acres of antiques, a biergarten, live music and more. www. fbgtradedays.com. JULY 16 FREDERICKSBURG: Night in Old Fredericksburg. Original celebration of German Heritage includes everything that makes this Hill Country town special—polka, dancing under the stars by the outdoor stage, a biergarten, parimutuel horse racing, and German food and fun. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.gillespiefair.net/niof. FREDERICKSBURG: Sommerzeit Festival. Mexican market, German biergarten and the hottest up and coming Texas country music stars. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www. gillespiefair.com. JULY 16-17 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm, Gruene Historic District. www.GrueneMarketDays. com. KERRVILLE: Texas Gun and Knife Show. Find new and used guns, knives, collectables, ammunition, jewelry, gold and silver coins, camping gear and more at Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. www. texasgunandknifeshow.com. SAN MARCOS: Float Fest. Float the river during the day before returning for a music festival. Camping and shuttles are available. Cool River Ranch. floatfest.net. JULY 21 COMFORT: Music in the Park. Come and picnic in Comfort Park, enjoy live music sponsored by Gaddis United Methodist Church. Comfort Park, 427 Main Street. www.gaddischurch.org, 830-995-3813. GRUENE: Come and Taste It. Featured winemaker showcases three of their

newest released, top selling or hardto-find wines, alongside a handpicked craft brew, plus live music and giveaways. The Grapevine, Gruene Historic District. 830-606-0093. WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse Concert Presents the Peterson Brothers. Enjoy live music in an intimate setting. Susanna’s Kitchen, Ranch-to-Market 12 at County Road 1492. www.wimberleyumc.org, 512847-3109. JULY 22-23 BANDERA: Bandera Celebrates National Day of the American Cowboy (See story, page 9). Includes a ranch rodeo, Cowboys on Main, gunfighter reenactments, and much more. banderacowboycapital.com. JULY 23 COMFORT: Historic Walk Enjoy a walking tour of historic buildings. Call 830-995-2641 for information.. JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. U.S. 290 at Avenue G. www.lbjcountry.com. JULY 23-24 KERRVILLE: Traders Fest. A variety of shopping with more than 150 vendors, live entertainment, kid activities, food trucks. www.kerrvilletradersfest.com. JULY 24 AUSTIN: Lady Bird Tribute Day. Enjoy gardens, indoor art exhibits, cafe, store and special displays on grounds and indoors on day that commemorates the date when President Johnson gave Lady Bird Johnson the pens from environmentally related legislation. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue. www. wildflower.org. FREDERICKSBURG: PCAA Free Concert in the Park. The Copa Kings perform. Marktplatz. www. fredericksburgfestivals.com. JUNE 29-30 JUNCTION: Disc Golf Tournament. 402 Main Street. Find details at www. junctiontexas.com. JULY 29-31 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Auto Swap Meet. Car corral and flea market hosted by Fredericksburg Vintage Car Club. 8 am to 5 pm at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www. fredericksburgcarclub.com. JULY 30 JOHNSON CITY: Art Walk. Galleries, shops and wineries are open for visitors from 4 pm to 8 pm. www.lbjcountry.com. LEAKEY: Frio Canyon Redneck Games (See story, page 8). Fun-filled day of zany, silly hillbilly games includes arts and crafts, food, drinks, costumes. Frio Canyon Chamber Arena, 226 Ranch Market 336. www.FrioCanyonChamber. com, 830-591-4736. AUGUST 4-13 WIMBERLEY: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Shakespeare comes alive at Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens. www. emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

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JULY 2016 Bandera celebrates National Day of the American Cowboy

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National Day of the American Cowboy in Bandera

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