March Hill Country Sun

MARCH 2015 Bandera hosts Mayhem on the Medina National Reenactment Guild competition

R Get a taste of Smoke ‘n Hops Brewpub & barbeque in Dripping Springs

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Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio

R C.J. Wright’s Hill Country Wildlife

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Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks

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The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

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Get ready for a little mayhem April 11-12

G

By Genie Strickland

Like us on Facebook /HillCountrySun

rab your cowboy hat and sunbonnet and head for City Park in Bandera April 11-12 for the second annual Mayhem on the Medina.

The National Reenactment Guild of America has chosen Bandera as the location for a National Competition Reenactment event. Admission is free and there’ll be plenty of family friendly events... kids can even participate in games with toys from the late 1800s.

Mayhem on the Medina is an opportunity to visit the past, with first class entertainment, arts and crafts, food and more. Gates open at 9:30 am Saturday and competition begins at 10 am. Sunday, gates open at 8 am — the Ridin’ the River Cowboy Church will provide a free cowboy breakfast with church services at 8:45 am. Sunday’s competition will begin at 10 am.

The Reenactment Guild of America is an organization of living historians, educators, entertainers and re-enactors dedicated to preservation of and education regarding the history of America’s 19th century, primarily but not restricted to the American Old West.

The group is committed to accurate and historical presentations, and strives to preserve this part of American history and to provide a safe venue where the public will be both educated and entertained. Because historical truths are sometimes found to be fluid and open to interpretation, every effort is made to ensure members portray their characters or events in a historically correct manner, which “shall include but is not restricted to clothing, utensils, weapons, behavior and speech.” Members spend a great deal of time researching for accuracy of all portrayed.

Step back in time at Bandera’s Mayhem on the Medina, a Reenactment Guild of America national competition event.

Photo courtesy Mayhem on the Medina.

Also performing at Mayhem on the Medina, the Celtaire String Band is a musical group whose specialty is “period” Americana music. Band members include: Mel Peters on fiddle, penny whistle, guitar, jawharp and vocals; Betty Peters on percussion, spoons and limberjacks; Mark Shafer on mandolin, guitar and vocals; and Mary Shafer on guitar and vocals. All are music presenters on the Texas Commission on the Arts touring roster.

FYI • For more information about Bandera’s Mayhem on the Medina April 11-12, visit the web site at www.

MayhemOnTheMedina.com or call 830-796-4447.

All efforts are made to portray characters in a historically correct manner— from clothing, utensils, to behavior and speech, even housing.

Photos courtesy Mayhem on the Medina.

Reenactments make for great entertainment at Mayhem on the Medina.

Photo courtesy Mayhem on the Medina.

PAGE 2 MARCH 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill Country SUN March 2015 Volume 25 • Number 10 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2015

by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

Kenzie, Luke and Julie Harrington Photo by Becky Roberson Photography.

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

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: Mayhem on the Medina. Bandera hosts the National Reenactment Guild of America’s national competition event April 11-12. Step back into the past with plenty of costumed reenactors, enjoy food, arts and crafts and more at this family friendly gathering.

See story, page 2. Photo courtesy Mayhem on the Medina.

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

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

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2015 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

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

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C.J Wright hill country WILDLIFE

We can make a difference for monarchs, pollinators, wildlife

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s I write, winter birds still visit feeders and birdbath. American Goldfinches dominate the sunflower and thistle, allowing Dark-eyed Juncos quick forays from ground to feeders. White-throated Sparrows dart from beneath seed-depleted, wild grasses and beautyberries to nab discards. All forage, silent in their work. On rare occasion, a Hermit Thrush alights to drink from the birdbath. Heard more often than seen, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Pileated Woodpeckers, American Crows and an occasional Barred Owl remain hidden among trees. Still wearing winter coats, their bodies lean—having depleted the acorns— white-tailed deer feed on sprigs of grass.

Wildlife graces us with their activity, a soothing respite from world problems and unrest.

Even as wintering birds fatten, preparing to journey to breeding territories, Purple Martins return from South America, their gurgling songs livening the winter silence. Sandhill Cranes and Whitefronted Geese head north, all heralding the start of spring migration. As temperatures warm and green shoots appear, cardinals, screech owls and frogs tune up while titmice, chickadees and Carolina Wrens work at nest building.

With March, Golden-cheeked Warblers return to the Hill Country, their buzzy songs announcing spring’s ap-

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proach. Another signal of the vernal season, monarch butterflies flutter into Texas from central Mexico, their colors faded, their wings often tattered.

These are the survivors, the once brightly painted, fragile orange and black gliders, some of which traveled up to 3,000 miles to cluster in Central Mexico’s oyamel fir forests for the winter. Now returning, the females lay eggs on milkweed plants—the only food their larvae will eat—giving birth to the next generation, their final act.

Back on January 26, the official count of wintering monarchs for 2014-15 was announced, an increase to 1.13 hectares (equating to 56.7 million monarchs) from the previous year’s 0.67 hectares (34 million) marked a modest increase, falling short of the numbers some had anticipated based upon good climate conditions during breeding season.

While the increase is good news, this year’s count is still the second lowest number since the first tally in 1993. This year’s number is most sobering when one considers that it would’ve been annihilated if faced with a winter storm like that of 2002 that killed an estimated 500 million wintering monarchs.

Not only extreme weather events but also disease, predation, pesticides and climate change could drive the migrating monarch’s diminished numbers to extinction. These concerns led conservation groups and a monarch scientist to petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to protect the butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In December, declaring that protection may be warranted, FWS began a oneyear review of the monarch’s status.

While some support the protection a listing would afford, others, also passionate about the monarch plight, believe regulations attached to the listing could work against the iconic migrants, reasoning, in part, that forthcoming government rules would lead to milkweed eradication on private lands and that — perceiving government intervention as a remedy to monarch decline—the public would lose interest in their cause.

The FWS will not act on the petition until next December. Monarchs can’t afford the wait.

Since 1990, as farmers and landowners sprayed herbicides, they contributed to the collapse of pollinators, including hon-

eybees, eradicating most milkweed, causing the monarch population to decline by 970 million—this according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

February 9, the FWS launched a partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The alliance’s objective is a concentrated effort to restore milkweed on over 200,000 acres of habitat along the Interstate 35 corridor from Texas to Minnesota, the migratory corridor for 50 percent of monarchs.

In addition, the agency is providing $2 million for conservation projects and another $1.2 million as seed money to generate a larger fundraising match from private organizations.

Minnesota Democrat, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins sent a letter urging the Obama administration to pursue public/private partnerships to save the monarch. Their letter to Departments of Interior, Agriculture and Transportation urged the launch of new partnerships, proposing the planting of milkweed in electric utility right-of-ways. These partnerships would benefit monarchs as well as reduce costs for utility company vegetative management.

Texas is in a unique position.

Wintering monarchs arrive in Texas in late February/early March, searching for milkweed, the only plant that their larvae will feed on, the only plant that will ensure the new generation’s survival. By maintaining milkweed on their land, Texas landowners fulfill a vital mission.

Whether it be backyards, school, church, or office grounds, roadsides, public lands, expansive greens watered and mowed on company grounds…, we can make a difference for monarchs, pollinators and other wildlife. Begin at the local level and encourage all to plant native milkweed, native nectar plants and grasses to help restore and sustain diverse and healthy ecosystems for all life.

In so doing, be aware many nurseries spray plants with insecticides. Always ask before purchasing milkweed and nectar plants as, if sprayed, they can be lethal to monarch larvae, honeybees and others.

When looking at the big picture, however, the monarch butterfly’s decline should be a warning to all. The monarch’s plight is just one proof of how we are endangering our ecosystems and ultimately ourselves.

Overuse of insecticides has tainted our food supply, our water and soil. We plant exotic species, different and attractive but See HILL COUNTRY WILDLIFE, page 5

Stunning variety of Western art at the Briscoe Museum

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ituated on a shady stretch of San Antonio’s inviting River Walk is one of the city’s newest cultural attractions, the Briscoe Western Art Museum.

Since opening a short 16 months ago, this attractive and very visitor-friendly collection (comfortably and attractively housed in the fully modernized and beautifully restored original San Antonio Public Library building) has been drawing rave reviews from all those with a love of, and interest in the unfolding of Texas’ and the American West’s exciting and inspirational pioneering past. With more than 700 exceptional, singular and extremely pertinent works of art and artifacts permanently on display, the region’s rough and tumble history is thrillingly recalled in multiple, must-see galleries each dedicated to celebrating this storied land’s very unique, compelling and robust frontier heritage. Yee haw!

Initially envisioned in 2003 by a likeminded group of dedicated art patrons, collectors, businessmen and women, historians, ranchers and others, all sharing a deep passion for the actual occurrences (and legends) of the renowned yesteryear that was the “Old West,” the substantial project was finally, and magnificently, brought to fruition 10 years later, thanks to the additional hard work of countless volunteers and professionals, as well as lots of generous private, city and state financial assistance.

And, to the thousands who have experienced the glorious result since its recent opening, all agree it was definitely time, effort and money well spent.

Today, visitors to the Briscoe Museum (named after early supporter and former Texas governor Dolph Briscoe) rapidly become immersed in another era where life was lived on horseback and defended with bow and arrow, six-shooters and Winchester rifles.

The story is vividly told through myriad works of fine art, precise recreations and actual memorabilia, all relating to this adventurous age. Everything is artfully displayed throughout nine galleries occupying three spacious floors. Beautifully rendered paintings and sculptures wonderfully recount these earlier times while massive displays of period firearms pay testament to the dangers inherent.

Other intriguing Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and American-Indian artifacts (many, centuries old) beckon the visitor

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“Go for a consultation with the Boot Whisperer, who reads feet like a psychic reads palms.” Texas Monthly, August 2010 “Contemplacion” by Terri Kelly Moyers (2013). The Briscoe Western Art Museum houses a fascinating array of new and modern Western art, as well as remarkable artifacts and relics.

Photo courtesy Briscoe Western Art Museum. as well. All in all, it’s an amazing compellation that features such rarities as an actual cannon used at the Battle of the Alamo, revolutionary leader Pancho Villa’s saddle, General Santa Anna’s sword, a full-sized Wells Fargo stage coach, historical documents and many, many other invaluable, one-of-a-kind relics.

Add in the well-stocked visitor shop and, with so much to see (and hear via related recordings), many guests plan on spending several enlightening, educational and, especially, enjoyable hours on the premises. So saddle on up and come on down, cowpokes, because no one leaves disappointed – young or old!

March 28, the Briscoe Museum will host the 14th annual Night of Artists Art Sale and Exhibition. On that Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm, patrons are invited to attend an exclusive dinner and art sale where the stunning works of more than 60 of the nation’s most respected Western artists will be up for auction. Seating is limited, tickets must be purchased in advance.

See BRISCOE MUSEUM, page 7

Open by appointment. Please call in advance 512-293-4890.

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HILL COUNTRY WILDLIFE, from page 4 barren of life. Studies show that insects almost never feed on such plants. Since many insects are pollinators, an ecosystem void of insects means no insects, no cucumbers, melons, squash…

In addition, most birds need insects to feed their young. Each species, including ourselves, is a link in many chains . . .

--Aldo Leopold, from A Sand Country Almanac

FYI • Learn how to make a difference. Visit the web site at monarchwatch.org for information on butterfly gardening, creating a monarch waystation, how to grow milkweed and more. Find more at www.nwf.org/Pollinators/ Monarch/Milkweed-Resources.aspx and www.nwf.org/Howto-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/Organic-Gardening.aspx.

For more information on the dangers insecticides present to monarch butterflies, you can Google “early research links insecticide, monarch butterfly deaths.”

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DRIPPING SPRINGS BBQ • Brew Pub Gourmet Burgers Playground • Outside Patio Open Mic on Thursdays Catering • To Go Packs 512-655-3069 • 3799 E. Hwy 290 • Dripping Springs, TX • www.smokenhops.com

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Burgers, bbq plus an onsite brewpub

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By Laurel Robertson

months, fine-tuning it to reflect the tastes moke ‘N Hops has taken that time- of the patrons.” What hasn’t changed, he honored Texas formula: barbeque, says, is the pitmaster, owner Rick Day, burgers and beer — and brought it who rocks the wall-sized Old Hickory into the new century with the addition of wood-fired smoker (that can hold 50 brisan on site craft brewery, 20 new specialty burgers featuring grass fed Angus beef, and even gluten-free and vegan menu options.

(But they’ve kept the shuffleboard and pool tables!)

Miles Frost, new general manager for Smoke ‘N Hops and veteran restauranteur with more than 30 years in the business, explains that the new Bluesburger and Texas fries served up with a Canyon Road Pale developments are Ale at Smoke ‘N Hops. Photo by Catharine Krueger. to keep in step with the changing neighborhood around them on Highway kets!), and the cookstaff — who came 290 just east of Dripping Springs. along with the business when Rick bought “We believe that a restaurant should it in 2013. change and adjust to the neighborhood, A new brewmaster heads the onsite not the other way ‘round,” says Miles, brewery, which six months ago moved and he’s making every effort to turn those from a one-room shed on the property to words into reality. “We’ve changed our a new two-story brewing facility with a menu four or five times over the past few grain mill upstairs and an eight-tank brewhouse downstairs.

At any given time, Smoke ‘N Hops has six house brews on tap - four regular offerings and two seasonal ones. They also keep beers from Real Ale and Live Oak breweries on tap and have dozens of bottled selections from regional and national craft brewers.

Their full-service bar is stocked with a variety of Texas liquors: Dolce Vida Tequila, Deep Eddy Vodka, Dripping Springs Vodka, Waterloo Gin, Starlite Vodka, Paula’s Texas Lemon and Orange, Turn your guns into cash!

River Bourbon and Rye, and Treaty We will buy your guns! Red Oak Rum, along with East Side Cider and several selections of wines from Becker Vineyards.

You Need to See Our Collection of Firearms!

The outside patio has undergone a Great Prices • Unique Selection makeover, with a fleet of new picnic tanow an NFA DEALER bles filling the spacious wooden deck now accented with beer garden lighting.

Holsters • FrogLube • Ballistol The children’s fenced playground is still shaded with trees and easily visible from Accessories • Cleaning Supplies the patio.

A new musical lineup begins on Thursday nights with Open Mic hosted

by Frank Iarrosi and continues into Friday and Saturday nights with a new singer/songwriter series, featuring talent from Dripping Springs and Austin. On Tues-Fri 10 am - 6 pm Sunday afternoons, local musician TomSat 10 am - 4 pm my Mojica hosts his popular Children’s 9300 US 290 West, Building 2 Music Time.

Austin, Texas 78736 The menu still sports the smoked 3-ish miles from the Y at Oakhill & 11 from Dripping brisket, turkey, chicken, pork ribs and located in The Old DumasTrain Depot pulled pork that Smoke ‘N Hops has beSee SMOKE ‘N HOPS, page 7

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PAGE 6 MARCH 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

DRIPPING SPRINGS

SMOKE ‘N HOPS, from page 6

Smoke ‘N Hops Barbeque Brewpub.

Photo courtesy Smoke ‘N Hops. come known for - with the ever-popular Brisket Stuffed Jalapenos (with two kinds of cheeses) and Texas Egg Rolls (also

stuffed with brisket). To complicate diners’ choices, Miles has added more tempting appetizers, including Chicken Banditos (marinated chicken breast strips wrapped in bacon with jalapenos), fried artichoke hearts and more.

Manager Susan Moore reports every fry starts life out in the kitchen that morning as a whole potato. “Nothing comes frozen or pre-cooked,” she says. “It’s all made fresh in the kitchen.” Smoke ‘N Hops also caters events and offers a special events room available for private gatherings.

FYI • Smoke ‘N Hops Barbeque Brewpub is located at 3799 East Highway 290. Hours are 11 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit the web site at www.smokenhops. com or call 512-655-3069.

BRISCOE MUSEUM, from page 5 The Saturday reception also includes live entertainment and the opportunity to mix and mingle with many of the participating artists as well as various art collectors from across the Southwest and beyond. Proceeds from the auction represent the museum’s largest fundraiser. After, and continuing through Sunday, April 26, the public is invited to the grounds during regular business hours to view the exhibition’s incredible artwork.

FYI • The Briscoe Western Art Museum is located at 210 West Market Street in downtown San Antonio. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 10 am to 4 pm and Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The museum is closed Monday.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military and free for children 12 or younger. For more information, including directions, to make a donation and to visually sample some of the collection, visit briscoemuseum.org, where you

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Texas Pride JalaPeno MusTard Peach salsa Peach aMareTTo & Pecan JaM JalaPeno Jelly Find stunning modern and contemporary Western art, plus plenty of exquisite artifacts at San Antonio’s Briscoe Western Art Museum. Photo by Ernie Altgelt. can also find information about attending the upcoming Night of Artists Art Sale and Exhibition.

Dial 811 before you dig

TEXAS H The Hill Country is the heart of Texas – a region of stunning vistas, eclectic music and arts, epicurean delights and friendly folks, or so it appears to the naked eye. But that’s just part of the picture – and what you can’t see can hurt you. Texas has more than 425,000 miles of buried pipelines and cables, and the Hill Country has its share of that number. Protecting the buried infrastructure from damage is where Texas811 comes in. It is the non-profit “call before you dig” entity in Texas and a part of the nationally mandated 811 system headquartered at call811.com.

You don’t have to be a professional excavator to call 811. Even the simple act of planting a tree or putting in a fence using hand shovels or post hole diggers could end with a severed telecommunications line or punctured gas line So—before you break the ground — dial 811. An operator will take Yard properly marked before your dig site information and contact relevant utili- digging. Photo courtesy Texas811. ties. In turn, the utilities will paint and/or flag the approximate location of their buried lines, alerting you to what’s below.

When you return to put up that fence or plant that tree, you’ll see markings or colored flags like this, telling you where not to dig. The colors painted on the ground are not random. Each indicates exactly what’s beneath the surface. Red signifies electric; orange means telecommunications/alarms; green is sewer or drains; yellow marks natural gas or petroleum products; blue means potable water; white signals proposed excavation; and pink means temporary survey markings.

FYI • There is no worse feeling than accidentally cutting through a buried pipeline or telecommunications cable. It’s embarrassing, it’s expensive, and in the case of buried petroleum, gas or electric mains, it can be fatal. Remember, the 811 call is free, and the locate service is free. If that’s not enough, it’s also Texas law. Visit www.texas811.org and know what’s below. Call before you dig.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R MARCH 2015 PAGE 7

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new National Parks Foundation Children and Nature Conference in Basinitiative announced last month trop in April. Co-hosting the conference by the White House emphasizes and a gala are the Children and Nature goals shared by Texas Children in Na- Network, Texas Children in Nature, and ture, a growing Texas coalition of part- Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. ners with chapters in major cities.

The National Parks Foundation “Every Kid in a Park” initiative gives fourth graders free admission to all National Parks and other national lands during the 2015-2016 school year.

“We are so excited about the new ‘Every Kid in a Park’ initiative,’” said Jennifer Bristol, who coordi- Nature makes for great family time at Inks Lake State Park. nates Texas Children in Photo © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Nature. “In Texas this really expands the efforts that many of our partners are work- Leaders in conservation, health, educaing on to create more access to nature for tion, and technology will come together families in our rapidly growing state.” at the conference to explore ways to enJennifer says kids 12 years and courage families, schools, churches, nonyounger already can play for free at all profits, and businesses to support getting Texas State Parks and many city and kids off the couch and into nature. county parks around the state.

“We really want to make outdoor She says studies show children and time family time in Texas,” says Jennifer. their families who spend more time in the “The announcement of the “Every Kid outdoors tend to be healthier, happier, in a Park” initiative and the conference and smarter. Texas Children in Nature coming up in April are both great steps addresses growing problems of inactiv- towards raising awareness that all chility and obesity in children and promotes dren and families need to have access to health and learning. nature to be healthier and happier.”

Texas Children in Nature is part of a Texas Outdoor Family Program national grassroots movement that igTPWD makes it easy to get children nited after the release in 2008 of author and families out into nature with its TexRichard Louv’s book, Last Child in the as Outdoor Family Program, an overWoods. night camping program where families Louv participated in a summit held learn how to camp and use equipment last month in Chicago to publicize the provided by TPWD. “Every Kid in a Park” initiative.

What could be easier or more getHe says the National Parks new ini- out-in-nature-ish? Most of the March tiative may well be a turning point. “It and April campouts in our area are filled will help support the people who have up, but several are available later this worked so hard, many of them for de- spring. cades, to connect children to nature,” Pedernales Falls State Park has its Louv says. program on May 2, and Garner State “It will encourage new actions by Park offers a program May 8. Guadalupe local government, education, religious River State Park offers programs May 16 organizations, the health care profes- and May 30, and Inks Lake State Park sions, and, crucially, by our business has programs June 5 and June 12. Blanco communities. The greatest change must State Park also has a program June 19. happen beyond government, in the daiThe one-night campouts start at $65 ly decisions that all of us, as individuals for a family of six, and, no lie, TPWD proand members of families, take in our vides all the camping equipment and the daily lives. Ultimately, only we can know-how. make sure that every child receives the FYI • For more information call 512.389.8903 or gifts of the natural world.” email tofsp@tpwd.texas.gov – and get yourselves outdoors.

Louv and others will speak at the It’s good for you.

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

Please call ahead to confirm information.

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. Free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com.

EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart, 12812 Shops Parkway #400. Also during regular store hours, Thundering Paws has several cats and kittens up for adoption in Bee Cave PetSmart. For more information, email adoptions@thunderingpaws. org or call 512-402-9725.

SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cowboy music at Frontier Times Museum. Free. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321.

JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art. Rockin’ gospel to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290.

EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256.

CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of other artists. 830-825-3465.

WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band. First Baptist Church. 512-858-7960.

EVERY TUESDAY through SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: A premier hand blown glass lighting and art glass studio since 1992, Wimberley Glassworks hosts glass blowing demonstrations for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-213-2110.

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

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

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music.

Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.

LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market.

3 pm to 7 pm at Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com.

WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club meets at 6:30 pm in the VFW Hall. ryoncrew@yahoo.com.

FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

10:30 am at the Wimberley Community Center. 512-847-2849.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Live music at Cypress Creek Cafe. www.cypresscreekcafe.com EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts and Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-8940001.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and the Flying Armadillos. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions meet at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406.

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society.

Meeting. Wimberley Community Center.

1 pm. Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net.

THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of the best in Central Texas’ musical talent. Wimberley United Methodist Church, Corner Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492. Doors open by 7 pm, concert at 7:30 pm. Free child care; tamales, pizza, pie, coffee, soft drinks available. Tickets at door. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www.wimberleyumc.org.

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. Delicious food, beautiful music at 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-5464. www.facebook.com/LindasFineFoods.

EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. www.realalebrewing.com.

GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Broadcast live KNBT-92.1 FM Radio. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077.

WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441.

WIMBERLEY: Preschool Story Time. 10:30 am at Wimberley Village Library. 512-8472188, www.wimberleylibrary.org.

WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035.

SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever.

Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www. castroville.com, 830-931-2479.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association Meeting. Chapel of The Hills Church, 11 am. 512-847-7953.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club Meeting. (September through November, January through May) 11 am at Chapel in the Hills, 14601 Ranch Road 12. Milly Maxey at millymaxey@gmail. com or Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595.

THIRD FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Parkinson Association Meets at Chapel in the Hills Community Church. Speakers on subjects pertaining to Parkinson, members share happenings. 11 am at 14601 Ranch Road 12. Call Gae Koen at 512-847-7953.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. At the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. Call 830-796-4969 for information.

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

Variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688.

EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music. Linda’s Fine Foods. www.lindaallencatering.com.

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.

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

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

FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-9352781.

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

830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.

WIMBERLEY: Tour Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods, divers, experience beauty of spring that started the town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org.

EVERY SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Flowers, veggies, cheeses, more.

Ranch Road 2325, Highway 165. 830-8335428.

FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square. 830-796-4447.

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale.

Public Library. 830-796-4213.

DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club meets to enhance community spirit. Dinner at 7 pm. www.driftwoodtx.org 512-829-5101 WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December).

475-plus booths, 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 stay open late offering art, wine and appetizers. Facebook.com/SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Club, learn public speaking and leadership skills.

10:30 am at the Wimberley Village Library. 512-913-4804 for information.

THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm.

18th Annual BUDA

Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784.

EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. www.westcave.org.

SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org.

FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Johnson City: Market Days. Food, artisans, vendors and more. 830-868-7684, JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

MARCH 1 KERRVILLE: Kerrville Art Club Show and Sale. Dozens of local artists show their work. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www. kacckerrville.com.

MARCH 1-22 WIMBERLEY: “Sleeping Beauty.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. www.emilyann.org.

WIMBERLEY: “Wait Until Dark.” Classic thriller presented by Wimberley Players. www.wimberleyplayers.org.

MARCH 2 GRUENE: Texas Independence Celebration Historic District. www.GrueneTexas. com.

MARCH 4 KERRVILLE: Texas Music Heritage “Coffee House Series” featuring Susan Gibson and Lisa Beck. Special reception and book signing at 6 pm featuring editors of Her Texas. Musicians and open mic at 7 pm.

Schreiner University, 830-792-1945. www. texasheritagemusic.org.

MARCH 5 BOERNE: Neil Berg’s “102 Years of Broadway.” www.BoernePerformingArts.com.

MARCH 5-29 KERRVILLE: Exhibits at KACC. Work by Kerrville native Vanessa Garcia, photogra-

Country Fair

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R MARCH 2015 PAGE 9

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

Sat, April 18 • 9 am-6 pm Sun, April 19 • 9 am-5 pm Ranch Park Event Center 1042 Event Center Drive

Dripping Springs, TX From Hwy 290, Go N on RR 12 for 2 miles

Guns • Knives • Ammo • Coins Militaria • Shooting Supplies

BUY H SELL H TRADE

phy by Lucy Jennings. Reception for both March 5, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com.

MARCH 6 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club’s Rockin’ A Ranch Event at John Knox Ranch. Enjoy barbecue and live music from 6 pm to 9 pm. Reservations required. www.wimberleyccc.org.

MARCH 6-8 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Hill Country Cutting Horse Show. Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 DS Ranch Road. 903-520-1218.

MARCH 7 KERRVILLE: Hill Country Swap Meet. A community garage sale and flea market

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with all types of merchandise. Pets on leash welcome. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. 830-459-6198. www.kerrmarketdays.org.

MARBLE FALLS: Main Street Market Day. Dozens of craft vendors line Man Street to sell.their wares. www.marblefalls.org.

WIMBERLEY: Balloon Theater/Dr. Seuess’s Birthday Party. 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Wimberley Village Library. 512-8472188.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. Stroll a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more.

Plus, enjoy barbecue and treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field. www.shopmarketdays.com.

MARCH 7, 9-14 FREDERICKSBURG: Spring Break at The Pioneer Museu. Features livinghistory demonstrations. www.pioneermuseum.net.

MARCH 7, 14, 21 BOERNE: Wings Over Boerne. Outdoor bird-of-prey demonstrations by Last Chance Forever at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

Boerne Visitors Center. www.visitboerne.org.

MARCH 7, 14, 21, 28 BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. Live performances, strolling singers, chuck wagons, trick ropers, horses, wagon rides.

Downtown. 830-796-4447.

MARCH 6 DRIPPING SPRINGS: 13th Annual Suits and Boots Community Awards. 512-8584740. www.drippingspringstx.org.

MARCH 8 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy traditional cowboy music, or bring your own guitar and join in the song circle. www.frontiertimesmuseum.org.

KERRVILLE: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Recognized in Big Band history as the very best of great dance bands. 3 pm. Cailloux Theater. www.caillouxtheater.com.

MARCH 10 KERRVILLE: “Fish Out of Time.” Nate Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife, speaks on alligator gar. Riverside Nature Center. www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

MARCH 11 WIMBERLEY: Rocky River Ranch hosts Hound Dog Happy Hour benefitting Wimberley Adoption Group and Rescue. www.wimberleywagrescue, 512-917-5630.

MARCH 12-22 AUSTIN: South by Southwest. Filmmakers, musicians, multimedia artists from around the world showcase music, film, media. Various venues. www.sxsw.com.

MARCH 13-15 KERRVILLE: South Central Regional Championship Agility Show. Watch dogs run and jump through obstacle course at Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. 8 am to 5 pm. www. heartoftexasdogsports.com.

MARCH 14 BANDERA: Wild Hog Explosion. Teams of two enter the ring, catch a hog and race to the finish line. Vendors, arts, crafts, music and more. Mansfield Park. www. wildhogexplosion.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Program. Includes uniformed actors, guns, tanks and flamethrower. National Museum of the Pacific War Pacific Combat Zone. www. pacificwarmuseum.org.

MARCH 14-15 BOERNE: Market Days Hundreds of festive booths display everything from collectibles and nostalgia to modern innovations. Main Plaza. www.boernemarketdays.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Texas Hill Country Home and Garden Expo. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.hillcountryhomeandgardenexpo.com.

GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days 10 am to 5 pm. www.gruenemarketdays.com.

MARCH 19 GRUENE: Come and Taste It. Eleven wineries and their winemakers showcased. www.grapevineingruene.com.

KERRVILLE: Native Healing Garden.

Join the herbalists to learn about native medicinal plants, then tend garden. Bring healthy dish for potluck. Riverside Nature Center. 11:30 am to 1 pm. www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

LEAKEY: Gary Kyle. Live music at Buckhorn Bar & Grill. www.thebuckhornbargrill.com.

WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen presents Hal Ketchum in Concert. Doors at 7 pm, music at 7:30 pm. Pie, tamales, pizza, coffee, soft drinks available.susannaskitchen@gmail.com, 512-722-3316, www.wimberleyumc.org.

MARCH 20 LEAKEY: Aaron Einhouse. Buckhorn Bar and Grill. www.thebuckhornbargrill.com.

MARCH 20-22 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days, Shop more than 350 vendors, relax in the biergarten with live music. East of town off U.S. 290, 355 Sunday Farms Lane. www. fbgtradedays.com.

MARCH 21 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fancy Feathers Poultry Show. Features hundreds of breeds, contests, a silent auction, raffles, concessions and a clucking contest. www. fancyfeatherstx.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Annual LBJ Kite Day. Make old-fashioned 1900s kite. Materials provided, or bring your own. www. tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-bjohnson.

FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Indian Artifact Show. Native American artifacts, arrowheads, beads and pottery. Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www.hillcountryindianartifacts.com.

LEAKEY: SA Lights. Buckhorn Bar and Grill. www.thebuckhornbargrill.com.

LUCKENBACH: Mud Dauber Festival and Chili Fest. Open cook-off and music festival in the town where everyone’s someone. www.luckenbachtexas.com.

MARCH 21-22 AUSTIN: Artists and Artisans Festival.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. wildflower.org.

MARCH 27 WIMBERLEY: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School presents Playing It Forward - The Next 25 Years. Cocktails, dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, casino at Pecan Grove pavilion at Salt Lick at 6 pm. www. ststeveschool.org.

MARCH 28 JOHNSON CITY: Texas Men’s State Chili Cook-Off. Vendors, auction, dominos, more. Blanco County Fairgrounds. www. texasmenschili.org.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days.

Old fashioned market on the square featuring handmade crafts, artwork and home grown plants and produce. Pets on

Hill country calendar a leash are welcome. 9 am to 4 pm. Kerr County Courthouse. www.kerrmarketdays.org.

SAN MARCOS: Dick’s Classic Garage Car Show. Bring your classic car or just come for the fun! Live music and food.

120 Stagecoach Trail. www.dicksclassicgarage.com.

WIMBERLEY: 4th Annual Smokin’ Red Hot Chili Cook-off. Lions Market Day Pavilion.11 am to 3:30 pm. www.wimberleyccc.org.

UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Late night shopping, food, art. www.visituvalde.com.

MARCH 28-29 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Memorial Park. www.johnsoncity-texas.com.

STONEWALL: Bluegrass, Bluebonnets and Barbecue. Music, food and Texas wine. Becker Vineyards. www.beckervineyards.com.

APRIL 4-5 SAN ANTONIO: 53rd Annual Starving Artist Art Show. 250 artists and craftsmen showing their own original works and unique crafts in Historic La Villita in downtown San Antonio. 10 am to 6 pm.

210-226-3593.

APRIL 10-12 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Chorus. Wimberley United Methodist Church. www.wimberleycommunitychorus.org.

APRIL 11 JOHNSON CITY: Stone Valley Music Festival. Featuring Doug Stone and special guests. www.StoneValleyTexas.com.

APRIL 11-12 BANDERA: Mayhem on the Medina. (See story, page 2.) National Reenactment Guild

of America reenactment event. Free admission, kids’ activities, period entertainment. www.MayhemOnTheMedina.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Train Show. Special Lego layout, more than 300 tables with train items for sale. $7 ages 18 and up and over, $2 kids 5-17. Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Civic Center. jedmondson@satx.rr.com.

APRIL 18 WIMBERLEY: 17th Annual Butterfly Festival. www.emilyann.org APRIL 18-19 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Saxet Gun Show.

DS Ranch Park. 512-858-4725, saxetshows.com.

WIMBERLEY: 7th Annual Wimberley Arts Fest. www.wimberleyartsfest.com.

APRIL 24-25 LAGO VISTA: Balcones Songbird Festival. Birding and nature tours, geocaching, raptor show, much more. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

Schedule and details at www.balconessongbirdfestival.org.

APRIL 24-26 DRIPPING SPRINGS: 27th Annual Founders Day Festival. Parade Friday 6 pm. Vendors, carnival, music, dance Friday and Saturday. www.foundersdayfestival.com APRIL 25 SUNSET VALLEY: 2015 Sunset Valley ArtFest. Live music and kids. stage, food, more. www.sunsetvalley.org/artfest.

APRIL 25-26 BUDA: 18th Annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races. Arts, crafts, food, live music and more. Parking at Cabela’s with free shuttle. Buda City Park. www.

BudaLions.com.

Balcones Songbird Festival • April 24-27, 2015 Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge • Lago Vista, Texas

APRIL 29 - MAY 3 HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION: 15th Annual Nature Quest. Texas Hill Country birding-nature event features workshops, guided tours and adventure. www.texasnaturequest.com, 830-966-2320.

MAY 9 WIMBERLEY: 20th Annual Wimberley Garden Club Tour — The Waterways of

Wimberley. Showcasing seven spectacular gardens. 10 am to 4 pm. wimberleygardenclub.org.

JULY 24-26 FREDERICKSBURG: 38th Annual Hill Country Swap Meet. Car Corral, concessions, flea market. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www.fredericksburgcarclub.com.

15th Annual Nature Quest April 29 thru May 3, 2015 Texas Hill Country’s Best All Around Birding-Nature Event!

Discover birds, bats, butterflies, nature photography, wildflowers & more!

Spring Break Ride at the Buckhorn can be your 8-Second Ride!

Mechanical Bull Spring Break & all Summer Long!

Restore Habitat, Restore Birds Learn the importance of habitat to birds at this years event!

Friday - Monday Birding & Nature Tours with expert guides. Register on the website

MARCH 19

See the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo and many other migrating species.

Saturday Advanced Young Birders (12-18yrs) - 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Register on the website Sunday FLEDGLING FEST ! Free Family Events Noon-5:00 p.m.

SOCIAL EVENTS Geocaching 101 & Orienting: Find the Birdy Thursday evening Earthquest Raptor Show1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Movie Nite Get your Nature Ranger Passport Marble Falls Fun with nature games & activities See live animals, build a birdhouse Capture & identify creekside critters

Friday afternoon Wings & Wine Flat Creek Estate

Join us for lunch with DeeDee’s Tacos and visit our MarketPlace!

To see a full listing of all events and to register for the Nature Tours check out our website or call 512-965-2473 www.balconessongbirdfestival.org

Gary Kyle MARCH 20

Aaron Einhouse Every Fri Night

All-You-Can-Eat Catfish Every Fri & Sat Steak Night

Bring your own catch or kill & we will be happy to cook it!

Journey Tribute Band

SA Lights MARCH 21

BEVERAGE BARN Open 7 DAYS A WEEK

Mon-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun noon-10pm Bar Open Mon-Fri 11 am-12 am, Sat 11 am-1 am, Sun noon-8 pm Grill Open Mon-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-8 pm

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