GoFred 2021 Fall/Winter Visitor's Guide

VISITORS GUIDE • FALL/WINTER 2021

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Join Us for 175 Years of Unique History This is a milestone year for several events here in town.

Oktoberfest hits the big 4-0 this year and we hope to see people carefully enjoying this four-decade tradition.

Later in October, the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest will hit three decades. That is a fun day of sampling some of what makes this area such a destination – good ol’ grape and grub.

But the BIG anniversary is that of this special town. One hundred and seventy-five years ago, 120 German immigrants settled here after an arduous journey.

These were people who were full of grit and determination who lived through no small amount of hardship in this hardscrabble landscape.

The descendants of those original families, many of whom still reside here and help this community in innumerable ways, created a pretty special place.

It’s full of independent-minded people. It has built up slowly and

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within its means. It valued hard work and an honest dollar.

Yes, Fredericksburg has changed a lot over the years, and much more rapidly over the past decade.

But there is still a friendly, welcoming attitude here, whether someone is just visiting our local shops or a winery, considering location of their business, or buying their dream retirement home. It’s still a special place with good folks.

We published a magazine “175 Years of Rich History,” and it is for sale around town. Proceeds from the sale of that magazine go to the 175th committee, which will begin work on the 200th anniversary, and the Gillespie County Historical Society, which helped create much of the content.

Please pick up a copy and take home a piece of Fredericksburg’s history with you.

While not a milestone anniversary, we’re proud that we’ve been publishing this

GoFredericksburg magazine for 43 years. The Fredericksburg Standard’s first visitors guide was published in May 1978. Since then, it’s grown and turned into a magazine and gone home with literally millions of visitors.

When looking through this magazine, you can learn about some of the seasonal top attractions. Then come back next year and visit us in the spring (can you say bluebonnets!) and summer. There’s nothing like spending an afternoon at laid-back Luckenbach.

Fredericksburg’s 175th year-long celebration will culminate next May with special programs and history presented until then. Enjoy this town of Fredericksburg and tell your friends. It’s a milestone year for a singular place.

PROST UND WILLKOMMEN! Ken Esten Cooke Publisher & Editor Fredericksburg Publishing Company @kenestencooke

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GoFredricksburg A product of Fredericksburg Publishing Company.

Publisher/Editor - Ken Esten Cooke Managing Editor - Joe Southern Advertising Director - Kim Jung Writers - Samuel Sutton, Reed Graff, Madalyn Watson Writer/Proofreader - Sherrie Geistweidt Designers - Michael Skinner, Barney Kane Account executives - Ann Duecker, Cindy G. Burdorf Front Office - Alicia Trinkle, Stephanie Brenner, Dee Plavidal Circulation/Deliveries - Steven Cornehl, Ezra Coddington, Leroy Stehle, Ralph Wentzlaff, David Plavidal, Tyler Peacock, Debbie Bradford

Promoting the best little town in Texas!

GoFredericksburg Magazine 712 W. Main St. | P.O. Box 1639 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Phone 830-997-2155 gofred@fredericksburgstandard.com Subscription Information: $10 per year We want to know what you think about our magazine. Please send feedback and story ideas to joe@fredericksburgstandard.com. And thanks for reading the area’s best and oldest visitor publication!

If you’d like to subscribe to this twice-yearly magazine highlighting what’s happening in Fredericksburg, please email me at ken@fredericksburgstandard.com. I also ask you to subscribe to our sister publication, Rock & Vine, a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting the good life all over the Texas Hill Country. Pick up a copy locally or swing by 712 W. Main Street. It can also be seen online at www.rockandvinemag.com.

© 2021: GoFredericksburg Magazine is published by the Fredericksburg Publishing Company. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine.

Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice or endorsement, but is considered informative.

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Articles 18 Oktoberfest Marks 40 Years

56 Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show

112 36th President Lives on at LBJ National Historical Park

22 Finding Sanctuary in the Japanese Peace Garden

58 Gem & Mineral Shows 60 FISD Band Boosters Turkey Dinner

114 Old Tunnel State Park Goes Batty Each Evening

4 Introduction from the Editor

28 Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market 30 Historian Reflects on 175 Years 32 Texas Mesquite Arts Festival 34 Knights of Columbus’s BestFest 36 Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest 37 Indian Artifact Show

61 German Choirs Keep Tradition Alive 118 Brewing Up the Hill Country 122 Museum Honors Sacrifice, 62 Music Club Hosts Concerts Service of WWII Pacific Vets

by Global Talents 64 Die Künstler Art Show & Sale 66 Fredericksburg Theater Company 70 First Friday Art Walks

124 City Parks Offer Variety of Camping, Day Use Amenities 128 Roll, Roll, Roll Your Board

74 Lace up for Benefit Runs

130 Vereins Kirche Keeps Current with Exhibits, Activities

42 Marktplatz Will Light Up for the Holidays

76 A Hunter’s Paradise

134 Library Houses ‘Good Reads’

78 Fort Martin Scott

136 Hill Country Higher Ed

44 Light the Night Christmas Parade

80 Pioneer Museum

142 Steering Visitors in the Right Direction

38 Peddler Show

46 Holy Ghost Lutheran Church Nativity Display 47 Santa Day Parade Ahead 48 Christmas Home Tour/ Tannenbaum Ball 49 Bethany Christmas Journey 50 Kinderfest

82 Texas Rangers Heritage Center 86 View the Heavens at Enchanted Rock 88 Country Schools 90 The Bright Side of Life 94 ‘Volkssport’ Brings Germany to Your Feet

52 Singing Christmas Tree

96 ‘Everbody’s Somebody” When Visiting Luckenbach Texas

53 LBJ Christmas Tree Lighting

100 Wine Me Up

54 Fredericksburg’s ‘Second Christmas’

108 Living History Found at LBJ State Park

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About the Cover:

The late artist Lee Ethel is celebrated as a painter who moved to Fredericksburg after a graphic arts career in the Dallas area. This work, “Summer in Fredericksburg,” was painted around 1985 and was used with permission of private collection owners Jean and Michael Sudderth of Fredericksburg.

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Oktoberfest!

By Samuel Sutton Standard-Radio Post reporter

One of Fredericksburg’s annual festivals brings a little bit of Bavaria to the Hill Country. Three days of singing, toasting, dancing and Gemütlichkeit will be featured at the 40th Oktoberfest Friday through Sunday, Oct. 1-3.

dancing at 9:30 a.m. There are prizes for the first 400 to register.

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Samuel Adams Stein Hoist at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Altstadt Keg Tapping at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Sponsored by the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA), the family-oriented German event will take place at Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg.

Entertainment Five covered stages will host a continuous parade of entertainers.

The focus is the German favorites of oompah, polka, and waltzing, with a Lederhosen and Stein

With an abundance of live entertainment, visitors and residents alike enjoy plenty of opportunities for dancing each year at Oktoberfest. This year’s event will be Friday through Sunday, Oct. 1-3.

The event is again expected to attract 1,400 volunteers and more than 23,000 visitors.

“I’m looking forward to all the camaraderie shared by all, the excitement and the Gemütlichkeit,” said Debbie Reeh, event producer. “It’s an amazing family festival.”

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Opening Ceremony at 5:45 on Friday October 1 at the Main Street entrance.

OkTubaFest on Friday afternoon, Oct. 1. All tuba and euphonium players are invited to participate.

The group will play starting at 5:45 p.m. just inside the front gate.

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Meet the Shiner (Spoetzl Brewery) brew master at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1.

Strassen Zelt Altstadt Waltz Contest at 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Hauptstrasse (Main Street) Chicken Dance on Saturday, Oct. 2. Registration at 9 a.m. and

Standard-Radio Post file photo

Real Estate Advisory Team 42 Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 3, in Strassen Zelt. Registration begins at noon and the tournament begins at 1 p.m.

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Prizes will be given for the first-, second- and third-place teams.

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Family Lederhosen and Dirndl Contest at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3.

Hoist contest, and plenty of opportunities for dancing, including the “Chicken Dance.”

Bands scheduled to perform this year include Oma & The Oompahs, Arion Maennerchor, Comal Community Band, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Round Top Brass Band, German Schuhplattlers, Seven Dutchmen, Walburg Boys,

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Polkamatics, Boerne Village Band and Fun Time Polka Band.

Also performing are Hermann Sons Mixed Choir, Cloverleaf Orchestra, Czech Melody Masters, Czechaholics, Czech & Then Some, Chris Rybak, Swingin’ Dutchmen, Off The Grid, Tubameisters, Fredericksburg Filharmonic, Akkordion Klub of Fredericksburg, Yodel Blitz, Sax Appeal, Mario’s Accordion, Herschel Moody, Shirley Johnson, and Isaak Klaus.

And More…

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Food: An array of German and American food will be offered by over a dozen vendors.

Drinks: Over 50 varieties of German, American, Texan and other imported beers will be offered.

Children’s area: Youngsters can bungee jump, slide or try their hand at six hi-strikers. There will also be other games and activities, including a stiltwalker, magician and face painter.

Shopping: Over 40 juried artisans Park and Ride from across the state will fill two Oktoberfest visitors can take tents with their best arts and advantage of a park and ride all collectibles. three days of the celebration.

• Art: A select group of Hill Parking will be available at the Country artists will be selling Gillespie County Fair Grounds. their art.

Hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Oct. 1 and from 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Oct. 2.

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Several bands perform during the three-day event, such as the Reedmeisters, seen here playing in 2018. While they aren’t included in this year’s lineup, other bands like Hermann Sons Mixed Choir, Cloverleaf Orchestra, the Fredericksburg Filharmonic and more will be present.

Hours:

Friday — 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday — 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission:

$10 for adults $1 for children 7-12 Free for children 6 and under.

Two-day passes — $15 Three-day passes — $20

Advance Tickets:

Available at www.oktoberfestinfbg.com

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The cost is $5 per person/day for adults and free for children eight and under.

Park and ride tickets are available for advance purchase on the Oktoberfest website until October 2. For details, go to www.oktoberfestparkandride.com

Being a German festival, German food will obviously be served by over dozens of vendors. Local staples like Opa’s Smoked Meats have participated in previous years.

About Since its inception in 1981, Oktoberfest has been presented by the PCAA, Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance.

Community volunteers provide the labor, and all Oktoberfest proceeds are used for student scholarships, gifts and grants, the Marktplatz Concert Series and to support the local arts.

“Oktoberfest makes it possible for us to have 16 local students studying the arts this year,” Reeh said. “We provide scholarships to help pay for their education. It also enables us to support local arts program.”

For more information on Oktoberfest call 830-997-4810 or visit www.oktoberfestinfbg.com.

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Oktoberfest generally features over 40 juried artisans across the state who sell items like dirndls, art and various collectibles.

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Finding Fredericksburg’s Japanese Sanctuary

保 護 区 域

By Sallie Lewis

(Sanctuary)

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This summer,

on a sunny morning in Fredericksburg, I walked east on Austin Street toward The National Museum of the Pacific War. Sunlight sifted through the trees as I passed The George H.W. Bush Gallery and The Plaza of Presidents on route to the Japanese Garden of Peace.

Over the years, I’ve visited this museum on many occasions, though somehow its garden eluded me.

My discovery ensued on a recent tour of the museum campus with General Michael Hagee, CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. As we passed the landscape of pruned evergreens and white stones raked into sea swells, I felt my curiosity pique.

My tour with General Hagee led to a phone call with Joy Rendon, the blue-eyed, pixie-haired Fredericksburg native who has been maintaining the garden for fifteen years.

“I’ve always had a love of being outside,” she said as we arranged a time to meet. When she was a young girl, Rendon watched her father in his garden and enjoyed planting their flower beds into interesting patterns. Today, that early enjoyment has grown into a venerable vocation at the Japanese Garden of Peace.

“This is her baby,” said Museum Director Karen Stevenson. “Her care and touch are in everything.”

Maintaining the grounds is a full-time operation and one that Joy doesn’t take lightly. There is always work to be done, from sweeping and cleaning to weeding and raking, pruning and shearing, not to mention caring for the koi fish and maintaining the ground’s water features.

Joy Rendon has taken care of the National Museum of the Pacific War’s Japanese Peace Garden grounds for the past 15 years.

Japanese gardening is a language unto its own and Rendon is constantly learning. “There is such a different aspect to it than other types of gardening,” she told me. “There is so much more detail and things have to be balanced; everything has to harmonize with each other.”

Today, Rendon is involved with the North American Japanese Gardening Association (NAJGA) and partakes in workshops and lectures in addition to attending conferences around the United States.

She also works with a Texas-based Japanese garden consultant named John Powell who was the first Westerner invited to train with the garden staff at the prestigious Adachi Museum, Japan’s top ranked garden. Rendon’s dedication to the job and steady stewardship of the land is moving, just like the story of how the garden came to be. > PG. 26

Standard-Radio Post/Ken Esten Cooke

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FROM PG. 24 The National Museum of the Pacific War

was originally named the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Memorial Naval Museum after the hometown hero who commanded the Pacific War Fleet during WWII and signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the United States on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The garden on campus

The result was a blend of two garden styles.

First, Saita envisioned a traditional Japanese garden with a koi-filled pond, a waterfall and trees, along with a replica of Admiral Togo’s study. The concept was based on Ishin-no-Ike or “Pond of One-heart” found in the garden of the official residence used by Admiral Togo in Maizuru City. Japanese craftsmen came to Texas to erect the study on site, notably using no nails as a testament to their fine woodworking prowess.

The second component of the design was a large dry garden resembling the Pacific Ocean. Stones were raked into waves and scattered with Pacific “islands” constructed with low evergreens and large rocks

A night-time tea ceremony in the Admiral Togo study on the Peace Garden grounds. sourced from the fields north of Fredericksburg.

A stream of water runs around this space, representing life as a drop of rainwater that flows from stream to river before finding the ocean.

National Museum of the Pacific War

memorializes the friendship between Admiral Nimitz and the great Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo, whom Nimitz admired and respected throughout his career.

Admiral Togo served in the Imperial Japanese Navy as the Commander in Chief of Japan’s Combined Fleet. He was a hero himself, thanks to his leadership in the Russo-Japanese War, which lasted from 1904 to 1905. Nimitz and Togo first met one another at a garden party in Japan. Though this would be their only face-to-face meeting, Nimitz became a disciple of the late Admiral, marching in his funeral procession and working to uphold his legacy by spearheading the restoration of his flagship vessel, the Mikasa, after it was damaged by the Allied forces post-WWII. Following Nimitz’s death in 1966, the Japanese people wished to create a memorial in his honor while paying tribute to the admirals’ friendship.

They decided on a small peace garden at the museum in Nimitz’s birthplace, raising funds for the project and commissioning Tokyo garden designer Taketora Saita for the job.

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The Japanese Garden of Peace was dedicated on the 130th anniversary of Fredericksburg’s founding in 1976, which was also the American Bicentennial Year.

The Fredericksburg High School Band performed The Star Spangled Banner and The Japanese National Anthem, while both flags bearing the rising sun and the stars and stripes were displayed.

Today, as the garden celebrates its 45th anniversary, the space remains a living tribute to two great military leaders and the enduring friendship between the Japanese and American people.

For Rendon, working here has been both meditative and healing. “Usually in the mornings I am able to be out here by myself and gather my thoughts,” she said.

“It helps me slow down and think about my life and how important gardening has been to me.

It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this – I’m very blessed.”

As we walked through the landscape, she identified various plantings, like a purple-flowered Crape Myrtle, Louisiana Iris, and Bonsai-Shaped Japanese Pines. At the entrance, she pointed out a long bamboo pipe slowly dripping water. The visual, she shared, is an invitation to slow down and cleanse the mind and body, leaving any ill thoughts behind before entering the sanctuary.

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As we walked to the pool in front of Togo’s study, I saw giant tangerine koi fish swimming in the water, which I learned are representative of longevity in Japanese culture. I also learned that Pine trees, along with Maples, are some of the most important trees in Japanese gardens, and they can be shaped into visuals like cloud whirls, for example. “The way things are pruned is probably my favorite thing about the garden,” said Rendon. “It’s taken me several years to really nail that down.”

Behind a wall of bamboo lies a shed revealing Rendon’s wide range of Japanese gardening tools, like pruners, shearers, brooms, and rakes. Power

平和

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tools are noticeably absent as is anything noiseinducing that would disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.

As the sun arced west and I prepared to leave, I sat briefly on a bench and stared into the stone garden.

The more I looked at the undulating lines, the more I felt I was floating at sea. I closed my eyes and heard the sounds of running water, the stalks of bamboo rustling in the breeze, and sycamores from a neighboring courtyard singing in the summer wind. I meditated on this museum and the price of war paid with human life, feeling grateful for our freedom and the sacrifices made. When I opened my eyes again, the landscape revealed itself anew. Here, in this Japanese Garden of Peace, hope is living and breathing, reminding all who visit of our shared humanity, our ability to overcome the past, and the prayers for peace that will sustain us in the future. エンド

(Peace)

Sallie Lewis is a Fredericksburg-based writer who also pens pieces for regional, state and national publications.

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Farmer’s Market

Fall market brings fresh foods, cooler weather to Fredericksburg.

The Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market (FFM) returns this fall season on Thursday Sept. 30 bringing locally grown and produced foods to downtown Fredericksburg.

Every Thursday until Nov. 4, from 4-7 p.m. (or until dark), shoppers can meet farmers while shopping for fresh produce on the grounds of Pioneer Museum, at 325 West Main Street.

The producer/grower market consists of farmers, ranchers and wineries located within the geographic neighborhood of Gillespie and adjacent counties, offering a wide variety of vegetables, berries and other fruits, meats, goat cheese, eggs, baked goods, wine, flowers and more.

Meet the farmer, rancher, chef and artisan baker. Support local agriculture and viticulture in Fredericksburg, the community way to shop for great food.

Standard-Radio Post/ Madalyn Watson

Kyle Manning, the farm manager of Bridget’s Basket in Hunt, brings fresh produce to the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market as well as even more colorful jars of pickled produce and jams.

Standard-Radio Post/ Madalyn Watson

People of all ages enjoy the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market with fruits, vegetables and much more from area vendors. Pizzas, salads, wines, olive oils and lavender products also are sold and a band provides musical entertainment. Melissa Maynard of Mikey’s Garden shows customers the quality of greens they are selling at their stand during the Summer Farmer’s Market this year.

The event continues each Thursday, through Nov. 4, on the grounds of Pioneer Museum.

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Fredericksburg’s Historian

Treibs is Steeped in History of our Hill Country Destination Spot.

By Samuel Sutton Standard-Radio Post reporter While Fredericksburg may be seen by most people as just a tourist destination now, fifth-generation native GLEN TREIBS can remember its small town history.

“What was different was that basically we knew a lot of people,” Treibs said. “When you were standing at the post office in line, you knew most of the people in line.”

He remembers a time when he and his wife would go to Andy’s Diner after church in the 1970s and would see people they knew at 10 tables.

“Now, I could be at a local restaurant and see maybe two tables where I would know people,” he said.

Treibs grew up in Fredericksburg and is the fifth generation on his land. He can recount how one of the main attractions in town at that time was the Palace Theatre on Main Street, which is now the Parts Unknown retail store.

“At that time, I would get a quarter to go to the movie,” he said. “I paid nine cents to get into the movie, I’d put a penny for candy in the candy machine, then get a nickel drink, a nickel popcorn and a nickel candy bar.

For 25 cents, I could have a big night out on the town.”

He also recounted how anyone could just walk into one of the schools at any time.

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“Now you have to sign in, and you have to have a badge and you probably have to be accompanied because culture has changed,” he said.

Changes Treibs can remember specifically when he noticed the influx of people.

Gillespie County Historical Society when he was 15 years old.

“It’s my town and it’s my people,” he said. “I was reared here and really knew a lot of people across the county.”

His love of history runs in his deep in his family. As an example, items such as kitchenware, “It was 1969 when I went into the printing blocks and a betty lamp military, and I noticed a change that his family took from their when I came back in 1972,” he said. home in Germany have been He believes the town’s popularity passed on to Treibs and kept in good shape to this day. started to increase with President Lyndon Johnson.

Treibs got into the society “Tens of thousands of people came to see the White House in Texas,” he said. “They would come through and think, ‘Oh, what a lovely German town. We’ll come live here someday.’”

He said what shocked him the most was when people would quit their jobs, leave their home and move here on a whim.

“Germans would’ve never done that,” he said, laughing.

But overall, he said he’s not against the change.

“Change has been happening since May of 1846 (when the town was founded),” he said. “I’m so glad we’re preserving our buildings now. That’s what I fought for years, too.”

Local Historian Treibs has loved his town’s history since before he joined the

through the three ladies working there at the time: Esther Mueller, Emmie Detjen and Christine Brodie.

“I started working with Esther Mueller. She was my English teacher in high school and she could see that I loved all that stuff,” he said.

Since then, he’s taught Texas history at Fredericksburg Middle School, worked for Der Stadt Friedhof for over 30 years and has been involved in many other things related to Fredericksburg’s history.

“It’s been a lifetime of work preserving our history,” he said.

Over the years, people have asked Treibs if he would consider writing a book detailing his knowledge of Fredericksburg.

He said while he has some family commitments keeping him busy at

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Glen Treibs is well known as a wealth of information about Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. He talks about what it was like growing up here, how it’s changed into a Hill Country destination spot, and what to expect in the 175th Anniversary weekend, May 6-8, 2022.

Standard-Radio Post file photo

the moment, he would like to do that some time.

175th anniversary As part of the Steering Committee, Treibs has also played a pivotal role in setting up the 175th Anniversary festivities.

He noted the Founders Day event on May 8 was “larger than normal.”

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He also wanted to stress that descendants standing there on May 8 were lucky to be there.

“Their families weren’t better, they just lucked out on everything,” he said. “There was no disease, or flood, or starvation or epidemic that hit their house or killed everybody before they had children.”

During the weekend of May 7-8, there will be an assembly at the

Gillespie County Fair Grounds.

People from the Comanche tribe will also be in attendance to perform a dance.

Also planned is a lunch for descendants 75 and older, Treibs said.

To stay up to date on happenings for the closing weekend, go to www.175th.org.

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Carving Out a Popular Niche

Artists to hold 3-day fest to celebrate crafting with former ‘nuisance’ wood.

The 2021 Texas Mesquite Arts Festival returns to Fredericksburg Friday through Sunday, Oct. 8-10.

The world’s finest mesquite wood artisans come to town to showcase their handcrafted mesquite products.

Items range from large furniture items such as beds, dressers and chairs made entirely from mesquite, to craft and gift items such as beautifully turned lamps, delicate scroll work, handsome pen and pencil sets, unique Christmas tree ornaments and sculpted vases.

Artists from across the country will gather on Marktplatz for a three-day celebration of the exquisite and attractive mesquite.

The festival, like mesquite wood itself, has come a long way since the first event in 1992. Fourteen mesquite woodworkers gathered then for a seminar. And, they weren’t the only ones showing interest in mesquite.

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Many locals dropped in to see what was up and to try to buy some of their work. That’s when they realized Fredericksburg was the best place on earth to have a Texas Mesquite Arts Festival.

The Mesquite Arts Festival has become one of the top events in Fredericksburg. Organizers expect thousands of visitors over the weekend.

Once viewed as a nuisance, mesquite has become the darling of architects and retailers. Mesquite’s growing appeal comes in part from the high profile offered by this festival.

Additional articles praising mesquite’s quality and value have appeared in such magazines as AAA’s Texas Journey, Texas Highways, Veranda, and Fine Woodworking.

Several artists that regularly exhibit at the show were featured in the September/October 2010 issue of Texas Journey.

Woodworkers from around the state feature their works at the Mesquite Art Festival, such as this this table and chair set, which took Stan Austin and his wife, Karen six months to construct.

Mantles, doors, flooring, art items, dining sets, tables, and other furniture are increasingly requested in mesquite. Prices for raw wood and finished pieces have soared.

The Texas Mesquite Arts Festival is free and open to the public.

Hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Items are available for purchase, with food and drink sold on the grounds. Free parking surrounds Market Square in downtown Fredericksburg.

More information on the Texas Mesquite Art Festival is available at www.texasmesquiteartfestivals. com, or by calling the Fest Office at 830-997-8515.

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BestFest is Back After sitting out 2020 due to the pandemic, the Knights of Columbus Council 9765 is returning to tradition with the BestFest celebration.

afternoon. There will also be evening entertainment.

Slated for Saturday, Oct. 16, at Marktplatz in Fredericksburg, the festival is marking its 12th year. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the event will run until 11 p.m.

With the opening of deer hunting season bookending the month of October, Bestfest goers will have a number of opportunities to win hunting-related prizes, including the night’s final drawing for a 4x4 Kawasaki Mule.

The entry fee purchases all the sausage, sauerkraut and German potatoes individuals can eat.

Tea and other drinks will be available for purchase, including beer, water, soft drinks and wine.

A selection of craft beers will be available for purchase, giving those attending the opportunity to find their favorite beer to go along with the sausage of their choice.

The event features sausage products from Opa’s Smoked Meats of Fredericksburg, Slovacek Sausage and Kiolbassa and beer offerings from breweries, including Altstadt Brewery, Real Ale Brewing Company, St. Arnold’s Brewing Company and Spoetzel Brewing Company.

Live polka music will be provided throughout the

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Activities for kids will include pumpkin painting, piñatas and other games.

The event also includes drawings in which a selection of shotguns, rifles and handguns will be given away.

Tickets for these items are $20 and will be available for purchase at Builder’s FirstChoice.

If tickets remain, the tickets will also be available for purchase on the day of the event.

These ladies get into the German spirit for BestFest, which will be held this year on Saturday, Oct. 16.

Proceeds from Bestfest are used for charitable giving of Knights of Columbus Council 9765.

organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the MOM Center, the Hill Country Community Needs Council, the Golden Hub Senior Citizens Center, Fredericksburg Academic Boosters, Fredericksburg Food Pantry, the Boys & Girls Club of the Texas Hill Country, St. Vincent De Paul, New Horizons and the Nebo Wounded Warrior Project.

Since the inception of Bestfest, the council has allocated money to help sponsor various local

They have also donated to St. Mary’s Catholic Church ministries such as St. Mary’s

There will also be drawings for other outdoor and hunting-related items.

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What would BestFest be without some savory sausage to dine on?

Online:

Craft beer and premium sausage event Multi-gun drawing ($20 ticket)

2021 BestFest

Kawasaki Mule drawing ($20 ticket)

www.kcbestfest.com Saturday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Marktplatz, Fredericksburg Admission includes all-you-can-eat premium sausage meal with German trimmings and tea/water Admission fee $15 (ages 14+) $5 (ages 5-13) Free for children under 5

The council has also sent money to Covenant House and provided

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Kids’ games and activities Live polka bands and dancing: Off The Grid will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fritz Hodde and the Fabulous Six will play from 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Bob Appel will play from 7-11 p.m.

Standard-Radio Post file photo

School and Adopt-A-Family Christmas programs.

Assorted bucket drawings (tickets sold at event)

formation, young men and women in the religious life as well as In addition, the council also aims college Catholic center ministries. to support young men in priestly scholarships for collegebound Gillespie County students.

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A Big Taste of Texas

Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest marks three decades.

After a year’s pause due to Covid, the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest is slated for a return Oct. 21-23 marking its 30th year.

The event will be held on Marktplatz, featuring Texas food and wine with a mix of top vintners, gourmands and music, and some special events.

Twenty-one Texas wineries will be on hand pouring over 100 wines. Guests will have an opportunity to visit with some of the wine makers and learn about their wine.

Joining the event this year are Axis Winery, Becker Vineyards, Blue Lotus Winery, Blue Mule Winery, Cicada Cellars, Fiesta Winery, Georgetown Winery, Grape Creek Vineyard, Haak Vineyards, Hye Meadow Winery, Hilmy Cellars, Kfire Winery, Landon Winery, Llano Estacado, McPherson Cellars, Messina Hof Winery, O’Farrell Country Vineyards, Texas Heritage Vineyard, Texas Mead Works and Wedding Oak Winery.

For beer drinkers, a selection of craft beers from five Texas brewers will also be available.

The Grape Expectations Cooking School starts Saturday at noon, showcasing award-winning Texas chefs paired with a Texas winery.

Seating is limited to the first 100 persons and the cost is $75 per person for all four sessions, plus admission into the Fest. Cooking will be: • Boo

Eaker, chef/owner of Eaker Barbecue in Fredericksburg, a new joint that mixes traditional barbecue with Korean flair.

• Ross

Burtwell, chef/owner of Cabernet Grill.

Burtwell specializes in preparing only the freshest seafood, Certified Angus Beef, wild game and ranch fare and desserts for his Fredericksburg guests. His restaurant also has one of the largest selections of Texas wine anywhere.

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Samples of food and wine will give visitors a big taste of Texas at the 30th Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest.

The event also hosts the annual Go Texan! Dinner Thursday, Oct. 21 at Messina Hof Hill Country; Friday’s Celebration of Texas Wine & Food at Becker Vineyards; and the Saturday Patron Party on Marktplatz catered by Delicious Details.

Tickets to all three are limited and available online or by calling 830-997-8515.

The Texas Specialty booths offer a variety of Texasmade products for sampling and purchase. Some items available are lavender products, salsas, jams and jellies, candies, seasonings, cheese, olive oils, beef and lamb, items made from used wine barrels and hand-painted glasses, among many other great selections.

Live entertainment will include music by Texas artists Koncrete Kings, Little Elmo & The Mambo Kings and El Tule.

The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest opens at noon Saturday and continues until 7 p.m. General admission is $25 for adults, $5 for those under 21, and free for children under 5. Tickets available on-site the day of the festival.

More information on the event and advance ticket purchase is available by contacting the • Fischer & Wieser’s Leo Aguirre, cooking school chef, Fest Office at 830-997-8515, or by visiting www. fbgfoodandwinefest.com. enjoys teaching at Fischer & Wieser’s Culinary Adventure Cooking School.

Proceeds from the festival go toward the • Lois

Rodriguez from Texas Highways Magazine also will be on hand as a cooking school chef.

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continued upkeep of Marktplatz.

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Indian Artifact Show ’21 Because the Hill Country area is rich with artifacts from the tribes who lived here before the settlers, collectors and artifact enthusiasts can always find something of interest at the Hill Country Indian Artifact Shows.

The show is held three times annually at Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.

One more show is scheduled in 2021 for Saturday, Oct. 23.

In 2022, shows will be held on Jan. 22, March 26 and Oct. 22.

The show runs from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Consignments and appraisals are available.

As many as 70 tables will be set up by collectors from all over Texas to display historic artifacts for the benefit of buyers, sellers, traders or lookers interested in stopping by the pavilion that day.

“We cover such a wide variety of artifacts from Paleo Indian arrowheads and tools to historic artifacts featuring things like beaded clothing, bows and arrows, jewelry and much more,” said Rob Bartell, who specializes in collecting and selling Indian artifacts. “We also give away

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The Indian Artifact Show often sees collectors from everywhere in Texas, including Alan Brooks of Texas Artifact Murals, seen here with a motorcycle mural made with arrowheads in April of 2021.

several hundred dollars in door prizes and have drawings throughout the entire show.”

Beverages, snacks and barbecue will be available to purchase from Buzzie’s Barbecue in Kerrville.

Admission is $5 for everyone 15 years of age and older, while children 14 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Contact

Free admission will also be provided for Gillespie County law enforcement officers.

830.329.2636 rob@hillcountryindianartifacts.co www.hillcountryindianartifacts.com m

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Peddler Show

Shopping event brings ‘Black Friday’ to town.

Show hours are from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28.

Tickets are $8 for a weekend pass and $5 for single day admission, good any single day of the show.

Children under 12 are free.

To purchase tickets in advance, visit https://peddler.tixonlinenow. com/fredericksburg/ A special sneak peek will be offered to shoppers from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 29. Admission to the sneak peek is $10.

A holiday weekend shopping experience awaits visitors to The Peddler Show over the Thanksgiving weekend at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds.

Guests can shop for items for a multitude of occasions, such as graduations, Christmas and birthdays at the Peddler Show, held at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. This year’s show will be Nov. 26-28.

The show will take place Friday through Sunday, Nov. 26 through Nov. 28.

Three buildings are set to be filled with designers, craftsmen and creators from all over the country.

This year’s return to the Gillespie County Fair Grounds marks the 43rd consecutive year for the Thanksgiving weekend show.

Shoppers will have opportunities to get Christmas gifts, clothing, home décor and more throughout the weekend.

Parking is free.

More information about the Peddler Show can be found online at www.peddlershow.com.

The Gillespie County Fair Grounds is located at 530 Fair Drive on Texas 16 South.

There are usually vendors on hand at the Peddler Show that will even make a product you are shopping for right in front of you.

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Marktplatz Lights Up Each Night During Holiday Season After being such a hit in 2020, the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau will continue its countdown to Christmas lighting event, where all of Marktplatz, including the German Pyramid and the Christmas tree will be lit each evening from Nov. 23 to Jan. 6.

be able to experience an event that Fredericksburg’s famed Marktplatz will be lit up each night will include traditional holiday music and a history of the town’s during the holiday season.

26-foot German Christmas “Fredericksburg during the Pyramid and Christmas tree.

Christmas season has often been compared to a holiday Hallmark movie and with good reason,” a spokesperson said.

Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 23, and running through Thursday, Jan. 6, visitors and residents will

An audio program will conclude with a grand finale countdown to the illumination of all of Marktplatz. The event will begin each night at 6 p.m.

“In 2021, Fredericksburg will be a magical place for the holidays,” a spokesperson said.

This event will be similar to the one hosted by the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau in 2020 as an alternative to its Lighting of the German Pyramid and Community Christmas Tree event hosted in years past. The 30-foot tree will still be lit each night on the square.

Plans are still being finalized for the event, so be sure to check visitfredericksburgtx.com or fredericksburgstandard.com to stay up to date. More information is also available by calling the CVB at 830-997-6523.

During this month, Marktplatz can be seen brighter than all the rest of Main Street, lit up with red, white, blue and green holiday colors.

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Light The Night Returns

Crowds typically fill Main Street to see varieties of Christmas-themed floats, such as this Magi riding a camel in 2019.

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Christmas parade returns after 2020 absence.

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Fredericksburg will celebrate the holiday season with its Light the Night Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3.

The cost per reserved and designated bleacher seat with access to the adjacent restroom and hand-washing station, is $18.

The parade is presented by H-E-B and produced by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce.

In case of inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 10

The parade will wind its way up and down Main Street and is again expected to feature more than 130 entries including bands, floats, animals and more.

The entire parade route along Main Street between Washington and Edison Streets is available for free seating on a first come-first serve basis. Attendees should bring folding chairs and blankets.

Reserved bleacher seating is available for the parade, and offers the first chance to see the entries as they roll by.

As in the past, the first 30 minutes of the parade will be broadcast live on CBS Austin (KEYE).

AfterGlow

In most years, AfterGlow activities take place following the parade. With the threat of COVID-19, chamber officials aren’t sure whether that portion of the event will occur.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures following the parade, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Peppermint Platz area of the Adelsverein Halle.

There will also be a children’s activity area.

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Long-standing business owners like Fischer & Wieser also participate, decorating their classic red pickup like Santa’s sleigh.

Tickets:

Tickets may be purchased for those seats in advance by visiting www.lightthenightchristmasparade.com.

Entries:

Entries are also being taken for the parade. Forms can be found at www.lightthenightchristmasparade.com

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Local youth in organizations like the Girl Scouts of America also participate. In 2019, they decked out their float with colorful, bows, lights and candies.

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Holy Ghost Lutheran Church Planning Nativity Display Holy Ghost Lutheran Church’s nativity display hundreds of créches in the festively lighted Fellowship Hall in early December.

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Holy Ghost Lutheran Church is planning to host its annual nativity display at the church’s Fellowship Hall, Friday through Sunday, Dec. 3-5.

This is the 15th year for the display, which has grown to feature nativity sets from around the world.

After having to cancel the 2020 event due to the pandemic, the church is still determining if this year’s display will be held. Before going, visitors are encouraged to check the church’s website to make sure it is still on and at what times.

Friday afternoon and is the perfect place to be before the Christmas parade.”

The hall is located at the corner of East San Antonio and South Adams streets.

For more information, call the church office at 830-997-2288 or visit holyghostfbg.org.o historic

Traditionally, the times are from 5-9 p.m. Friday, 3-8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday.

The event includes free coffee, hot chocolate, punch and cookies.

“Hundreds of créches will be set up in the festively lighted space where people can tour them at their leisure,” the Rev. David Priem said. “It all begins

Various types nativity scenes fill the tables throughout the Fellowship Hall.

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Santa Day Parade Santa Claus is planning another stop in Fredericksburg on Saturday, Dec. 4, to visit with local children and hear their Christmas wish lists.

After the long ride from the North Pole, Santa will be giving his reindeer a rest and instead, will ride through downtown on a Fredericksburg Fire Department fire engine Saturday morning, Dec. 4.

The annual Santa Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. and will take Old Saint Nick down Main Street before heading back to the gazebo on the Gillespie County Courthouse Square.

Santa Claus will arrive in Fredericksburg on a Fredericksburg fire truck and will ride down Main Street before heading to the gazebo on the Gillespie County Courthouse Square.

His annual visit is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4.

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There, he will visit with children to find out what they really want to find under the Christmas tree this year.

While visiting with Santa, each child will receive a free bag of holiday goodies.

The annual event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees. Updates on the event can be found on the Fredericksburg Jaycees Facebook page.

A youngster shares her wish list with Santa Claus during his annual visit to Fredericksburg that is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees. Santa will stop here on Saturday, Dec. 4.

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Tannenbaum Ball Rings In Yule Season The annual Tannenbaum Ball, a black-tie event sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society, will be held Saturday, Dec. 11. This will be the organization’s 12th ball after a cancelation in 2020.

our community and continue our mission to preserve and tell the story of the Texas Hill Country,” said Caroline Eidson, GCHS board member.

The event will again be held at St. Mary’s Holy Family Center with a seated dinner catered by Side Street.

Tables for eight are available at four sponsorship levels again this year:

There will be an open bar and dancing to the music of The Flying GTs, as well as silent and live auctions.

Funds raised from the Ball will go to help the museum complete its accreditation efforts from the American Alliance of Museums.

One winning prize ticket for a $5,000 Visa gift card will be drawn during the evening, although the winner need not be present to win.

Only 100 tickets will be sold for $100 each.

“Proceeds from this event are vital to our ongoing ability to serve

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Early sponsor table reservations are encouraged.

Historian - $1,750 Preservationist - $2,500 Founder - $5,000 Meusebach - $10,000 Individual tickets are $175.

Homes Tour The organization also hosts an annual Christmas Tour of Homes, featuring five or six of Gillespie County’s outstanding residences decked out in holiday finery.

But due to the continuing pandemic, that event has been postponed for a second year in a row.

About The Gillespie County Historical Society was formed in 1935 to make sure the community remembered its roots and founders.

The first Pioneer Museum was located in the Vereins Kirche on Marktplatz. In 1955, the Society bought the historic Kammlah House and eventually expanded its complex t0 11 acres and nine buildings located on the southeastern corner of Main and Milam Streets. The society has more than 40,000 artifacts within its collection.

Online For more information about the Gillespie County Historical Society or other events or displays at the Pioneer Museum, visit www. pioneermuseum.net/gillespiecounty-historical-society.html.

Supporters sit down for a meal at the annual Tannenbaum Ball, a fundraiser sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society to help preserve the history of the founders and those who built this region into what it is today.

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Visual Storytelling

Church near town center tells Christmas story.

Bethany Lutheran Church’s portrayal of the Christmas story will be offered from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 10-11.

“A Christmas Journey” is told in a visual, drivethrough setting located along Town Creek, behind the church.

The 10-minute drive-through presentation features special lighting, music and effects, live characters, animals, and professionally hand-painted props.

Scenes include the prophet foretelling the birth of Christ, the annunciation of the angel to Mary, the decree of Caesar, the journey to Bethlehem, the Standard-Radio Post file photo

Three angels will announce to the shepherds of the birth of Jesus Christ in the middle of the journey.

People on both sides of the vehicle will be treated to an excellent view, according to the Rev. Casey Zesch, pastor at Bethany Lutheran.

Those who don’t want to drive through the nativity in their own vehicles may experience it by riding on one of the church’s trailer rides, located at the entrance, Zesch said.

People may also board the Bethany bus which stops in front of Marktplatz on Main Street.

Mary and Joseph cradle Baby Jesus in the manger to wrap up the Bethany Lutheran Church “Christmas Journey,” a drive-thru event detailing the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

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While there is no admission charge to the event, some people insist on giving donations, which the church then will give to the Fredericksburg Food Pantry, according to the pastor.

For more information, call 830-997-2269.

innkeeper denying lodging, the angels proclaiming his birth to the shepherds, the manger scene, the presentation of the child to Simeon and the journey of the Magi.

From 6-8:30 p.m. both nights, cars will be greeted by volunteers who will cover their headlights and then guide them to the tour’s start.

Cars will initially line up on Schubert Street, turn right onto Adams Street and then take another right into Bethany Lutheran Church’s back parking lot. Cars then follow the lighted pathway through the Journey.

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Kinderfest a Children’s Tradition Kinderfest is coming.

The Pioneer Museum will host this traditional German Christmas celebration for children on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Children 10 and younger should bring their stocking and hang it on the giant fireplace.

They will then sing Christmas songs, read a Christmas story, and create an ornament to hang on their tree.

Santa will be at Kinderfest ready to hear what all the good boys and girls are hoping he will bring them.

Light refreshments will be served. When Kinderfest is over, children can find their stocking on the fireplace again, filled with goodies.

In the German Christmas tradition, good children receive nuts, fruit, and candy in their stockings while naughty children may find a switch or lump of coal.

Kinderfest is a free event and the program begins at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall of Pioneer Museum at 312 W. San Antonio St.

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Participating children must be 10 and younger and accompanied by an adult. This is not a come-and-go event, so parents are asked to arrive on time for the sake of their child.

For more information, visit www.pioneermuseum.net.

Singing verses of “O Tannenbaum” at Kinderfest in 2019 were from left, accordion player Annabel Wilkinson, Genevieve Jones, Stellina Clements and Madeleine Jones. Kinderfest, presented

by Pioneer Museum, features Christmas crafts, carols, stories and time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event has been going on for more than 40 years.

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Singing Christmas Tree Brings Season’s Tunes Kinderfest is coming.

The Pioneer Museum will host this traditional German Christmas celebration for children on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Children 10 and younger should bring their stocking and hang it on the giant fireplace.

They will then sing Christmas songs, read a Christmas story, and create an ornament to hang on their tree.

Santa will be at Kinderfest ready to hear what all the good boys and girls are hoping he will bring them.

Light refreshments will be served. When Kinderfest is over, children can find their stocking on the fireplace again, filled with goodies.

In the German Christmas tradition, good children receive nuts, fruit, and candy in their stockings while naughty children may find a switch or lump of coal.

Kinderfest is a free event and the program begins at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall of Pioneer Museum at 312 W. San Antonio St.

The 26.5-foot Christmas tree, constructed by volunteers, stands on the grounds of Pioneer Museum and hosts a 65-voice choir for the third annual Der Singende Weihnachtsbaum concert. Performances are held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13, in the shadow of the spire of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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Take a Walk Back in Time for LBJ Tree Lighting

Celebrating 52 years, the annual LBJ Tree Lighting event will be held Sunday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m.

Taking place at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall, the event will give locals and visitors a chance to enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and, of course, the spectacular tree lighting.

Then, they can revisit the past at the SauerBeckmann Living History Farm.

The evening event is a holiday tradition begun by President Lyndon B. Johnson and his family.

Presenting the annual affair along with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are members of the Stonewall community who volunteer their time and talents to add to the festive atmosphere.

The annual LBJ Tree Lighting takes place in the courtyard of the state park’s visitor center, located just east of Stonewall off U.S. 290 East.

Members of the Johnson family traditionally are on hand that night at the park, which is named for the 36th U.S. president, to take part in the ceremony.

In conjunction with the tree lighting, a short program is held in which representatives from Stonewall community churches participate.

Elsewhere on the grounds, members of the Catholic Youth Organization present a live nativity scene.

Light refreshments will also be available, and the park store will be open to help shoppers find unique items for those on their holiday lists.

As a part of the tree lighting, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm inside the state park will be open to visitors.

Those planning to take in the farm are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for the short “Walk Back in Time” to the farm. The trails are well lit, but having a flashlight is recommended.

At the Sauer-Beckmann Farm, state park personnel dressed in the style of the early 1900s will greet visitors for a walking tour through the houses.

There, visitors will see the German Christmas theme carried out. Standing in the parlor will be a Christmas tree decorated with cutout cookies, popcorn chains, apples, oranges and lighted candles.

The tradition of putting lighted candles on Christmas trees actually started in Germany and is a prelude to today’s modern electrical lights.

In another room, visitors find angel chimes and an advent wreath made of cedar.

At the Sauer-Beckmann Farm, in the center of the kitchen, the dining table is laden with foods that have been prepared by park interpreters.

For more information, call 830-644-2252, ext. 226, or, follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.

Following the ceremony, activities and comLBJSTATEPark or on the park’s own website at entertainment are planned at the visitor center, www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson. including ornament making, holiday music and visits with Santa Claus.

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Zweite Weihnachten Offers a ‘Second’ Christmas Event Zweite Weihnachten on Sunday, Dec. 26, is a tradition honored in Fredericksburg each Christmas.

A young Zweite Weihnachten attendee enjoys traditional German treats.

The event will be held at the Gillespie County Historical Society Hall (old First Methodist Church building), 312 W. San Antonio St. While, for many, the day after Christmas is a time used to hunt out bargains in the shops or to stand in line for returns, for others in this community, it means time to stretch Christmas over a second day.

Zweite Weihnachten, which means “Second Christmas” in English, is the German tradition of sharing good food, drink, music and fellowship not just with immediate family, but with friends and the community at large.

There is no admission charge for the event.

Christmas carols will be sung in both German and English. And, yes, there will be the traditional baked Stollen, Christmas cookies and warm Glühwein.

This year’s Zweite Weihnachten will fall, naturally, on Sunday, Dec. 26. Young and old are invited to join in the fun and festivities.

The event is subject to cancelation on short notice due to COVID-19.

Families from Gillespie County and throughout Texas come to enjoy this “Second Christmas” event, where food, music, fellowhip and drinks are shared.

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Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show is Jan. 6-8 The 2022 Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show will be held Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 6-8.

The Gillespie County show kicks off the 2022 livestock competition season for Gillespie County 4-Hers and Fredericksburg and Harper FFA members.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the shows may have modified their schedules or canceled. Be sure to check the Gillespie County AgriLife Extension website at gillespie.agrilife.org for current updates.

Categories include lambs, meat goats, breeding sheep, Angora goats, breeding sheep, broilers, turkeys, swine and cattle. Additionally, there will be judging of ag mechanics projects and the ag mechanics cutting torch competition.

Youth from Gillespie County and around the Hill Country will participate in the Gillespie County Youth Livestock Show, set for Jan. 6-8.

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Major stock shows the youths participate in include the Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show in Kerrville, the Fort Worth Livestock Show, the Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo in Odessa, the Alternative Show in Fort Worth, the Patriot Junior Market Steer Show in Abilene, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, the Texas Elite Showcase in Kerrville, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Rodeo Austin.

Dates and schedules for each of the shows is subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic.

Gillespie County 4-H and Fredericksburg and Harper FFA members are gearing up for the local show that will be held at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 6-8.

Exhibitors and attendees are recommended to follow CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines.

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Categories for the show include swine, lambs, meat goats, breeding sheep, Angora goats, broilers and cattle.

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Rockhounds: Over a Half Century of Gem, Mineral Shows Event will mark 51st year for earth sciences event.

The Fredericksburg Rockhounds Club will host the Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park’s Pioneer Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 15-16, 2022.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Stone carvings and an extensive array of jewelry will be available from more than 40 vendors from throughout the Southwest.

The club will have experts available who can identify any particular treasure.

Visitors from Fredericksburg and around the Hill Country come to the Gem and Mineral Show annually to find their favorite stones and gems.

Food service will be provided Admission and parking are free, and they will have free hourly door by Buzzie’s Barbecue. prizes and prize drawing tickets The show offers inexpensive for sale for valuable mineral items for sale, as well as rare specimens and jewelry made by pieces worth thousands of dollars. club members.

Founded in 1968, Fredericksburg The hourly silent auction is still Rockhounds is an organization up in the air, as the club continues devoted to the study and to meet and discuss how to have enjoyment of gems, minerals and the event safely during the fossils.

COVID-19 pandemic.

To keep up to date with the club’s plans, visit their website at www. fredericksburgrockhounds.org.

Online Fredericksburg Rockhounds www.fredericksburgrockhounds.org

Minerals, fossils, geodes and stone carvings are among the items available at the Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show.

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Band Boosters Serve Up Thanksgiving Meal Feb. 6 Volunteers will serve up over 2,000 pounds of turkey during the Fredericksburg Independent School District Band Boosters’ annual turkey dinner at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds on Super Bowl Sunday. The meal includes turkey and dressing, green beans, noodles, cranberry sauce and dessert. The annual fundraiser will be held Feb. 6, 2022.

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The annual Fredericksburg Independent School District Band Boosters Turkey Dinner is planned for Super Bowl Sunday.

The Band Turkey Dinner will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until sold out), Feb. 6, 2022 and organizers are planning to cook up 3,000 plates, which is just over one ton of turkey.

The time-honored event is scheduled inside the large Gillespie County Fair Grounds Exhibition Hall, just off Texas Highway 16 South.

The Band Boosters have been serving dinner for 71 years to help support school band programs.

The menu will feature turkey and dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, noodles, dessert and a beverage. The meal is offered either on a dine-in or to-go basis.

In addition, FISD band students will play music for those dining in the hall.

Members of the Fredericksburg Middle School band play a variety of tunes during the annual FISD Band Boosters Turkey Dinner. The afternoon features sounds from both the FMS and Fredericksburg High School bands, accompanied by a meal of turkey and dressing.

The event offers a full menu, drive-through “To-Go” line and an afternoon of concerts by all of the Fredericksburg Independent School District student bands.

Beginning at noon, the bands from both Fredericksburg High School and Fredericksburg Middle School (including jazz bands) will take turns performing. Meal tickets will be sold in advance of the event or at the door.

Throughout the day, prize drawings will be held and tickets will be available in advance from band students or for purchase at the door.

Proceeds from the event serve as the main fundraiser for the year for the FISD Band Boosters, which supports the band organizations by purchasing instruments, equipment and uniforms, as well as providing for supplemental travel and contest expenses.

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Fredericksburg’s local German choirs meet at several events during the year to preserve their culture and language.

The two local choirs are the Arion Men’s Choir and the Hermann Sons Mixed Choir.

German Choirs Keep Alive Old World Musical Traditions Keeping German tradition and heritage alive are two local choirs — the Arion Men’s Choir and the Hermann Sons Mixed Choir.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the choirs met weekly for fellowship and singing. They are just recently beginning to rehearse again. Membership is voluntary and adults who enjoy singing are invited to join in and participate at any time.

Arion Männerchor (Arion Men’s Choir), founded in 1908, and the Hermannsöhne Gemischter Chor (Hermann Sons Mixed Choir), active since 1934, are both directed by Amy Voorhees and accompanied by Annabel Wilkinson.

Both choirs have weekly rehearsals and performances throughout the year.

In addition, they represent Fredericksburg in a yearly Sängerfest (singers’ festival) along with German choirs from San Antonio, New Braunfels and Corpus Christi.

Both choirs also appear regularly at Oktoberfest, and give performances from time to time during the year at nursing and retirement homes.

At this time, concerts are being scheduled for the coming months, information will be in the coming issues of the Fredericksburg Standard- Radio Post.

More information is available by calling Heinrich Boenig at 830-669-2104 or Carol Woitalla at 830-997-9671.

Rehearsals will be held at St. Joseph’s Halle every Thursday evening.

New members are always welcome and knowledge of the German language is helpful, but not required, nor is the ability to sight-read music.

The choirs’ repertoire ranges from sacred music to classical masterworks to folk songs.

They jointly present a free-admission public concert in the spring, usually the first Sunday in May (Maifest), and another in the fall, the first Sunday in November, a Herbstfest (Harvestfest).

Both of these events are usually held at St. Joseph’s Halle or the St. Mary’s Holy Family Center.

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Music Club Concerts Return with Top Talent On his way in 2017 to being named the bronze medalist at the 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Ft. Worth, Daniel Hsu of the U.S. will perform here Sept. 19 to open the Fredericksburg Music Club’s 2021-2022 concert season. The first of eight programs scheduled during the organization’s 85th year of quality music presentations, the concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 North Llano.

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Daniel Hsu — The 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition bronze medalist who is appearing here by arrangement with that competition and whose Fredericksburg concert is partially funded by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts — Sept. 19

After missing its entire concert season last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fredericksburg Music Club has announced that it will be ready in September for the start of a 2021-2022 schedule featuring eight quality music programs.

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Nathaniel Mayfield, trumpet soloist — Oct. 10.

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Albert and Gage, vocalist/musicians — Nov. 21.

Ranging from classical piano and string music to more-contemporary vocal and brass presentations, the FMC’s upcoming concert season will highlight performances beginning at 3 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month in the sanctuary of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 North Llano.

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Featured this season for the enjoyment of Texas Hill Country residents during the club’s 85th season will be:

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Agarita Chamber Players, violin-viola-cello-piano — Jan. 16.

Lone Star Brass, trumpets-horn-trombone-tuba — Feb. 20.

Ensemble Next Parallel, clarinet-violin-piano — March 20.

River City Ringers, San Antonio Area Community Handbell Choir — April 10.

Doug Montgomery, pianist — May 15

Attendance at FMC concerts is free of charge, thanks to grants as well as private and corporate donations received through the mail or at the door of each performance.

The Fredericksburg Music Club’s goals since the non-profit organization was founded in 1937 have been to provide the area with quality musical programs, to support music education and to make the gift of music available to everyone.

More information — including lists of the concert schedule for the 2021-2022 season, past performers since 2005, board members and assistance on club members, patronage and donating online — is available on the FMC’s website (fredericksburgmusicclub.com).

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Art Group Returns for November Show

Die Künstler von Fredericksburg (The Artists of Fredericksburg) will once again hold its art show this November after a year haitus due to the coronavirus.

The group has held a place in the Texas Hill Country arts community since 1993.

After having to cancel its Annual Art Show and Sale for the first time in 28 years, the show will return the November 12-14 at St. Joseph’s Halle, 212 W. San Antonio St. DK is looking forward to showcasing an outstanding exhibition of artworks in 2021.

Visitors to the Die Künstler von Fredericksburg’s November Art Show & Sale are treated to works from this town’s trove of talented artists, who work in a variety of mediums.

held at the Gillespie County Historical Society building at 312 W. San Antonio Street. DK’s monthly meetings are open to the public.

Die Künstler will be involved in its Spring Fling Art Sale to be held the second Saturday in April of 2022 on Marktplatz.

Art in a variety of forms will be available.

More information about the group is available online at www.dkfredericksburg.org.

The show offers an array of talent and fine art mediums worthy of a special visit to browse, enjoy, and, perhaps purchase a work of fine art.

This event garners visitors from Texas as well as out-of- state.

DK, as it is commonly known, actively promotes appreciation of, and support for, the visual arts.

DK encourages artists of all levels to continually develop and improve their talents. Art education DVDs are available to club members and regular monthly meetings feature presentations by locally as well as nationally renowned artists. Meetings are

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Live art demonstrations, like this one given by Barbara Mauldin, are a part of the group’s regular meetings and their Art Show & Sale.

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Enjoy a play, musical with the recognized Fredericksburg Theater Company.

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The Show Goes On Fredericksburg Theater Company’s 25th Season is currently underway with an upcoming performance of the romantic comedy “Same Time Next Year.”

The season includes five musicals, two comedies and seven special events.

All performances are the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 U.S. 87 South.

Information can be found on the FTC’s website at www. fredericksburgtheater.org.

Along with its productions, FTC also offers youth and adult classes through its Fredericksburg Theater Academy.

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Tickets Tickets go on sale a full two weeks prior to opening night at the FTC Box Office, located at the theater.

Donors can order tickets three weeks prior to opening.

On Sophie Sheridan’s (Savannah Sprinkle’s) wedding day, Sam Carmichael (Seth Smith) proposes to Donna Sheridan (Sarah Spillman) in FTC’s opening night performance of “Mamma Mia!” in June. Watching in the background is, front row from left, Daniel Melton’s Bill Austin, Savy Sikes, Autumn Sharp and Tammy Pack; middle row, Brandyn Quay, Madalyn Watson and Sheri Robinson; back row, Tyson Zinsmeyer, Katherine Crenwelge and Wesley Pack. Also watching on the right side of the stage was Catherine Peterson as Rosie, Liza Smith as Tanya, Boyce Templin as Harry Bright and Landon Priess as Sky.

Tickets can also be purchased by calling the FTC office at 888-669-7114 or online at the fredericksburgtheater.org.

Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. The schedule of Special Events can be found on the FTC website.

Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Main Stage Scheduled Productions

Tickets may also be purchased online at fredericksburgtheater. org.

All main stage productions are on weekends, with Friday and

The 25th season opened with “Mamma Mia!” in June and continued with “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.” in July and “Always… Patsy Cline” in August. >

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FTC’s Romantic Comedy:

“Same Time Next Year” Oct. 8-24 One of the world’s most widely produced plays, “Same Time Next Year,” follows George and Doris who meet every year for a romantic retreat away from their respective spouses and families.

After meeting once in a small California inn, the pairs’ lives become entangled and they develop a love for one another that exceeds their expectations.

(Rated PG-13)

FTC’s Holiday Musical:

“Scrooge the Musical” Dec. 10-19 Starring the Fredericksburg Theater Company’s founder Jeryl Hoover, “Scrooge the Musical” has been adapted from the screen musical “Scrooge” based on Charles Dicken’s tale of “A Christmas Carol.”

Hoover returns to the FTC stage as the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge who repents his past life when he is visited by three Christmas spirits. (Rated G)

FTC’s Winter Musical:

“Clue the Musical” Feb. 11 -27 Based on the Parker Brothers’ Board Game, “Clue the Musical” needs the audience to solve the mystery of “whodunit.”

With a beguiling soundtrack, surprise twists and comedic antics, this board-game-turnedmusical brings to life the mystery on stage. (Rated PG-13)

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FTC’s Spring Production:

“Lend Me a Tenor” April 29-May 15

When the general manager of a grand opera company believes the greatest tenor of his generation died on his watch, he persuades his assistant to take his place.

Through a series of mishaps and a double dose of tranquilizers, Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” is a screwball comedy that won three Tony awards and four Drama Desk awards. (Rated PG-13)

Special Events The 25th season started with “The Presley Project” in September and an FTA production of “The Addams Family young@part” in continues with six more special events.

FTA’s Fall Junior musical “Rock of Ages: Youth Edition” is planned for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 30 as well as a 2 p.m. matinee on Oct. 31.

FTC will also host Jaston Williams in the one-man show “Blood and Holly, Christmas West of the Pecos.” Williams will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 as well as a 2 p.m. production on Nov. 7.

The Third Annual Texas Hill Country Cowboy Gathering is planned for Nov. 12-13. The twoday festival of song, story, poetry and art will feature songwriters, poets and artists who will help celebrate the cowboy spirit.

The Steven W. Shepherd Theater will also host a performance from the Texas A&M Singing Cadets at 7:30 p.m. on March 4, 2022.

From the Hideout Theater, the Austin-based improvisation theater company will perform

Fredericksburg Theater Academy put on “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” in July as a part of its silver season. Pictured, Lumiere (Ryder Buckalew), kisses the hand of Belle (Faith Lindner), while Cogsworth (Harper Money) looks on. on the FTC stage at 7:30 p.m. on March 11.

About FTC The mission of the Fredericksburg Theater Company (FTC) is “to provide superior theatrical programs for regional participation which entertain, educate, enrich and inspire.”

Formed in 1997 by Jeryl Hoover, the theater has grown to an audience of over 13,000 annually.

All performances are held at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater.

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Art Galleries Unite for First Friday Art Walk Ten art galleries join together once a month to celebrate First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg.

On the first Friday of each month, the participating galleries feature special events, shows and exhibits, artist demonstrations, special appearances, receptions and more from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime he is there working. Being that it is a working studio, there are no set hours, but it is open anytime he is there or by appointment.

They represent established and emerging regional and national artists in a variety of styles and mediums. Artists are being added monthly since the gallery opened their doors in October 2017.

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The galleries serve local wines and other refreshments. Some also offer entertainment.

A schedule of events or more information can be found at https://firstfridayartwalkfbg.com/.

Artisans – A Texas Gallery 234 W. Main St. 830-990-8160 www.ArtisansTexas.com The gallery features a variety of local fine art, fine craft, and fine furnishings.

Over 65 talented artists, mostly from the Texas Hill Country, create beautiful and unique pieces of superb quality and amazing skill.

AW Studio Gallery 311 E. San Antonio Street 832-623-8352 www.awstudiogallery.com AW Studio Gallery is located in a small 1941 cottage just a block off Main Street in Fredericksburg’s historic district.

It is the working studio of artist/ painter Alan Wilcox. Many of his works are displayed, some even as they are drying, along with a few estate pieces as well.

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Fredericksburg Art Guild 308 E. Austin St. 830-997-4949 www.fredericksburgartguild.com The Fredericksburg Art Guild’s mission is to educate, encourage, promote and cultivate the creation of fine arts throughout the Texas Hill Country.

Gallery 330 330 West Main St. 830-307-3339 www.gallery330.com Gallery 330 specializes in contemporary realism and impressionism.

Artist Bruce Greene, right, poses for photos with visitors to the Insight Gallery Feb. 5 during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Fredericksburg.

The gallery is housed in the historic August Itz building, circa 1908 and is located on West Main Street between Orange and Milam streets.

Good Art Company 218 W. Main St. 830-997-1111 www.goodartcompany.com Good Art Company features the works of more than 40 artists.

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Insight Gallery 214 W. Main St. 830-337-9920 www.insightgallery.com InSight Gallery represents a group of 60 painters and sculptors working in landscape, figurative, impressionistic, still life, wildlife, and Western art.

It sits in the center of Fredericksburg one block south of Main Street at the corner of Llano and San Antonio streets.

The gallery is housed in a restored building with wood beams, concrete floors and tons of ambience.

The gallery features a selection of high-quality antiques and original fine art; trendy and upscale straight-lined heirloom furnishings pared with A statue of elk and quail contemporary décor; rugs, on display at Gallery 330.

They are committed to keeping books, lamps, clocks, both their total number of painters and antique and contemporary sculptors low so that they can most silver, crystal and other effectively represent their art and unique, one-of-a-kind continue to develop and promote treasures. their careers and collector base.

Jackson’s features primitive and Koch Gallery rustic to vintage to fancy and 830-992-3124 fussy.

Larry Jackson Fine Art www.bertkoch.com Dedicated to bringing only the highest quality of fine art to the Texas Hill Country and the national art market. the gallery was founded with both their artists and art collectors in mind.

and Antiques

210 East San Antonio 830-997-0073 LarryJacksonAntiques.com Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, the Larry Jackson Gallery is known for its selection of antiques, original art and sculpture.

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They have a nice selection of estate jewelry. The gallery also buys and sells gold, silver and coins.

Owner Larry Jackson has 40-plus years of experience in appraising, buying and selling estates and fine art. He is nationally known and respected in the antique community for his knowledge and integrity.

Bert Koch closed Koch Gallery’s physical location in Fredericksburg in July 2021.

However, Bert Koch and Bert Koch Trading Company continues providing works of art from all major cultural regions of North America through an online store.

Owner Bert Koch has been a collector, trader and broker of traditional, contemporary and >

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Artist John Bennett poses with his sculpture “Belle Starr” at Gallery 330 during First Friday Art Walk, held July 2 in downtown Fredericksburg.

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vintage Native American Art and artifacts for over 30 years. His expertise and success in finding collectable Native American art and artifacts helped provide the inventory for the business.

Charles Morin Fine Art 44 W. Main St. 210-710-6305 www.vintagetexaspaintings.com Charles Morin Fine Art specializes in early Texas paintings and fine antiques.

The gallery features an extensive inventory of hand selected early Texas art and paintings. They are now offering select paintings from contemporary Western as well as Texas landscape artists.

URBANherbal Art Gallery 407 Whitney St. 830-456-9667 www.urbanherbal.com URBANherbal is a family-owned gift shop, art gallery, greenhouse and gardens.

They have been open since 1985, offering herbal products for cooking, personal care and medicinal needs.

Their products are all-natural and organic, contain no pesticides, and are produced locally in their laboratory.

Their knowledge of gardening and the use of herbs, their unparalleled experience and commitment to their customers sets them apart.

The antiques tab on their website URBANherbal will be open for features a selection of Texas First Friday Art Walk for tours antiques as well as numerous through the firm’s galleries, other fine antiques. laboratory, greenhouse and gardens. We will be serving complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine and water.

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Running and Walking

The Oktoberfest Kraut Run sponsored by the Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club and benefiting literacy and youth programs, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Enthusiasts will find several events planned during the fall season.

Oktoberfest Kraut Run The Oktoberfest Kraut Run is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2, beginning at the Fredericksburg Middle School.

Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club, the event benefits literacy and youth programs.

This year’s 12th annual event will include 5K and 8K timed runs, a 5K walk and a kid’s obstacle course.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with the obstacle course for the kids, followed by the runs and walk at 9 a.m.

Long -sleeved technical race shirts will be given to all entrants.

Awards will be presented.

on Saturday, beginning at 7 a.m. at the race site.

A one-mile fun run starts at 9:30 a.m.

Registration for the obstacle course is on-site only beginning at 7 a.m.

Registration information is available at https://www. athleteguild.com/running/ fredericksburg-tx/2021fredericksburg-texas-turkey-trot.

To register for the race, visit https://www.athleteguild.com/ running/fredericksburg-tx/2021oktoberfest-kraut-run.

More information is available by contacting Lorrie Hess at krautrun8K@yahoo.com.

Fredericksburg Middle School is located at 110 W. Travis St.

Packet pickup will be from 1-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at the MOM Center, 183 Industrial Loop.

Turkey Trot

For information, contact, 830-456-8840 or 830-998-5865.

The MOM Center of Fredericksburg will benefit from the Fredericksburg Turkey Trot on Saturday, Nov. 27.

The race begins at the Packets will be available for pick Fredericksburg Elementary School at 1608 N. Adams St. up from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at Jack and Adams’s Bicycle Shop and

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Late registration will be available the day of the race followed by the race warmup at 8 a.m. and the 5K and 10K runs at 8:30 a.m.

The MOM Center is a non-profit women’s resource center specializing in parenting education and adoption advocacy.

Information on the MOM Center can be found at www.momcenter.org.

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Hunter’s Paradise

The quail season across Texas will run Oct. 30, 2021 to Feb. 27, 2022.

Information on bag limits, license requirements and other general information is available from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Outdoor Annual or at tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/ outdoor-annual/.

Gillespie County draws hunters year-round to harvest animals.

Gillespie County is big game country. Hunters of all types make their way to Gillespie County during the fall.

The 2021-2022 big game seasons for white-tailed deer and other wild game such as turkey, quail and dove bring hunters from all over to this particular part of the Texas Hill Country for its famously successful yields.

The archery-only season in the designated North Zone (to which Gillespie County belongs) for turkey and deer runs from Oct. 2-Nov. 5.

General rifle season for turkey and deer starts Saturday, Nov. 6,

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and runs through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022.

The Texas Hill Country also has an abundant amount of non-game wildlife such as armadillos, raccoons, hawks, opossums, coyotes and numerous other birds, not to mention an occasional porcupine and skunk.

Among the factors accounting for the large populations of deer and other forms of wildlife in the Fredericksburg area is the rugged, hilly terrain, which affords plenty of cover, vegetation and water to sustain the animals year-round.

Youth-only hunting weekends, for those licensed hunters 16 years of age or younger, are planned on In other parts of Texas, the Oct. 30-31, 2021, and Jan. 3-16, 2022. terrain is flatter and less wooded, perhaps even converted to A special late season during farmland. Also, the increasing which harvests are restricted to development of housing and antlerless deer and spikes, runs expanding city limits in other simultaneously to the late youthplaces has forced wildlife out only season, from Jan. 3-16, 2022. of its natural habitat.

Aside from whitetails, Gillespie Gillespie County values wildlife.

County is also considered to be in Farmers, ranchers and residents the Central Zone for dove hunting. hold animals in high regard not Dove season will run from Sept. 1 only because of their presence, but through Oct. 31, and then again also because of their contributions from Dec. 17 through Jan. 14, 2022. to the area’s economy.

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Taming the Texas Frontier Fort Martin Scott played vital role in early Fredericksburg.

Jim Silvers fires a 12-pound Mountain Howitzer during a living history demonstration last summer at Fort Martin Scott.

U.S. Army units arrived in 1848, settling on the Barons Creek site, naming it Camp Houston. This became the first in a string of frontier forts established to help protect Anglos moving west. The camp was renamed Fort Martin Scott in December 1849 after Lt. Col. Martin Scott, who died in the Mexican-American War. Infantry units were followed by horsemounted dragoons, who led scouting patrols and escorts for the settlers.

In 1850, Indian Agent John Rollins, Army, and Rangers representatives and interpreters met with a group of chiefs on the banks of the San Saba River and forged the Fort Martin Scott Treaty When Texas became a state in On the eastern edge of of 1850. Today, the Treaty Stone Fredericksburg and adjacent to the 1845, the Comanche remained north of a site that the Rangers are recognizing the pact is displayed Texas Rangers Heritage Center on the banks of Barons Creek, the first thought to have used as a camp, on in the fort visitor center. the banks of Barons Creek and the U.S. Army post on the Texas By 1853, the frontier had moved Pinta Trail. frontier is re-emerging. west and so had the Army. Fort Martin Scott became a supply John O. Meusebach and German Fort Martin Scott, on the old depot and was permanently settlers established the town of Pinta Trail, has a rich history of abandoned by the Army in 1866.

Fredericksburg just west of this diverse groups of people that site in 1846. Latter-day Saints shaped Fredericksburg, Gillespie But the story of the fort doesn’t County and the Texas Hill Country. (Mormons) started a town called end there. In 1870, John Zodiac east of Fredericksburg in Apache and Comanche tribes, Braeutigam bought acreage that Spaniards, early frontiersmen who 1847. included the fort and moved his became known as the Texas The Germans, Latter-day Saints, family into the fort guardhouse, Rangers, Anglo settlers, Latter-day Native Americans and Rangers their home for 90 years. He created Saints and the U.S. Army have left established a cooperative society, Braeutigam Gardens, which their footprints. supporting each other. The Latter- included a saloon, store, race track day Saints started the first lumber and the area’s first dance hall. The With outbreaks of attacks first four Gillespie County fairs and grist mill and were between early settlers and Native were held in the gardens. But the instrumental in helping build the Americans, in 1823 a group of fairs and gardens ended with the frontiersmen was formed to act as fort and town. The Germans robbery and murder of Braeutigam signed a peace treaty with the “rangers” to protect the citizens, in his saloon in 1884.

Comanche in 1847 allowing trade starting what became known as the Texas Rangers.

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with them for food and supplies.

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The Braeutigam family farmed the land until 1959 when they sold it to the City of Fredericksburg.

The Fredericksburg Heritage Federation started restoration of the fort that continues today.

Rhett Kearns of Fort McKavett, right, talks about weapons of the mid-1800s during the living history event held last summer at Fort Martin Scott. Listening are, from the left, Lulu, Zain and Laith Chalmers of Frisco.

The fort is now a park owned and operated by the city and as of Nov. 1, 2021, will be managed and operated by the Texas Rangers Heritage Center. The site is supported by the Fort Martin Scott Advisory Board and the Fort Martin Scott Friends volunteer group.

Today, the fort includes a visitor center/barracks, restored officer’s quarters, the guardhouse (the only original building), a blacksmith shop and stone foundations of many of the buildings.

The fort comes alive with reenactments, storytelling,

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education days for schools and special events.

A pageant at the fort as part of the city’s 175th anniversary celebration is being planned.

Contact the fort at 830-304-1848 (leave a message), visit FortMartinScottFriends.org or www.fbgtx.org, or email fortmartinscott@fbgtx.org.

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Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, located at 325 W. Main St., offers lots to learn about the history of Gillespie County. Attractions include an old school house, historic homesteads, a Sunday House and more.

Amateur historians can immerse themselves in the past lives of Fredericksburg by exploring the structures, photographs and artifacts at Pioneer Museum, owned and operated by the Gillespie County Historical Society.

a half acres and 11 buildings. Nine of these buildings are included on a tour of Pioneer Museum.

The GCHS and Pioneer Museum work together to present a shared story of Fredericksburg’s rich history.

Pioneer Museum

Collections owned by the GCHS are displayed in both Pioneer Museum and the Vereins Kirche. The collections are brought to life through exhibits, educational programs and demonstrations.

Gillespie County Historical Society The GCHS was organized in 1935 to preserve and tell the history of Gillespie County.

The GCHS first operated a museum in the Vereins Kirche on Marktplatz. The Vereins Kirche replica was built in 1935 after the original building was demolished in 1897.

In 1955, the Society bought the historic Kammlah homestead, which includes the original home, smokehouse and barn. This site became the Pioneer Museum.

With other purchases and donations over the years, Pioneer Museum has grown to encompass three and

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The GCHS owns and cares for over 50,000 items within its 86-year-old collection.

Pioneer Museum is located at 325 West Main Street.

It offers an opportunity for visitors to leisurely tour the grounds and learn about the daily lives of the German pioneers of Gillespie County.

The grounds feature historic homesteads and buildings once owned by early families of Gillespie County. These buildings include a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a Sunday house, a bath house, a barn and a smokehouse. All showcase artifacts and architecture which help to preserve and tell their unique story. The Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department Museum is also on the grounds.

Special Activities •

Monthly Little Pioneers activities:

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Oct. 16, 10:15 a.m.: Forge Your Own Way;

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Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.: Campfire Evening;

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Dec. 4, 10 a.m.: Kinderfest;

More information on special events at the Pioneer Museum can be found at www.pioneermuseum.net

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Texas Rangers Heritage Center provides Historical Learning Opportunity Keeping in line with Fredericksburg’s dedication to historic preservation, the Texas Rangers Heritage Center brings the story of the state’s famous lawmen to life.

This is especially important as the Texas Rangers will celebrate their bicentennial year in 2023.

This year marks the 50th year of the Former Texas Rangers Foundation.

The TRHC site includes a 12-acre campus that features a 350-seat open-air pavilion with a full catering kitchen and a Lone Star Stories Campfire Ring.

The amenities support a wide range of event opportunities.

Phase I of the Texas Rangers Heritage Center is complete.

The project on the town’s eastern edge was about 14 years in the planning.

In September 2013, then-Gov. Rick Perry and other dignitaries attended a groundbreaking ceremony on the land between Fort Martin Scott and the Hill Country University Center.

The Former Texas Rangers Foundation is the organization heading up the project. Phase I has a spacious open-air pavilion, which can seat 350 and features an amphitheater with a fire pit.

The site also includes a campanile (bell tower) and a Ring of Honor, and a 30-foot

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simulatioof a Ranger badge which memorializes Rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

An historic flintlock rifle used by Mexican Texas colonist and elder statesman Ben Milam during the Siege of Béxar will be on display at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center when Phase II opens in 2023, just in time for the 200th traditional anniversary of the Texas Rangers.

The foundation has begun fundraising for Phase II, which will feature a museum building.

Members of the Headquarters Company of the Former Texas Rangers Association and Foundation stand ready for action on the grounds of the Texas Rangers Heritage Center in Fredericksburg.

Pictured from left are Marvin Schroeder, Bruce Ferguson and Jeff Nichols.

Construction is slated to start soon. There, visitors will learn about well-known Rangers and episodes in Ranger history.

Museum planners promise an immersive experience which will include interactive exhibits, a theater, galleries associated with the character traits of the Texas

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Rangers, and episodes of Rangers who battled bootlegging, counterfeiting and murder, and the man who stopped the University of Texas Tower shooter in 1966.

Joe B. Davis, a retired Texas Ranger, is president of the Former Texas Rangers Foundation. He said Phase II of the Texas Rangers Heritage Center should break ground soon with the goal of being completed in time for the bicentennial celebration of the Texas Rangers next year.

Youths will be taught the five Ranger traits of courage, determination, dedication, respect and integrity.

The Former Texas Rangers Association welcomes new memberships. Get more information about the organization at www.TRHC.org.

Contact the Former Texas Rangers Foundation office, at 103 Industrial Loop in Fredericksburg at 830-990-1192.

Walking tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

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The Texas Rangers Heritage Center has brought the story of the state’s famous lawmen to life since it opened in September 2013.

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Visitors Can View the Heavens at the Enchanted Rock Dome Even though the majestic, pink granite dome brings visitors to the Enchanted Rock State National Area, it’s the site’s expansive views and native wildlife that keep visitors coming back for more.

The natural attraction towers 1,825 feet in elevation, and attracts hundreds of thousands of hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

Enchanted Rock SNA offers opportunities to not only hike, but to rock climb, boulder climb and stargaze.

It is one of the best places in the area to see the night sky in its clearest state, as Enchanted Rock is one of only two Texas Parks and Wildlife Department properties that are certified “Gold Tier” Dark Sky Parks.

This designation means that Enchanted Rock complies with the International Dark Sky Association requirements, which not only conserves energy for the park, but also guarantees visitors will have an undistracted view of the night sky. It helps the area cut down on light pollution, and promotes lowimpact ecotourism as one of the surrounding area’s most sought destinations.

Along with protecting the park from light pollution, Enchanted Rock also asks visitors to protect the property from unintentional pet-inflicted damage.

In the park, pets are only allowed in the designated day-use picnic areas, the campgrounds and on the Loop Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other trail.

About the Rock: • The Rock sits at just 1,825 feet.

Hikers can be challenged due to the steep incline of Enchanted Rock.

• The main campground has

restroom facilities, but there are more remote sites scattered throughout the park. Due to a critical water shortage, the restrooms may also be closed but portable toilets will be made available.

Enchanted Rock attracts thousands of hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

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The Milky Way can be seen soaring above Enchanted Rock at night.

• Even though drinking water is

available for purchase, visitors are highly encouraged to being their own water and enough for the visit.

• Trails, varying in length and

slope can be found in the park.

The Loop Trail winds around the park a lengthy 4.5 miles, while the jaunt to the top of the Rock is only a half mile climb.

Visitors can check the event page for special hikes and events at https://tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/enchanted-rock/park_ events.

Those interested in technical rock climbing will need to check in at the park headquarters to read all climbing rules and sign all of the required climbing waiver.

The park’s peak season ranges from September through May, though the park might reach full capacity at any time of year.

When the parking lots are full, the park will declare full capacity and close for at least three hours.

Park closures are more likely during holidays.

Flashing signs on approaching roads will alert visitors when the park has closed. One sign is located north of Fredericksburg on Ranch Road 965, the other is on Texas 16 North near the Ranch Road 965 intersection.

The park’s Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/ enchantedrock/ — will also update visitors on the status of the park.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located at 16710 Ranch Road 965, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg.

More information is available by calling (830) 685-3636 or by visiting the park’s website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/enchanted-rock.

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Gillespie County Offers Visit of Country Schools

Throughout the year, visitors can learn and tour some of Gillespie County’s oldest schools. Slated for the fall are Junction, Nebgen and Crabapple. The schools feature the original furniture and some supplies from when the schools were in operation. Pictured is the Cherry Spring School.

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During the 19th and early 20th centuries, students learned the three R’s: reading, writing and ’rithmetic in the comfort of a oneroom school house, many of which were located out in the country.

Later came schools like Fredericksburg Independent School District, Harper ISD and Doss Consolidated Common School District, and the rural schools took their place in history.

Those schools are now things of the past, but the sites and even memories can still be revisited, courtesy of a visit on the Gillespie County Country Schools Trail.

‘Schools Trail’ The “schools trail” gives visitors and residents alike a chance to venture into the earlier days of Texas, when German settlers came to the Texas Hill Country and established country schools to educate their children.

Among the old school houses on the driving trail are Cave Creek,

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Cherry Mountain, Cherry Spring, Crabapple, Grapetown, Junction, Lower South Grape Creek, Luckenbach, Meusebach Creek, Nebgen, Pecan Creek, Rheingold, Williams Creek (Albert), White Oak, Willow City and Wrede.

The Friends consists of former students of the closed schools and area community residents.

Due to the Gilmer-Aiken Laws, in the 1950s and 1960s, the schools were consolidated into the Fredericksburg Independent School District.

Open Houses and Other Events

On Jan. 23, 2006, the Gillespie County Commissioners Court established the Gillespie County Country Schools Trail. This trail linked the 16 former historic country schools with the Vereins Kirche, which is a replica of the first school in the county.

‘Friends’ The Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools, in conjunction with several organizations, sponsors the trail and various activities throughout the year so that people can learn more about the county’s educational history.

Their mission statement is “we are preserving the past to enrich the future.”

The schools are available to the public for social activities.

The following are open houses and other events: •

•

White Oak School and Vereins Kirche Open House: Every Monday through Saturday in September, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 18: Annual Bake Sale Benefit; 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Locations to be announced.

For more information about the historic rural schools tours, call the Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools at 830-685-3321, e-mail them at info@historicschools.org or visit them online at www.historicschools.org.

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The Bright Side of Life Year after year, Wildseed Farms has drawn visitors from all over to take a walk on the colorful bright side.

Wildflowers of all shapes and colors, including Texas Bluebonnets, can be found throughout the grounds of Wildseed Farms. The site also has a butterfly garden, food, wine, beer and a giftshop.

Wildseed Farms has served as ground zero for the development and “export” of the wildflower seed industry around the state.

The flower-filled business, located on U.S. 290 East at 100 Legacy Drive, is home to the largest family-owned wildflower farm in the United States. More than 200 acres at its headquarters are filled with color year-round as blooms beautify the roadside attraction. And the company has more than 1,000 acres of cultivated fields around the state.

Its founder and president is John R. Thomas, who has won local, state and national recognition for his contributions to land conservation and beautification.

The business specializes in seeds for native plants that make the Hill Country pop year-round with color.

One large addition – acres, in fact – to its fields has been grapes.

In fact, Thomas will soon be one of the largest growers of grapes in the area, adding significantly to Texas’ rising reputation for quality grapes and wines.

Calendar Wildseed Farms just hosted its annual Fall Festival on Sept. 25.

The facility will hold its annual Monarch Celebration from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9.

Visitors can tag and track their own Monarch butterfly, which will be released into the wild to work its magic at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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The event is free and no reservations are necessary.

Farm offerings Visitors can explore walking trails, watch the farm staff work and take photos. In Pick Your Own fields, visitors can create custom bouquets.

Areas at Wildseed to visit are Blossom’s Boutique, Lantana’s Nursery, Brewbonnet Biergarten and The Meadows walking trail.

Plant and flower lovers can order seeds of individual species, regional mixes, varieties of cosmos, zinnias and sunflowers, along with native grasses and culinary herbs. There are also garden products and specialty foods. Their catalog features over 90 varieties of wildflowers, grasses, herbs and exotic garden variety seeds.

Wildseed Farms has been planting and harvesting wildflower crops for more than

three decades in various parts of the Texas terrain, including the fields at Fredericksburg.

Open to the public daily, Wildseed Farms offers a lot more than the flowers these days, and invites the public to come on by and stay a while.

The farm offers a complimentary seed catalog to each visitor. Also a resource guide, the publication offers helpful planting tips and how-to’s.

Outside the store can be found one of the Hill Country’s largest selections of live plants and colorful imported pottery. Many of the native plants are featured in Wildseed Farms’ own landscape.

Staff members are available to make suggestions and help shoppers create their own version.

Live bands and musicians will be on The Plaza stage on Saturday afternoons seasonally.

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‘Volkssport’ Brings a Little Bit of Germany to Your Feet Walkers take in one of the rural routes on the area’s walking opportunities.

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Fredericksburg native began first sanctioned walking routes.

A local walking club with a history dating back to 1976 has established five self-paced, yearround routes for walkers throughout the Hill Country. There are three inside the Fredericksburg city limits and two outside.

All five walks have been developed between 5K (3.1 miles) and 10K (6.2 miles) distances by the Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg (VVF).

Longer distances are available on other walks throughout the area.

These walks are sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association as Year-Round Walks, which means anyone can walk them almost any day of the year.

The late Fredericksburg native Kenn Knopp was visiting his distant relatives in Germany in 1976. He was taken on an afternoon stroll to a cemetery

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where other family members were buried. The stroll turned out to be a six-mile ordeal.

When he returned to Fredericksburg, he formed a walking club and registered it with the international headquarters of Volkssportverein in Germany and Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg (People’s Sports Association Fredericksburg) became “The First in Texas, the First in the U.S.A.”

It was noted that the walks can only be done during daylight hours.

Fredericksburg Walks: The three city walks include: AVA Pilgrimage — This walk is a self-guided tour of the Historical District and honors the heritage of Volkssporting in America, which began here in June of 1976.

Cemetery Walk — Participants taking this route will start at Marktplatz and will walk through Check-in for the in-town walks is two historic cemeteries in Fredericksburg. at Sunday House Inn and Suites, One location — Der Stadt Friedhof — was 501 E. Main St. The two rural walks established in 1846 when the town was founded, and the other — St. Mary’s Catholic both have starting points inside Cemetery — was established in 1850. The route park visitor centers. continues on tree-lined streets on the north At each location, participants side of town. should ask the personnel for the Walk Box from which they can obtain maps of the self-guided walks as well as other items needed if walking for credit.

The start of the walk itself may involve a drive to a different location.

Cross Mountain Walk — The beginning location for this trek is Cross Mountain Park. At the top, participants can take in a 360-degree-view of Fredericksburg and the surrounding countryside.

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LBJ State Park

Enchanted Rock

The route at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site will take walkers to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm where life in the rural areas of the early-1900s is shown daily by living history demonstrations.

The route at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on Ranch Road 965, will give hikers a variety of routes, including a more-rigorous option of walking up Enchanted Rock itself.

A 10K route also takes walkers along Ranch Road 1 and the banks of the Pedernales River.

Dominating the park is a large pink granite exfoliation dome that rises 425 feet above ground and 1,825 feet above sea level.

A second 10K trail starts at the Junction Schoolhouse and continues through the LBJ Ranch to the Texas White House. The two 10K routes can be combined for a 20K distance.

Online reservations are necessary. Entry fee to the park is $7 per person, age 12 and older.

Texas State Parks Pass holders get in free.

The park has initiated a new walking and biking Reservations are recommended. trails project, which will be incorporated into All Walks new Volksmarch routes as appropriate.

For all walks, walkers will pay $3 in addition to LBJ State Park and Historic Site is located in any park admission fee. All others may walk for Stonewall, 15 miles east of Fredericksburg on free. Donations help with printing expenses.

U.S. Highway 290.

Also, all participants are required to register, While the park operates year-round, the carry a start card and return the card to the facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed start point. only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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Anyone may participate, although children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are welcome, must be kept on a leash and are not allowed in the buildings or on the dome itself.

These events may be done during daylight hours only.

More information is available by contacting Dave Roberts at dlroberts34@hotmail.com or calling 830-992-7584.

The VVF website is www.walktx.org/AVA1.

Information on the American Volkssport Association and walks and clubs throughout the country can be found at www.ava.org.

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‘Everbody’s Somebody”

When Visiting Luckenbach Texas Hill Country travelers frequent the attractions Luckenbach has to offer, much like Willie, Waylon and the boys did in 1977.

Known for its “Everybody’s Somebody” attitude and live entertainment, Luckenbach Texas is a popular destination for music fans, bikers and all those interested in discovering the tiny town in the tune heard of by millions.

Vintage signs line the walls of the old Luckenbach Post Office. Many famous artists such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings have played at the historic dance hall.

With its store, dance hall and picnic tables underneath arching live oak trees, Luckenbach (a sign jokes “Population 3”) is a destination in its own.

Open daily at 9 a.m., the store offers visitors an old-fashioned experience and merchandise ranging from the nostalgic to items bearing the town’s ovalshaped logo.

The town also hosts regional and national acts. During quieter times, one can find a picker’s circle for those who want to swap tunes and musically mingle with the locals.

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With nearly daily performances on the outside stage or in the dancehall, musicians provide tunes with a Texas flair. And an adjacent “Feed Lot” caters to appetites with barbecue, burgers, sandwiches and other dishes.

History Luckenbach began in 1852 when Jacob Luckenbach and his brothers, William and August, moved to the area from Fredericksburg and began farming.

William Luckenbach opened a post office under the name of South Grape Creek in 1854 and it operated for 11 years.

In 1886, August Engel Jr. reopened a post office for the community along with a general store in the Engel homestead.

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Pickers Circles held at Luckenbach feature the musical talents of local Texas artists. For schedules, go online to luckenbachtexas.com

mirth,” thanks in large part to Crouch’s far-reaching humor, along with the hit song by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Jerry Jeff Walker later enhanced the town’s reputation by recording his live album there, “Viva Terlingua.”

It was named Luckenbach by From 1995 through 1999, Willie Minna Engel, who had just married Nelson held his storied Fourth of Carl Albert Luckenbach.

July Picnic at Luckenbach.

Engel and his descendants later moved the post office and general store down the street and added a blacksmith shop, dance hall and cotton gin.

In the 1970s, the Engel family sold the town to Hondo Crouch, Kathy Morgan and Guich Koock.

Today, one can find local and traveling musicians on stage or at a Picker’s Circle, a weekend dance in the hall or one of the many special events the town has scheduled.

Check luckenbachtexas.com for current performer and event info.

During the years that followed, Luckenbach gained national attention as a “metropolis of

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Wine Me Up

Wineries welcome everyone from serious somms to those seeking fun.

Wineries have become a cornerstone in the consumerism and tourist industry in the Hill Country over the past two decades.

Many wineries offer tours and tastings for those looking to expand their knowledge of

Ab Astris Winery www.abastriswinery.com 830-644-8369 320 Klein Road The tasting room and winery are open Friday and Sunday noon5 p.m. and Saturday noon-6 p.m.

Thursday hours are seasonal. It is recommended to call in advance for Thursday hours.

Reservations are encouraged for parties larger than eight.

Call ahead to notify the tasting room, especially on Saturdays.

Ab Astris is offering bottle service and curbside pickup.

Adega Vinho Adegavinho.com 830-265-5765 1000 Ranch Road 1623, Stonewall Hours are Thursday 12:30-6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

the winemaking process and to taste the multitude of flavors offered by each winery.

Before visiting any local wineries, it is recommended to call or go online to receive the most up-to-date information.

Bottles of wine are being sold in the tasting room.

Bottle sales are available for off-premise consumption.

Curbside pick-up is also offered.

Calls on the way to the tasting room are appreciated.

Andreucci Wines andreucciwines.com 830-307-9529 401 E. Main Street #1C Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

alexandervineyards.com 830-865-3975 6360 Goehmann Lane (off U.S. 290 East) The winery is open daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Reservations are required for parties of six or more.

Baron’s Creek Vineyard Baronscreekvineyards.com 830-304-3000 5865 U.S. 290 East Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.6 p.m.; and Sunday noon-5 p.m.

Reservations are recommended for parties over six.

Seventh-generation vintners specializing in Italian wines.

Curbside pickup is now offered.

To order, go online or drive up to the curb to receive orders.

Augusta Vin

Becker Vineyards

Augustavin.com 830-307-1007 140 Augusta Vin Lane

Hours are Monday through Thursday noon-6 p.m., Friday Curbside services or to-go pickup noon-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.7 p.m. and Sunday noon-7 p.m. at the tasting room are offered.

Reservations are recommended To-go tastings include a selection and required on Saturday for of four wines. parties of six or more.

Alexander Vineyards

six or 12 wines. Pick your own wine with selection of six or 12 wines.

Bottle sales are offered with courtyard and patio seating only.

Harvest tours are offered for wine club members in groups of 10 or less.

The wine club is offered for one year with the selection of three,

Beckervineyards.com 830-644-2681 Winery and tasting room: 464 Becker Farms Rd. (off U.S. 290 East/Stonewall) Tasting room: 307 East Main Street The winery is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

The Main Street tasting room is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Order for curbside by drive up, or place order in advance by phone or online.

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The property is otherwise closed for onsite wine consumption and onsite wine tastings.

Mead and honey wine will be sold along with a selection of wines.

Bell Mountain Vineyards

Drive up curbside and to-go orders are being taken at this time.

Bellmountainvineyard.com 830-992-3070 Winery: 463 Bell Mountain Road Tasting Room: 319 E. Main Street located inside of Wild Hare Bistro

Calais Winery Calaiswinery.com 830-213-2124 8115 U.S. 290 West (Hye)

Check website for hours of Wild Hare Bistro and wine tastings.

All tastings are available by reservation only, and can be made online. Appointments are made on the hour.

The tasting room is open at the bistro with the purchase of food at a table.

Hours are Friday, 2-4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. by appointment.

Bingham Family Vineyards

Mini bottles and curbside services are offered by ordering online or calling on site.

www.bingham.wine 830-304-6616 3915 B U.S. 290 East 3915 B U.S. 290 East The winery is open seven days a week from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Curbside service is available by calling ahead, ordering online or driving up.

Blue Lotus Winery Bluelotuswinery.com 830-379-9463 8500 U.S. 290 West (Hye) The hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Chisholm Trail Winery Chisholmtrailwinery.com 830-990-2675 2367 Usener Road (off U.S. 290 West) Due to COVID-19, the tasting room is currently closed. The winery is offering free shipping on wines, as well as wine club memberships.

For updated information, visit the winery’s website.

Reservations are required for groups of eight or more.

Hours are Sunday, Monday and Thursday, noon-5 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, noon-6 p.m.

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cicada Cellars cicadacellars.com 830-456-9324 14746 U.S. 290 East, Stonewall Hours are Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Curbside service is offered.

Order online, call ahead or drive up to receive orders. Bottles to-go and mini tasting bottles are also offered at curbside pick-up.

Cross Mountain Vineyards www.crossmountainvineyards.com 830-992-3273 308 E. Main Street Current hours during COVID-19 are Sunday through Thursday, noon-7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

The winery is not offering tastings at this time but does have glasses, bottles and pizzas to-go.

There is limited capacity inside the winery but as restrictions are lifted, capacities and services will change.

For up to date information, call or visit the winery’s website. >

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Fat Ass Ranch and Winery fatasswine.com Ranch/winery: 830-644-2300 51 Elgin-Behrends Road Tasting Room: 830-997-9095 153 East Main Street Hours at both locations are Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m.5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Hours may vary due to weather and time of year. Reservations are required for large groups.

Tastings are offered outside.

The tasting room will be to-go service. Wines can be purchased in the tasting room. Curbside services are offered upon request.

Fiesta Winery Fiestawinery.com Winery: 830-997-4466 6260 U.S. 290 East Main Street: 830-307-3328 147 East Main Street Main Street hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Glasses are offered to-go with bottles. Online orders, calling ahead or walk-ins are all accepted for to-go orders.

Tasting are not offered at this time.

U.S. 290 location hours are Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m.6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Live music is featured on Saturdays from 3-6 p.m.

To-go services include a tasting kit, bottles and a $15 souvenir wine glass.

The Pick-up Parties will be held every third week of the quarter,

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in March, June, September and December.

Call ahead for groups over 20.

Fredericksburg Winery Fbgwinery.com 830-990-8747 247 West Main St. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m.

(The last tasting each day begins 15 minutes prior to closing.)

As it is a family business, hours and days may vary based on holidays.

French Connection Frenchconnectionhye.com 830-850-4091 1197 Hye-Albert Road, Hye Hours are Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tastings are by reservation only and can be made online, by emailing info@ frenchconnectionhye.com or by calling.

Grape Creek Vineyards Grapecreek.com Winery and Tasting Room: 830-644-2710 10587 U.S. 290 East 223 East Main Street Vineyard/Winery hours are: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m.5:30 p.m.

Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday after 5:30 p.m. and Sunday Brunch.

Main Street tasting room hours are 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily.

See website for special information if visiting on a Saturday or a holiday weekend.

Heath Sparkling Wines heathsparkling.com 830-304-1011 10591 U.S. 290 East Hours are Sunday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Reservations are recommended.

Hilmy Cellars Hilmywine.com 830-644-2482 12346 U.S. 290 East Reservations for standard tasting flights are recommended, and required for parties of six or more.

Reservations can be made online.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

Bottles are available for purchase in the tasting room for consumption outside. Curbside services are also offered.

Horn Winery hornwinery.com 844-HYE-HORN 9953 U.S. 290 West (Hye) Hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon5 p.m. Reservations of six or more are recommended.

Hye Meadow Winery Hyemeadow.com 855-HYE-WINE 10257 U.S. 290 West (Hye) Hours are Monday, 11 a.m.5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Closed Tuesday.

The winery is offering bottle service and curbside. Wine can also be consumed at the pavilion or tree grove located near the property.

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Inwood Estates Vineyards Inwoodwines.com 830-997-2304 10303 U.S. 290 East Reservations for tastings and dining are required for groups of six and over with a small deposit to hold the time slot.

Kalasi Cellars Kalasicellars.com 830-992-3037 414 Goehmann Lane Hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays by reservation.

To-go and curbside services are Hours are Sunday through offered at the drive-up window in Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and the wine garden.

Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

100% estate-grown wines and Call ahead since hours can unique and food with Indian change without notice due to influence. seasonal or special events.

Bottles and glasses are sold in the restaurant. The patio and picnic grove is open for seating and tables must have food to order wine.

Kuhlman Cellars Kuhlmancellars.com 512-920-CORK 18421 U.S. 290 East

Hours are Thursday through Calls ahead are recommended Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and for curbside services upon request. Sunday and Monday, noon-5 p.m.

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To-go and curbside services are offered at the drive-up window in the wine garden.

Longhorn Cellars Longhorncellars.com 830-990-2990 315 Ranch Road 1376 As of this printing, the winery is open for tastings, bottle and glass purchases.

The winery is open Thursday from noon-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon4:30 p.m.

Appointments are available from noon-2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Text Deanna at 830-264-0457 for appointments only. >

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Groups of 6 to 10 require reservations. No groups larger than 10 during COVID-19 restrictions.

Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards Lospinosranchvineyards.com 830-304-5778 6009 U.S. 290 East Regular hours are Sunday, Monday, Thursday from 11 a.m.5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Due to COVID-19, the winery is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

To-go and curbside is available.

Outdoor seating is also available but space is limited.

Lost Draw Cellars Lostdrawcellars.com 830-992-3251 113 East Park Street Reservations required for parties of six or more and are recommended on Saturday.

Hours are Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tastings are offered daily by reservation. No groups larger than six.

Lost Draw is offering curbside seven days a week. Call ahead, order online or walk in.

Delivery services are also offered within Fredericksburg city limits on weekdays.

Mendelbaum Cellars 830-997-7000 10207 U.S. 290 East For more information, email info@mendelbaumcellars.com or visit the winery’s website at mendelbaumcellars.com.

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Messina Hof Hill Country Messinahof.com 830-990-4653 9996 U.S. 290 East Temporary winery hours are noon-6 p.m. daily.

Monday through Friday is curbside service only, including bottles to go. Food purchases are not required.

for tours. Social distancing and masks are required. There will be no wine tasting on tours.

Curbside service is also offered while tasting rooms are closed.

Customers can call ahead or drive up and remain in their vehicles.

Perspective Cellars iloveperspectivecellars.com 512-423-7825 247 East Main Street

On weekends, tastings, wine by the glass and bottles to go are As of press time, tastings are offered. If wine is consumed on the building grounds, food purchases not available. Current hours are Monday through Friday, noonare required.

7 p.m. and weekends 1-6 p.m. for Reservations are highly wine to-go. recommended, but walk-ins are For more information, visit the welcome. winery’s website.

Narrow Path Winery Narrowpathwinery.com 113 East Main Street Main Street location closed until October 2020.

Winery and Vineyard: 830-644-2144 6331 Ranch Road 1623 South The winery and vineyard are open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Curbside and bottle service is offered due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Call ahead, order online or drive up to get wine.

Pedernales Cellars Pedernalescellars.com 830-644-2037 2916 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall Reservations are required on Saturdays.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Tours of production facilities are offered for groups up to 10, including children. Book online

Pontotoc Vineyard Pontotocvineyard.com 512-658-0023 320 West Main Street Hours are Friday and Saturday, noon-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more.

Curbside and delivery services are offered as the tasting room has been closed due to the coronavirus. Call ahead to request curbside wine delivery.

Ron Yates Wines Ronyateswines.com 512-585-3972 6676 U.S. 290 West (Hye) Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., daily.

Space is limited for large parties.

No parties larger than 20 will be accepted.

Due to COVID-19, curbside pickup is offered. To receive curbside pickup, call ahead or order online.

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Safari Wines Safariwinery.com Landline – 830-304-9463 Text or call – 830-998-5956 5479 U.S. 290 East Hours are Sunday, noon-6 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.6 p.m.

Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Reservations are preferred for parties of six or more.

The tasting room is open for tastings by the glass or bottle service. Social distancing is required.

Santa Maria Cellars Santamariacellarswines.com 830-998-8621 12044 Texas 16 South

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Hours are Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon3 p.m. Closed Monday through Thursday.

As of press time, the winery is offering tastings. Wine can also be ordered online.

Signor Vineyards Signorvineyards.com 830-304-7446 362 Livesay Lane For information on COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, visit the winery’s website.

Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Monday, noon-5 p.m.

For parties larger than six, call for special arrangements.

Six Shooter Cellars Sixshootercellars.com 830-428-0810 6264 U.S. 290 East Hours are Thursday through Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.

To-go tastings and bottle services are offered.

Slate Mill Wine Collective (Formerly 1851 Vineyards) Slatemillwinecollective.com 830-391-8510 4222 Texas 16 South

Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and The tasting room (located behind Sunday and Monday, noon-5 p.m.

Joanna’s Market) is open to the Meats and cheeses are also sold. > public Monday, noon-5 p.m.; and Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.6 p.m.

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Texas Heritage Vineyard Texasheritagevineyard.com 830-992-3323 3245 U.S. 290 East See website for details and special events. Hours are Monday through Friday noon-5 p.m. and Saturday noon-6 p.m.

Curbside services and bottle service are offered by drive-up orders.

The Vintage Cellar Thevintage-cellar.com 830-304-0059 6258 U.S. 290 East Hours are Monday, 11 a.m.5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Groups are advised to call in advance for reservations.

Manufacturing tours are offered Curbside bottle service is at the winery building at 3750 offered for to-go orders. Walk in Grapetown Road. Call ahead and to get wine. > schedule for groups of eight people on the weekends. Weekday tours Wedding Oak Winery are offered upon request.

Texas Wine Collective (Formerly 4.0 Cellars) TexasWineCollective.com 830-997-7470 10354 U.S. 290 East Featuring wines from Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery and McPherson Cellars.

Reservations are required for groups of six or more. Events can be found on the winery’s website.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Weddingoakwinery.com 830-304-9333 6009 U.S. 290 East, No. B

Those wishing to purchase wine, call 830-304-9333, visit the winery or email to set up a pick-up time.

Call ahead or book online.

For the latest information, go online or call the winery.

Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Woodrose Winery Woodrosewinery.com 830-644-2539 662 Woodrose Lane Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-6 p.m.

Reservations are required for parties of five or more.

As the tasting room is closed due to COVID-19, hours are noon-5 p.m. every day. Curbside services are available by appointment.

Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday; and 11 a.m.6 p.m., Monday. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

William Chris Vineyards Williamchriswines.com 830-998-7654 10352 U.S. 290 East (Hye) Reservations are required for tastings.

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Living History Found at LBJ State Park

Historic buildings seen next to a vintage windmill at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

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Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall is the destination where years of the past come to life in the Texas Hill Country.

It’s a place where historians, naturalists, recreationalists, wildlife viewers, political enthusiasts, wildflower lovers, walkers, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and more can find something to pique their interest.

The park features historical exhibits, memorabilia and a living history farm, along with recreational sports, nature trails, shopping and more.

Honoring a President LBJ State Park and Historic Site honors Gillespie County native Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States.

A Visitor Center complex houses exhibits and memorabilia focusing on the late president’s two terms of office.

Park Facilities There’s also an auditorium that accommodates up to 250 persons for free films shown daily and a gift shop that is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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The Visitor Center is the first stop for any tour to the LBJ Ranch which is a part of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. (See separate article on the national park facility elsewhere in this issue.)

Attached to the Visitor Center is the Behrens Cabin, a two-room dog trot cabin built during the 1840s by German immigrant Johannes Behrens.

There’s also an outdoor amphitheater used for a variety of programs.

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm The park is also home to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, which depicts the life of a German/Texas family from 19151918.

East of the Visitor Center and off the nature trail, the farm is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from June through August and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m September through May. Guided tours there allow park interpreters to demonstrate every phase of life of that era.

School classes and other large groups of 15 or more are encouraged to make reservations for one-hour

farm tours by emailing LBJ. ToursReservations@tpwd.texas. gov.

Nature Trails Elsewhere in the park, a winding nature trail leads walkers to a larger-than-life bronze statue of the former president overlooking the Pedernales River.

It also trails near a wildlife enclosure housing buffalo and other areas with the members of the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd.

Since May of 2014, the park has become home to part of the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd.

Another trail, approximately a mile long, is handicapped accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It departs the Visitor Center and travels through fields of wildflowers and past the Texas Longhorns’ pen to the Danz cabins before looping back.

Every trail in the park is linked with directional signs and strategically-placed markers giving a brief description of highlights along the path.

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There’s More Numerous shaded picnic and rest areas (some with restroom facilities) are available at the state park.

From early June throughout the summer, a large pool facility — complete with children’s wading pool and a covered pavilion — is manned by certified lifeguards.

Nearby are two lighted tennis courts. There is also a baseball field that can be reserved for use at no cost.

Available by reservation is the park’s dining hall and group picnic area, located on the banks of the Pedernales River. There is also a facility that can be reserved for overnight use for youth groups.

Fishing is allowed without a license from the banks of state park lands.

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However, those who go into the waterways, for example, on a boat, must have a fishing license.

Special Events LBJ State Park hosted the annual Seed Stomp on Sunday, Sept. 19.

The tradition was started years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson.

Families are invited to enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and the lighting of the tree.

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Participants learned about native wildflowers, Mrs. Johnson’s legacy of beautifying America and were given wildflower seeds to help reseed the grounds and plant flowers for future generations.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, visitors are invited to the Deck the Halls event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Families can decorate cookies and participate in early 1900s Christmas traditions such as candle making, popcorn stringing and wreath making.

The 52nd Annual LBJ Tree Lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 19.

A statue of Lyndon B. Johnson points out at its visitors at LBJ State Park.

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36th President Lives on at LBJ National Historical Park Those visiting the area can learn about the life and legacy of the 36th President of the United States at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

The park is divided into two components — one near Stonewall and one in Johnson City.

The Dec. 7 event will also serve as a Frontier Christmas at the Johnson Settlement and showcase Christmas traditions from the 1860s. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitors can enjoy cider and cookies at the log cabin of Lyndon

Johnson’s grandparents, and visit with a chuck wagon cook as he shares stories over a campfire.

There will be music and crafts for children as well as a night hike for adventurous participants.

Stonewall District The national park’s Stonewall District operating hours are 9 a.m.5 p.m. daily. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The park gate closes at 5:30 p.m. every day.

The first stop on any tour of the LBJ Ranch is at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site Visitor Center, which is located 17 miles east of Fredericksburg off of U.S. 290.

Free permits for the driving tour are available starting at 9 a.m. and continuing through 4 p.m.

The LBJ Ranch makes up the Stonewall side of the park, while the LBJ Boyhood Home and the Johnson Settlement are located in Johnson City in Blanco County.

Beautiful old houses can be seen at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

The tour leads visitors onto Ranch Road 1 and crosses the Pedernales River near the Junction School where Lyndon Johnson began his education at age four.

The tour also stops at the President’s reconstructed birthplace, then the Johnson

Special Events Annual fall and winter events include Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Christmas at the Boyhood Home, a 1920s-style Christmas lamp-lit home tour, will take place on Saturday nights, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14. It will be the 50th anniversary commemoration of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

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The LBJ Ranch provides scenery, fun and history of one of the United States’ former Presidential families.

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family cemetery, where President and Mrs. Johnson are laid to rest.

From there, tourists can visit the LBJ Ranch Hangar Visitor Center, where free tickets for the tours of the Texas White House grounds are obtained on a first-come, firstserved basis. The tours begin at 10 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. every day.

At this time, tours of the Texas White House interior are not available while structural repairs are underway.

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Johnson City District The Johnson City portion of the park is located 14 miles east of the LBJ Ranch in Blanco County.

The sites include a visitor center at 100 East Ladybird Lane, the LBJ Boyhood Home, and the Johnson Settlement. The center is open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Transporting visitors back to the early days of Texas, a visitor contact station is open in the Withers and Spaulding Building in downtown Johnson City. There, visitors can see how a general store looked around 1915.

More information on the park is available from the visitor center at 830-868-7128 or online at www. nps.gov/lyjo.

The President’s boyhood home is open for guided tours from 10 a.m.4 p.m., excluding the noon hour.

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Old Tunnel State Park Goes Batty Each Evening Mexican free-tailed bats and a smattering of cave myotis bats funnel out of the defunct railroad tunnel that has been home to the migratory colony since the early 1940s at Old Tunnel State Park. The bats swarm into the evening sky at dusk from May through October.

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Emergence of 3 million bats at dusk a sight to behold

By Joe Southern Standard-Radio Post reporter

The furry flurry that emerges each evening from May to October at Old Tunnel State Park is a sight to behold as more than 3 million bats make their sunset trek into the Texas skies in search of food.

The mix of Mexican free-tailed bats and an estimated 3,000 cave myotis bats funnel out of the defunct railroad tunnel that was built in 1913 and used by the Fredericksburg and Northern Railroad until its abandonment in 1941. It takes about 20-30 minutes for the entire colony to emerge, almost on cue at dusk.

The migratory mammals make their home in the 920-foot tunnel, often arriving in late March or early April, and then departing south in the fall and winter. They dine on moths and other flying insects.

Their nightly emergence, however, is the main attraction at Old Tunnel State Park.

The park, located at 10619 Old San Antonio Road (around 11 miles south of Fredericksburg), is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

At dusk, viewing sessions are held where spectators can watch as a “black tornado” forms before their eyes as thousands of bats leave behind their roosts inside the abandoned railroad tunnel, swirling out en masse on their nightly foraging flights.

To better see the bats on their nightly runs, the park offers an upper viewing deck and a lower observation level which is closer to the bat tunnel and walking trail. Although there is no entry fee to the park from sunrise to 5 p.m., a permit is needed after 5 p.m. in order to observe the emergence. The fee is $2 per person for the upper deck and $5 per person for the lower level, which includes the educational presentation. Space is limited and permits must be purchased online in advance at http://tpwd.texas. gov/state-parks/old-tunnel. There are also links on the park’s Facebook page.

Bring drinking water, as no water is available in the park. Picnic tables are available. Restrooms are only open in the evenings during bat season (May to October).

To minimize disturbance to the bat colony and for safety, attendees are asked to stay on the designated trail and not approach the tunnel.

During the summer and early fall months, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hosts sessions to Due to the sensitive nature of the park, no camping, educate visitors about the bats. Bat-viewing pets or smoking are allowed. opportunities are available seven nights a week, and Since the program start depends upon the nightly educational presentations are given Thursday emergence times (which vary with sunset times), through Sunday.

Old Tunnel State Park maintains an informational

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phone line to distribute updated information.

Information on estimated “show” times is available at 1-866-978-2287. There is no phone at Old Tunnel.

Officials can be reached by email at Old.Tunnel@ tpwd.texas.gov.

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Darryl Pitts, a volunteer at Old Tunnel State Park, talks about bats during a program just before the nightly emergence of the winged mammals from the abandoned tunnel at the park.

Park visitors can also enjoy hiking, bird-watching and general wildlife viewing on the half-mile nature trail. The trail opens daily at sunrise and closes at 5 p.m. The trail is primitive and can be steep.

Old Tunnel State Park is located in Kendall County, approximately 13 miles north of Comfort, and 11 miles south of Fredericksburg. The 16.1-acre site was acquired in 1991 for the specific purpose of protection and management of a seasonal colony of bats.

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Brewing Up the Hill Country Brewers, distilleries also shine in region’s offerings.

The Hill Country isn’t just about wine. The area is home to several craft breweries and distilleries.

For the most up-to-date information, call, visit the business’s website or social media accounts.

Altstadt www.altstadtbeer.com 6120 U.S. 290 East Fredericksburg, TX 830-304-2337 Fredericksburg’s biggest brewery is about Old-World German Charm Deep in the Heart of Texas. The brewery opened in 2017 and features one-of-a-kind destination and home to authentic, awardwinning German beer.

The European-style structure features a tasting room, restaurant, authentic Biergarten, event banquet hall, multi-level patio and a private garden and cellar.

To attain Old-World flavors, the owners of Altstadt Brewery imported Pre-World War II Kasper Schultz copper kettles from

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Germany. They adjust water minerality to beer type and abide by the German Purity Laws of 1516 when brewing the beer.

In addition to offering a variety of beers, the brewery also sells homemade pretzels, schnitzel, steak and more.

Azeo Distillery azeodistillery.com 9953 U.S. 290 West Hye, TX 844-493-4676 Azeo Distillery opened in 2018 in conjunction with Horn Winery and offers fruit-based spirits. Currently, Azeo offers vodkas, brandy, moonshine and whiskey.

Two tasting options are offered: For $15, guests can try four clear spirits, which includes two vodkas, a rum and moonshine. For $25, guests can try dark spirits, which includes a black label brandy, a peach brandy, a whiskey and moonshine.

Reservations are requested for groups of six or more.

Fredericksburg Brewing Company www.yourbrewery.com 245 East Main Street Fredericksburg, TX 830-997-1646 Fredericksburg Brewing Company is known for its Gemütlichkeit (friendliness). That good-time spirit began when Dick and Rosemary Estenson opened Fredericksburg Brewing Company in 1994; today it’s the oldest brewpub in Texas and celebrating 27 years.

Visitors can sit at the bar and watch the brewers at work, or take beer to go and stroll the shops on Main Street.

The brewers at Fredericksburg Brewing Company brew more than 20 different varieties throughout the year, rotating staple brews as well as seasonal selections.

Brewmaster Rick Green and company have claimed many awards and the brewery maintains its reputation for quality, fresh beer in addition to being “the granddaddy” of brewpubs.

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The brewery sits in a restored 1890s-era building. In addition to its main room, the brewery has a large, air-conditioned biergarten.

The second floor of the building provides “Bed & Brew” facilities, 12 rooms (one on ground level) with baths, each decorated in a different theme.

The brewery’s restaurant also features a variety of freshly prepared foods, from burgers and pizza, to German food, Scotch eggs, and more.

Elk Store ElkStore1895.com 327 East Main Street Fredericksburg, TX 830-997-2665 This boutique distillery, nestled in the heart of Main Street, offers cocktails using their signature, house-made whiskey, moonshine, rum and gins. Bottles to-go may be purchased.

The establishment also offers a selection of wines and beers.

Garrison Brothers www.Garrisonbros.com 1827 Hye-Albert Road Hye, TX 830-392-0246 Garrison Brothers offers an oldfashioned, time-consuming production process to produce one of the nation’s finest artisan bourbons.

Garrison Brothers’ Cowboy Bourbon was named American Micro Whisky of the Year in the “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.”

It has specialty bourbons which have also rated high marks among appreciative bourbon connoisseurs.

Garrison Brothers offers a $10 “Sit & Sip” tour on Wednesdays through Sundays (Saturdays are $20) at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (No children or smoking allowed.)

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Tastings are normally available from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday.

releases are Coconut and Pineapple and can be found in the distillery and select spots across the state.

The distillery is located just east of the Gillespie County line. The facility also has a gift shop.

Iron Goat Distillery

Hye Cider Co. Hyecidercompany.com 123 Rocky Road Hye, TX 830-282-0143

Irongoatdistillery.com 817 Usener Road 830-307-4357 Iron Goat Distillery offers a variety of rums that can be found at local bars and liquor stores in the Hill Country.

Specializing in cyser — apple and Opened in the fall of 2016, the first honey fermented into a high ABV Iron Goat product was released in drink, Hye Cider’s styles range from 2017. light, dry, and prosecco-like to The rum is aged for six months to deeper, rich styles infusing fig and a year in Garrison Brothers barrels. toasted peppercorns.

Three rums are offered from the Flavors include “Hye Note,” “Hye distillery.

Hops,”, “Hye Stylin’,” and “Hye Iron Goat also offers two spirits, Bay.” “Hye Heaven,” is also the Agave Spirit and Honey Spirit available year-round and “Hye are made alongside the rums in the Season,” is a seasonal Rosé that is distillery. Its Amber Rum won a available in the tasting room only. silver medal at the 2020 American Hang out beneath the hanging Distilling Institute spirits drum set among the vinyl records competition. or relax outside under the oak Products can be purchased trees. locally at Judy’s Liquors, or regionally at Total Wines, Twin Liquors and some Spec’s.

HYE Rum

Hyerum.com 11247 U.S. 290 West Hye, TX 830-265-5644 Founded in 2016, Ruminate Distilling, the parent company to HYE Rum and Island Getaway Rum has been operating its small craft distillery and tasting room in Hye, right in the heart of the 290 Wine Road.

Their craft line of rums falls under the HYE brand and features copper pot distilled rums made traditionally from molasses.

Their flagship rums Dark, White and Spiced can be found throughout Texas.

Their newest line, Island Getaway Rums offer a variety of 80 proof naturally flavored rums. The first

Dietz Distillery Dietzdistillery.com 1434 S US 87 South Fredericksburg, TX 830-998-2241 Opening in November, Dietz Distillery will be the newest spirits player on the scene. Dietz Fischer held an internship at Garrison Bros., then traveled to Austria to study small-scale distilleries, eventually earning his Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in Scotland.

Dietz brings that vision of highquality, small-batch spirits out of his family farm to his vision. Peach and pear brandies will be among his varieties. Cocktails, samples and tours available. >

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Luckenbach Road Whiskey Luckenbachroadwhiskey.com 21 Luckenbach Road Fredericksburg 830-307-7600

have worked with the Texas A&M University Department of Soil and Crop Sciences to maximize and develop crops specific to this region’s climate and growing conditions. An assortment of different corn grains, along with wheat, barley and rye are used in the distillery’s recipes.

A descendant of one of Gillespie County’s early settlers and founder of the Buckhorn Saloon has joined the area’s spirits scene. Luckenbach Road Whiskey Distillery brings a Salvation Spirits sophisticated vision and a Salvation-spirits.com 27,000-square-foot facility to the 10091 US 290 East county, after founder Stewart Fredericksburg, TX Skloss found success with his Pura Vida Tequila line in the liquor Taking a cue from St. Michael, the industry. Luckenbach Road patron saint of German people, Whiskey founders and distillers Salvation Spirits is under

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construction and will donate 10% of net profits to charities that serve the poor, powerless and hungry. Its 10,000-square-foot facility will feature a six-barrell brewing system with a maximum capacity of 1,500 barrels. The distillery’s primary focus will be on premium craft vodka, gin and brandy, infused with organically grown fruit from its own acreage. Beer and wine will also be produced for onsite consumption and limited distribution.

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Museum Honors Sacrifice, Service of WWII Pacific Vets Interweaving the stories of America, Japan, China and other Asian countries, the chronicle of how World War II was won in the Pacific can be found in Fredericksburg at the National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate.

“The National Museum of the Pacific War connects people to the experiences and stories of those affected by World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater by interpreting its enduring, global relevance,” said a spokesperson for the museum.

This accredited and nationally recognized museum honors the more than 100,000 Americans who gave their lives in the war against Japan by “truthfully and respectfully telling the story of their struggles, their sacrifices and their triumphs.”

This mission of the museum is brought to life in their endeavors to teach the history and lessons of the war in the Pacific and through educational platforms for their application to current and future national security issues.

The museum also honors the over-16-million Americans who served in WWII across the globe.

This is particularly relevant in 2021, which is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that prompted the U.S. to enter WWII. Formerly known as the Nimitz Museum, in honor of Fredericksburg’s native son, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, it was renamed to respect the wishes of Nimitz who wanted to ensure that all of the men and women who served and supported the war effort were honored. Nimitz served as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and led the naval victory against Japan.

The museum also strives to preserve the memories of those who served there and those who never returned home, as well as facilitate programs that honor and support all veterans, past and present.

Main Museum Campus Encompassing six acres, museum visitors can explore 55,000 square feet of indoor exhibits featuring dozens of media presentations, almost 1,000 artifacts preserved in climate-controlled cases, 15 macroartifacts and hundreds of photographs.

One of the elite military museums in the nation, the main museum building at 311 E. Austin St. houses Having achieved the rank of Fleet the George H.W. Bush Gallery with the adjacent Plaza of Presidents.

Admiral before his final victories, Across the Memorial Courtyard, the Nimitz signed the Japanese Japanese Garden of Peace is a few Instrument of Surrender on behalf steps away. The Admiral Nimitz of the United States in the historic ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. Gallery is located inside the historic Nimitz Hotel building facing Main Nimitz is memorialized with an eight-foot bronze statue that stands Street. Just two blocks away are the Oveta Culp Hobby Education Center on the museum grounds. and the Pacific Combat Zone.

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Exhibits in the George H.W. Bush Gallery convey the shock and destruction of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, including one of the five Japanese, two-man subs that took part in the attack. In the same building, the museum archives hold thousands of manuscripts, official documents, photographs and oral histories of veterans. The archives are housed in the Center for Pacific War Studies which is open to the public by appointment.

In the Memorial Courtyard, the museum honors individuals, ships and units who fought in the Pacific Theater. The Japanese Garden of Peace was a gift to Americans from the people of Japan and pays tribute to Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo whom Nimitz admired. It includes a replica of Togo’s study in Japan.

The recently renovated Admiral Nimitz Gallery features exhibits of Nimitz’ strategy and tactics in his defeat of the Japanese, a wide array of Nimitz’ own artifacts and new digital interactives, including a chance for visitors to try their hands at refueling a battleship at sea, “island-hopping” toward Japan’s mainland, and even running the Nimitz Hotel in the 1800s.

Pacific Combat Zone The Pacific Combat Zone is a unique two-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit and one of the museum’s most popular venues.

The PT (Patrol, Torpedo) boat exhibit allows guests to see how these small, fast and torpedo-

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The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of Fredericksburg’s largest tourist attractions. It tells the story of World War II, from the war’s beginning to Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri.

armed vessels were equipped for missions. With videos, an oral history kiosk and the history of the PT boat displayed, visitors will get a glimpse of the lives of those who served on them.

The Carrier Aircraft exhibit takes museum-goers “below deck” of an aircraft carrier where they will get an up-close view of a TBM Avenger aircraft getting ready for a mission.

This exhibit also includes videos, artifacts and information about flight missions.

Visitors can test their skills on table-top games stationed in front of the aircraft – launching torpedoes at enemy ships, defending a ship by manning an anti-aircraft gun, and waving a pilot in on approach and landing.

The museum stages living history reenactment programs in the amphitheater, putting the audience on the front lines at the Pacific Combat Zone. Typically, the living history programs are presented on scheduled weekends from March

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through November. These programs immerse visitors in battle, providing historical background on weapons used during the war and dramatically showcasing the equipment and tactics used by both U.S. forces and that of the Japanese.

The finale features a look into a war-like scenario with the weapons being fired. The museum is known for its skillful use of pyrotechnics in these reenactments.

In addition to the major reenactment programs, the Living History department presents shorter, less formal programs called Outposts on Saturdays as weather permits.

For program schedule and other details, visit the museum’s website for events listings.

General Information The National Museum of the Pacific War is closed on Tuesdays and open the other six days weekly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a timed

admission basis. Online reservations are recommended for busy weekends. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Note: Days and hours may change; visitors should check the website for current information.

Admission is free for WWII veterans.

Senior citizens 65 and older are $14; adults are $18; military members (active or retired) with an I.D. are $12; children six and over and students who have ID, are $8; children five and under are free.

Admission for school groups is free and for tour groups of 20 or more, call for pricing. Advance reservations are recommended.

For more information about rates, along with questions about volunteering at the museum, call 997-8600 or visit the museum online at www.pacificwarmuseum. org.

The museum is located at 311 E. Austin St.

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City Parks Offer Variety of Camping, Day Use Amenities

Playgrounds can be found throughout the city limits, including at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Old Fair Park, Marktplatz, Frantzen Park and the Elementary School Park.

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Just three miles from downtown attractions, the 150-acre Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is the crown jewel of the City of Fredericksburg’s parks system and provides a recreational getaway for locals and visitors, alike.

nature lovers a chance to get up close and personal with the natural habitat.

Each of the five outdoor pavilions is available on a first-come firstserved basis or by reservation.

Information about the facilities and reservation opportunities is available from the City of For vacationers who enjoy fishing, Fredericksburg’s website at There is no admission charge for www.fbgtx.org. the park offers a 17-acre lake and entering the park located southwest plenty of spots to wet a line. Motor Overnight camping of town on Texas 16 South. boats, however, are prohibited, as Camping under the stars is Some rules and regulations may are trotlines and swimming. available at the park, which be modified due to the COVID-19 Elsewhere in the park, there are accommodates RVs and tents. pandemic, but most of baseball and softball fields, a sand Fredericksburg’s parks are still In all, there are 90 RV spaces volleyball court, an outdoor available to be enjoyed. available for travel trailers with 30basketball court, a seasonal 50 amp electrical hookups, water swimming pool (with kiddie pool to Day use activities and sewer, cable TV, wireless the side) and tennis courts.

Internet and shade trees.

Daytime visitors to Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park can use Rental facilities Rates are $52 per night, $312 per picnic tables (available on a firstweek and $607 per month Visitors who plan large come first-served basis) and four (available Sept. 1-March 31 only). gatherings may want to look into playgrounds at no charge to using one of the park’s five large Campers who want to tent camp accommodate those just wanting to outdoor covered pavilions or one of pay $10 per night. All campers must get away from it all for a couple of three indoor sites, including the check in at the park office to receive hours.

Tatsch House, the Cardinal Room at a camping permit.

Three free nature trails that take the golf course clubhouse or the hikers across Live Oak Creek give spacious Pioneer Pavilion.

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The pathways were established by the Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center.

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There are nine comfort stations to serve visitors, while three bathhouses are available.

Reservations for camping, use of the park’s picnic tables or other facilities can be made by calling the park at 830-997-4202, online or by writing Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

Amenities: outdoor pavilions • Baseball field • Golf course • Softball field • Practice field • Volleyball court • Basketball court • Tennis courts • Swimming pool (open summer months only) • Five

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• Fishing

at Live Oak Creek adjacent to Lady Bird Johnson RV Park

• Restrooms

Dog Park The City of Fredericksburg and the Fredericksburg Dog Park Association [FDPA – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization] have joined together to create a city dog park within Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.

Opened Dec. 14, 2018, the fiveacre dog park adjacent to Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park can accommodate both large and small canines.

This is a great opportunity for visitors to let their furry friend run off all that extra energy. The park asks everyone to use common courtesy and clean up after their pets.

More information may be obtained for any of these parks by calling park headquarters at 830997-4202 or City Hall at 830-9977521.

Other City Parks Cross Mountain Park On North Milam Street, just at the outskirts of town, visitors will find Cross Mountain Park.

Cross Mountain is located on a historic marl and limestone hill with an elevation of 1,951 feet.

It was used as an Indian lookout for early settlers. During the settling of Fredericksburg, a timber cross was found on the hilltop.

Early Fredericksburg pioneers gave this hill the name “Kreuzberg” or Cross Mountain. >

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In 1946, the permanent lighted cross was raised. Currently, there is a Master Conceptual Plan for additional trails, picnic sites, and vista overlooks, but at this time, the project is unfunded.

Texas Rangers used the site as a camp, both before and after military occupation. During the Civil War, the Confederate States Army occupied the fort for a brief period.

Amenities: • Walking trails • Overlook • Restroom • Picnic tables

Later abandoned and then purchased and used by the Braeutigam family as a farm, the property was purchased by the City of Fredericksburg in 1949.

Elementary School Park On the grounds of Fredericksburg Elementary School at 1608 North Adams Street is Elementary School Park.

This park filled the need for a park on the north side of town. It was developed as a joint venture between the Fredericksburg Independent School District and the City of Fredericksburg.

The city constructed the facilities and the FISD maintains them.

The park is available to the public outside of school hours.

Amenities: • Playground • Pavilion • Restrooms • Trails • Practice • Outdoor

fields basketball court

Fort Martin Scott Located out U.S. 290 East (Main Street) across from the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Martin Scott was the first U.S. Army outpost built on the Texas Frontier.

The historic site contains one original garrison building which has been restored, one late-1800s farm shed and three reproduction garrison buildings.

The old military fort was in operation from 1848-1853 by the U.S. Army.

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Fort Martin Scott is currently operated as a self-guided tour of the historic site.

In the spring of 2019, a new trail that winds about half a mile along Barons Creek was opened.

flood plain, but the open green space is a pleasant place for family fun.

Amenities: areas • Swing set • Picnic

Marktplatz The most present Fredericksburg city park is Marktplatz, located right in the center of Fredericksburg.

This park surrounds on all sides one of the most revered treasures of the city, the Vereins Kirche. This iconic building recently underwent some renovations and repainting.

The trail was built with assistance The octagonal-shaped building from the Fredericksburg Rotary was the site of the first church and Club, Friends of the Fredericksburg the first school in Fredericksburg.

Nature Center and Fort Martin Scott Marktplatz hosts festivals, Friends. concerts and an ice skating rink The trail is open from dawn to during the holiday season. dusk.

Marktplatz offers a gathering space, a playground for children and Amenities: places for a picnic.

• Self-guided tour with interpretive Pavilions at Marktplatz can be signage around the fort’s reserved for private parties by quadrangle during daylight hours. calling (830) 990-2044.

Buildings are only open during Visitor Center hours listed below.

Amenities: • Three large pavilions • Living history re-enactments • Catering kitchen twice a year.

• Fest room • Visitor Center hours: Thursday to • Large playground Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed • Open space with benches Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Restrooms • Address: 1606 E. Main Street, • Historic markers Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

• Gardens • Phone: 830-990-2018 (City Hall).

• Located on Main Street

Frantzen Park This quiet little park located at 400 South Orange Street, with picnic tables, makes a great place for an outing with the family.

This park was originally named Orange Street Park. It was donated to the city by Alex and Laura Frantzen in 1956.

There has been limited development in the park as it is in a

Oak Crest Park On Texas 16 South, 2.5 miles south of Main Street, this park has lighted baseball and softball fields with some covered bleachers, and a large covered playground.

This park is designed for recreational and organized team sports. It is used by youth baseball.

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Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

has nature trails that wind their way through sections of the park.

These trails offer nature lovers a glimpse of the multitude of species of birds, forbs, grasses, woody plants, amphibians, reptiles and insects to view.

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is one of the many parks in There are three different nature trails that the city of Fredericksburg. It offers amenities including an RV total about one mile, designed and built by Standard-Radio Post file photo park, softball fields, a playground, tennis courts and a pool. the Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course is also attached.

Center, that wind through seven distinct microhabitats.

A playground honoring A batting cage has a protective The 10-acre area features forests, prairie, Fredericksburg fallen soldier, Chris net for someone to pitch a ball to a riparian, creek and lakeside wetlands, post Staats, was dedicated in 2012. batter who stands at a home plate. oak savannah and semi-arid brush land ecosystems.

Adequate parking makes this a It is a great way to take in some perfect space for participation in team sports or organize a Kiosks along the trail feature displays of the team sports. recreational game when the fields various groups of wildlife found in the park and a television monitor in the park office are not scheduled.

Old Fair Park shows photos of the wildflowers, birds, The new playground has three butterflies and dragonflies seen in the Old Fair Park is located just separate areas with swings, play nature area. behind H-E-B, at the corner of Ufer structures and interactive games. and Lincoln streets.

There is a 70 foot x 70 foot garden located Town Pool between the swimming pool and the RV park This park is designed for sports play with lighted regulation Located at 105 W. Travis St., Town that was designated the “Pollinator Garden.”

The wildflowers are home to bees, baseball and softball fields, a Pool is open during summer butterflies, hummingbirds and moths lighted soccer field, concession months only. carrying out pollination processes. stands and a playground.

Some rules and regulations have Checklists are available in the park It also has a skatepark, a new been added to prevent spread of the headquarters office; the lists include 260 basketball pavilion and playground coronavirus. wildflowers, 178 birds, 70 butterflies, 50 was recently completed, all funded Pool Features: odonates (dragonflies) and reptiles, by the Fredericksburg Morning • 25 yards long, 3 to 5 feet deep mammals and fish.

Rotary Club.

The basketball pavilion has two courts, one of which can also be used for pickleball.

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• Vortex

water slide basketball with goal • Handicap chair lift • Ice cream machine • In-water

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Roll, Roll, Roll Your Board Those looking to get their shred on should look no further than Old Fair Park, which added a skate park in 2015.

Thanks to funds raised by the Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club and donated from generous locals, the riders of Gillespie County and those just visiting have somewhere to flip, grind and ollie in peace.

Designed by Evergreen Skate Parks, a company run by longtime skateboarders Bill and Catherine Coulson, park opened six years ago.

The skate park was built on land donated by the City of Fredericksburg at Old Fair Park, adjacent to the H-E-B grocery store on South Adams Street, and behind the Boys & Girls Club on East Park Street.

It is operated by the city and is free and open to the public.

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Shaded and seating areas were recently added in early 2016, thanks to donations from the Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club.

The city maintains the 24,000-square-foot park, along with the nearby basketball pavilion, soccer field batting cage and softball fields.

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Vereins Kirche Keeps Current with Exhibits, Activities Submitted photo

The Vereins Kirche is a unique landmark in the center of downtown Fredericksburg.

The octagonal building is owned and operated by the Gillespie County Historical Society.

The Vereins Kirche recently underwent a major renovation in 2020 and now includes a brand-new exhibit.

Exhibits for the Vereins Kirche The new permanent exhibit in the Vereins Kirche, 1847 to the Present, tells the history of the two Vereins Kirchen, the original and the replica.

The story of the Vereins Kirche begins with the immigration of Germans to Texas in the 1840s.

From there, six of the eight walls are each dedicated to the story of the Vereins Kirche fitting into the wall’s overarching theme. Each wall contains information about the Vereins Kirche, Fredericksburg, and the state of Texas.

The new interpretation has themes of “Arrival in Texas,” “Building the Vereins Kirche,” “Learning,” “Worshiping,” “Meeting,” and “Preserving.”

Local artists, Lee and Matt Casbeer created paintings that line the top of the building depicting different scenes through the buildings’ history.

The final panel explains the history of the Gillespie County Historical Society, who have been the stewards of the replica since 1935.

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Owned and managed by the Gillespie County Historical Society, the Vereins Kirche on Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg tells the story of this iconic building.

History The original Vereins Kirche served as the town’s first church, school and public meeting place and lookout building for protection against invaders.

The replica of the Vereins Kirche was used as a library, home to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, a one-day post office and a museum.

The original Vereins Kirche, or Society Church, was used primarily as a church and school for all denominations.

School districts were created in Gillespie County in the 1850s and students were no longer using the Vereins Kirche. As with the school, church congregations began building their own churches in town and slowly leaving the Vereins Kirche empty most days.

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By the 50th anniversary in 1896, the stone walls were removed to make the Vereins Kirche a pavilion for the celebration. The building was torn down in 1897 as it had fallen into disrepair.

For many years, local citizens had the vision of building a replica of the Vereins Kirche.

In 1935, the Gillespie County Historical Society received their charter and began working to rebuild the Vereins Kirche as a pioneer memorial. Fundraising by citizens and help from the New Deal Works Progress Administration supported the building of the Vereins Kirche. A celebration was held in May 1935 and the Vereins Kirche Pioneer Memorial was officially opened.

The first use of the new Vereins Kirche was to house Pioneer

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Memorial Library and a small historical museum. The first exhibits included memorabilia and collectibles from the early pioneer days.

When the Gillespie County Historical Society purchased the Kammlah Homestead in 1955, most of their artifacts were moved and displayed in the Kammlah House while a small exhibit space remained in the Vereins Kirche.

In 1967, after the second courthouse was refurbished by Eugene and Margaret McDermott of Dallas, Pioneer Memorial Library left the Vereins Kirche and took up residence in the McDermott Building where it remains today.

For a few years, part of the Vereins Kirche was home to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, with GCHS exhibit

space occupying some of the building. It was during this time that the GCHS began archiving and organizing its collection.

When the Chamber moved out of the Vereins Kirche, the space became an area for the GCHS Archives and Collections (now located at the GCHS offices in the Historic First Methodist Church at 312 West San Antonio Street).

A depiction of the MeusebachComanche Treaty painted by Lucy Meusebach Marschall in the 1920s hangs in the Vereins Kirche.

Hours of Operation:

The Vereins Kirche is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays.

Admission to the Vereins Kirche is $2.50 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-12, 5 and under free.

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Library Houses ‘Good Reads’

Pioneer Memorial Library is located on Courthouse Square in downtown Fredericksburg.

The historic building at one time served as the seat of government in Gillespie County.

Standard-Radio Post file photo

Readers of all ages are invited to explore the shelves and shelves holding thousands of books and other reading material at Pioneer Memorial Library.

The library offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Fredericksburg, and is located at 115 W. Main St., next to the Gillespie County Courthouse.

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Services Library cards can be issued free of charge to residents of Gillespie County. Proof of residency — such as a driver’s license — is required upon application.

Children, ages six and over, can be issued a card, with a parent or legal guardian’s signature.

Visitors to the county may use the library’s resources after paying a $5 fee. Non-residents of Gillespie County — such as those applying from surrounding counties — are charged $5 per year for a family library membership.

Books may be checked out for two weeks, and if not requested by another library user, may be renewed for another two weeks.

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The historic building served as the courthouse from 1882 until 1939 when the courthouse shifted to the current building next door. Various governmental organizations occupied the building until it was closed in 1963.

Youth

Library ‘Friends’

Young readers can find their own exclusive area on the first floor.

Picture books, stories for children and fiction and non-fiction reads for older kids are featured.

In addition to being a department of the County of Gillespie, Pioneer Memorial Library is supported by the Friends of Pioneer Memorial Library.

Although many regular events are not being held due to the coronavirus pandemic, a schedule for events — such as story time — can be found at the library’s central desk.

Annual membership in the Two years later, Mr. and Mrs. friends of Pioneer Memorial Library Eugene McDermott of Dallas is open to all at a nominal cost. funded the preservation of the building so that it could be used as a public library. It was dedicated in May 1967.

Hours

Adults

Pioneer Memorial Library is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.

Adult fiction and non-fiction books, reference materials, the Texas collection, magazines and periodicals are located on the second floor, accessible by stairs or elevator.

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Library History Pioneer Memorial Library is housed in a former Gillespie County Court-house, which was designed

by Alfred Giles.

In 1983, Mrs. McDermott provided a challenge for a matching grant so that renovations and expansion to the second floor could be accomplished. The community responded, and the renovated library was dedicated in December of 1984.

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Hill Country Higher Ed Hill Country University Center offers different higher education options in Fredericksburg for both traditional and non-traditional students.

degrees and provides scholarships to local students to offset the cost of attending college.

HCUC houses the Texas Tech University Regional Teaching Site in Fredericksburg (TTU) and a branch of Central Texas College (CTC).

CTC is a two-year public community college that provides freshman and sophomore courses while maintaining some of the lowest tuition rates in the state of Texas.

Together, the schools offer area students an affordable way to complete a four-year degree without leaving town.

The 24,000-square-foot facility opened in 2010, and today boasts seven classrooms, a science lab, computer library, student lounge, offices, and the H-E-B Community Events Center, which can host gatherings. It is located on 68 acres at the eastern city limits.

The HCUC campus serves students in Gillespie and the surrounding six-county area.

Central Texas College

Students can earn an associate degree while completing their core curriculum toward many areas of study.

TTU offers junior and senior-level coursework needed to successfully complete baccalaureate and graduate degrees without leaving Fredericksburg.

With the programs offered, students can design a degree that prepares them for a variety of careers.

Bachelor degrees are offered in local food and wine production, political science, and teacher education, to name a few. The institutions offer certifications and professional development to help meet the area’s workforce needs

CTC also works with local school districts to expand trade and technical training opportunities for high school students who wish Here, in the heart of Texas wine to enter the workforce immediately country, TTU is leading the way in upon graduation. the study of winemaking and offers viticulture and enology By earning college credits at certificate programs, taught by CTC, a student can build a solid some of the country’s top academic foundation and save instructors. on the cost of college before

transferring to a four-year degree Evening classes serve many adult program. One popular path to a students who also work full time. bachelor’s degree is by The center offers a variety of transferring from CTC to TTU. associate, bachelor and master

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TTU-Fredericksburg

The program has brought in grape growers and wine makers from around the nation to earn industry certification and many of them go on to careers in the region.

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Hill Country University Center

Hill Country University Center

2818 U.S. 290 East Fredericksburg 830-990-2717 www.hcucenter.org Hill Country University Center

Hill Country University’s orientation session lets area high school students know their local highereducation options.

Texas Tech University Fredericksburg

www.fredericksburg.ttu.edu

Adult Education

Central Texas College

www.ctcd.edu/locations/ other-texas-locations/fredericksburg

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The HCUC also offers a variety of adult education courses from the TTU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

OLLI offers members 50 years and older the opportunity to learn

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about a variety of topics from experts in their field.

By combining quality and affordability, the partnership between CTC and TTU at the HCUC offers a unique opportunity for higher education in Fredericksburg.

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Steering Visitors in the Right Direction

Chamber, CVB, EDC have distinct roles.

Visitor Bureau and the Gillespie Visitors to Gillespie County and Fredericksburg are served by three County Economic Development Commission. organizations which each have distinct roles in the community.

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Information needed to make the Commerce is located next door at 306 East Austin Street in a historic most out of any Fredericksburg home remodeled into an open visit is readily available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information business space.

Center, 302 East Austin Street (one The Fredericksburg Convention block north of Main Street across and Visitor Bureau is a marketing, from the National Museum of the sales and service organization, Pacific War). funded by a portion of the city’s The site offers free parking for vehicles, including RVs and buses, and public restrooms.

The building is home to both the Fredericksburg Convention and

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and county’s hotel/motel occupancy tax.

FCVB promotes Fredericksburg and Gillespie County as a leisure destination for group tours,

reunions, weddings and meeting sites.

The FCVB staffs and operates the Visitor Information Center, which is open to assist visitors every day except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. In the center, visitors can watch a free, 10-minute video in the building’s 48-seat theater.

Visitors also can gather information on potential activities, accommodations and businesses of interest through magazines and brochures in the lobby area, including info on walking tours, historic sites, an events calendar,

The Visitor Information Center, which houses the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, points visitors toward area attractions as well as coordinates publicity for the town to media outlets.

It also has public restrooms on site.

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city and county maps and driving trail maps.

CVB President and CEO Ernie Loeffler writes a weekly column in the Fredericksburg StandardRadio Post. Members of his staff represent Fredericksburg at travel events around the globe.

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce works on business education, advocacy, communication and business-tobusiness assistance.

Catering to more than 900 members — a large amount for a town of roughly 12,000 — the Chamber works to create a positive business environment. Its staff coordinates events, volunteers and highlights accomplishments at its annual March banquet.

Chamber President and CEO Penny C. McBride also writes a weekly column in the Fredericksburg StandardRadio Post.

Tim Lehmberg is executive director of the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission. He keeps his finger on the economic pulse of Gillespie County and helps recruit and ease the transition for new businesses who are right for the market to locate here.

The GCEDC is a collaborative partnership between the city and county and its mission is to encourage, enhance and promote managed economic development throughout the county. The GCEDC is governed by a board of directors with nine voting members.

Visitor Center Hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau

302 East Austin Street Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-997-6523 or 1-888-997-3600 Email: visitorinfo@fbgtx.org www.visitfredericksburgtx.com

Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce

306 East Austin Street Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-997-5000 Email: penny@fbgtxchamber.org www.fredericksburg-texas.com

Gillespie County Economic Development Commission

302 East Austin Street Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-997-6523 Email: edc@fbgtx.org www.gillespiecountyedc.com Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-997-5000 Email: penny@fbgtxchamber.org www.fredericksburg-texas.com

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