Hill Country Sun, April 2015

APRIL 2015 Don’t miss the 26th Annual Llano Crawfish Open

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Wimberley Arts Fest at Blue Hole Regional Park

R Bell Springs Winery’s new Sidecar Tasting Room

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Father & son team Wagonmasters restoring original Grand Wagoneers

R Bard of the Blanco Ernie Lees’s Hill Country Poetry

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The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

26th Annual

Llano Crawfish OPen

Serving Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda, Bulverde, Burnet, Canyon Lake, Castroville, Comfort, Concan, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Georgetown, Gruene, Henly, Hancock, Johnson City, Kerrville, Kyle, Lakeway, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, Medina, New Braunfels, San Antonio, San Marcos, Sattler, Sisterdale, Stonewall, Wimberley, Utopia, Uvalde, Vanderpool & More

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M U S I C F E S T I VA L S 2 0 1 5 FREE PARKING Concert Series 10am to midnight

4 11

DOUG STONE

Jade Jack, Jake Ward, Mary Sarah, Brett Mullins, Bobby Flores, Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys, + Special Guests

JOHNNY BUSH

59

Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys, Jesse Raub Jr., Genevieve Allen, Mary Sarah and Melissa Brooke Band, + Special Guests

66

HAL KETCHUM

Kelly Willis, Stephen Chadwick, Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars, Mary Sarah, Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys, + Special Guests

CODY JOHNSON

74

Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys The Bayou Blackbirds, Danny Dillon & West 105, Michael Dart and the Skyline Wranglers, Mary Sarah and Amya Rodriguez, + Special Guests

8 22

DALE WATSON

Â

and his Lone Stars

Texas Jamm Band, Amber Digby, Mary Sarah, Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys, and Breelan Angel, + Special Guests

MICKEY GILLEY

9 19

Mary Sarah, Coby Carter, Kylie Frey, Michael Dart and the Skyline Wranglers, Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys, + Special Guests

TRACY BYRD

10 17

Jake Penrod & his Million-Dollar Cowboys, Mary Sarah, Janice Maynard & The Country Stardust Band, Glen Collins & The Alibis, Kevin Moon, 30 miles west of Austin on Hwy 290 + Special Guests

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Bring Your Entire Family for a Fun Filled day in the Beautiful Texas Hill Country PAGE 2 APRIL 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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

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

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

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com Ernie Altgelt Colleen Brooks Ernie Lee Laurel Robertson Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie Adelle Spell Distribution

The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com).

Credit cards accepted.

• Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service.

• C o v e r : Kevin Fowler headlines the musical entertainment at the 26th annual Llano Crawfish Open April 18-19. (See story, page 9.) In addition to plenty of crawfish and delicious eats, you’ll find more great live music, plus a 5K, golf tourney, arts and crafts, vendors, team roping, motorcycle run, kids’ activities and more.

Photo courtesy Kevin Fowler, Small inset photos courtesy Llano Crawfish Open.

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

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

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2015 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

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

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R APRIL 2015 PAGE 3

wimberley

Celebrate art in beautiful setting April 18-19 W

By Colleen Brooks

imberley’s a great place to be April 18 and 19, as the Wimberley Valley Art League’s 7th Annual Arts Fest features the works of 87 juried artists, continuous live music, food, drink and much more. The fun runs from 10 am to 6 pm Saturday at Blue Hole Regional Park, where in addition to plenty of art, guests can enjoy a barbecue cook-off beginning at 11 am (judging starts at noon), and a classic car show sponsored by the Wimberley Classic Car Club at the Blue Hole parking area (just adjacent to Arts Fest).

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Vendors will serve up Thai food, sliders, hot sandwiches, snocones, wine, beer and more. The musical lineup Saturday includes Gerry Burns at 11 am, the Steve Schoen Trio +One at 12:15 pm, Three Hands High at 1:30 pm, Arley Blankenship and Doug Floyd at 2:45 pm, and Split Milk at 4 pm.

Sunday, Arts Fest kicks off at 11 am, with music by The Rounders. Music continues throughout the day, with The Ash Family at 12:15 pm, Andrew Hardin and Kelly Mickwee at 1:30 pm, Hot Texas Swing Band at 2:45 pm, and Erik Hokkanen Duo at 4 pm.

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A highlight Sunday is the unveiling Wimberley Square—has evolved into of 15-plus giant boots at the “Baring Our what is now the popular Wimberley Arts Boots” party at 2:30 pm, an addition to Fest. The event grew quickly and Wimberley’s public art project “Boooutgrew the Square, prompting tiful Wimberley,” which includes the move to a larger venue at 36 six-foot fiberglass boots deBlue Hole Regional Park. signed and placed at locations Arts Fest is made posall over Wimberley in 2014. sible by local volunteers, During the event, guests will many from sister non-profit have a chance to vote on a favorgroups not connected to the ite boot.

Wimberley Valley Art Wimberley Valley Art League. “The fest is definiteLeague, a non-profit organizaly a community wide effort,” tion organized more than 16 Kaye smiles. years ago by a small group of Arts Fest will offer a Hill Country artists, is host for “People’s Choice Award,” an the event. The group’s memopportunity for visitors to bership now exvote on their favorite exhibit. ceeds 135. Ac“The winner will be awardcording to ed a free ad in Southwest Art Kaye Collins, magazine, a nationally recogcommittee memnized publication within the art ber, “Our main world,” Kaye explains. goal is to try to More Keep Wimberley Bootiful art There’s plenty more to promote interest boots will be revealed at the do at the beautiful Blue in and recognition “Baring Our Boots” party April 19 Hole Regional Park includof artists in all as- at Blue Hole Regional Park. ing hiking the nature trails pects of the visual Photo courtesy WVAL. or taking a stroll along and functional beautiful Cypress Creek. arts.”

At Arts Free shuttles will also be Fest, there will be art in many mediums available to take guests from the Arts Fest — sculpture, paintings, jewelry, furniture to and from the Wimberley Square and and pottery, just to name a few, she adds. the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, where The Wimberley Valley Art League the annual Butterfly Festival is happening (WVAL) is active within the local com- Saturday (See story, page 5.). There, guests munity. Members volunteer at Market can enjoy butterfly arts and crafts, games, Days, display art work at the library, live music, guided nature walks, concesbanks, and dental centers. The league sions, and more. also hosts monthly demonstrations and FYI • Wimberley Arts Fest at Blue Hole is Saturday, regular workshops, in addition to juried April 18, from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, April 19, from 11 shows every two months. Each fall, the am to 5 pm. Parking is available adjacent to Blue Hole Road.

Wimberley Valley Art League hosts a Free shuttles will be available from the parking lot to the popular studio tour. exhibits. Interested in promoting your business at Arts Fest?

The group’s spring event—originally Sponsors are still being accepted. For more information, a tiny exhibit on the south side of the visit the web site at www.wimberleyartsfest.com.

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PAGE 4 APRIL 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Wimberley Arts Fest’s featured artist D. R. Jones of Wimberley and the artwork he created for the festival. See his work and that of nearly 90 artists April 18-19 at Blue Hole Regional Park. Photo courtesy Wimberley Valley Art League.

World famous wiener dog races, country fair in Buda BUDA H The 18th annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races comes to Buda City Park April 25-26, sponsored by the Buda Lions Club. There’ll be plenty of family fun, including a barbecue cookoff, a bakeoff, pet parade, the Buda Bee and the world-famous wiener dog races at 10:30 am and 2 pm. Guests can also enjoy 100 arts and crafts booths, food, live music, kids’ activities and more both days. Saturday hours are 9 am to 6 pm. Sunday hours are 9 am to 5 pm, with wiener dog races at 10:30 am and finals at 3 pm.

FYI • Admission is $5, kids 12 and under get in free. Parking is available at Cabela’s with free shuttles to City Park. For more information, visit the web site at www.BudaLions.com.

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Spring brings EmilyAnn’s beloved Butterly Festival WIMBERLEY H The EmilyAnn Theatre’s spring season officially begins April 18 at the 17th Annual Butterfly Festival from 9 am to 5 pm.

The festival features the live release of 3,000 butterflies; opening ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial Plaza; a Butterfly Flight House; a Commemorative Air Force flyover (weather permitting); displays of butterfly art; games and crafts; concessions; guided nature walks; and live music and lots of other family friendly entertainment.

Admission to the Butterfly Festival is free, but donations are gratefully

accepted. Concessions and game and craft tickets may be purchased on the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens’ web site or at the festival.

FYI • The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens is located at 1101 Farm Market 2325 in Wimberley.

Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted. Concession, game tickets and Butterfly Train ride tickets will be available. Parking is available at Wimberley High School and Danforth Junior High. Visitors can take a free shuttle from parking lots or walk the short distance to the EmilyAnn. Parking at EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens will be limited to handicapped parking only. For a complete schedule of events, including all productions at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, visit www. emilyann.org. For more information, call 512-847-6969.

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Bell Springs premieres Sidecar Tasting Room

B

By Laurel Robertson

ell Springs Winery — the bucolic country vineyard and tasting room on Bell Springs Road — is coming to town with the opening of a speakeasy-style tasting room in Dripping Spring’s new historic district.

Owners Angie and Nate Pruitt have completed work on their Sidecar Tasting Room on Old Fitzhugh Road.

The couple completely renovated an original 1940s woodframe house and outfitted it in Prohibition-era decor and furnishings (including a 1911 piano with a Hollywood history).

They chose the name Sidecar for this second tasting room because it “rides alongside” their original winery and tasting room — and as an historic reference to the ’20s and the drink made famous in that decade.

While the original Tasting Room out at Bell Springs Winery still offers leisurely afternoon wine-sipping overlooking pastoral country scenes, Sidecar has a more uptown feel.

Its close proximity to Dripping Springs’ growing number of restaurants and entertainment venues makes it convenient for diners to drop in for a glass of wine before dinner or for a nightcap afterwards.

Sidecar also offers an expanded drink menu, including wine cocktails

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PAGE 6 APRIL 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Bell Springs Winery’s new Sidecar Tasting Room, now open in Dripping Springs.

Stop by the unique speak-easy style venue in the historic dirstrict on Old Fitzhugh Road. Photo by Alex Fitch Photography.

and Bell Springs Cider.

Like the original Bell Springs Tasting Room, Sidecar serves “nibbles” to accompany the wine — a selection of meat and cheese plates, along with some extraordinary sweets. And guests can enjoy live piano music Fridays and Saturdays.

Nate says he tried to reuse as much of the original house material as possible during the renovation.

“We had new batten boards specially milled to match the originals, and even turned the old wooden siding into into rustic drink tables,” he points out.

Angie brought her designer’s eye to the interior, using historically-accurate pressed tin ceiling panels, stained wood wainscoting, antique style wallpaper and a 30’ long bar that runs the length of the main room.

The lighting fixtures, wall trim and furniture all reflect the period theme.

Outside, covered front and back porches offer a choice of sun or shade at any time of day or year.

Washer pits and an outdoor stage are surrounded by bright landscaping.

A new parking lot in the rear supplies ample off-street parking for both Sidecar and its next-door-neighbor, Pink West Salon.

Nate is still hatching ideas for what to do with the original smokehouse and outhouse on the property, but it will be something fun, he assures us.

“This is the prototypical new business for Dripping Springs,” Nate says.

“We worked closely with the City to comply with historic, architectural, lighting and color ordinances. It was a pleasant mutual partnership.”

He says he’s excited about the next five years in Dripping Springs, as more restaurants and shops bring people to town to spend the day. Nate and Angie are firmly planted here, they say, with their two young children planning to attend Dripping Springs schools and call this their hometown.

Bell Springs Winery sources grapes See BELL SPRINGS’ SIDECAR, page 7

BELL SPRINGS’ SIDECAR, from page 6 from all over the world (including Texas) to produce the current reserve of five red, five white and one rose wines. Their wines can be purchased at both of the tasting rooms, through the Bell Springs Winery web site and as a member of their Wine Club. Bell Springs wine-by-theglass is also available at the Mercantile Wine and Tapas Bar and Homespun Restaurant in Dripping Springs.

FYI • Bell Springs Winery’s Sidecar Tasting Room is located at 501 Old Fitzhugh Road in Dripping Springs. Hours are 2 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 2 pm Bell Springs Winery owners Nate and Angie Pruitt with to 10 pm Friday, noon to 10 pm Sat- their sons Reston, 4, and Ellis, 1. Photo courtesy Nate Pruitt. urday and noon to 8 pm Sunday.

For more information, see their Facebook page (Sidecar Tasting Room) or call 512-643-7398. More information about Bell Springs Winery is available at www.bellspringswinery.com

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Nate and Angie completely renovated an original 1940s wood frame house and outfitted it in Prohibition-era decor and furnishings (including a 1911 piano with a Hollywood history) at the Sidecar Tasting Room. Photo by Alex Fitch Photography.

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Festival features nature tours, kids’ activities, more LAGO VISTA H The Balcones Songbird Festival is April 24-27 at Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge in Lago Vista. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the primary purpose of the refuge is to protect the nesting habitat of the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, two highly endangered migratory birds.

The event features birding and nature tours with expert guides Friday through Monday. Registration and information about each tour is available on the web site.

Tours fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.

A Saturday program, Advanced Young Birders, is offered at 8 am and again at 1 pm. Sunday, don’t miss Fledgling Fest with free family events from noon to 5 pm.

Activities include Geocaching 101 and Orienting, and a Raptor Show at 1 pm and 3 pm.

Kids can earn a Nature Ranger Passport as they play nature games, see live animals, build a birdhouse, capture and identify creekside critters and more.

FYI • The Balcones Songbird Festival is hosted each year by the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. For a full listing of events and to register for nature tours, visit the web site at www.balconessongbirdfestival.org.

For more information, call 512-965-2473.

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R APRIL 2015 PAGE 7

Father, son together restore classic Wagoneers

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By Ernie Altgelt

ne of the most iconic and legendary automotive brands in the United States is, without a doubt, Jeep. Since its first model’s inception, introduction and use during the Second World War as a durable “general purpose” military vehicle (GP – hence the name) to today’s current and cushier versions, no other make has represented, captivated and/or inspired the national spirit like these four-wheeling wonders.

And although the product line, while always retaining its rugged roots, has continued to stylistically evolve throughout its 65-year history, to many the finest and most well-appointed examples were those produced from 1963 until 1991 – the production run of the tough and tricked-out Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

While no longer available as “new” from the dealerships, thanks to a Kerrville-based (and very focused) father and son team known, appropriately enough, as the Wagonmasters, “showroom quality,” exactingly restored original Grand Wagoneers are still to be had, satisfying that never-ending worldwide demand for these uniquely-American rides.

The Wagonmaster story began in 1978 when Leon Miller, a successful rancher and businessman in Eagle Pass, purchased his first Grand Wagoneer. As he recalls, “With the leather and wood trim, I thought it was the most beautiful

sport utility vehicle I had ever seen.”

Over the years, the admittedly very contented customer continued driving Wagoneers, periodically trading up for newer models.

However, when Jeep announced that “1991 would be it” for these popular forerunners of the luxury SUV market, a distressed Leon felt driven to contact the manufacturer to verify the story.

Unfortunately his call confirmed the “bad news” but also led to his introduction to, and subsequent friendship with, one of the vehicle’s original chief designers, Mr. Brooks Stevens. It was Brooks who suggested the idea of acquiring and then restoring existing Wagoneers since new ones would no longer be available.

And, that’s just what Leon did. Since 1993, after “retiring” and then relocating to the Texas Hill Country, he, his son Chip who joined the team in 2008 and their very able staff of nine, have “renewed” and then sold 1,725 of these automotive treasures. Wow! The Wagonmaster formula is simple.

Find and purchase low-mileage, rust-free Wagoneers, then, as Chip volunteers, “Make them better than new.”

This entails replacing many of the original engine components such as the carburetor, water and fuel pumps, radiator, oil pump, even the A/C compressor and other essential parts.

The engines also get new main and

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Father and son team Leon LEFT and Chip Miller are the Wagonmasters, renonwned restorers of original Jeep Grand Wagoneers. Photo courtesy Wagonmasters. rear seals. Brakes, shocks and steering stabilizers are replaced as well. Everything, including the electrical systems, are inspected and corrected as needed.

The entire undercarriage is then undercoated to protect from deterioration and minimize noise.

When completed mechanically, these handsome brutes are truly ready to roll (on or off the road). Vroom, vroom!

Next, the exterior and interior are tackled. As Leon admits, “It was the cars’ looks that attracted me in the first place and, to our buyers, that’s still what counts.”

New paint, leather, carpeting, even an upgraded sound system including Bluetooth capability, are incorporated.

“It even smells like a new car.” Chip proudly states and, he’s not kidding. The entire process, depending on the vehicle’s condition, can take up to six months.

The success of their efforts are evi-

dent when taking into account the number of units sold.

Many of their customers are repeat buyers, bringing back one restoration after several fun-filled years and leaving with another.

Thanks to the Wagonmasters, these impressive like-new Wagoneers can be found garnering “oohs and ahs” around the world – Europe, Japan, Mexico, Canada and, of course, across the USA. And remarkably, most of these cars, thanks to the Wagonmaster reputation, are sold sight unseen!

FYI • Generally, Leon and Chip have 20 to 25 restored Jeeps in inventory and feature 10 to 12 on their comprehensive web site – which (aside from generous amounts of word-of-mouth) is their primary marketing tool.

For information regarding vehicle availability and pricing, financing, showroom location or general inquiries, contact Chip at (830) 660-5187 or, via e-mail at chip@wagonmaters.com. For additional information visit the web site at www.wagonmasters.com. Happy Wagoneering!

Family fun at Dripping’s Founders Day celebration DRIPPING SPRINGS H The 28th annual Founders Day celebration April 24-26 kicks off with the Mighty Thomas Carnival (opening at 4 pm) and the Grand Parade at 6:30 pm Friday downtown on Mercer Street. This year’s theme is “Destination Drippin.’”

After the parade, enjoy a cookoff competition, live music and a street dance featuring Jimmy and the Mustangs and the Michael Myers Band.

Saturday and Sunday, don’t miss the Mighty Thomas Carnival plus peruse more than 150 arts and crafts booths and vendors, enjoy cook-off competitions, food and drink. Saturday evening’s entertainment will be provided by the Carport Casanovas and the Bobby Pounds Band.

The Annual Founders Day Festival honors Mighty Thomas Carnival at and celebrates the founding of the Dripping Founders Day. Photo courtesy Founders Springs community in 1850 by the Moss, Wal- Day Festival. lace, and Pound families. Proceeds from the festival are donated back into the community and directly benefit local non-profit organizations, churches, school and park programs, youth groups, and charities.

FYI • Admission to Founders Day is free. For more information, visit the web site at www.foundersdayfestival.com.

Go crawfish crazy at annual Llano Open

E

By Ernie Altgelt

very third weekend in April, Llano finds itself swamped and swimming amid thousands of snapping, strutting, steaming, spicy and, most importantly, super savory crawfish. Yep, these curious crustaceans annually come a’calling – and a’clawing – in the expectation of enticing, exciting and engorging countless crawfish cravers (of the human variety) from here to the far bayous of Beaumont and everywhere in between.

And, happily (or, hungrily) it’s almost that time again as the eagerly anticipated 2015 Llano Crawfish Open prepares to play host once more April 18-19 to these oh-so cute creek critters, their famished fans and bucketfuls of related fun. Click, click!

First celebrated in 1989, the “open” initially grew from the charitable need of a motorized wheelchair for local individual.

Area residents wanted to hold a fund raiser but weren’t sure what to do. Enter the “Beaumont Connection.”

Each year a group of visiting deer hunters from Beaumont made Llano their base camp. When they heard that the town’s citizenry was looking for something “fun and different” to generate donations, these guys had just the thing – a traditional Cajun crawfish boil!

Add to the mix a golf tourney (to attract those who weren’t quite sure about the little snappers) and an event was born.

Folks came, consumed and contributed.

All agreed, it was a hoot but, more importantly, the imported crawfish ultimately netted the $400 needed for the purchase of the wheelchair.

Realizing that there were so many other deserving charities, local volunteers soon decided to make the Llano Crawfish Open an annual happening and, for the next quarter century, that’s exactly what they did, again and again and again!

This month’s open marks the 26th annual iteration. Over the years, the number of participants – human and crawfish – has grown exponentially. Attendees are expected to number in the thousands and, to accommodate, 17,000 pounds of crawdads have offered their services (and their heads and tails as well!).

The Beaumont Connection will be on hand to oversee the cuisine while local volunteers will run everything else including the two-day golf tournament to be held at the challenging Llano Golf Club, the various (and exciting) live auctions and the kid’s activities (which include crawfish racing), arts and crafts shopping fair, the team roping rodeos, a 5K race, and motorcycle run.

And don’t forget the not-to-bemissed, top-shelf entertainment-fueled day concerts and nightly dances. Dale Watson and Amber Digby headline Friday evening, and don’t miss Kevin Fowl-

er — performing with Dub Miller — Saturday night.

With the majority of the activities taking place in the very comfy and commodious City Park facilities, all agree that the Llano Crawfish Open is truly a onestop cavalcade of boiled bliss.

So, grab your bibs, put on your dancing boots and sidle on over to Llano this April. But you better be snappy. There’s

gonna be a crowd!

FYI • For more information about the multi-day, multi-activity event, including times, directions to the City Park, ticket pricing, to register in the golf tournament, vendor participation, as well as race, motorcycle run and rodeo entry requirements visit the web site at llanocrawfishopen. com. The event primarily takes place on Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18. Extended activities including the team rodeo starts on Thursday, April 16. All proceeds raised benefit area charities.

FRIO/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

Paradise is closer than you think!

Retreat to the Hills for a Week or Weekend of Relaxation & Adventure

Private Vacation Homes & Cabins ~ Hiking, Birding, Mtn Bike Trails

Rio Frio Lodging & Nature Center

830-966-2320

www.friolodging.com • www.hillcountryadventures.com

River Rim Resort

Warning...Experiencing Experiencing on the FrioFrio could Warning... theFall beauty of the couldbecome becomehabit habitforming forming

Dale Watson ABOVE (Photo courtesy Dale Watson) and Amber Digby RIGHT (Photo courtesy Amber Digby) perform Friday, April 18, at the Llano Crawfish Open. Catch Dub Miller and Kevin Fowler April 19.

Find Us on

Cabins & RV Sites • www.RiverRimResort.com

(830) 232-5758 • 1204 CR 350 • PO Box 72 • Concan, TX 78838

Spend a day in Utopia!

Main Street Utopia

French Country Antiques, Collectibles Gifts, Books, Jewelry, Accessories Closed Sun & Mon • 282 Main St, 830-966-5544 mainstreetutopia.com

at River Rim Resort on the Frio

Utopia is a charming Hill Country town nestled in the Sabinal Canyon between Bandera & Garner Park

The Laurel Tree

Seasonal gourmet cuisine in a charming setting Open Saturday for lunch & dinner 18956 Hwy 187, 830-966-5444 for reservations utopiagourmet.com

Utopia Golf

Prettiest 9-Hole Course in Texas Home of the movie “Seven Days in Utopia” 20567 Hwy 187, 830-966-5577 UtopiaGolf.com

HILL COUNTRY SUN R APRIL 2015 PAGE 9

Ernie Lee,

The Bard of the Blanco

Exploring the pantoum

hill country Poetry

I

like rain. Thankfully, we had a lot of it these past few months. As you know, spring is here in Texas, we have a bumper crop of wildflowers. It’s the time when the hills put on their famous display of color and bloom. People come from all around the world to see our wildflowers. How lucky we are to live right here to enjoy them.

Mary Lee Gowland of Kerrville contributed an interesting poem this month that I want to share with you. Mary Lee is a published poet, and the leader of the Hill Country Poets in Kerrville.

The Hill Country Poets meet on (usually) the second Sunday of each month at Unity Church in Kerrville. What an interesting and excellent group of poets! You’ll find me there frequently.

This poem about rain, is called a Pantoum. The Academy of American Poets says the form originated in Malaysia in the 15th century as a short folk poem.

Look at the poem closely. Mary Lee doesn’t capitalize the first word in each

line, except for the possessive “I.” Note that the second and fourth line of each stanza, become the first and third line of the next.

I can’t wait to try to write my first pantoum! What an interesting way to transition from one stanza to the next.

Of course, as a songwriter the symmetry, repetition, and rhythm appeals to me. I hope you like it, too.

Try to write one yourself. It can be a lot of fun, and might be a good exercise to stimulate the creative juices.

Our subject next time will be “summer” (in the Hill Country of course).

There is much to write about that can be both visual and expressive.

Your subject can be almost anything.

Write about the heat, a cold swim, or just being alive in the great outdoors. I can’t wait to see what you write! Send your poems to Ernie Lee at bardoftheblanco@ hotmail.com.

I’ll read each one, and print the one we liked best. We’ll talk about why and

FRIO/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

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how the poem worked. We’ll discuss the devices the poet used, such as simile or metaphor.

Don’t be shy. You’d be surprised how many people are already writing things down and keeping them hidden. What a tragedy – you never know when something you write may touch someone else.

Thank you for participating in this

column. If you are a published or practiced poet, you can reach out and share your work with us.

Give us some insight into your poem.

How, why, and what method you chose to express your work. I’m pleased and honored to be your host and facilitator.

So, until next time, happy writing. I’ll be waiting to read you!

Rain Pantoum

Mary Lee Gowland, Kerrville, Texas

just before it rains the landscape holds its breath deer blink and flick their ears my heart beats in its chest

the landscape holds its breath an almost too-full feeling my heart beats in its chest the sense of overflowing

an almost too-full feeling swelling and rolling like the ocean the sense of overflowing fear of love and death

swelling and rolling like the ocean I slip out of my skin fear of love and death beneath it all a calm

I slip out of my skin become a slippery fish beneath it all a calm just before it rains

To advertise call Julie at 512-484-9716 or email julie@hillcountrysun.com

Hill country calendar NOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm information.

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall.

Free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com.

EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart, 12812 Shops Parkway #400. adoptions@ thunderingpaws.org, 512-402-9725.

SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cowboy music at Frontier Times Museum.

Free. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music.

Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.

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

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market.

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

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

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

FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

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

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

512-894-0001.

Hill Country Nature Quest

Black chinned hummingbird. Photo courtesy Hill Country Nature Quest.

HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION H Make plans to attend now to attend the 15th annual Hill Country Nature Quest April 29-30 and May 1-3. Experience nature in a whole new way as you enjoy learning from experts during field trips, in workshops, on nature by kayak tours and other programs. All along the clear Frio, Nueces and Sabinal Rivers in Uvalde, Real and Bandera Counties near Concan, Uvalde, Utopia and Vanderpool. Nature Quest topics include birds, small cavity nesters, bluebirds, raptors, hummingbirds, bats, butterflies, insects, champion big trees and natural history. Also on the agenda: native plants, useful and medicinal plants, wildflowers, invasive plants, and how to make your own backyard a wildlife habitat.

Fieldtrip leaders and speakers include Tony Gallucci, Derek Muschalek, Bain Walker, Lee Haile, Tom and Sherry Collins, Rebecca Flack, Ken Cave, Sage Austin, Kelly and Donna Bryan, Charles and Nancy Floyd, Barbara Baggett, Chris Paulson, LeAnn Sharp and Anthony Sharp. A complete schedule is available on the web site.

FYI • Nature Quest is headquartered at Hill Country Nature Center, 10 miles west of Utopia and 5 miles east of Garner State Park on Farm Market 1050. For more information, call 830-966-2320 or email info@hillcountryadventures.com. See a complete schedule and register online at www.hillcountrynaturequest.com.

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

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Live Music at Smoke ‘N Hops. www.smokenhops.com.

SECOND THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday.

Participating businesses offer special events, food and music plus sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. www.drippingspringstx.org.

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

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society.

Meeting. Wimberley Community Center.

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

THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of the best in the Hill Country’s musical talent. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www. wimberleyumc.org.

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

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

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

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

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

SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever.

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

UVALDE: Four Square Friday Enjoy late night shopping, food, live music and art at event named for the town’s original design with four town squares. 6 pm to 9 pm. Downtown. www.visituvalde.com.

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

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

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

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

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

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

EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music. Linda’s Fine

Foods. www.lindaallencatering.com.

EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.

AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market.

Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976.

BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, branding, and more. Details at www.flyingl.com.

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

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

FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market.

Hours are 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2781.

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

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

WIMBERLEY PLAYERS PRESENT

By

JASTON WILLIAMS JOE SEARS ED HOWARD

April 24 - May 17

Friday & Saturday 7:30 pm Sunday 2:30 pm Directed by Aaron Johnson Produced by Terri Bisett Sharp, satirical & hilarious!

Meet 20 residents of a small Texas town, all played by Will Mercer and R. Michael Clinkscales... amazing fun!

Reserve your tickets now! www.wimberleyplayers.org Box Office 512-847-0575 WIMBERLEY PLAYHOUSE 450 OLD KYLE RD.

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R APRIL 2015 PAGE 11

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

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

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

Guns • Knives • Ammo • Coins Militaria • Shooting Supplies

BUY H SELL H TRADE

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

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Flowers, fresh veggies, cheeses, more. Ranch Road 2325, Highway 165.

830-833-5428.

WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners at the Blair House Inn. blairhouseinn.com.

UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner Served at the Laurel Tree. A special dining experience. www.utopiagourmet.com.

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

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale.

Public Library. 830-796-4213.

CANYON LAKE...YEAR ROUND VACATION LIVING Come enjoy our clear lake and cool, refreshing river!

Shop • Dine • Swim • Tube • Raft • Canoe • Fish • Camp • Sail

800-528-2104 • www.canyonlakechamber.com

~B I N G O~ Every Friday v 4 Early Bird Games 7:15pm ~ 50/50 Split v 10 Regular Games 8pm VFW Hall Post 6441 @ Veterans Park 4 mi. no. on RR 12 to Jacobs Well Rd Non Smoking • Plenty of Parking • Air & Heat • Food Available www.texasvfw.net • 512-847-6441 • Lic. #1-74-6066562-7 www.visitwimberley.com/vfw

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

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

SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days.

Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around Square stay open late offering art, wine and appetizers. Facebook.com/SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail SECOND AND FOURTH SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Club, learn public speaking and leadership skills.

10:30 am at the Wimberley Village Library.

512-913-4804 for information.

THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm. Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784.

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

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

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

APRIL 1 KERRVILLE: Texas Heritage Music “Coffee House Series” Features Texas musicians and open-mic performers. Schreiner University. www.texasheritagemusic.org.

APRIL 1 - MAY 10 AUSTIN: “Witness: Art and Civil Rights in the Sixties.” Works by artists including Richard Avedon, Robert Rauschenberg, Faith Ringgold, Andy Warhol and more, in exhibit highlighting wide-ranging approaches artists used to address fight for social justice. www.blantonmuseum.org.

APRIL 1 - JULY 3 SAN MARCOS: “Homegrown: Austin Music Posters, 1967 to 1982.” Poster artists in the late 1960s, ’70s and ’80s visually evoked the sound and defined the culture of Austin just as the city was establishing itself as one of the most vital music scenes in the country. More than 125 vintage piecesfrom he Wittliff Collections’ poster archives document this history and testify to Texas artists’ mastery of the poster form using hand drawings and creative print techniques. www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu.

APRIL 1- JULY 6 AUSTIN: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” Featuring more than 200 items, including letters, hand drawn illustrations and photographs. Harry Ransom Center. www.hrc.utexas.edu.

APRIL 3 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com.

APRIL 3-5 KERRVILLE: Easter Hill Country Bike

Betty Soo performs at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse in Wimberley April 16. She will be joined by Billy Crockett. Find complete info at www.wimberleyumc.org.

Photo courtesy Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse.

Tour Cyclists enjoy three days of supported bicycle rides in the Hill Country.

Schreiner University. www.ehct.com.

APRIL 4 BANDERA: Bandera Market Days.

Courthouse Lawn. www.banderatexasbusiness.com/market-days.

JUNCTION: Easter Pageant. www.junctiontexas.com.

KERRVILLE: Here’s to the Heroes Easterfest and Cook-Off. Barbecue and chili cook-off, live music, games and contests, an Easter egg hunt, car show, vendors and more. Flat Rock Lake Park. www.kerrvilleeasterfest.com.

KERRVILLE: Hill Country Swap Meet.

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

LAMPASAS: Bloomin’ Fest Find arts and crafts, plants, wine tastings, food, live entertainment and children’s activities. 9 am to 5 pm. Downtown square. www.lampasaschamber.org.

MARBLE FALLS: Citywide Garage Sale.

More than 50 different garage sales converge in one location. 9 am to 4 pm. Johnson Park. www.marblefalls.org.

STONEWALL: Easter at the SauerBeckmann Living History Farm. Celebrate Easter like a traditional 1915 German farm family with natural-dyed Easter eggs, lamb cake and grass nests as made by the early settlers. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. www.tpwd. state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson, 830-644-2252.

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

Plus enjoy barbecue and delicious treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field, 601 Farm Market 2325. www.shopmarketdays.com.

APRIL 4-5 CYPRESS MILL: Bunkhouse Gallery Fine Art and Jewelry Exhibition and Sale.

Paintings, jewelry and pottery, live music and wine provided by McReynolds Winery. A silent auction and raffle of an original painting benefits the Phoenix Center of Marble Falls. Bunkhouse Gal-

Hill country calendar lery. www.wenmohsranch.com.

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

210-226-3593.

APRIL 4, 18, 25 BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. Cowboys, steers, horses, wagons, strolling cowboy musicians and gunfighter re-enactments bring plenty of Western action to Bandera’s Main Street. Downtown.

830-796-4447.

APRIL 4-19 FREDERICKSBURG: Wildflower Celebration at Wildseed Farms. Colorful fields, shopping, butterfly gardens and activities. www.wildseedfarms.com.

SAN MARCOS: Springs Fest. Hill Country’s largest paddling festival at Rio Vista Park. www.kayakinstruction.org.

APRIL 9-11 MARBLE FALLS: Paint the Town. Pleinair painting contest, auctions, an artist reception and children’s art contest. www. paintthetownmftx.org.

APRIL 9-12 AUSTIN: Austin International Poetry Festival, Includes 30 diverse themed readings by poets from across the globe, open-mic opportunities, workshops for youth and adults, music, two complete anthology readings, poet symposium and printed anthologies of contest-winning

18th Annual BUDA

submissions. www.aipf.org.

APRIL 10 UVALDE: Four Square Friday Enjoy late night shopping, food, live music and art at event named for the town’s original design with four town squares. 6 pm to 9 pm.

Downtown. www.visituvalde.com.

APRIL 10-12 AUSTIN: MotoGP Grand Prix of Americas. www.circuitoftheamericas.com.

BLANCO: Wild Woman Weekend. Event created for women, by women, includes variety of artistic, physical, interactive events for all interests. www.wildwomanweekend.org.

BOERNE: Parade of Artists. Self guided walking/riding tour features 16 art venues in the heart of Boerne. www.boerneprofessionalartists.com.

BURNET: 32nd Annual Bluebonnet Festival. Enjoy live music, a carnival, food, golf, races and shopping. Downtown. www.bluebonnetfestival.org.

WIMBERLEY: Community Chorus.

Wimberley United Methodist Church. www.wimberleycommunitychorus.org.

APRIL 10-26 FREDERICKSBURG: Wine and Wildflower Trail. This self-guided tour includes special events, tastings and discounts.

Texas Hill Country wineries. www.texaswinetrail.com.

APRIL 11 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy listening to tradi-

Country Fair

& Wiener Dog raCes April 25-26

•

Buda City Park • Buda, TX

SAturdAy 9 am-6 pm Sanctioned IBCA BBQ Cook-off BeSt dreSSed WIener dog ConteSt 8Am Wiener dog races 10:30 am & 2 pm

100 Arts & Crafts Booths • Food Live Music • Kids’ Activities “The Buda BEE” 3 pm $5 gen. Admission Kids 12 & under get In Free Parking at Cabela’s Free Parking w/ Free Shuttles to the Park For info & Booth Space Availability 512-565-0505 512-295-3158

www.BudaLions.com

BudaLions@BudaLions.com

Sponsored by the Buda Lions Club Proceeds return to the community.

tional cowboy music or bring your own guitar and join the song circle. 1 pm to 5 pm at Frontier Times Museum. www.frontiertimesmuseum.org.

BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine. Complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres plus art in local galleries. www.secondsaturdayartandwine.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Olive Festival. Olives, wine, food, music, chef demos, olive seminars, artisans and children’s activities. Texas Hill Country Olive Company. www.texasolivefest.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Bluebonnet Tractor Ride. Antique tractors, cars and trucks make a 20-mile loop through scenic Gillespie County. www.rustyiron.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Historic Country Schools Open House. Self-guided tour of schools listed on the National Register of Historic Places. www.historicschools.org.

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

KYLE: Kyle Market Days. City Square Park. www.kylepard.com.

LAMPASAS: Lampasas Hillacious Bike Tour. lampasashillaciousbiketour.com.

LUCKENBACH: iRun Texas Lone Star Half Marathon and 5K Run through historic Luckenbach and along the Texas Hill Country’s scenic country roads. www.lone-star-half.com.

SAN MARCOS: Texas Wild Rice Festival This one-of-a-kind educational event cel-

ebrates the San Marcos River and its endangered Texas Wild Rice with live music, art, local vendors and free hands-on workshops. Sewell Park, 601 University Drive. www.texaswildricefestival.org.

SAN MARCOS: Youthfest. Family festival includes live entertainment all day, children’s activities, face painting and free games. San Marcos Plaza Park. www.gsmyc org/youthfest.html.

STONEWALL: Reflections of the ’60s.

Educational conference seeks to broaden understanding the impact of the 1960s on the fabric of our country. Guest speakers—include authors, former legislators and historians. 9:30 am to 2 pm. LBJ National Park. www.johnsoncitytexas.com/ calendar_of_events/april.html. 830/8687128 ext. 222.

UVALDE: Junque. Trophy antique hunting, a picker’s paradise at South Texas’ premiere market on the Square. 9 am to 6 pm. www.visituvalde.org.

WIMBERLEY: KAPS 5K Color Fun Run and Festival. Family friendly community event features a “color” run followed by free art activities for the kids, barbecue, raffles, student performances and more at Katherine Anne Porter School. Race starts at 9 am, fun continues through 2 pm. 5K registration link and more information at www.kapschool.org.

APRIL 11-12 BANDERA: Mayhem on the Medina. National Reenactment Guild of America

Balcones Songbird Festival • April 24-27, 2015 Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge • Lago Vista, Texas Restore Habitat, Restore Birds Learn the importance of habitat to birds at this years event!

Friday - Monday Birding & Nature Tours with expert guides. Register on the website See the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo and many other migrating species.

2 days of family fun & EntErtainmEnt

SundAy 9 am-5 pm Wiener dog races 10:30am FInals 3 pm 100 Arts & Crafts Booths Bake-off Turn in by 10:30 am Judging at 11am Food Auction 1 pm Live music • Kids Activities

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

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

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

Friday afternoon Wings & Wine Flat Creek Estate

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

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

HILL COUNTRY SUN R APRIL 2015 PAGE 13

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

Send Calendar Events to melissa@hillcountrysun.com

WE WELCOME ALL RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU PLAN THEM!

AND STOP

BY OUR

Located on 83 between Concan and Leakey

in the beautiful Texas Hill Country you’ll always have a breathtaking panoramic view BAR OPEN Mon-Thurs 11 am-10 pm, Fri 11 am-12 am, Sat 11 am-1 am, Sun Noon-8 pm GRILL OPEN Mon-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun Noon-8 pm

BEVERAGE BARN OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK DRIVE THRU Mon-Sat 10 am-8 pm, Sun Noon-8 pm

Always a place for memories & to make new ones at the Buckhorn!

830-232-4755 • www.thebuckhornbargrill.com PAGE 14 APRIL 2015 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

reenactment event. Free admission, kids’ activities, period entertainment. www.

MayhemOnTheMedina.com.

BOERNE: Boerne Market Day. Main Plaza. www.boernemarketdays.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Tour the Talent Studio Tour. Meet the artists, tour studios, see work and even buy a piece to take home. www.tourthetalent.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Program. World War II battle re-enactment including uniformed actors, guns, tanks and a flamethrower.

National Museum of the Pacific War. www.pacificwarmuseum.org.

GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm, Gruene Historic District. www.gruenemarketdays.com.

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

ROUND ROCK: Texas Rattlesnake Festival. Learn about rattlesnakes in this educational, no-kill event. Heritage Center at the Dell Diamond. www.texasrattlesnakefestival.com.

APRIL 12 LAMPASAS: Chamber Foundation Golf Classic Hancock Municipal Golf Course.

512-556-5172.

APRIL 14 KERRVILLE: A Night at the Mansion.

Wine, food, auctions, music and interactive demonstrations at this fundraiser event to support women’s education.

Schreiner Mansion. 830-257-6068.

APRIL 16 WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents Betty Soo with Billy Crockett. Doors open by 7 pm; music at 7:30 pm. Free childcare by prior arrangement. Tamales, Wimberley Pie Company pie, pizza, coffee, soft drinks. Wimberley United Methodist Church, corner of Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492. www.wimberleyumc.org, 512-722-3316.

APRIL 16-17 AUSTIN: Mack, Jack and McConaughey Gala and Concert. Includes headliner entertainment, celebrity guests, a golf tournament and fashion show Friday, plus other surprises. Fundraiser—backed coach Mack Brown, ACM award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram and Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey—supports select organizations that share the common goal of empowering children. www.mackjackmcconaughey.org APRIL 16-19 DRIFTWOOD: Old Settler’s Music Festival. Americana, acoustic jazz and blues, bluegrass, old-time local faves and other artists from around the world. Plus arts and crafts, camping, food and libations.

Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch. www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org.

APRIL 17-19 BANDERA: Spring Benefit Trail Ride.

Join the Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association and the Hill Country State Natural Area Partners for their annual spring benefit trail ride. Hill Country State Natural Area, 830-796-3045 APRIL 18 AUSTIN: The Boston Brass and All That Jazz. 8 pm at Austin ISD Performing Arts Center. www.austinsymphonicband.org.

BOERNE: Texas Corvette Association Open Car Show. Features hundreds of cars, including Corvettes from 1953 to the present. Main Plaza. 830-249-7277.

JUNCTION: Outdoor Women Gone Wild.

South Llano River State Park.www.junction.texas.com.

SAN MARCOS: Mutt Strutt. One-mile dog walk and pet fair includes dog races, pet contests, arts and crafts, food and prizes.

Dogs must be on a leash. Proceeds benefit San Marcos Animal Shelter. San Marcos Plaza Park. www.muttstrutt.org.

WIMBERLEY: Butterfly Festival. Includes a variety of interactive butterfly-themed events, food and flight house. Thousands of butterflies are released throughout the day. EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. 512847-6969, www.emilyann.org.

APRIL 18-19 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Saxet Gun Show.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park. 512-8584725, saxetshows.com.

LLANO: 26th Annual Llano Crawfish Open.(See story, page 9.) Food, drink, live music, golf tournament, 5K and much more in this popular event. Complete details at www.llanocrawfishopen.com, WIMBERLEY: 7th Annual Arts Fest at Blue Hole Regional Park. (See story, page 4.) Artists in various mediums, plus live music, food, drink and more. Keep Wimberley Bootiful boot reveal party 2:30 pm Sunday. www.wimberleyartsfest.com.

APRIL 18-MAY 10 WIMBERLEY: “The Frog Prince.” EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

APRIL 19-24 NEW BRAUNFELS: Texas Woodcarvers Guild Spring Seminars. New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center. www.texaswoodcarversguild.com.

APRIL 22-25 AUSTIN: Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival. Features comics performing in group and individual shows. Ron White’s Texas Toasted show kicks off festivities. www.moontowercomedyfestival.com.

APRIL 23 - MAY 17 KERRVILLE: Small Quilts. Preview of silent-auction quilts is available Memorial Day weekend at Schreiner University.

Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com.

APRIL 24 KYLE: Lake Kyle Jubilee. Live music, horseshoe and washers tournaments, games, crafts, children’s activities and fishing. Lake Kyle Park, www.cityofkyle. com/recreation/spring.

APRIL 24-25 SAN MARCOS: MR Fest Annual showcase of local music, art and comedy hosted by venues in and around downtown San Marcos. www.ktsw.txstate.edu.

Hill country calendar Garden Club Tour — The Waterways of Wimberley. Showcasing seven spectacular gardens. 10 am to 4 pm. wimberleygardenclub.org.

JUNE 6 JOHNSON CITY: Hal Ketchum. www. stonevalleytexas.com.

JUNE 27 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Brent Thurman

Memorial Rodeo. Exceptional Rodeo at 6 pm and PBR Bull Riding at 7 pm at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. More information at www.brentthurman.com.

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

15th Annual Nature Quest April 29 thru May 3, 2015

Step back in time at Bandera’s Mayhem on the Medina, a Reenactment Guild of America national competition event April 11-12. Find more information on the web site at www.MayhemOnTheMedina.com. Photo courtesy Mayhem on the Medina.

APRIL 24-26 AUSTIN: Austin Food and Wine Festival. www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Founders Day Festival. This three-day celebration kicks off with a grand parade and includes free music and entertainment on two stages, the Mighty Thomas carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-offs, more than 150 booths and a washer-pitching tournament. www.foundersdayfestival.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Texas History Days at Fort Martin Scott Includes living-history interpretations, re-enactments, military drills and cannon firing. Fort Martin Scott. www.ftmartinscott.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival. Highlights unique winged wildlife of Texas Hill Country.

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www. wingstx.org.

GEORGETOWN: Red Poppy Festival.

Headliner concerts, Saturday street dance, parade, car show, art contest, bike ride, three-on-three basketball tournament, children’s activities, food and craft vendors. www.redpoppyfestival.com.

APRIL 24-27 LAGO VISTA: Balcones Songbird Festival. Birding and nature tours, geocaching, raptor show, much more. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Find complete chedule and details at www. balconessongbirdfestival.org.

APRIL 24-MAY 17 WIMBERLEY: “Greater Tuna.” The Wimberley Players present iconic Texas comedy. Wimberley Playhouse, 450 Old Kyle Road. www.wimberleyplayers.org.

APRIL 25 BOERNE: Brandon’s Revue Bring picnics, lawn chairs, kids and grandparents to enjoy live music. Cibolo Nature Center. www.cibolo.org.

BURNET: Bluebonnet Air Show. Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemo-

Texas Hill Country’s Best All Around Birding-Nature Event!

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

rative Air Force presents air show featuring vintage aircraft roaring through the sky, static displays and an air museum.

Performances noon to 4 pm. www.highlandlakessquadron.com.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days.

Old-fashioned market on square features handmade crafts, artwork, homegrown plants, produce. 9 am to 4 pm. Kerr County Courthouse. www.kerrmarketdays.org.

KERRVILLE: Spring Native Plant Sale and Festival. Riverside Nature Center. www.riversidenaturecenter.org.

LAMPASAS: Citywide Garage Sale. Various locations. 512-556-5434.

SAN MARCOS: Feria Del Mariachi. Annual mariachi music festival features competitions, workshops and performances. www.feriadelmariachi.com.

SUNSET VALLEY: 2015 Sunset Valley ArtFest. Live music and kids. stage, food, more. www.sunsetvalley.org/artfest.

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

BudaLions.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. www. johnsoncity-texas.com.

APRIL 29 - MAY 3 HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION: 15th Annual Nature Quest. Texas Hill Country birding-nature event features workshops, guided tours and adventure. www.texasnaturequest.com, 830-9662320.

APRIL 30 KERRVILLE: Symphony of the Hills Concert: “Bach and His Disciples.” Cailloux Theater, symphonyofthehills.org.

MAY 9 JOHNSON CITY: Johnny Bush and guests at Stone Valley Music Festival. www.stonevalleytexas.com.

WIMBERLEY: 20th Annual Wimberley

HILL COUNTRY SUN R APRIL 2015 PAGE 15

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