Hill Country Sun, January 2019

January/February 2019

Since 1990

people • places • music events • shopping • lodging dining • parks • wildlife and so much more

Don’t Miss

Cowboy Mardi Gras in Bandera!

The Biggest Night Sky Celebration In Texas

MARCH 30th, 2019 Night Sky Advocates Workshop March 31 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Dripping Springs, Texas

812-565-9989 TexasNightSkyFestival.org

100 Artists, Food, Beer & Wine and Music For more information go to our website http://wimberleyartsfest.com

Rio Bella Resort All Rentals Overlook the Frio

on the Frio

Vacation H Wedding H Reunion

Kayaks H Paddleboards H Tubes H Motorcycles Welcome 5 miles to Garner State Park • 13 miles to Golf Club at Concan

(830)232-4781 www.RioBella.com • Open Year Round

Get 6 months of exposure for your business at one affordable rate!

25,000 copies

Fall/Winter 2018-19

to Wimberley

THE LEANING PEAR

THE THE LEANING PEAR LEANING PEAR Hill Country-Inspired Cuisine

Hill Country-Inspired Cuisine Hill Country-Inspired Cuisine

Unique.

Well Crafted.

Delicious.

Unique.

Well Crafted. Delicious.

River Road #110 Unique. Well111Wimberley, Crafted.

Delicious.

Texas 111 River Road #110 Wimberley, Texas 512.847.PEAR

512.847.PEAR 111 Road #110 Texas 111 Riverleaningpear.com RoadRiver #110 info@leaningpear.com Wimberley, leaningpear.com info@leaningpear.com 512.847.PEAR Wimberley, Texas

leaningpear.com info@leaningpear.com 512.847.PEAR

leaningpear.com

YOUR GUIDE TO Wimberley Lodging, Dining, Arts, Entertainment, Shopping, Services, Real Estate, Community & Churches

• Mailed to all residences serviced by Wimberley Post Office (more than 5,300 homes) • Distributed to Chambers of Commerce & many popular locations across the Texas Hill Country • Wimberley locations are restocked weekly for the entire six months!

Reserve Your Space Today!

Space Deadline: 2/7/19 • Copy Deadline: 2/11/19

YOUR GUIDE TO WIMBERLEY FROM THE

For details, call Julie 512-484-9716 or email julie@hillcountrysun.com

info@leaningpear.com

25% OFF

one regularly priced item

THROUGH 2/29/18 • WITH THIS AD

Polo Tennis & Fitness Club

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

JANUARY SPECIAL

Shop Local!

Blanco River Outfitters at 7A Ranch 333 Wayside Dr, Wimberley • 512-847-2517

INCENTIVE FOR NEW MEMBERS include • No initiation Fee: $2400 initiation fee 100% WAIVED • Half price dues for all of 2019, only $100/mth • This applies to Family Tennis Memberships • Full Club Access which includes Tennis, Fitness Center & Pool • Two-year contract required to receive this special Email Brandi to set up a tour & go over all the details!

Brandi.polotennisclub@gmail.com 13730 West US Hwy 290 • Dripping Springs, TX January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 3

INDEX

HENLY

Texas Hill Country Locator Map

© 2019 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

Are you tired of pills and cortisone shots?

Stem Cell Therapy may be the solution!

Complimentary Consultation (w/X-rays) (A $269 value) Call or schedule online in January and February at NO CHARGE WITH THIS AD.

BOOK ONLINE TODAY!

thestemcellcenterDS.com • 512-968-4425 800 Highway 290 West, Bldg. F • Dripping Springs, TX

To advertise, call Julie 512-484-9716 or email julie@hillcountrysun.com Hill Country SUN 4 January/February 2019

Volume 28, Number 12 ISSN: 1524-2315.

Entire contents © Copyright 2019 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Ad Sales 512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com

Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 • melissa@hillcountrysun.com Ernie Altgelt • Bonnie Eissler CJ Wright • Suzy Moehring Mallard Writers

Gerry Burns

Distribution

COVER Stella Tedesco and James McGroarty, Queen and King of Mardi Gras,

at Cowboy Mardi Gras, outside 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera. Don’t miss this year’s fun, festive event February 22-24 (See story, page 12).

Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, courtesy The Lyda Hill Texas Collection of Photographs in Carol M. Highsmith’s America Project, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

facebook.com/hillcountrysun • hillcountrysun.com

A Word from the Publisher Happy New Year!

Here’s wishing you, your family and loved ones a year of kindness, love and happiness!

Take your family or friends out to the Hill Country and show them the beauty and interesting, amazing and fun things to see and do. In this issue of the Hill Country SUN, we can help you make that plan with our calendar of events, advertisers and the stories that will guide you to help bring that kindness, love and happiness to others. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful Hill Country!

GLASS BLOWING See Us Create Art Glass & Lighting WGW.COM ART GLASS & LIGHTING WGW.COM FREE GIFT WITH AD

— Julie

IN THIS ISSUE Neil Peterson Bandera luthier crafts a life he loves ............................................................. 6

Skull & Cakebones An out of the ordinary craft bakery in Dripping Springs .............................. 8

Hill Country Parks TPWD Archery programs in schools are on target ..................................... 10

Vintner Dinner Series Blair House Inn pairs fine cuisine with Texas wines..................................... 11

Cowboy Mardi Gras Celebrate in Bandera.................................................................................... 12

Hill Country Wildlife The perilous plight of pollinators................................................................. 14

Cranberry’s Antiques Take a walk down memory lane in Blanco................................................... 16

Calendar of Events ........................................................................ 18 January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 5

Luthier Neil Peterson I

repurposing a life & craft

n this linear age where people and things often seem destined for one primary use, it’s refreshing to encounter someone, and/or something, that reflects a reorientation from an initial utility, thus opening the door for new and pioneering possibilities. And, although rare in a world of specialization where “a narrow focus and function” is often the norm, there are occasional examples that surprise, impress and inspire. One such is Bandera’s premier luthier, Neil Peterson, a man who not only “repurposed” himself but, his innovative approach regarding the creation of beautiful musical instruments as well.

Starting with Neil, a little history is needed. Born and raised in Pawnee, Texas, as a young athlete, he had decided early on to pursue a career in coaching. After graduating from college and then working his way up through the ranks at different schools, in 1980 he was offered the prestigious job of head coach for the Bandera school system’s varsity basketball team, a position he was honored to accept. Hence the move to the Hill Country’s undisputed “Cowboy Capital.”

And, while rewarding up to a point, after a few years, a conflicted Neil realized that he was “most happy when building things” in his garage workshop. As he relates, “Thanks to the exposure to and encouragement from my maternal grandfather, who was quite handy

Bandera’s premier luthier, Neil Peterson. Photo by Ernie Altgelt.

Hill Country SUN 6 January/February 2019

working wood, as a youngster, I also began to acquire the basic skills and knowledge while hanging around his shop.”

And, from those early days on, Neil never stopped tinkering with wood – building furniture, handling repairs for friends and neighbors and, just having fun sawing, shaping, gluing and nailing – always as a much-loved hobby.

Following his heart (with a little trepidation), in 1983 he decided to hang up his coach’s whistle and finally become what he deep-down, always really wanted to be, a full-time cabinet maker and repair resource. And, as he relates, “Even though it was a bit scary at first, I’ve never looked back or regretted it.”

Fortunately, due to a number of appreciatively acquired commercial and private accounts landed early on, his trade was “pretty good” during those first years. More importantly, while building a business (along with some commendable furniture), he never stopped learning and broadening his already considerable abilities through additional study. His shift to guitar making was a direct result of these further explorations into woodworking.

In 1990, Neil, not a musician himself but a friend to many, noticed the plans for making a flat-top fiddle in a woodworking trade publication. Intrigued, he accepted the challenge and, in a few short weeks, had a finished instrument that actually played. Two years later, he challenged himself again and made his first guitar.

Those initial guitars, and the learning curve involved in their construction, would establish the base that would evolve into his current success. And, even though Neil doesn’t really “play” these instruments (he now knows a chord or two), he can appreciate the tonal qualities demanded by those who do. Hence, his commitment to use the finest (often exotic) woods while experimenting with bracing techniques and other enhancers of an instrument’s “sound.” He’s never stopped searching and, with each subsequent generation of guitars made, improvements, professionally recognized, were achieved.

Currently, his output has developed a considerable fan-following See NEIL PETERSON, page 7

NEIL PETERSON, from page 6 with a number of seasoned performers now playing a custom “Peterson” often constructed “just for them.”

Not so remarkably, it was this desire to explore different paths that led to a surprising innovation that has the music world thinking, “How smart is that!” As guitarists know, an instrument’s tonal qualities are primarily affected by the wood used for the soundboard – the top of the body of the guitar. And, while mesquite, cedar and other popular varieties can produce exceptional tone that improves over time, Neil recognized that one possible source of “pre-aged,” quality soundboard wood with excellent pedigrees might be found within older, abandoned stringed instruments – primarily antique pianos. Well, he was right and again, “how smart is that! Acquiring an old, irreparable piano destined for the scrap heap, Neil decided to “repurpose” this elderly instrument.

Harvesting its sound board and then reconfiguring the same for a guitar, he believed that, when incorporated into a new instrument, the results, as he smilingly attests, “Would ring.” And, right he was. His shop is now filled with ready to be reborn, run-down pianos and, a new generation of these unique Petersons have already come on line that feature the recycled wood.

Today, 83 guitars since his first homemade effort in ’92, Neil’s workmanship continues to be lauded by professional and amateur alike. His use of unusual woods including Zebra, Redwood, Monkey pod, Mountain Laurel and others coupled with his piano-topped varieties are truly stunning, visually and audibly. But, you’ve just got to see/hear them to fully appreciate. Primarily however, Neil’s passion and ingenuity just go to show what a little repurposing can do – for a man and, for music, too.

For more information about Neil Peterson and his guitars, visit the website at petersonacoustics.com or Google “homegrown guitars” where you’ll find some neat YouTube videos.

We clear land using mulching.

WHY?

3 Selective clearing allows you to leave

the vegetation you want 3 Enhances property value & enjoyment 3 Trees are mulched in place, helping to restore soil and grass 3 Reduces erosion & restores water table

AGES 2 MONTHS thru 5th GRADE

PRE-K PROGRAM

$28/day NO REG. FEE Providing individualized child care and education in a nurturing, home-like, Christ-centered environment

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM GAMEROOM/SNACK BAR

1.8 miles from JWE~Homework Help Daily

(512) 847-7459

www.learningandlove.com We Want to Be YOUR Painters!

Bring out the best!

Local • 35+ Years Experience

We Do What We Promise!

Clear your land the environmentally friendly way!

Our Hydro Ax & Fecon machines mulch your cedar and unwanted brush in one step, leaving the mulch on the ground to do all the good things mulch does. If you like, we can follow up with reseeding navtive grasses.

Greater Wimberley Construction Inc. FIND OUT !

MORE

RestoreYourLand.com 210-860-8033 • 512-847-7975 or email Brent@restoreyourland.com

Great References • Friendly Service • Guaranteed!

Exterior Painting H Interior Painting H Restoration Staining H Decks H Carpentry H Drywall Repair

512-360-7062

BallBrothersPainting.com January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 7

skull and cakebones all-natural, vegan and lo cally sourced

skull & cakebones

Story by Bonnie Eissler

S

kull & Cakebones co-owners Sascha Biesi, executive chef, and Yauss Berenji, chief creative officer, grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and graduated from the same high school in Arlington. They share a passion for community, friendship and food that over time inspired them to develop the first locally-sourced vegan craft bakery in Austin.

Building on several years in the wholesale business, catering for festivals and events, and a successful Kickstarter project, Sascha and Yauss moved west to Dripping Springs and into their first storefront in 2017. They offer an assortment of pastries and breads, light lunches and weekend brunches that feature blue corn pancakes (plain, chocolate chip, or blueberry) and comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or biscuits and gravy.

They use local, fair trade and organic ingredients whenever possible and partner with local food and drink companies like JBG Organics and Revolution Spirits to create unique taste experiences for customers.

In 2017, Skull & Cakebones won the Grand Prize in the H-E-B Quest for Texas Best for their Mocha Marmalade Trifle, made with local Greater Goods coffee. The next year they were awarded a grant from Austin Food and Wine.

In the early ’90s, Sascha worked at Phil’s Natural Eats Cafe in Dallas where, she says, “it was easy to be a vegetarian because the food was so accessible and delicious.” Phil’s vegetarian chili must have been especially good because she ate it every day.

Sascha began her journey into the world of vegan cooking by converting cherished old family recipes. She grew up in the South eating chicken fried steaks, biscuits and gravy just like most of her fellow Texans. She understands that some people are reluctant to try vegan food because they’re certain that it won’t taste good, and says her mission is to make the finished product taste “as good as the food that my Nana made.”

Skull & Cakebones uses no animal products whatsoever. Yauss says, “If it comes from something with eyes, we don’t use it.” She says that reading “A Diet for A New America” marked a turning point for her. This classic book by John Robbins was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1987 and is widely regarded as the single most eloquent argument for a vegetarian

Skull & Cakebones owners Sascha Biesi, executive chef, and Yauss Berenji, chief creative officer, bring the first locally sourced bakery to the area. All photos courtesy Skull & Cakebones.

lifestyle ever published. It challenges the idea that eating meat is an essential requirement for good health and takes a close look at the physical, economic and moral price we pay for our dependence on animals for food.

“Food is a very prominent part of my (Persian) culture,” Yauss says, “every single photo of me with my family has food in the picture – we’re at the dinner table or outside sharing food together.” Yauss’s mother, who lives in Washington D.C., was the one who encouraged Sascha and Yauss to market the cupcakes. She’d seen quite a few episodes of the popular “Cupcake Wars” series (2009 to present) and she’d sampled Sascha’s cupcakes, so this seemed like a good plan. Today, she’s the bookkeeper for the business.

Cupcakes have a long and storied history, beginning with the first mass-produced cupcakes in 1919, but the Great Cupcake Craze of the new millennium can arguably be traced to the third season of “Sex and the City” in 2000, when Carrie Bradshaw announced her latest crush while eating a Magnolia Bakery cupcake that was lavishly frosted with pink icing, sparking a national obsession. Sascha and Yauss started their wholesale operation in 2013, selling several different varieties of gourmet cupcakes.

Yauss visited Whole Foods to ask about their vegan baked goods and discovered they didn’t have any despite a huge demand for them. She asked if they’d be interested in buying Skull & Cakebones products and they told her who to call. Soon she got a message asking to meet the next day. “It was

See SKULL & CAKEBONES, page 9

who says natural can’t be delicious?

SKULL & CAKEBONES, from page 8

mocha cake

Your Hill Country Used Car Superstore

No-Nonsense Used Car Dealer • Tasteful Website Shopping

WE CONSIGN CARS ~ WE SELL CARS It’s no secret that buying a used vehicle can be a daunting experience. We believe that purchasing your next vehicle should be as easy and fun as a trip to your favorite market.

512-288-5000 • toll free 866-933-5002 LOCATED 10 MILES EAST OF DRIPPING SPRINGS

loneoakmotors.com • 10010 Hwy 290 West

a quicker response than I’d expected, and as I was driving to the meeting, I was mentally calculating how much ingredients cost at Costco and so on.”

None of that mattered. The man she was to meet had his 3-1/2 year old son with him and told Yauss, “If he (his son) likes it, you’re in.” As it happened, “the kid liked the cupcakes and within two months we were selling them to Whole Foods.”

Today, Skull & Cakebones products are available in H-E-B grocery stores, co-ops, coffeehouses and cafes in and around Austin as well as many other communities in Texas. The top seller is the Mint Bing Bong, a vegan twist on the first mass-produced chocolate cupcake, the one with the filling in the center and a signature squiggle on top. The Bing Bong is stuffed with peppermint cream and topped with dark mint chocolate ganache, using chocolate from SRSLY, a local craft chocolate-maker.

Sascha and Yauss often partner with local businesses. “The idea is to take something from a company you like and use it in a recipe so that it shines through,” Sascha says. Shortly after they started their wholesale business, Jester King Brewery asked her to create a special recipe for their second anniversary event. Skull & Cakebones now partners with their “favorite foodies (and drinkies) from within the community,” and have showcased everything from cheese and chocolate to tequila and ice cream.

Yauss says, “Community, staying hyperlocal, is what’s most important to us.” Their large (6,000 square foot) Dripping Springs facility has a commercial kitchen in the back that provides workspace for other small businesses. “I love this area,” Sascha says. “Everyone truly cares about what everyone else is doing.”

Skull & Cakebones is located at 3991 East Highway 290 in Dripping Springs.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit the website at skullandcakebones.com.

Books • Artwork • Candles • More Fabric • Sofas • Furniture •

avocado toast

Designer Fabrics at Discount Prices

• Fabric • Trim • Pillows • Body Care • Furniture • More Fabric

Pottery • Drapery Hardware • Toys

Tremendous Savings Off Suggested Retail Every Day!

• Blinds, Shutter and Shades • Custom Furniture • Designer Fabrics • Decorative Trims • Unique Gifts • Accessories • Toys Let Our Design Staff Assist You with Custom Draperies, Bedding, Baby Bedding, & In-Home Design Service.

All at the best prices!

Like Us On

Trail Head Market • Hwy 290 West • Dripping Springs 512-894-0350 • 800-982-7424 Open Mon-Sat 10-6

cowgirlsandlace.com

In Stock Fabric 25%

OFF

January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 9

Hill Country PARKS

S

ince 2004, Texas Parks and Wildlife has been an archery partner with schools in Texas. Burnie Kessner, Parks and Wildlife’s Archery Coordinator, told me recently that the Texas-National Archery in Schools Program started with 17 trainers and six educators trained in September 2004 and that in ten years 2,000 Texas educators had been trained.

“I go to meets all over the state,” Burnie said me when we met in Austin in December at the Scottie Strong Shootout, “East Texas, Big Bend, South Texas, everywhere.” The Scottie Strong Shootout, sponsored by Austin ISD Highland Park Elementary School, brought 14 schools from across Texas with 250 archers to McCallum High School in Austin for a day of individual and team competition.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wants to provide opportunities in shooting sports to promote hunter education and encourage support for wildlife conservation efforts, and the Texas Education Agency wants to use archery to engage more students in the educational process to improve classroom performance and reduce dropout rates. Win-win, y’all. And to achieve those goals, the national program wants to provide international-style target archery training in elementary through high school P.E. classes, introducing target archery to students during a two-week P.E. course.

Sometimes that two-week P.E. course evolves into something else, the way it did at Highland Park Elementary across the street from my house in West Austin. PE coach Jim DeLine has lit a fire un-der his PE students for archery and now the littlest students can’t wait to be fifth grade Scottie Shooters, shooting arrows almost year-round and competing in meets in Texas and nationally.

When Jim’s daughter went to middle school, they helped organize a program at Lamar Middle School, and now her high school, McCallum, is supporting archery teams and is part of Texas-National Archery I n Schools Program.

Will Garnes is a fifth grader at Highland Park Elementary who competed in the Scottie Strong Shootout last month. Will told me Hill Country SUN 10 January/February 2019

a column by Suzy Moehring Mallard

he’s been shooting since third grade and he has competed in three tournaments.

“I feel like it’s a lot different from other sports,” Will said, “more mental than physical. In a sport like football it’s about how hard you can hit. In archery it’s finding an aim point and being consistent.”

Burnie said archery, especially archery competition, gets compared a lot to golf. “You’re shooting for a personal score,” he said, “but your score goes to the team score.”

Here’s what a Kentucky survey found a few years back when 315 archery students in 50 schools were surveyed: 94 percent said they enjoyed archery; 60 percent felt better about themselves after taking archery; 49 percent liked their school better because archery was taught; 66 percent liked PE class better with archery; 72 percent said they like archery letting them work more closely with their teacher; and 22 percent bought archery equipment after taking the class.

The Texas-National Archery in Schools Program Bullseye Tournament is March 28 and 29 at Bell County Exposition Center in Belton, Texas. This state tournament will have teams from elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, as well as home school teams. Top five male and female high school archers receive college scholarships in this tournament.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is official sponsor of Texas-National Archery in Schools, and additional sponsors and partners include Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, Archery Trade Assn., Dal-las Safari Club, Lone Star Bowhunters Assn., Morrell Manufacturing and Targets, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Hunter Education Instructor Assn., Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Toyota, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

WIMBERLEY H Blair House Inn presnents the 18th annual Vintner Dinner Series Saturday evenings January 19 - February 23. Vintners will join to talk about their winery, winemaking process and the unique character of the wines they create. Blair House’s executive chef will prepare a memorable 5-course dinner designed to highlight flavors of the various wines.

JANUARY 19 featuring Texas Hills Vineyard (Johnson City) The rolling hills and the soil are much like that of the Tuscan countryside, in Italy. Once Kathy and Gary saw the location they opted to grow grapes which allow wines to be produced with a decidedly Italian influence.

JANUARY 26 featuring Lewis Wines (Johnson City) Lewis Wines and tasting room is situated on 100 acres just west of Johnson City. Producing their wines from 100 percent Texas grapes, they work with quality minded, responsible grape growers across the state to get the best fruit, grown with respect for the land.

FEBRUARY 23 featuring William Chris Vineyard (Hye) William Chris Vineyards believes that the way to put Texas on the map as a respected wine region is to promote wines made exclusively from Texas fruit. They farm vineyards all over the state of Texas; varietals include Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and more.

Blair House Inn’s Saturday Evening Dinners are offered by reservation. Cost is $70 per person, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity.

Call 512-847-1111 to reserve your table.

FEBRUARY 2 featuring Sunset Winery (Burleson) Sunset Winery is located in the former home of Bruce and Birgit Anderson where they raised three daughters. In 2005, the winery opened its doors and has been creating memories for other families, with high quality wines, broad selections, extensive wine education, tours, and unique events FEBRUARY 9 featuring 290 Vinery (Johnson City) 290 Vinery is a family owned and operated winery and tasting room in Johnson City, Texas, opened in October 2016. Currently offering wines from nine Texas wineries as well as all over the US and the world. In 2017 they released their own wines: Caught Red Handed, Little White Lies and Seriously Red. FEBRUARY 16 featuring Pontotoc Vineyard (Fredericksburg) Pontotoc Vineyard was established in the unique terroir of the Llano Uplift in the Northern Hill Country community of Pontotoc in Mason County. Pontotoc means “Land of Hanging Grapes.” The vineyard was planted in the fertile red sand soil of a high valley surrounded by pink granite outcroppings on a farm originally founded by the German Emigration Company in 1872.

Dripping Springs/Wimberley area

Jams, Jellies, Dips, Gourmet Foods, Gifts & Warm Friendly Smiles Sample our Texas Pride Jalapeno Mustard Peach Salsa Peach Amaretto & Pecan Jam Jalapeno Jelly Convenient to Austin, Fredericksburg & Dripping Springs Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Hwy. 290, 7 miles west of Dripping Springs

newcanaanfarms.com

800-727-5267 January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 11

It’s Cowboy Mardi Gras in Bandera!

L

ouisiana’s “Naw’Leans” might seem a long way (as the crow flies and culturally) from the Texas Hill Country’s acclaimed “Cowboy Capitol” but come one thunderous three-day stretch each February something magical happens where the distances seem to shrink and the differences start to blur as Bandera hosts (as only it can) a genuine “Mardi Gras” celebration with a decidedly “frontier” feel. Patterned after the Delta City’s historic fête, for the past 13 years, the legendary 11th Street Cowboy Bar has transformed itself (inside and out onto the street) into a kicker/Cajun blend of fun and fantasy where cayenne-spiced gumbo and a Zydeco beat temporarily take center stage over the traditional Western-swing, Tex-Mex chili and jalapenos in a delightful celebration of all things Acadian. So, with February here again, it’s once more time for the much anticipated Cowboy Mardi Gras and best of all, everyone is invited, Aeeee!

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar, a story unto itself, has been attracting locals and tourists alike for years with its authentic “Old West” ambiance, icy-cold beer, delicious chow and spacious dance floors powered by a cavalcade of first-string performers including such C/W hall-of-famers as Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Moe Bandy and other greats and near-greats. Sprawling across two and a half appropriately appointed acres (open air and enclosed including two stages, multiple serving bars, the eclectic Harley and Horses Marketplace – an event sponsor, and ample seating), the 2,300-occupant venue lends itself to a variety of entertaining uses where the customers’ comfort and well-being are paramount and good times are almost always guaranteed.

As owner James McGroarty expresses, “There may be larger, more tricked-out dance halls and saloons than my 11th Street but none with bigger ambitions, hence our motto, ‘The biggest little bar in Texas.’ ” This year’s Cowboy Mardi Gras celebration (the 14th) explodes again into a multi-day extravaganza encompassing a cash-prize gumbo cook-off, parade (featuring more than 100 eye-popping entries including floats, antique cars, trucks, Harleys and, of course, cowboy’s and their horses), competitions, lots of great food and, especially music, music, music! And, it all starts at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar on Thursday, February 21, beginning with a not-to-be-missed crazy canine costume contest at 7 pm. Then later that evening, the event’s first dance gets underway. Stepping up to the mike at 8:30 pm, high-energy Rusty Metoyer and his Zydeco Krush band take the stage and promise to get everyone in a Creole state of mind. On Friday, commencing

at 4 pm, Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie take the stage for another toe-tapping set followed at 9 pm by the legendary Jeff Woolsey and the Dance Hall Kings. Wow! Now, that’s Cajun cool.

But, the fun really kicks into gear on Saturday, February 23. At 8 am on the bar’s premises, eager competing cooks offer their custom gumbos to salivating, sharp-tongued Mardi Gras judges. Visitors will be welcome to partake of a taste or two, as well. A later awards presentation will be held at 4:30 pm to see who will take this year’s crown as the Gumbo King. Then, saddling up at noon, the must-see Cowboy Mardi Gras parade gets underway raucously rolling down Bandera’s Main Street before heading west past the 11th Street Bar where much needed refreshments will, of course, be at the ready.

But, the Saturday fun doesn’t end there. Commencing at the parade’s conclusion and ending “whenever,” the bar will again host a cavalcade of top-notch, authentic bayou-blasting entertainment including Travis Matte and the King Pins, Wayne Toups and closing with Dustin Sonnier and Wanted. There’ll also be a costume contest and chicken toss, and icy-cold beverages and fiery food aplenty available for purchase throughout the entire, three-day happening. What makes this annual event so truly wonderful are the 10,000 or so who attend each year so, as James stresses, “Come one, come all and wear your beads, bring your masks and go Cajun.”Aeeee!

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is located in Bandera at 307 11th Street. For information about Cowboy Mardi Gras and other 11th Street events, visit www.11thstreetcowboybar.com or call 830-796-4849. Parking at all of the Cowboy Mardi Gras events is free. Applications to participate in the contests, cook-off and parade can be downloaded from the website. Photo courtesy 11th Street Cowboy Bar.

WOMEN WHO WANDER OUTDOOR RETREAT March 29-31 in Concan CONCAN H March 29-31, 2019 marks the first ever Women Who Wander Outdoor Retreat in the Frio Canyon, a weekend of exciting outdoor events and classes, live music, and great fun with some likeminded ladies! Learn new skills, make friends and enjoy great food (and drinks), at the event benefitting an important program through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF). TPWF supports efforts to advance their capabilities and allows them to perform search and rescue/swift water missions as safely and effectively as possible. The retreat will be led by a group of Texas Game Wardens, along with other experts and enthusiasts, all volunteering their time to conduct classes and guided excursions such as Firearm Safety, Self Defense Training, Hiking, Kayaking, Nature Photography and more. Additional experiences will be offered such as spa treatments, shopping, wine tastings, treehouse dining, live music and more.

For more information about attending or sponsoring the Women Who Wander Outdoor Retreat, email info@visituvaldecounty.com.

ALAMO ORCHID SOCIETY’S MARCH MADNESS SHOW IS MARCH 22-24 SAN ANTONIO H Hundreds of orchids from around the world will be on display, and judges from the American Orchid Society on hand to select award-winning specimens at the March Madness Orchid Show, March 22-24, at the San Antonio Garden Center. In addition, orchid sellers from across Texas — along with one of the most well-known growers from Ecuador — will offer plants for sale. Admission to the event is free.

March 24 has been designated “Plant Societies Day” to encourage plant enthusiasts to attend the show. With a current membership tag/card, members of other plant societies will receive a free cup of coffee and a roll to enjoy during the final day of the show.

The Alamo Orchid Society is a non-profit association dedicated to growing the culture of orchid lovers in the Texas Hill Country and San Antonio. The group meets at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of every month at the San Antonio Garden Center; new members always welcome. Hours for the March Madness show are noon to 4 pm March 22; 10 am to 6 pm March 23; and 10 am to 4 pm March 24.

The San Antonio Garden Center is located at 3310 North New Braunfels Avenue. in San Antonio. For more information, visit the website at sanantonioalamoorchidsociety.com.

The Moose is Loose!!

LANDSCAPING • TREE WORK

Ask About Our Services!

Tree Trimming & Falling Small Scale Landscaping including plant recommendation and design, mulching, rock beds & bed development

Property Clean-Up

including clearing trees, bushes, weeds & removal

Dripping Springs Area

Call, Text or Email

512-587-2790 td@mooseislooselawncare.com

The Hill Country’s Most Complete

Wellness Pharmacy

Dripping Springs Alumni

Tracy & Tom Demchuk

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS

THANK YOU for supporting one of Dripping Springs’ locally owned businesses!

Serving this area for 35 Years!

Visit one of our Wellness Consultants for a FREE consultation and GET 10% OFF Any Supplement Purchase with this ad (offer good thru Feb 28, 2019 at our Dripping Springs Pharmacy location only; not valid with other offers and this ad must accompany the purchase)

DRIPPING SPRINGS PHARMACY

100 Commons Rd, #1 Dripping Springs –512-858-7935 • 512-894-0285 January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 13

Hill Country WILDLIFE

a column by C.J. Wright

the plight of pollinators

H

eavy with dew, red oak leaves glisten in the winter morning’s dim sunlight. In the thick brush below, a Brown Thrasher forages, swiping its bill back and forth spraying leaves and soil, unearthing grubs and insects. Its chestnut crown, back and tail match the leaves overhead.

Having gleaned the sunflower seeds left standing in summer flowerbeds, White-throated Sparrows scurry about, stopping to scratch for wind driven seeds hiding beneath dry leaves. Above them, Dark-eyed Juncos feast on goldenrod seeds, joined on occasion by Ruby-crowned Kinglet or Carolina Wren.

With most trees and shrubs bare of foliage, winter is a great time to observe resident and wintering birds. By refraining from cutting back plants in fall, we provide winter habitat for wildlife. Birds feed on seed heads and some native bees make warm homes in hollow flower stalks. A number of swallowtail, sulphur and cabbage white butterflies overwinter as a chrysalis, hanging on dead plant stems or tucked away in leaf litter. Others such as red-spotted purple and viceroy spend the winter as caterpillars rolled into a leaf or inside a seedpod. Frogs, native ladybugs and other predatory insects shelter in leaf beds.

Once spring arrives, predacious insects will be on hand to help us manage early-emerging pests— white flies, mealy bugs… Although imported Asian ladybugs (the ones that prefer to winter in our homes) have contributed to the decline and endangerment of native ladybugs, all ladybugs are beneficial beetles that help control garden pests such as aphids and scale insects. Without them, farmers’ need for pesticides would increase. Another predatory and underappreciated insect, the weak-flying, green lacewing is a delicate three-fourth-inch long insect with lacy wings and golden hemispheric eyes. Although only some adults feed on insects, their larvae are voracious, devouring aphids, caterpillars and some beetles.

Most insects are beneficial, but a growing number of long-term studies are showing alarming declines in insect populations worldwide.

For example, German national preserves show a seventy-six percent decline in flying insects over the past few decades. A national forest in Puerto Rico has suffered a huge decline in bugs (a 60-fold loss) and the forest’s insect-eating animals (anoles, birds and frogs) are missing.

When we read how wildlife populations have plummeted since 1970, when we read of a ‘staggering’ loss of forests and learn of a ‘hyperalarming’ study showing massive insect losses, we need to take serious notice. Thirty-five percent of the world’s plant crops require pollination and honeybees are disappearing. Plant food and medicine producing species would go extinct without pollinators. Other insects chew rotting wood and eat carrion. According to one estimate, insects yearly provide $57 billion worth of labor in the U.S. alone.

Perhaps the most alarming conclusion drawn from these studies is that there is no obvious smoking gun. Climate change is a possible cause, yet studies noting insect loss in northern Europe predate climate change there and declines in New England began in the 1950s. Other possible causes: pesticides, droughts, pathogens, invasive species, and habitat loss.

Hill Country SUN 14 January/February 2019

What can we as citizen scientists do? Besides encouraging our government officials to pass pro conservation legislation, we can improve wildlife habitat in our yards and communities. Habitats can be created anywhere—in HOA communities, in cities and on patios. All that is required is food, water, shelter and a place to raise young.

Habitat—by definition, the natural home or environment of an animal, plant or other organism—is not found on manicured lawns, irrigated crops we cannot eat or sell. Millions of acres of land requiring millions of man-hours and gallons of gasoline to mow, millions of gallons and billions of dollars worth of water to maintain, treated with pesticides that kill beneficial wildlife and pollute waterways and groundwater.

In the winter months as our thoughts turn toward spring, why not plan to replace a portion of lawn with drought tolerant, native plants—trees, berries, hollies, flowering plants—all of which provide food and cover for wildlife, plants that encourage biodiversity.

Plant or enlarge a pollinator garden and enjoy the beauty and wildlife. Why plant native plants? They evolved a close relationship over time with the pollinators that visit them.

Non-natives rarely draw anything save a hungry deer. It’s also important to plant flowering plants for spring, summer and fall and to plant host plants as well as nectar plants. (Think monarch butterfly and milkweed, which unlike its name is a beautiful flowering plant and the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat.) To provide shelter and variety, include bunch grasses and rocks. Plant and they will come: butterflies, bees, other insects, hummingbirds and anoles that bring our gardens to life.

In addition, plant berry and seed-bearing plants and shrubs for birds and create wetland habitat to support dragonflies, damselflies, other insects and frogs.

It is important to eliminate the use of pesticides which harm and kill insects even days after application, and additionally harm the birds and animals that feed on them. It’s important to purchase plants from nurseries that have not sprayed with neonicotinoids.

The plight of pollinators is one of the most serious environmental issues facing us today brought on, in part, by increasing urbanization, fragmentation and the planting of non-native ornamentals. Working together, we can change this. And for those who reside in communities with Home Owner Associations (HOAs), who are subject to specific rules and regulations, take heart. Many HOAs provide excellent and biodiverse wildlife habit.

Search: Pollinator Garden Plants & Practices, Removing Lawn to Make Way for More Habitat, Native Landscaping Makes Sense, Nativars (Native Cultivars): What We Know & Recommend, Effective and Safe Alternatives to Insecticides, Top Five Great Berries for the Great Birds of Your Region, Encouraging Beneficial Insects Pays Off. For case studies that provide ideas and guidance, search: Homeowner Associations (HOAs & Wildlife Gardening.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR FALL BEGINS FEBRUARY 18!

Translate your vision into a beautiful, functional landscape

Are you looking for an awesome preschool?

Full Landscape Design & Installation Flagstone Patios & Walkways • Outdoor Kitchens Xeriscapes • Landscape Lighting • Arbors & Pergolas

Mt. Olive Preschool is a nationally-accredited early childhood education program featuring:

512-923-0210 • www.BlazekLandscapes.com

• A loving, Christian environment • Strong academic curriculum • Daily opportunitied to play, sing, create, explore and make friends • Bi-Weekly Chapel • Weekly Spanish & Creative Movement classes

HEATHER H. BOBB

DDS

Mt. Olive School admits children on a space-available basis without regard to race, gender, national or ethnic origin or religion.

512.858.7200

heatherbobb.com

Conveniently located between Austin & Dripping Springs at 10408 Highway 290 West • Austin, TX 78736

Thanks to all who have made this a great 10 years...looking forward to the next 10!

www.mtolivepreschool.org facebook.com/mtoliveaustinpreschool

Call today to schedule a tour 512-288-2330 or email preschool@connectwithJesus.org

Changing Smiles, Changing Lives 331 Sportsplex Drive, Suite B | Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

9/15/18 to 11/15/18

333 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. #405 • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

(512) 829-4782 • drippingsprings.wbu.com

January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 15

Cranberry’s Antiques A

like a time machine in Blanco

fter attaining a certain age, every one of us at some point would like to roll back the years and reacquaint ourselves with those earlier places and/or things that reside within our memories. Recollections of our former youth, special occasions or, just the simple everyday objects that contributed to a fondly remembered past can warmly reach out, temporarily returning us to a previous era.

And, as most can attest, those pleasant feelings of nostalgia, when achieved, while often leaving us smiling, may also have us wishing for something more tangible than just a reminiscence. Isn’t it too bad we don’t have some sort of time machine that offers us a second opportunity to ac-tually experience what was?

Well, maybe there is a “way” to rewind the hands of our historical clocks and recapture a little from our yesterdays. Simply called Cranberry’s Antiques, located in Blanco, thanks to all of the authentic wonderment that fills its magical spaces, “going back” may not be so impossible after all.

Say what? Well, if you’re in the mood to shift into reverse and get reacquainted with so much that made you “you” before, then a visit to Cranberry’s might just be the ticket. You’ll definitely enjoy the ride!

Opened in 1992 by a San Antonio couple seeking solace in the Hill Country, after finding the large and accommodating building situated on the southern end of the small town’s courthouse square, the idea of establishing an antique business immediately appealed to both. Each loved “old things” and, being in the city’s center with its convenience to Highway 281, seemed like a “natural” where a retail establishment might flourish. And they were right. After inviting numerous like-minded antique vendors to share the inviting space, Cranberry’s soon proved to be a “must see” stop for shoppers in search of all things ancient, venerable and unique.

After two and half decades, Cranberry’s, if anything, has gotten better.

Currently, under the proprietorship of the now-owner Heidi Savory (who has been with the emporium for the past 10 years), the offerings have expanded in variety and authenticity. The entire split-level interior is overflowing with, as Heidi attests, “just about everything.” And she’s not kidding.

Adhering to a strict rule that all offerings have to have a pedigree dating before 1970 (many are much, much older) ensures that Cranberry’s inventory is truly “antique.” Reproductions are definitely discouraged and, as Heidi explains, “That’s just what everyone wants – customers as well as our 40-plus participating vendors.”

Throughout the shop’s 10,000-square-feet of display space, multiple “showrooms” represent the individually-assigned areas where the various vendors each show their wares. The range and quality are both impressive including thousands of offerings of furniture, primitives (tools, crockery, etc.), toys, knives, signage, jewelry, beer memorabilia, comics, books, L.P.s, house wares, glassware and so very much more. The majority of it is “100 percent American.”

All of this will delight any and all who “grew up” in the United States – whether in a city or the country. To many, the entire package comes across more like a museum that an eclectic emporium dedicated to the past but all agree, being able to purchase a memory or two makes a visit even more special. Serious collectors won’t be disappointed, either.

So, if you’ve got a yen for yesteryear, Cranberry’s Antiques is definitely the place to go. Whether you buy something or not, you’ll find yourself swept back as you joyfully encounter many of the things that once comprised the ordinary but cherished parts of our former existences. It really is (almost) a genuine time machine that, when availed, just might bring a tear or two but, you’ll definitely enjoy the ride!

Cranberry’s Antiques is located at 400 3rd Street in Blanco, on the Courthouse square, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, call 830-833-5596 or find Cranberry’s Antiques on Facebook.

PHOTO CREDITS ABOVE Heidi Savory, owner of Cranberry Antiques on the Blanco Square, shows off some of the shop’s unique items. Photo by Ernie Altgelt. TOP RIGHT: Cranberry Antiques interior. Photo courtesy Cranberry Antiques.

Poets, submit entries by February 1

A

re you inspired by the beauty of the night sky and the wonders of nature after dark? For centuries, poets, songwriters, storytellers and astronomers have waxed lyrical about the beauty and mystery of the majestic night sky. To William Wordsworth, stars were “mansions built by Nature’s Hand,” the abode of “the spirits of the blest.” American astronomer, Carl Sagan, reflected on the time when we humans lived mostly in the open under the sky, writing in Pale Blue Dot “before we devised artificial lights, atmospheric pollution and modern forms of nocturnal entertainment, we watched the stars.”

You still have time to meet the February 1 deadline. The Texas Night Sky Festival Poetry Contest includes categories for youth, adults and published authors. You can enter as many as three poems in the competition.

The poetry contest team is delighted to have Wimberley resident Nathan Brown, an award-winning poet, songwriter, performer and photographer judging the competition. Festival award winners will be announced and their winning entries read at the festival. NightScape magazine will publish the winning entries and they will be featured on the host organizations’ websites. First prize winners will receive a cash award.

So channel your inner Wordsworth, “gaze at the moon ’til you lose your senses” like the singing cowboy of yesteryear, Gene Autry. Go outside at night, away from the city and artificial light, and look up.

Express yourself in whatever style most appeals to you – rhymed, unrhymed, haiku, sonnet, blank verse, free verse, limerick – no restrictions other than a line limit of no more than 45 lines and at least one of the suggested night sky themes.

Visit www.TexasNightSkyFestival.org for full contest details.

Photo by Chase Fountain, courtesy TPWD.

Rainwater & turf management training WIMBERLEY H Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Healthy Lawns and Healthy Waters Program will host a free residential rainwater harvesting and turf management training February 7 from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Community Center, in collaboration with the Cypress Creek Watershed Partnership. Learn about design and installation of residential rainwater harvesting systems, appropriate turf and landscape species based on local conditiona and more. Participants can also have their soil tested. Soil sample bags and analysis are free to program participants, so pick up a soil sample bag with sampling instructions at the AgriLife Extension office in Hays County at 200 Stillwater Road in Wimberley and bring your soil samples to the training.

Seating is limited. RSVP online at hlhw.tamu.edu/workshops/2019/feb-7-wimberley, email johnwsmith@tamu.edu or call 979-845-2761. For more information about Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan, visit cypresscreekproject.net.

A FAMILY-OWNED, INDEPENDENT PHARMACY IN BLANCO FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS!

Compounding, Nutrition & Wellness UNIQUE GIFT SHOP

316 Pecan Street • Blanco, Texas On the Blanco Square • 830-833-4815 blancopharmacy.com • Like us on

Shop where the Antique Dealers shop!

Cranberry’s

Antiques Best prices in Texas!

More than 10,000 square feet of antiques OPEN EVERYDAY 10 AM-6 PM

On the Blanco Square (830) 833-5596 • 405 3rd St in Blanco

28 years in business

January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 17

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOTE: Dates and/or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm.

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. gruenehall.com.

EVERY SUNDAY HELOTES: Family Night and Free Dance at John T. Floore’s Country Store., 14492 Old Bandera Road. 6 pm. liveatfloores.com.

SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Second Sunday Music Fest. Afternoon of music, food, and fun at Frontier Times Museum. banderacowboycapital.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art. Kirchman Gallery. 830-8689290.

FIFTH SUNDAY DRIFTWOOD: United Methodist Church Bluegrass Gospel Singalong Service. 11 am. 512-944-6300 EVERY MONDAY SAN MARCOS/WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Glassworks gallery open 10 am to 5 pm daily and Sunday noon to 5 pm. See the artists create in a live glassblowing demo. WGW.com EVERY MONDAY CYPRESS MILL: Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of artists. 830-825-3465. EVERY TUESDAY WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Chorus meets to rehearse for the Spring Concert at The Chapel in the Hills, 14601 Ranch Road 12, 7 pm, January 14 through March. www.wimberleycommnitychorus EVERY TUESDAY SAN MARCOS/WIMBERLEY: Community Bible Study. Interde-

1/2

20% OFF your order WITH THIS COUPON WITH THIS COUPON!

1005 W. HIGHWAY 290 DRIPPING SPRINGS, TEXAS Hill Country SUN 18 January/February 2019

nominational Bible Study. Men, Women, Couples, Spanish, Youth & Children. 6:30 - 8 pm. First Christian Church, 3105 RR 12, San Marcos. Register at 512-808-9156, paula.king206@yahoo.com.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 6 pm at Highway 290, Ranch Road 12. cityofdrippingsprings.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Veteran Music Group at VFW Post 7110. 5 pm to 8 pm. Open to all veterans, all skill levels. Song writing, guitar, keyboard, more. 600 Peace Avenue. Gary Walter, 512-460-9919.

SAN MARCOS: Kent Finlay’s Songwriter’s Circle. You never know who’ll drop in at historic Cheatham Street Warehouse. 8 pm. cheathamstreet.com.

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

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

WIMBERLEY: Heart of Texas Genealogy Society meets at Wimberley Village Library. 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm. wimberleylibrary.org.

FOURTH WEDNESDAY WIMBERLEY: Meeting of the Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am.

Community Center. 512-847-2849.

EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts, Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. thymeanddough.com.

INGRAM: Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market. Highway 39 & Old Ingram Loop. 2 pm to 7 pm. 830-367-2800.

FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday. Events, food and music plus special sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. drippingspringstx.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Vince F. Taylor American Legion Post 290 of Dripping Springs meets at 7 pm. 512-858-5637.

FIRST & THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions. Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-8994406.

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. Marilyn Pierce, mp@ smpierce.net.

SECOND & FOURTH THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmaster Club. Learn public speaking, leadership. 7 pm to 8 pm. Community Center,14068 Ranch Road 12. 512847-6822.

THIRD THURSDAY BANDERA: Third Thursday Cowboy Camp. Pickers who play cowboy, Texas, or Western swing music are welcome to sit in. banderacowboycapital.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping Springs VFW Post 2933 meets at 7 pm. 512-858-5637.

WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of best in Hill Country music. Pie, tamales, pizza, coffee, soft drinks available. Doors 7 pm, music 7:30 pm. wimberleyumc.org.

WIMBERLEY: Third Thursday. Shops open ’til 8 pm. WimberleyMerchants.com.

EVERY THURSDAY - SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 FM 2325. facebook. com/LindasFineFoods.

EVERY THURSDAY - SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting, Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Co. Tex-MexBeer.com.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WIMBERLEY: Bingo. Family friendly fun at the VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441.

FIRST FRIDAY BANDERA: Knights of Columbus Fish Fry. 5 pm at St. Joseph’s Hall. www.banderacowboycapital.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. ffawf.com.

MARBLE FALLS: Art Walk. 5 pm to 8 pm. marblefalls.org.

SECOND FRIDAY BANDERA: Medina Community Jam Session. Bring a covered dish, snack, dessert. Community Center. banderacowboycapital.com.

UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Shopping, food, music, art. 6 pm to 9 pm. visituvalde.com.

EVERY SATURDAY BANDERA: Flying L Chuckwagon Dinner Enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, gunslingers, line dancing, and more. flyingl. com.

BOERNE: Farmer’s Market. 9 am to 1 pm. cibolo.org.

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

FISCHER: Jackson Open Artisan and Farmers Market. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. jacksonopenairmarket.com, 830-9352781.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Farmers Market. nbfarmersmarket.com.

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

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428 WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. www.blairhouseinn.com.

UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner at Laurel Tree. utopiagourmet.com.

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

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale. Public Library. 830-796-4213.

BANDERA: Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters. Re-creating shootouts and life of the Old West. High noon and 2 pm. banderacowboycapital.com.

BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. See and interact with a sample of the Old West cowboy lifestyle on Bandera Main Street. banderacowboycapital.com DRIFTWOOD: Community Club. Group meets to enhance community spirit. Dinner 7 pm. driftwoodtx.org.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days and Hill Country Swap Meet. Youth Exhibit Center. Free admission, kerrmarketdays.org.

SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

WIMBERLEY: Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around Square open late offering art, wine, appetizers. Facebook.com/SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail.

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company, live music and food. TexMexBeer.com.

ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. westcave.org.

FIRST/LAST SATURDAY-SUNDAY LAMPASAS: Trade Days. Meet artists and craftsmen who create one-of-a-kind items, from antiques, collectibles, quilts, and crafts, to folk/fine art, home furnishings. marigoldsantiques.com SECOND SATURDAY-SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. brightleaf.org.

FOURTH SATURDAY-SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. JohnsonCityTexas-Chamber.com.

JANUARY 1-31 NEW BRAUNFELS: “War Stories: New Braunfels in World War I.” On view in the exhibit are artifacts from the Sophienburg’s rich collections—posters, photographs, uniforms, and other historical

TM

.COM A TEXAS STYLE SPRING BREAK

MARCH 13TH-16TH, 2019

, PEOP LE GO OD MU SI C, ..

S. GR EAT OF TI ME BE ST

*FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. FESTIVAL CONCERTS SELL-OUT

CONCAN,

TX

(830) 232-5758

January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 19

CALENDAR OF EVENTS objects to showcase events, individuals, and ideology from 1914 to 1919—as well as touch on the lasting impact of The Great War on America and on this German community. Sophienburg Museum & Archives, 401 West Coll Street. 830-629-1572, sophienburg.com.

JANUARY 11-12 BOERNE: Kendall County Junior Livestock Show and Sale. Kendall County Youth Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 649 Farm Market 289. 830-249-9343, visitboerne.org JANUARY 12 BOERNE: Second Saturday Art Beat. Take a walk on the art side every second Saturday of the month. Boerne’s Hill Country Mile, 100 North Main Street. 210-954-6659, visitboerne.org.

JANUARY 12, FEBRUARY 9 BOERNE: Kuhlmann-King Museum Tour. Located behind Boerne City Hall, the Kuhlmann-King house gives the public the opportunity to step back in time to see what a historic Boerne home looked like “way back when.” 402 East Blanco Road. 830-331-1033, visitboerne.org.

JANUARY 12-13 BOERNE: Boerne Market Days.Outdoor market that blends the traditions of the Texas Hill Country with the creations of today’s culture. Hundreds of festive booths display everything from collectibles and remembrances of the past to modern innovations.

Main Plaza, 100 North Main Street. 210-844-8193, visitboerne.org.

JANUARY 13-19 KERRVILLE: Hill Country District Junior Livestock Show. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 State Highway 27.

830-792-4102, hcdjls.org.

JANUARY 18-20 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 400 vendors in seven barns to see acres of antiques, and enjoy the biergarten, live music and more. Across from Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Drive.

210-846-4094, fbgtradedays.com.

JANUARY 19 FREDERICKSBURG: 12th Annual Luckenbach Blues Festival. Local, regional, and Texas blues artists. Luckenbach Texas Dance Hall, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop. 830-997-3224, luckenbachtexas.com.

JANUARY 19-20 FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show. Artifacts, exhibits, demonstrations, jewelry, minerals, fossils, and more to this 50th annual event. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive. fredericksburgrockhounds.org.

JANUARY 20 FREDERICKSBURG: Windsync Woodwind Quintet in Concert.

Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 North Llano Street. 830-990-2886, fredericksburgmusicclub.com.

JANUARY 24-26 UVALDE: Uvalde County Junior Livestock Show. Uvalde County Fairplex. 830-591-9040, uvaldecountyfairplex.com.

JANUARY 25 NEW BRAUNFELS: The Kingston Trio in Concert. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 West San Antonio Street. 830-6270808, brauntex.org.

JANUARY 25-27 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Art and Soul. Enjoy a series of creative workshops, classes, and experiences combined with open houses at various businesses throughout Wimberley. Various locations.

512-847-2201, wimberleyartandsoul.com.

JANUARY 25-27, FEBRUARY 1-3 KERRVILLE: Renaissance Festival The fest features the Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Show, The Great Rhondini Escape Artist, food, crafts, games, and more. River Star Arts and Events Park, 4000 Riverside Drive. 214-632-5766, kerrvillerenfest.com.

Hill Country SUN 20 January/February 2019

JANUARY 26 BANDERA: Wild Game Dinner. Enjoy an expertly prepared wild game dinner featuring venison in different forms, from chili to gumbo to sliders. Other game entrees also served. Grace Lutheran Church, 451 State Highway 173. 830-796-3091, banderacowboycapital.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Indian Artifact Show. Some of the finest Native American artifacts from Texas and U.S. including arrowheads, pottery, beads, books. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive. 830-626-5561, hillcountryartifacts.com.

JANUARY 26-27 KERRVILLE: Winter Market. Vendors from all over the state and beyond present their art, clothing, accessories, gourmet food, gift items, and more. Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center, 1001 State Highway 27. 830-895-5000, texasmarketguide.com.

FEBRUARY 1 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments, extended viewing hours the first Friday of month. Various locations. ffawf.com.

FEBRUARY 2 LLANO: Llano Trade Days. Shop antiques, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and plenty of other goods in this climate controlled venue.

John L. Kuykendall Event Center and Arena, 2249 Ranch Market 152. 325-247-5354, llanochamber.org.

FEBRUARY 4 SAN MARCOS: Trail Riders. The Greater Randolph Area Trail Riders make their annual appearance in San Marcos as they travel to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Watching the ride through downtown is always a fun, family-friendly event. . 512-393-8430, gra-trails.com.

FEBRUARY 8 SAN MARCOS: Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration and Hill Country Jazz Festival. From big bands and combos to individual instrumentalists, the fest features some of the best performers west of the Mississippi River. Also celebrates Eddie Durham, Texas jazz legend and San Marcos native, renowned guitarist who pioneered the use of electric guitar in jazz music. Texas State Performing Arts Center, 405 Moon Street. 512-245-3020, txstate.edu/jazzstudies.

FEBRUARY 8-24 FREDERICKSBURG: Wine Lovers Trail. Get tickets online to receive full complimentary tastings and wine discounts at dozens of participating wineries on this self-guided tour. Various locations.

512-914-5561, texaswinetrail.com.

FEBRUARY 9 BOERNE: Boerne Chocolate Walk. Join the Boerne community for this sweet event. The walk takes you through Boerne’s downtown district where you can see firsthand the unique stores, galleries, and restaurants. 100 North Main Street. 830-248-1635, visitboerne.org.

BOERNE: Second Saturday Art Beat. Boerne shops and art galleries team up to bring you a heart-racing fine art experience.

Boerne’s Hill Country Mile, 100 North Main Street. 210-954-6659, visitboerne.org.

FEBRUARY 9-10 BOERNE: Market Days. Hundreds of festive booths display everything from collectibles and remembrances of the past to modern innovations. Main Plaza, 100 North Main St. 210-844-8193, visitboerne.org.

FEBRUARY 12 BANDERA: Old Timers Trading Post. Meet local artists and artisans.

The Old Timer, 14178 State Highway 16. banderacowboycapital. com.

FEBRUARY 15-16 FREDERICKSBURG: Luckenbach Hug-In and Valentine Ball. Get

CALENDAR OF EVENTS back to the basics of love during this annual camping event with plenty of boot scootin’ in historic Texas Dance Hall. luckenbachtexas.com.

FEBRUARY 15-17 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 400 vendors in seven barns to see acres of antiques, and enjoy the biergarten, live music and more. Across from Wildseed Farms, 100 Legacy Drive.

210-846-4094, fbgtradedays.com.

FEBRUARY 16 CASTELL: Castell Chili Cookoff. Have fun and try some of the best chili around at Castell General Store, 19522 Ranch Road 152. 325247-4100, castellgeneralstore.com.

FEBRUARY 16-17 GRUENE: Market Days. gruenemarketdays.com.

LLANO: Flood Aid 2019. Two-day musical event featuring some of the top bands and performers in Hill Country to and raise funds for victims of October flood that devastated homes in Llano and Burnet Counties. John L. Kuykendall Event Center. 325-247-5354.

FEBRUARY 16-18 NEW BRAUNFELS: North American Jewelry and Gift Show. A shopper’s dream come true. Enjoy free wine, free parking, and free hourly prizes. New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 South Castell Avenue. 830-221-4100, nashows.com/free-tickets.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Troutfest Texas. Speakers, auctions, door prizes, food, local craft beer. Lazy L&L Campgrounds, 11699 River Road. 512-560-4380, grtu.org/troutfest.

FEBRUARY 21-23 BANDERA: 11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras. Live Cajun and country music, Cajun food, gumbo cookoff, costume contest, canine costume contest. 11th Street Cowboy Bar. 830-796-3045, banderacowboycapital.com.

FEBRUARY 22 BOERNE: Trinity Irish Dance Company. Performance at Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Boulevard. 830-331-9079, visitboerne.org.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Red Steagall in Concert. Named the Official Cowboy Poet of Texas, Red has won the Wrangler Award for original music five times and is a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre. 830-6270808, brauntex.org.

FEBRUARY 23 BANDERA: Mardi Gras Arts and Crafts Show. Proceeds Community Clinic. Courthouse Lawn. banderacowboycapital.com.

BANDERA: Mardi Gras Parade. Main Street. 830-796-3045, banderacowboycapital.com.

BLANCO: Blanco Performing Arts presents The Myriad trio. Uptown Blanco Ballroom. 830-385-1173, blancoperformingarts.com.

FEBRUARY 23-24 BOERNE: Hill Country Antiques Show. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road. 830-329-2870, visitboerne.org.

FEBRUARY 28 KERRVILLE: Symphony of the Hills in Concert. Hear the magnificent sounds of the symphony and settle down at the wine and cheese reception. Cailloux Theater, 910 Main Street. 830 7927469, symphonyofthehills.org.

MARCH 13-16 CONCAN: Rio Frio Fest. Roger Creager, Shane Smith and the Saints, Koe Wetzel and more perform. Crawfish boil, washer tourneys, fish fry, free shuttles. RioFrioFest.com.

MARCH 17 BANDERA: Wild Hog Explosion. Wild hog catch, bar-b-que cookoff, arts, crafts, music and family fun. Mansfield Park, 2886 Highway 16 North. wildhogexplosion.com.

MARCH 23 WIMBERLEY: Metaphysical & Holistic Fair. Free lectures, plus energy workers, Reiki practitioners, Tarot readers, life coaches, holistic products, pyschic mediums, crystals and stones, essential oils and mucj more at the Wimberley Community Center. 11 am to 5 pm. heavenspathways.com

SATURDAY March 23 11 am-5 pm Wimberley Community Center FREE LECTURES

Energy Workers Reiki Practitioners Tarot Readers Cosmic Zee Readings Life Coaches Holistic Products Psychic Mediums Crystals & Stones Essential Oils Much More

www.heavenpathways.com

Wimberley Metaphysical & Holistic Fair

Send your calendar events to melissa@hillcountrysun.com

January/February 2019 Hill Country SUN 21

Call Julie at 512-484-9716 • email julie@hillcountrysun.com

Reserve Ad Space for Spring/Summer issue!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2 019

S E AS O N

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY22

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 TICKETS: $20-$60 ALL PERFORMANCES AT 7:30 PM AT BOERNE CHAMPION AUDITORIUM

BoernePerformingArts.com 830.331.9079 Hill Country SUN 22 January/February 2019

MARCH 26 BOERNE: Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Boulevard. 830-331-9079, visitboerne.org.

MARCH 29-31 CONCAN: 1st Annual Women Who Wander Outdoor Retreat. Enjoy expert-led classes, excursions, hiking, nature photography, plus shopping, treehouse dining, wine tasting, live music and much more. info@visituvaldecounty.com.

MARCH 30-31 DRIPPNG SPRINGS: Texas Night Sky Festival. Make your plans now to attemd the biggest night sky celebration in the state ofTexas at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. 812-565-9989, TexasNightSkyFestival.org.

APRIL 5 BOERNE: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Boulevard. 830-331-9079, visitboerne.org APRIL 13 SPRING BRANCH: 23rd Annual Heart Of Texas (HOT) Corvair Reunion Car Show at the Hampton Inn Bulverde/Spring Branch.

8:30 am to 10:30 am, 499 Singing Oaks. 713-410-9595, corvair69@ gmail.com, www.austincorvair.com/events.html.

APRIL 13-14 NEW BRAUNFELS: 31st Annual Train Show Jamboree. Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm. Admission $8 ages 14+, $2 for children 5-13. Free train ride on Landa Park Railroad for kids up to age 10 yrs old. Civic Center, 375 South Castell Avenue. NBRRM.org.

APRIL 27-28 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Arts Fest. See and shop the works of more than 100 artists, plus enjoy food, beer and wine, and music on the river at The Waters Point. wimberleyartsfest.com.

FEBRUARY 23 2019 THE MYRIAD TRIO www.blancoperformingarts.com

830-385-1173

UPTOWN BLANCO BALLROOM