Hill Country Sun, August 2016

AUGUST 2016 Celebrate Bandera

Wild West fun this Labor Day Weekend

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58 delicious flavors at Papa Hoo's Popcorn on the Square in Wimberley

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Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks

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Lone Star Gourd Festival in New Braunfels

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Hill Country history Battle of Walker's Creek

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Celebrate Bandera this Labor Day weekend

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By Genie Strickland

ave you ever seen an actual cattle Drive? The kind with Texas Longhorns? Come to Bandera Labor Day weekend September 3-4 and you can see that and much more.

Bandera, Cowboy Capital of the World will be filled with Cowboys and Indians to Celebrate Bandera’s place in history on the famous Western Trail.

During the late 1800s, Bandera became the gathering place for more than 10 million head of Longhorn steers gathered from around the state to send up the Western Trail to Oglala, Nebraska, and railheads north.

Grab a seat as the event is recreated during the annual Longhorn Cattle Drive right down Bandera’s Main Street 11 am Saturday, followed by an awesome parade with wagons, Native Americans, horses, and all those that love the Western heritage Bandera champions so well.

Check out the arts and crafts on the Court House lawn and visit Rattle Snake Ridge for shoot out performances by the famous Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters or enter the John Wayne Hat Toss and show your stuff. Enter Cow Patty Bingo for a chance to be a winner depending upon the random placement of a cow patty by a well fed Longhorn.

Head to the Court House lawn, where you’ll find arts and crafts or visit Rattle Snake Ridge for shoot out performances by the famous Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters or enter the John Wayne Hat Toss and show your stuff!

Friday night, at Mansfield Park, take in a Ranch Rodeo, mutton bustin’ and a Cowboy Mounted Shooters exhibition.

Admission is free. Or, head down to City Park on Friday night, September 2 and all day September 3-4.

Celebrate Bandera proudly presents the Circle of Life Inter-Tribal Powwow which includes Native American dancers from all over the country. Gates open Friday evening and admission is just $5.

Children under 12 get in free. The Powwow continues through Sunday, so you can catch it anytime during the weekend.

Featured events include dance competitions; Flute demonstrations, and a hand drum competition. Native American artisans will be selling their wares and Indian fry bread will be abundant.

At the Powwow, you can visit the camps of Mountain Men and the 1800 Pioneer Camps. Powwows have been an integral part of Native American history where Native Americans of many tribes gathered with Mountain Men to socialize and honor friends.

Special presentations at the Circle of Life Powwow are made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the State affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Texas Commission on the Arts. This event will be the largest gathering of the Texas Native Comanche Tribe in South Texas, and the Texas Native Lipan Apaches.

Be sure to bring the kids back on Saturday and Sunday because there will be more to do at City Park on the River. Don’t miss a chance to participate in the Little

Cowboys compete at the National Professional Bullrider’s Challenge.

Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

A Longhorn cattle drive right down Main Street recreates and honors Bandera’s place in history on the famous Western trail. Don’t miss this event Saturday, September 3, at 11 am. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

Buckaroos Rodeo — fun for the whole family including cowboy skills and creative team work, to boot. You might even get to dress a goat! Enjoy goat ropin,’ chicken ropin,’ storytelling, music the kids can participate in and much more.

Saturday night, gates open at 6:30 pm at Mansfield Park for “The Hottest 8 Seconds of the Year” at the National Professional Bull Rider’s Challenge. Wow, action packed! Admission includes a special performance by World Champion Trick Roper, Kevin Fitzpatrick.

Sunday morning, gather at the Medina River in City Park for a Cowboy Breakfast offered up by the Western Heritage

Cowboy Church, followed by some great preaching and cowboy gospel music.

There will also be gospel music at the Courthouse, as well as the Arts and Craft Show and a lot more of the Bandera Cattle Company.

And don’t forget to head back over to the Circle of Life Powwow and the Sunday night finals of the National Professional Bull Rider’s Challenge (plus the South Texas Bull Fighting Tour at intermission).

FYI • Celebrate Bandera is all about Cowboys and Indians – come live it with us. For event schedules and ticket information, visit the web site at www.celebratebandera.com, or call 830-796-4447.

The Circle of Life Powwow includes Native American dancers from all over the country. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

Following the Longhorn drive, enjoy an awesome parade with wagons, Native Americans, horses, and all those that love the Western heritage Bandera champions so well. Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera.

PAGE 2 AUGUST 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill Country SUN August 2016 Volume 27 • Number 2 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2016 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

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

Kenzie, Julie & Luke Harrington

We hope everyone is having a great summer! Be sure to get out there and enjoy our beautiful Hill Country!

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 over : Celebrate Bandera Labor Day weekend September 2-4. Don’t miss the Longhorn cattle drive right down Main Street Saturday at 11 am, followed by a parade, and a weekend full of Wild Western fun. (See story, page 2). Photo courtesy Celebrate Bandera .

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

© 2016 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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58 flavors of popcorn on Wimberley Square

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By Laurel Robertson

eraderie each day.

The Johnsons and their new busiell, “Whooo doesn’t love popcorn?” asks Papa Hoo’s owl. ness have quickly become a vital part of Especially when it comes in 58 the Wimberley scene. Christi marvels at varieties, is flavored with real cheese, but- the way the community pulled together ter and homemade caramel, and comes after the Blanco River flooded last May. with a lot of love from the Johnson family. “Everybody gave whatever they could to meet everyone’s needs,” she recalls.

Neal and Christi Johnson quit “After being a part of that, you their corporate jobs in Dallas couldn’t pay me to move two years ago and moved anywhere else!” to Wimberley to “have a Noah, along with family life” with their high school stuyoung son, Noah, dents Tamarind now nine years Halstrom and old.

Weston Pruski The trio took have the sweeta wild leap of est jobs in town, faith on their gut helping custominstinct that gourers choose flavors met popcorn would be from the dozens of clear a hit with residents and tourtubes displaying all the popists in their new hometown corns available. “They are SO — and the intervening two polite and helpful to the touryears have proven that instinct ists that come in,” says Christi. was right on target. “It’s a God Photo courtesy “We are so lucky to have them.” thing,” Christi concludes.

Not a franchise or a Papa Hoo’s Hill Country Papa Hoo’s Popcorn. chain, Papa Hoo’s is a onePopcorn shop, at the back of the business the Johnsons Wimberley Square just across from Kiss of-kind the Cook, has all the bright colors of a created themselves. Before moving to kalidescope and smells like your fondest Wimberley, the couple trained with a memories of childhood. A steady stream successful flavored popcorn business of visitors and hometown regulars comes in Dallas, and learned how to make 25 to enjoy popcorn and community cam- flavors, from Strawberry Cheesecake to Bacon Cheddar.

Neal has since gone on to experiment with new ingredients and has come up with 23 new flavors, like Cheesy Ranch, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Root Beer. Noah invented Noah 2.0 - a mix of Cotton Candy, Caramel and Cheesecake. Sea Salt Caramel and Dill Pickle remain the top two sellers, Christi reports.

Papa Hoo’s popcorn stands out for more than just its flavorings. The Johnsons use four different kernels to make their products - including butterfly and mushroom shaped popcorns.

They start with the highest grade kernels and make all the toppings from scratch in Papa Hoo’s kitchen, using real cheese, butter, coconut oil and other prime ingredients.

To wash down the myriad flavors and colors of popcorn, Papa Hoo’s carries retro sodas hailing from Dublin (Texas), Canada, Australia and the US. There are a dozen choices of root beer, a selection of cream and taffy sodas — even a banana flavored soda!

The popcorn sells so quickly that they have no trouble keeping it fresh, Christi says. They start with at least 450 GLASSBLOWING DEMOS gallons of popped corn each Friday Handblown Lighting & Art Glass and always need to make more as the weekend progresses.

Come Experience Store purchases account for most This Ancient Art Papa Hoo’s sales - but they also keep up a lively mail order business. For some WGW.COM 512.213.2110 reason, muses Christi, they seem to get 6469 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos TX 78666 See PAPA HOO’S, page 5

WIMBERLEY

Sign up now to compete in Kyle Hogwash Fest barbecue cook-off KYLE H Plans are in the works for Kyle’s first annual Hogwash Festival, and registration is open for the event’s Lone Star Barbecue-sanctioned Cook-Off. The inaugural event is expected to bring about 5,000 people to Kyle’s Gregg-Clarke Park October 21-22 and offers free admission.

Participants —from seasoned chefs to at-home cooks— can show off their team’s barbecue recipes while engaging in friendly competition with teams from across the region.

Along with the cook-off, the fest offer much more for all ages, including a carnival, live music, cooking demonstrations, vendors, kids’ activities and more.

Competing teams should plan to smoke the competition with their pork spare ribs, brisket and chicken recipes. Entry in these categories is $100 (one or all). Competitors can also get creative in the optional Cooks’ Choice and Feral Hog categories, with a registration fee of $20 each. Trophies, prizes and bragging rights will be announced and awarded for first, second and third place in all categories, as well as awards given for Grand and Reserve Champions.

Are you a food vendor, hunting outfitter, handcrafted-product business or commercial product company? Vendor applications are also being accepted.

FYI • To register for the cook-off, and for more information, visit the web site at KyleHogwash.com. Registration and payments may also be submitted by mail through October 7.

• Flags & Flagpoles • Patriotic Gifts • Knives & Cutlery

333 FM 2325 • Wimberley, Texas www.EMFlag.com Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm • Friday 9 am-3 pm

512-847-0010 • 800-385-5605 “Best Vintage Find” Southern Accents • “Where to Buy” London Financial Times 2006

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Papa Hoo’s owns a travelling Popcorn Bar they can bring to special events: weddings, birthday parties, corporate gatherings, showers, etc.

“Gourmet popcorn also makes a great gift,” Christi adds. Papa Hoo’s ships popcorn pails (available with sports team logos and other themes) for holidays, coporate gifts, and birthdays.

FYI • Papa Hoo’s Hill Country Popcorn is located at 103 Henson in Wimberley, at the back of the Square.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 11 am to 6 pm; Friday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm. For more information visit the website at wwwpapahoospopcorn.com, find them on Facebook, or call 512-722-3772.

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Wild West Store

“The Boot Whisperer”

PAPA HOO’S, from page 4

Stop by Papa Hoo’s and find your favorite flavor. Photo courtesy Papa Hoo’s Popcorn.

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“Go for a consultation with the Boot Whisperer, who reads feet like a psychic reads palms.” Texas Monthly, August 2010 Open by appointment. Please call in advance 512-293-4890.

To Advertise, email julie@hillcountrysun.com

A Distinctive collection of

Fine Art in the Hill Country

David Schwindt, McKinney Falls, 11” x 14,” Oil The Johnsons— LEFT TO RIGHT Christi, Noah and Neal— The trio took a wild leap of faith on their gut instinct that gourmet popcorn would be a hit and opened Papa Hoo’s Popcorn on the Wimberley Square two years ago. Photo by Laurel Robertson.

512-847-7278

TheArtGalleryAtWimberley.net

On the Square at 100 Oak Dr, Suite 200 • Wimberley (Across from Kiss the Cook) TERRY GRISHAM, DIRECTOR

HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2016 PAGE 5

DRIPPING SPRINGS

Suzy Moehring Mallard hill country PARKS

Parks emphasize the story of centuries-old El Camino Real

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Life.Changing

Carly C. Cunningham, D.D.S., M.S. 512-858-1311 • Next to Dripping Springs High School 131 Benney Lane, Suite A • Dripping Springs

www.CunninghamOrthodontics.com PAGE 6 AUGUST 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

hree historic sites along El Camino Real, which stretches from our border with Mexico to our East Texas border and is also called Old Spanish Trail, Old San Antonio Road, San Antonio-Nacogdoches Highway, and King’s Highway, will get face lifts to the tune of $5.5 million over the next few years – facelifts and changes designed to tell the story of Texas’ oldest road.

“Roads are at the core of humanity’s journey,” says the narrative for El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail interpretive project. “They satisfy our desire to reach out past the horizon and discover what lies beyond the familiar. Over the centuries, the road known as El Camino Real has lain silently watching the journey of humanity. The road carried both cargo and culture; it fostered conflict and cooperation. In the meantime, the land now known as Texas was changed forever—a transformation that was delivered along El Camino Real.”

Projects include building new visitor center at Mission Tejas State Park in Houston County west of Nacogdoches,

renovating flood-damaged Smith Visitor Center at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin, repurposing a historic building into a new welcoming center at Goliad State Park and Historic Site, and placing a new Camino Real interpretive display at Mission Rosario near Goliad.

In 2004, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rep. Ciro Rodriguez co-sponsored congressional action to designate El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, a network of trails extending 2,850 miles from the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass and Laredo through Texas to Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Along this route, Native Americans such as the Caddo tribe met Franciscan friars who founded San Francisco de los Tejas mission, not far from today’s Mission Tejas State Park in East Texas. Set amid the tall trees of the Pineywoods, rich with both nature and history, the park is about to receive a once-in-a-lifetime improvement. Plans are underway to construct a new headquarters complex of three separate buildings and an interpreSee PARKS, page 7

DRIPPING SPRINGS

PARKS, from page 6 El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Louisiana, Texas

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Natchitoches Alto Waco

San Augustine

Crockett

TEXAS

Nacogdoches

Los Adaes

49

35

Bryan

LOUISIANA

45

10

Austin 10

Bastrop

San Marcos

Houston

Jams, Jellies, Dips, Gourmet Foods, Gifts & Warm Friendly Smiles

New Braunfels San Antonio Cuero Eagle Pass

Victoria Goliad

SAMPLE OUR

Guerrero

Gulf of Mexico

37 35

MEXICO

Laredo

Corpus Christi

Villa de Dolores

0

25

50 Miles

Produced by National Trails Intermountain Region

No warranty is made by the National Park Service as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data.

March 16, 2011

El Camino Real. Map courtesy National Park Service. tive path, including a new exhibit hall to tell the story of El Camino Real and the park through engaging and interactive interpretive exhibit experiences.

Closer to Texas Hill Country is Goliad State Park and Historic Site, known for Mission Espíritu Santo, a Spanish mission reconstructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The project will restore a historic caretaker’s cottage built

by CCC to create a new visitor interpretive center.

Just four miles from Goliad State Park are ruins of the 18th-century Spanish Franciscan Mission Nuestra Señora del Rosario, now Mission Rosario State Historic Site. Mission Rosario State Historic Site will get a new parking area, access path, and interpretive signs to convey the mission’s story to show visitors how the mission may have originally looked, put the ruins into the wider contexts of the Spanish mission system, and tie the site to El Camino Real, Spanish Texas and Native American history.

McKinney Falls State Park in southeast Austin is one of the state’s most visited parks with camping, hiking, bike trails, fishing, and swimming -- and it’s also rich in history. The project renovate and improve the park’s Smith Visitor Center on Onion Creek, which suffered serious damage in several recent floods.

Updates will protect the building from flood damage and give greater accessibility to people. The new exhibits will include interpretive media and interactive elements telling the story of El Camino Real’s influence on the settlement and growth of Central Texas. Project themes?

Convergence of geology and water to form a dynamic ecosystem. Humans connecting with nature to take advantage of natural resources. Texas and Mexico traveling in opposite directions on the road to independence. Continuing Spanish influences in Texas.

So a big “thank you” to record park funding approved in the last session of

the Texas Legislature as well as to $1.5 million in federal funding. Construction on El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail interpretive project will begin in 2017. In the meantime, brush up on your old-roads-in-Texas history by looking at Handbook of Texas online or elcaminorealdelostejas.org. This road has been around since the first record of missionaries traveling up from Mexico to East Texas in 1690.

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mydentureshop.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2016 PAGE 7

New Braunfels hosts Lone Star Gourd Fest

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Cultivated around the world for thousands of years, gourds played an imhile artistic expression can, and portant part in early societies where they has, taken many forms over the were prized for their many uses. After centuries, surprisingly to many, hollowing and drying, gourds were emone of the most unique (and, possibly ployed as water and storage oldest) venues for adornment containers, cooking utenis the ubiquitous and wonsils, musical instruderfully utilitarian ments and many othgourd. er practical items.

The hard outer While beautiful in shell of this fascitheir natural nating, far-rangstate, it wasn’t ing and funclong however tional fruit before tribal arproves a perfect tisans began medium for adding decorashowcasing intion to these docredible creativimestic devices. ty produced with Over time, with color, carving and the development combustion. and mastery of variLater this month, ous techniques, the levover three exciting days els of sophistication of in welcoming New adornment soared Braunfels, the Texas Gourd art by Roy Cavarretta resulting in exquisite Gourd Society will be Photo courtesy Lone Star Gourd Festival. works appreciated staging its 21nd annumore for their esthetal 2016 Lone Star ic appeal than practiGourd Festival where cal use.

Many modern examples of the visitors can experience (and acquire) same will be on display (and for sale) at myriad examples of this traditional art this year’s not-to-be-missed Lone Star form produced by some of the nation’s Gourd Festival. premier gourd artists.

By Ernie Altgelt

The festival, and its heated six-divi- produced by ancient native practitiosion competition will feature the ners. Where uniqueness and indiworks of 100 of the most recogviduality abound however, two nized gourd artists (most commonalities do exist in from Texas), and will all the works on display abound with an incredi– the incredible techble assortment of paintnical skill required ed, sanded, burned, coupled with a high carved, polished and degree of imaginaaccessorized gourd extion. teriors.

As C. C. Rice, More than 250 insecretary for the Texdividual pieces will be as Gourd Society, vying for top honors states, “Last year was in the multiple catea great show. Many gories. The majority who attended had nevof entries will be er seen this type of art available for purchase before. Everyone was but will need to rejust blown away by main with the festival the overwhelming until its conclusion. talent, creativity Some of these creand expertise enations offer representacountered. It truly tions of fantastic figurines, needs to be seen to eerie ceremonial-like masks, be believed.” And, amazing animal shapes with a smile she adds, Gourd art by Becky Truex. and a host of additional “Since gourds are so Photo courtesy Lone Star Gourd Festival. surprising (and, often prolific in the Texas Hill surreal) subjects.

Country, maybe this Others reflect the year’s festival will ingourd’s historic decorative heritage with spire a new generation of artists.” intricate designs, patterns and illustraMost importantly for the veteran See GOURD FEST, page 9 tions that are reminiscent of the work

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Gourd artist, Dallas Patch, at his booth. Photo courtesy Lone Star Gourd Festival.

PAGE 8 AUGUST 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

GOURD FEST, from page 8 gourd enthusiast and first-timer alike, attendees will have a chance to mix and mingle with all of the participating artists, each eager to showcase (and sell) their amazing works while happily dis-

cussing in detail, the intricacies that comprise their unique art form.

Many of these accomplished “gourdists” will even be conducting fascinating (and free) “live” demonstrations

and hosting classes where invaluable techniques and tips will be gladly shared.

Supporting vendors will also be offering large selections of raw gourds, essential tools and gourd embellishments necessary for the successful practice of this special expression of creativity.

There will even be a “Kids’ Corner” where youngsters up to age 17 can try their hand at gourd art by participating in Saturday and Sunday’s free “Make and Take” program.

Attendees of the festival also have the chance to acquire valuable prizes through multiple free drawings and an exciting raffle.

Throughout this fun and educational

event, as C.C. stresses, “Interaction on all levels will be paramount.”

FYI • The 2016 Lone Star Gourd Festival will be held in the accommodating, spacious and comfortable New Braunfels Convention Center. The family-friendly event runs from Friday, August 19 through Sunday, August 21.

Public admittance on Friday and Saturday is from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 17-years-old or younger accompanied by an adult. Parking is plentiful and free.

The Convention Center is located at 375 South Castell Ave., New Braunfels, Texas, 78130. For more information about the 2016 Lone Star Gourd Festival including entry requirements for the various competitions, call 409-9452892 or visit the Texas Gourd Society’s web site at: www. texasgourdsociety.org. The Texas Gourd Society is a 501c3 charitable organization.

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www.SabinalRiverLodge.com Sharkwave, gourd art by C.C. Rice. Photo courtesy Lone Star Gourd Festival.

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A “Kids’ Corner” gives youngsters up to age 17 an opportunity to try their hand at gourd art by participating in Saturday and Sunday’s free “Make and Take” program.

Photo courtesy Lone Star Gourd Festival.

Like Us on Facebook! /Hill Country Sun

HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2016 PAGE 9

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

Battle of Walker’s Creek, historic clash in Sisterdale

Frio’s Dry FiFty M

By Ernie Lee

Celebrating Our 32nd Summer on the Frio!

Frio River & GSP T-Shirts H Shorts H Hand Dipped Blue Bell Hawaiian Shaved Ice H Consuela H Southern Tide Salt Life H Patagonia H Hats/Caps H Flip Flops H River Gear Yellow Box H Jewelry H Gifts H and More!

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Distributed in the Hill Country River Region to Leakey, Camp Wood, Concan, Utopia, Uvalde & Vanderpool, pLUs across the Hill Country— to Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Comfort, Bandera, Kerrville, Medina & Dripping Springs!

uch has been written about the famous battle that changed warfare forever. Many have heard the legends and tales, but few can point out the location of the battle on a map, or tell you when it happened.

Even the natural landmarks laid long years ago have faded in our collective memories. The Battle of Walker’s Creek is the story of how a failed weapon design changed the course of Western history, and eventually the world. And it happened around Sisterdale, Texas.

Multi-barreled and revolving arms had been in existence for a long time.

While he did not invent the revolver, it took Samuel Colt to make it work reliably. Working on a shoestring budget, and just steps ahead of his debtors, he patented his idea in both England and the United States, forming the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company of Paterson, New Jersey. On the day before the Alamo fell, the Paterson Colt was born.

Drawing interest from the military, Colt sold a number of the guns to the U.S. government. The Republic of Texas received a shipment, as well.

Colt produced several models of the weapon, both as a rifle and as a hand gun. Model No. 5 was a 5-shot .36 caliber percussion revolver with a 9-inch barrel.

The gun featured a recessed trigger that only emerged when the weapon was cocked. The gun came with extra cylinders, but in order to change them out, the barrel had to be removed. Despite the obvious benefits, the U.S .Army rejected the gun as too impractical.

Undeterred, Sam Colt sent a pair of pistols to Sam Houston in 1838, but the Texas Army also saw no need for the weapon. The Texas Navy ordered 160 of the revolvers, and stored them in a ware-

house in Galveston. The struggling Republic was in the process of decommissioning the Texas Navy.

To protect Hill Country settlers against raiding Comanche bands, Captain John Coffee Hays was authorized to raise a new Ranger company, and was offered use of the weapons.

By 1844, Jack Hays and his band of Rangers were well armed with these new repeating hand guns.

In June of 1844, Hays received word that a Comanche war party was active north and west of San Antonio. Yellow Wolf was on the move.

With 14 Rangers, including Sam Walker, Captain Jack rode out of San Antonio in pursuit. Working the trails all the way to the Pedernales, a disappointed Hays turned back south. Following the Piñata Trail, they camped near the trail crossing of the Guadalupe.

If you go looking for the Piñata Trail these days, you will find few signs of its existence. Much of it is under Highway 1376 where it crosses the river, and on private property. You will not find a historical marker. Go beneath the bridge where 1376 crosses the Guadalupe and you will see where Sister Creek empties into the river.

It was from near that site that a running 3-mile battle occurred that became known as the Battle of Walker’s Creek. It was not named Walker’s Creek at the time, but given that name later by Jack Hays as the site where Sam Walker was wounded See BATTLE, page 11

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The author at the point where Sister Creek enters the Guadalupe, described as the crossing of the Piñata Trail. Photo by Donna Lee.

Hubbard family benefit

Frio/SABINAL RIVER VALLEY

LEAKEY H On July 22, 2016, the Hubbard Family suffered the devastating loss of their son, Wylden Hubbard. Wylden was 13 years old and a beloved member of the family and community. Wylden meant the world to many people and will be missed forever. Any and all help for the family is greatly appreciated.

FYI • To contribute to the Hubbard Family Benefit, visit the web site at www.youcaring.com/hubbard-family-benefit-609368 . Donations may also be made to the Hubbard Family Benefit Account at the 1st State Bank of Uvalde in Leakey at 243 Evergreen Street, Leakey, Texas 78873 (phone 830-232-5224).

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BATTLE, from page 10 and almost died.

Armed with their repeating pistols, the Rangers routed the Comanche and killed Yellow Wolf. It is claimed that this battle was the first use of a revolver pistol in armed conflict. It changed the strategy of Indian warfare, because now the Rangers had a gun that “had a shot for every finger on the hand.”

Later versions of the Paterson Colt feaA scene near the tured an engraving of Photo by Donna Lee. this famous battle.

After recovery from his wounds, Sam Walker traveled to New Jersey and met with Sam Colt. He brought with him field experience and several suggestions for improvement.

Colt listened, and the Walker Colt was born. Walker’s changes, along with many others that came after, eventually morphed into the famous gun known as

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And it all came about as a result of a battle fought right here in the Hill Country in tiny Sisterdale, Texas.

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CowgirlLoca.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2016 PAGE 11

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

EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall.

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

EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart, 512-402-9725.

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

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

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

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JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art. Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290.

FIFTH SUNDAY DRIFTWOOD: United Methodist Church Bluegrass Gospel Sing-along Service. 11 am. 512-944-6300.

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

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

EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: Glass blowing demonstrations at Wimberley Glassworks for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-2132110.

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

WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band Rehearsal. Chapel in the Hills. 7 pm to 8:30 pm. 512-517-3111.

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

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music.

Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.

LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter, Vaccination. For more information, call 512-260-3602, extension 101.

EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. Rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com.

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

SECOND WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Garden Club meets at Lutheran Church of Resurrection. 101 West Spoke Hill. Meets Septem-

ber through May. Refreshments at 9:30 am; meetings and programs at 10 am.

WimberleyGardenClub.org.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club.

6:30 pm. VFW Hall. Email ryoncrew@yahoo.com for more information.

WIMBERLEY: The Herb Society of America Hill Country Unit Meeting (August through May). 9:45 am to noon at Wimberley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 956 Ranch Road 2325. HillCountryHerbs.org FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

10:30 am at the Community Center. 512847-2849.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Live music at Cypress Creek Cafe. Find details at www. cypresscreekcafe.com.

EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts, Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-8940001. thymeanddough.com.

WIMBERLEY: Cafe’ Susanna. Serving lunch 11 am to 1 pm. $9 for entree, two sides and decadent desserts. Wimberley United Methodist Church, www.wimberleyumc.org.

FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday.

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

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting.

Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406.

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm.

Marilyn Pierce, mp@smpierce.net.

SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmaster Club. Learn public speaking, leadership. 7:10 pm at “old” Baptist Church, 501 Old Kyle Road. 512-847-6822.

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National Day of the American Cowboy in Bandera

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

Contact Julie Harrington

512-484-9716 Find us on Facebook HillCountrySun

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Hill Country Calendar THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of the best in the Hill Country’s musical talent. www. wimberleyumc.org.

WIMBERLEY: Third Thursdays. Shops stay open until 8 pm. WimberleyMerchants.com.

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-8475464. www.facebook.com/LindasFineFoods.

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company. Live music and food Saturday and Sunday. 23455 West Ranch Road 12.

TexMexBeer.com.

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

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

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

FIRST FRIDAY FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours the first Friday of every month. www.ffawf.com.

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

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club Meeting. (September through November, January through May) 11 am.

Chapel in the Hills. Milly Maxey (millymaxey@gmail.com) or Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Enjoy music at the Silver Sage Corral begining at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969.

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

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

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

AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market.

Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976.

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

BOERNE: Tejas Rodeo. Rodeos, live music, events and steak dinners. TejasRodeo.com.

BOERNE: Farmer’s Market at the Cibolo. 9 am to 1 pm. www.cibolo.org.

COMFORT: Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am

to 1 pm. Comfort Park, Highway 27.

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

FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830935-2781.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. 830-626-8200.

SAN ANTONIO: Tejas Pro Rodeo Series Live Rodeo. Gates 5 pm, rodeo at 7:30 pm. Live music and dancing 9 pm. Adults $12, kids 6-12 $6. www.tejasrodeo.com.

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

10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org.

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Find flowers, veggies, cheeses, more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428 WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. www.blairhouseinn.com.

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

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

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale.

Public Library. 830-796-4213.

DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club meets to enhance community spirit. Dinner at 7 pm..driftwoodtx.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (First Saturday March through December). Shop more than 475-plus booths, enjoy free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www.shopmarketdays.com.

SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days.

Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

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

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

Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784.

EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Craft Beer Tasting and Free Tour at Twisted X Brewing Company, live music and food. 23455 West Ranch Road 12. TexMexBeer.com.

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

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

FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Food, artisans, more. Information at JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

AUGUST 1 - SEPTEMBER 16 AUSTIN: “Wish You Were Here: Postcards from the Texas State Archives.”

More than 100 postcards, photographs highlight timeless tourist destinations. www.tsl.texas.gov.

AUGUST 1 - SEPTEMBER 18 AUSTIN: “Journey Into Big Bend.”

Bullock Museum shines spotlight on

~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 www.visitwimberley.com/vfw • 512-847-6441 • Lic. #1-74-6066562-7

August 17-21, 2016 New Braunfels Convention Center 375 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Kids’ Make & Take • Door Prizes • Raffles Demonstrations • Gourd Art Competition Gourd Art Classes • Gourd Art Sales

www.TexasGourdSociety.org or contact Shelia Giodry sheliaathome@aol.com • 337-376-9690

2015 Best In Show Mike Munter

BUILDING CONFIDENCE & CHARACTER Registration Now Open for Fall Youth Sports • • • •

Soccer Volleyball Flag Football Baseball

Register today at AustinYMCA.org SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA 27216 Ranch Rd 12 512.894.3309 AustinYMCA.org HILL COUNTRY SUN R AUGUST 2016 PAGE 13

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

St. Sophia Orthodox Church & Fall Creek Vineyards invite you to toast the annual

Sunday, August 28 5:30 pm – 8 pm

Fall Creek Vineyards • Driftwood

Big Bend region with photography, personal artifacts, reflections. www. thestoryoftexas.com.

AUGUST 4-13 WIMBERLEY: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Emily Ann Theatre & Gardens. www.emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

AUGUST 5 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. www.ffawf.com.

KERRVILLE: First Friday Wine Share. . www.storkcountry.com.

UVALDE: Uvalde County Stargazing.

Historic Fort Inge. www.visituvalde.com, 830-278-3335.

AUGUST 5-27 INGRAM: “Pump Boys and Dinettes.”

Hill Country Arts Foundation Indoor Theater. www.hcaf.com.

AUGUST 5-28 STONEWALL: Grape Stomp. Stomp grapes to the sounds of live music each weekend in August. Pedernales Cellars. www.pedernalescellars.com.

AUGUST 6 BANDERA: Market Days. Find arts and crafts vendors. Courthouse Lawn at 500 Main Street. banderatexasbusiness.com.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Lions Market Days Stroll along a shaded path to browse more than 475 booths. At 601 Farm Market 2325. www.shopmarketdays.com.

AUGUST 6, 13, 20, 27 BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Guests enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, hat and pistol branding, archery, and more entertainment. Flying L Ranch. www. flyingl.com, 800-292-5134.

AUGUST 11-13 JOHNSON CITY: Blanco County Fair and Rodeo. Music, vendors, food, more.

County Fairgrounds. www.bcfra.org.

AUGUST 12 UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Enjoy shopping, food, live music and art. 6 pm to 9 pm Downtown. www.visituvalde.com.

AUGUST 12-14 KERRVILLE: “Once Upon a Mattress” www.caillouxtheater.com.

MARBLE FALLS: LakeFest Drag Boat Races. See boats race down the liquid quarter-mile track at speeds up to 250 miles per hour. Lakeside Park. marblefallslakefest.com.

AUGUST 12-13 JUNCTION: Hill Country Fair Association Summer Classic. Rodeo, dance, parade and car show. Farm Market 2169. www. junctiontexas.com.

AUGUST 12-21 FREDERICKSBURG: “A Grand Night for Singing.” fredericksburgtheater.org.

AUGUST 13 GEORGETOWN: Market Days on the Square. www.VisitGeorgetown.com.

KYLE: Market Days on Kyle City Square.

101 South Burleson. www.cityofkyle.com.

WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays.

4 pm to 7 pm. www.facebook.com/ SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail.

AUGUST 13-14 JOHNSON CITY: Grape Stomp at Texas Hills Vineyard. www.texashillsvineyard. com, 830-868-7684.

AUGUST 13-14, 27-28 FREDERICKSBURG: Pari-Mutuel Horse

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PAGE 14 AUGUST 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Brent Thurman

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Mercer St. Dance Hall Sam Bentley Band, Doors at 6 pm

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Racing. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.gillespiefair.com.

AUGUST 14 BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy cowboy music, or bring a guitar and join in the song circle. www.frontiertimesmuseum.org.

BLANCO: Dance at Twin Sisters Dance Hall. www.twinsistersdancehall.com.

FREDERICKSBURG: PCAA Concert in the Park featuring the Almost Patsy Cline Band. Marktplatz. www.tex-fest.com.

GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. Gruene Hall. GrueneHall.com.

AUGUST 17-21 NEW BRAUNFELS: Lone Star Gourd Festival. (See story, page 8.) Incredible gourd art, plus door prizes, raffles, classes, sales, demonstrations, kids’ area and more. www.TexasGourdSociety.org.

AUGUST 18 COMFORT: Music in the Park. Comfort Park. www.gaddischurch.org.

WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse Concert Series presents Ranch-to-Market 12 at County Road 1492. www.wimberleyumc.org 512/847-3109 AUGUST 19-21 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. 355 Sunday Farms Road. fbgtradedays.com.

AUGUST 20 KERRVILLE: Kerrville Kids Off-Road Triathlon. Includes swimming, biking and running events for kids ages pre-K to 18 years. www.kerrville.org.

AUGUST 20-21 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days.

Gruene Historic District. www.

GrueneMarketDays.com.

AUGUST 25-28 FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Fair and Parade. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.gillespiefair.com.

AUGUST 26-28 LAMPASAS: Trade Days. Marigold’s Antiques and More, 2646 U.S. Highway 190 East. www.lampasaschamber.org.

AUGUST 27 STONEWALL: 108th Anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Birthday.

LBJ Ranch. friendsoflbjnationalpark.org.

STONEWALL: Grape Stomp. Chisholm Trail Winery. chisholmtrailwinery.com.

AUGUST 27-28 JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. U.S. Highway 290 at Avenue G. www. lbjcountry.com, 830-868-7684.

AUGUST 28 DRIPPING SPRINGS: St. Sophia’s Blessing of the Vineyards Fundraiser Dinner. Fall Creek Vineyards, 5 pm to 8 pm . www. stsophiachurch.us, 512-226-3732.

SEPTEMBER 2-4 BANDERA: Celebrate Bandera. (See story, page 2.) Longhorn cattle drive down Main Street, parade, powwow, bullriding, historical reenactments and much more. www.celebratebandera.com.

SEPTEMBER 10 BLANCO: Hill Country Heartbeat BBQ Dinner, Dance, Gun and Jewelry Raffle.

Fundraiser for Blanco EMS. 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Yett Park. www.blancochamber.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Dripping With Taste Wine & Food Festival. Texas wines, craft beer, distilled spirits, food, music, artisans and fun at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. DrippingWithTaste.com.

SEPTEMBER 17-18 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Market Days Artisan Market. 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm Sunday at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. dsmarketdays@gmail.com.

KYLE:Retro Recess Games for Adults at Kyle Park. Teams compete in games like Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, , more. www.cityofkyle/specialevents.

SEPTEMBER 24 BLANCO: “Raise the Roof“ Chili and Barbecue Cook Off and Twin Sisters Dance Hall Fundraiser. Dance from 7 pm to midnight features Hot Texas Swing Band and Jason Roberts Band. www. twinsisterdancehall.com.

Hill Country Calendar

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