Ad Sales Mary Bradley, Nancy Schroeder, Irene Van Winkle
Photographers: Tony Gallucci, Clint Schroeder, Kari Short, Irene Van Winkle
Welcome to West Kerr County and the 2024 edition of the West Kerr Current Outdoors & Visitors Guide
Mo-Ranch, a camp and conference center in Hunt, has been a destination for visitors for 75 years; read about what all it offers visitors now
Texas Presbyterians bought Mo-Ranch from the estate of the late oilman Dan Moran in 1949, as a retreat center Since then, Mo-Ranch has added multiple lodging facilities to better accommodate guests of all ages and religions and offers numerous recreation activities, including the famous Mo-Ranch slide, and the Wagon Wheel restaurant.
We’re proud to present a story telling visitors where they can view the astounding variety of wildlife in West Kerr County Tony Gallucci, a photographer and naturalist who knows West Kerr intimately, offers a guided tour of where to see West Kerr’s treasure trove of wildlife
Also, get to know Basecamp Resort, a new resort in Hunt that offers visitors a chance to relax in one of the most picturesque acreages in the Hill Country. New short-term rentals are a welcome development for visitors because few new hotel rooms have been built in recent years
There also is a story about where visitors to West Kerr came from to view the two recent eclipses Hint: all over
And, enjoy stories about a full-service Kerrville art gallery, and what’s happening on Old Ingram Loop
A lot of information for visitors is found in advertisements in the guide. Advertisers make this publication possible we urge visitors to use this guide as a reference for services and products available in the area
The 2024 edition of the West Kerr Current Outdoors & Visitors Guide is published by the West Kerr Current, a weekly newspaper serving Ingram, Hunt, Mountain Home and the Divide Purchase a subscription if you’d like to keep up with the news of the area
This guide just scratches the surface of all this part of the Hill Country has to offer and we can’t list all of the attractions available to visitors there are too many of them. Discovering then can be an adventure.
Clint Schroeder, Editor & Publisher
Mo-Ranch greeting visitors for 75 years
Contributed by Lisa Winters
Imagine waking up any day of the week year-round yearning for a change of pace or new adventure.
Ready? Set. Mo!
From Hunt, Ingram or Kerrville turn onto FM 1340. An immediate sense of calmness sets in. The well-paved winding road with Hill Country vistas, wildflowers, and river crossings past miles of cedar lined fencing, grazing longhorns and happy horses melts the daily stress
The 12-miles pass far too quickly. A final bridge across the Guadalupe River, where the traditional honk of a horn can be heard from guests below enjoying the river, ends with a sign that shows you have arrived at your destination, your own slice of heaven on earth, Mo-Ranch.
Welcome to Mo-Ranch and Welcome Home
Mo-Ranch is a camp and conference center in Hunt, Texas over 75 years strong Texas Presbyterians bought MoRanch from the estate of the late oilman Dan Moran in 1949
Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly was formally established in April 1949 as a retreat center for Presbyterians Since then, Mo-Ranch has added multiple lodging facilities to better accommodate guests of all ages and religions
Mo-Ranch operates on 500 lush acres near the headwaters of the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country and is open year-round
Guests of all religion, race, gender and
socio-economic status are welcome
Proudly, Mo-Ranch attracts guests from across the country and currently serves
The scenic waterfront at Mo-Ranch offers a variety of river recreation, including the famous slide.
Aaron Yates photo
Mo-Ranch
Continued from Page 4
nearly 33,000 guests annually.
While at Mo-Ranch, guests have the opportunity to relax on the pristine Guadalupe River, enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails and connect with nature and the Texas Hill Country
Most notably, Mo-Ranch offers a unique residential and day camp summer camp program that is accredited by the American Camping Association.
Along with summer camp, Mo-Ranch also offers a variety of conferences throughout the year and facilitates outdoor education activities for school groups from Texas and surrounding states.
Each conference targets a different demographic including adults, youth, mother-daughter or father-son getaways, photographers, artists, people in ministry and grandparents and their grandchildren looking for time to bond
Scholarships are available for all conferences and camp programs to ensure anyone who wants to attend can.
Mo-Ranch also is ideal for corporate retreats and leadership courses offering ample meeting spaces, historic lodges and low-high ropes course challenges
75 Years Strong with No End in Sight
Mo-Ranch is proudly celebrating 75 years of success:
75 years welcoming visitors, groups, and families
75 summers on the river swimming, canoeing, fishing, relaxing And about that slide!
75 years walking across the towering catwalk
75 years strolling the historic grounds
75 years of praise and worship and wonder in the beautiful chapel or Chapel on the Hill (or any scenic spot at Mo)
75 years enjoying the scenic drive crossing bridges over the Guadalupe to get to Mo-Ranch!
Neighboring residents can purchase season passes or enjoy a scenic drive for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday at the diner, The Wagon Wheel A visitor to Kerr County? View www moranch org for opportunities to plan a family reunion, sign up for a conference or workshop, or send your kids or grandkids to summer camp
Huchton leads Mo-Ranch
On Feb. 1, 2021, longtime West Kerr resident Tim Huchton assumed the position of president/CEO of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly.
From 2004 to 2011, Huchton was the summer camp director at Mo-Ranch For the next nine years, he worked with the American Camp Association in a number of positions, rising through the ranks to become the Camps on Campus manager
In that position, he envisioned, initiated and created a new market for developing best practices for institutions of higher education across the nation with regard to programming for youth
He also worked with hundreds of college and university presidents, boards of trustees, and other key constituents on public policy issues, risk management, best practices and strategic planning Mo-Ranch raised, Huchton is attuned
to current trends and is an innovative and tireless advocate of the transformative promise of conference centers like MoRanch.
He graduated from Hill Country High School in 1998 He attended Schreiner University and Texas State University and holds certifications in fundraising management from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy and in hospitality and employee engagement from the Disney Institute
He and his wife, Rebecca, are active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville, He is a member of the West Kerr Chamber of Commerce, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hill Country Community Foundation, and a professional photographer capturing photos of Mo-Ranch and the Texas Hill Country for decades (Visit www.timhuchtonphotography.com)
Tim and Rebecca were married at MoRanch in 2006 and are the proud parents of their children, Parker and Timothy, both students in the Ingram Independent School District
The lluminated Mo-Ranch catwalk with northern lights in the sky.
Tim Huchton photo
Tim Huchton
Courtesy photo
West Kerr a place for wildlife watchers
An expert’s guided tour
By Tony Gallucci Special to the Current
We know you came to see us for a reason! Maybe it’s to spend some lazy time in the Guadalupe River Or maybe you’re dropping the kids off at summer camp Perhaps your club is here to bike around the hills for a weekend
Whatever the reason, we know it has everything to do with our beautiful wild country scenery here on the Texas frontier So why not take a trip around to see what the hills have to offer in the way of wildlife?
Kerr County is a wildlife watchers mecca. People from all over the world come here just to check out the special species we have that occur nowhere else in the world.
Two endangered species of birds are limited to nesting only the Hill Country of Texas. Birders from across the globe come here to view the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo, both of which occur in proper habitat throughout the county
We also have an endemic fish, three endemic turtles, several endemic salamanders and mussels, and myriad endemic plants (endemic is the term used to indicate plants and animals that are limited to a particular localized range) West Kerr County is also ground zero of the exotic hoofstock industry, with many ranches having converted from cattle, sheep and goat ranching to raising rare African and Asian animals for conservation and hunting
Whether or not you’re specifically into birding or seeking out large animals, you’ll want to make a tour of West Kerr County. We present here a convenient tour guide for a couple of loops through the county with notes on what to look for
Check the map for approximate locations of the points noted here
Start out by heading northwest out of Ingram on Hwy 27 toward Mountain Home Watch the sky as you drive for the Zone-tailed Hawk. It’s a rare and cryptic species found only in the mountainous southwest U.S. Without a close look you could dismiss it as a Turkey Vulture.
It’s sharp charcoal black, but with a couple of bright white bands on the tail. Research has shown that its ability to mimic vultures allows it to sneak up on its prey, comprised mostly of lizards, snakes and birds. A pair nests in Ingram, and a few other pairs are scattered through the length of these drives.
On this particular stretch of road, you should also keep an eye on the pastures
for Wild Turkey, Plains Bison, Swamp Buffalo, Texas Longhorns, and the horseheaded Pere David’s Deer.
If it’s early in the morning, or nearing dusk, be careful to watch for White-tailed and Axis Deer on the shoulders. This stretch is one of the diciest on this tour for sudden appearances of darting deer
1) The Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center, a project of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, will be on your left as your approach Mountain Home Its spring-fed ponds above the Johnson Creek Fork of the Guadalupe River host a unique aquatic salamander.
The river itself is host to Cagle’s Map Turtle, a species found nowhere else in
the world, and a couple of freshwater mussels the Guadalupe Fatmucket and the Guadalupe Golden Orb which are limited to a couple tiny populations
One of the key projects of the research center is working to maintain the purity of our special fish, the Guadalupe Bass (there’s a wonderful statue of the fish in Louise Hays Park in Kerrville).
They also work on outside projects with Largemouth Bass (Texas’ most valuable freshwater sportfish), Paddlefish (which is a declining species in Texas), Alligator Gar, Red Swamp Crayfish, American Eels and Llano River Carpsuckers.
See Wildlife, Page 7
Zone-tailed Hawk
Photo by Tony Gallucci Kulan
Photo by Tony Gallucci
Map by Tony Gallucci
Continued from Page 6
Stop in here for some literature, and ask if you can glass the ponds for aquatic birds like Great Egrets and Great Blue and Green Herons. In winter waterfowl use the ponds; even a Tundra Swan has appeared here
From here head on down Texas 27 to the blinking light at Mountain Home
2) Turn left (west) on Hwy 41 This is an exceptional road for both birders and big wildlife seekers As you head west look for pastures with dense brush growing to ground level – those will be the places to stop from April to July to find the elusive Black-capped Vireo
It is easily heard, they are very vocal all day, season long, but getting a look at one requires a lot of quiet patience They skulk slowly through the brush and rarely expose themselves
Watch all the pastures along Texas 41 for a crazy array of deer and antelope, including Addax, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Rajputan Blacbuck, Nilgai, Addra Dama Gazelle, Springbok, Axis, Fallow, Red and White-tailed Deer
You also might also see a wide variety of sheep – European Mouflon, Aoudad, Hawaiian Black, Texas Dall, Jacob’s Four-horned Sheep, and if you’re lucky you’ll see one of the large herds of Transcaspian Urials or Turkmenian Red Sheep along this route
And while it is very rare in this county, this is one of the areas where you might stumble into a Javelina instead of the usual Feral Hog. One hunting ranch along the way releases Ring-necked Pheasants and they can be spotted along the roadside every once in a while.
Here’s where you make your first choice At the junction with FM 1340 you can continue west toward Garven Store, or turn back towards Hunt on 1340 If you have the time you should make both loops as they have unique things to offer
Continuing down Texas 41 for the moment. Keep an eye out for Crested Caracaras These birds are actually falcons (which makes them more closely related to parrots than to the hawks they resemble!)
Locally known as Mexican Eagles, at first glance you might think they are Bald Eagles But close examination will reveal a black cap and black band on the tail. They feed mostly on carrion so you might see them on road-killed animals amongst the Turkey and Black Vultures
3) The YO Ranch, several miles down a ranch road off Texas 41, is an historical pioneer for bringing exotic animals to the
United States for hunting purposes. The original founders, the Schreiner family, whose benefactor’s imprint is all over the county, are no longer owners, but the tradition continues
A trip to the ranch can net you a bewildering selection of foreign critters including Pere David’s Deer, Nilgai, White-bearded Wildebeeste, Dromedary Camel, Ellipsen Waterbuck, Gemsbok, Grant’s Zebra, Ankole-Watusi Cattle, Greater Kudu, Sable, Red Deer, Llama and Reticulated Giraffe. They have Spurthighed Tortoises and Capybaras too! Tours are paid affairs, but well worth the investment and time. Make arrangements for access ahead of time by calling 830-640-3222
4) At U.S. Hwy. 83 you will actually be in Real County for a stretch, but you’ll soon be back in our beloved Kerr County. At the 41/83 junction is one of the best in-the-middle-of-nowhere stores you’ll ever run across
Garven Store has everything you’ll need out there, including gas if you forgot before you headed out The barbeque sandwich is to die for, and don’t leave without some of their homemade jerky, a slab of wheel cheese, and a Dublin soda
While you’re there, toss some crumbs to the extra friendly Blue Peafowl and begging chickens, and keep an eye out for the rare Green Peacock, there’s not many of those around, even in zoos Then load up your goodies and head south on U.S. 83 to the blinking light at Hwy 39 and turn back east
5) Watch along the pastures here for herds of Grant’s Zebra, Elk, Red and Fallow Deer, and Scimitar-horned Oryx, and lots more Addax, Blackbuck and White-tailed Deer. It’s a great stretch too for Wild Turkey and Feral Hogs, and you
might stumble into a Greater Roadrunner
Bizarre things can show up anywhere in West Kerr County, but some of the rarest critters around have shown up along here, like Roan, Grevy’s Zebra and Kulan.
6) This stretch also has ranches that are working to breed exceptional Whitetailed Deer, watch the pastures for bucks
that simply don’t look real You’ll recognize the bucks being used as breeders for their large ear tags Some of these breeder pastures are somewhat confined and will have feeders that concentrate the animals They also bring in outsiders like Feral Hogs and small mammals like Raccoons and Opossums, and birds, especially Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jays and various blackbird species
Back to the other choice:
If you chose the F M 1340 route you’ll soon pass pastures with large exotics like Axis Deer, Elk and Red Deer, with occasional White-bearded Wildebeeste, and the shy and retiring Ellipsen Waterbuck. This is an excellent stretch to find Eastern Bluebirds yearround, and Western and Mountain Bluebirds in winters when they are forced down by weather and dwindling food supplies.
If you happen to be driving through at dawn or dusk, you might catch a swirling mass of birds in the distance. Those are Cave Swallows entering or leaving their nesting sites in a sinkhole For many decades the Hill Country, with its many caves, was the only place in the U.S. to see this bird But in the last 50 years it has adapted to nesting in large culverts
2024 Show Dates
See Wildlife, Page 8
Grant’s Zebra
Photo by Tony Gallucci
Continued from Page 7
and has now spread across the state.
As you continue down 1340 to Hunt you will pass several water crossings on the North Fork of the Guadalupe River. Each of these is a good place to scan for some special birds, notably Black Phoebes and Wood Ducks.
You could also run across any of the three species of kingfishers that occur here – the Belted (common across the U S ), the Green, found only in Texas and Arizona, and the Ringed, found only in South Texas (a fourth species, the Amazon has occurred a handful of times on the Rio Grande, but hasn’t made it to us yet).
7) Stower’s Ranch has made a name for itself among wildlife watchers as being very conservation astute and friendly They have even partitioned off a wildlife viewing and parking lot at Boneyard Draw. The cliff face there was once used for driving buffalo off and feeding native families Thus the “boneyard” at its base.
These days it has become renowned as a place where Bald and Golden Eagles came to roost during the heyday of the
sheep and goat industry. As that ranching business has given way to other pursuits, the eagles no longer roost here in numbers, but from mid-November to midJanuary, you might find one or two still coming in here in the evenings
There is also a Great Horned Owl in the neighborhood, and Common Poorwills and Chuck-will’s-widows can be heard singing soon after sundown.
Perhaps the most spectacular wildlife to be viewed here is the flock of a couple hundred Wild Turkeys which roost in the
woodland below the cliffs On many evenings you can see them cross the highway, launch into flight and soar down to the trees over one of the Guadalupe headwaters
8) Kerr Wildlife Management Area headquarters will be just down the road past Boneyard Draw Stop in to register and pick up a pamphlet. This managed landsite is dedicated to research on White-tailed Deer, where many decades of work have shown ranchers how to create healthy herds of deer for hunting
They have kept isolated herds of deer in pastures with cattle for years to determine optimum management techniques
In addition to learning about deer, they have incidentally created habitat that is suitable for a large number of Blackcapped Vireos
They also have a spot that is ideal for Golden-cheeked Warblers in Spring Trap Canyon The warblers require old growth Ashe Juniper (what we call Cedar or Mountain Cedar) in order to nest as they will only use the bark of this tree to build their delicate nest.
The cedars have to be old in order for the bark to dehisce and be limber enough for these tiny birds to pull away. The fact that only this species of juniper has bark like this, and that it’s limited to the Hill Country of Texas, means the bird is also limited
9) Hunt Store is the place to finish these big loops. They have plenty of cold drinks and beer, the food is exceptional and sometimes there’s live music when you stop in. It’s a gathering place for local residents, and in the summer, on opening or closing weekends, it’s liable to be replete with summer camp families. You might get really lucky and John Spencer might be there resting on one of the benches on the front porch ready to talk to you about whichever of his incredible collection of vintage cars he drove to the store that day.
10) Finally, there’s one little side trip
you might want to take Or if you’re limited in time and can’t make the big loops, here’s a short one to see some impressive animals Take Indian Creek Road across the Guadalupe out of Old Ingram Then take a left on Freedom Trail, go over the top and take a right on Bear Creek Road
Almost immediately you’ll run into Blackbuck, and a pasture with an Emu and a herd of cool sheep, which could include Jacob’s Four-horned, Mouflon and Red Sheep, and a few Ibex.
A little further down you might be sure to pull well off the road, and check out the pasture loaded with Springbok, Impala, Greater Kudu and Canada Geese In the distance you should be able to pick out Gemsbok, and the pens usually have some Addra Dama Gazelle
There is a pond here with an impressive waterfowl collection, none more so than the several Black Swans Driving on, pay attention to the wooded roadsides – this is the best place in the county to see Sika Deer The canyons here are also host to Golden-cheeked Warblers
That’s about it. As you drive on, take a left on Sheppard Rees Road, which will head you down into Kerrville You might catch some last glimpses here of Blackbuck, Elk and Mouflon There’s always something so don’t let your guard down. Enjoy the trip!
Tony Gallucci graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Biology, from Sul Ross with a degree in Biology, and returned to A&M to pursue research in Evolutionary Systematics. He has served as an author and consultant to Texas Parks & Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many ranches, specializing in the biology and status of vanishingly rare, and endangered species of birds, reptiles and amphibians, molluscs, insects, plants, and small cetaceans. He has documented every road-killed ani- mal he has encountered since 1971, and has hit a few critters himself, including one of the most endan- gered mammals of North America
Courtesy photo
American Aquarium to headline Kerrville’s Fourth on the River
American Aquarium will headline Kerrville’s Fourth on the River 2024 celebration, the largest free concert in the state of Texas on the Fourth of July with fireworks!
With a prolific and vibrant discography, American Aquarium has been a mainstay in alternative country for nearly 20 years.
Supported by opening acts The 80H Project, Bri Bagwell (named Texas Female Artist of the Decade), and Country-Rock five-piece The Wilder Blue, music lovers will not want to miss out on these performances.
As well as the free live music beginning at 3 p m , look out for a food court with local vendors and a designated kid zone
All this and more at Louise Hays Park – Arcadia Live is doing Fourth on the River bigger and better than ever
The Arcadia Live is a non-profit theatre venue that aims to promote vibrant and diverse entertainment while preserving the history and life of Downtown Kerrville.
For more information, Call or email the Box Office at 830-315-5483, boxoffice@thearcadialive.org.
Basecamp shares Hill Country beauty
By Kari Short
West Kerr Current
For more than a century we have witnessed the talent and industrious spirit of ranching pioneers, camping icons and developers inventing innovative ways to share the beauty and fruits not only of the Hill Country, but especially West Kerr County.
At the forefront of the latest trend short-term rentals are entrepreneurs Jeremy and Kelly Kerth who created Basecamp Resort on 34 acres at 145 Cardinal Hill Rd. in Hunt in 2021.
Armed with a dream, a silent partner and the extremely mixed blessing of “Covid time,” the Kerths envisioned a rustic, but modern and sophisticated way to share Hunt’s beauty with guests
Not to be confused with the Basecamp Resorts in Canada or Terlingua, the location is familiar to locals as the beautiful property with three ponds and waterfall viewed on the way to the former Antler Grill Restaurant which is now the Wyndham WorldMark Stablewood Springs Resort.
she traveled extensively throughout Europe as their representative They continued to enjoy their Hill Country visits.
Kelly remembers driving by the property and thinking, “This is the most beautiful place Who are the lucky people
who own this property?” For the Kerths, obtaining the property was the realization of a fairy tale, and like most tales, involves a story
Jeremy’s West Kerr roots date back to the 1950s Both sides of his family were from Midland; but one relative in particular, his great grandmother Annie Ford, was attracted to the Hill Country Tragedy befell their family with the premature death of her husband when he was in his 40s With typical Texas grit and determination, Ford assumed successful control and management of their international moving company – remaining active until her death at age 99
Along the way, she sought a weekend retreat and purchased a 4,000-acre ranch off Junction Hwy in Ingram Named the Rocking F, she raised goats and sheep with the assistance of full-time foreman It was there that Jeremy and Kelly first developed their attraction to Kerr County; and in homage to Ford, a “sweet, but tough lady,” named their daughter Annie.
Jeremy was raised in Houston; and after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1996 moved to Dallas, eventually founding his own IT company
Kelly, who met Jeremy in Dallas, was originally from Newton in deep East Texas, and graduated with a criminal justice degree from Stephen F Austin University.
Opportunity led her to work for an international glassware company where
Then, one night after a few cocktails at the Hill Top Café in Fredericksburg, Kelly said, “This feels like home to me, and we started selling things It was right at the end of 2005 We just wanted to get out of the city and raise our kids.
“We bought a house in Shalako Estates in Kerrville Our friends Keri and Pat Wilt were looking for a home in Hunt at the same time, and we discovered the property while exploring the area ”
By this time, the Kerths had started a family They have two children: Jackson, 15, and Annie, 14 Kelly opened an interior design and home staging business for Realtors
She said that she observed her friends, Kim Richards and Keri Wilt, with their vacation rental businesses Then Covid hit With time on their hands, the Kerths followed suit turning a bungalow in Kerrville into a short-term rental
Then their dream materialized with the Hunt property. It was a pocket listing they secured within two weeks They began remodeling the building now called The Lodge, which sleeps 13, and had it ready for rental by October 2021
Today, Basecamp Resort includes three additional cabins and five tents accommodating 46 people Each cabin is named for special people or places in their lives: Casita Juanita for Kelly’s grandmother who passed away at age 95; Rocking F Rambler for the family ranch and Carmel where the Kerths were
This waterfall is part of the Hill Country beauty at Basecamp.
Basecamp Resort in Hunt was created in 2021.
Courtesy photos
Basecamp
Continued from Page 10
engaged and married in one weekend 23 years ago
“I was expecting to get engaged on the trip, but not married,” said Kelly. She had already found her wedding dress at an Episcopal Church thrift shop in Dallas.
“There was a lady rhapsodizing over this wedding dress,” said Kelly “As soon as she left, I ran over and tried it on. It fit me like a glove. I bought it for $38, and my mom flew in with it for my surprise wedding.”
That propensity for thrifty shopping has come in handy while decorating Basecamp Resort. The décor rivals any Chip and Joanna Gaines creation.
The tents are all named after historic places in Hunt such as Japonica, Edgewater, Lizzie Joy and Wagon Wheel She describes the cabins as perfect for couples, and the tents accommodate up to four people each.
While Jeremy sought a rustic property for guests, these aren’t your parents’ tents. Completely secured from the elements with tile flooring, a kitchenette, Hulu, propane grills, firepits and full bathrooms, they even boast private, fenced yards with hot tubs and hammocks. Each has its own deck with different water views
They were assisted with the tent development by their Kerrville neighbor Trey Tull who owns J T Tull Custom Homes and is known for his work on many of the Laity Lodge structures.
Peaceful and tranquil aren’t sufficient to describe the beauty and serenity of Basecamp. The name originates from their desire for the location to serve as a central place for people to stay as they explore the beauty of the entire Hill
Country – from Fredericksburg to Leakey and all the places in between.
However, it is entirely possible a visitor may never want to leave The entire property offers three ponds, hiking trails and a recently added swimming pool. Any property management comes with interesting tales, especially with those who may not have direct experience with the outdoors
Some visitors stayed in the tents through Winter Storm Uri even though the water froze
“We told them the storm was coming and offered to let them out of the agreement, but they wanted to stay,” mused Kelly. “We are usually fully booked on the weekends The majority of our guests come from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas and Corpus. Strangely, we have a lot of visitors from Florida Our camp parents book a year in advance.”
An entire extended family from California even booked the whole resort during the eclipse.
“We did have one couple who thought a raccoon was trying to get in the tent,” said Kelly. “They left early because they were terrified, but it was just the wind and probably a branch These people had clearly never been in the country.
“Another time we dealt with an active skunk The whole family piled into a back bedroom that was air-conditioned with a mini split, so the smell did not circulate in that room My husband had to trap and remove the skunk.”
Oh, the vacation memories!
“I love to host people and to hear their stories and how much they’ve enjoyed it,” enthuses Kelly “So many people come out, and they are grieving or having a birthday or getting engaged. It is inspirational getting to witness all these life events ”
Long term they may want to expand the concept to other properties they own.
While their children are teenagers, they are busy and especially excited about their son’s recent qualification for national competition in Oregon on a San Antonio club track team
They also are blessed with Kelly’s mom, aunt and grandmother who moved here when the children were younger
“I said, ‘Thank you Lord! I need help with these babies ’” Fortunately,
Jeremy’s mom also moved here after she retired from risk management with Continental Airlines in Houston.
Bookings are available through Airbnb, VRBO or direct: www.Basecampresort.com.
Minimum two-day stay on weekends and usually three-day minimum on holidays, but it does depend on which holiday Prices range from $125/night for weekdays and up to $400/night for a tent
There is an on-site property manager during the day Kellyk@basecampreseort com or 830-282-0778
The lakefront at Basecamp Resort, and right, one of the not-so-rustic tents.
Assistant Head Chief Kelly Kerth.
Photo by Kari Short
Courtesy photos
Old Ingram Loop
A shopping district
By Irene Van Winkle West Kerr Current
Much has been in flux on Old Ingram Loop, but overall, it’s back on the upswing. The buildings are starting to fill back up, replacing those that have moved or closed and supplementing those which are still operating.
Starting just west of the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department is one of the most favorite retail stops for women, Perfect Surroundings at 128 Old Ingram Loop It looks very petite but inside, it is bursting with fashions such as fancy and casual dresses, T-shirts, and shoes, accessories such as purses, jewelry by the trunkload, and the most helpful staff (mostly dedicated owner Stephanie Miller)
Two other sections are part of the charm the coffee shop inside called Maxine’s and three cute B&B cabins just up the hill Expect to be greeted by one or two furbabies as well. Wishing Well B&B consists of three cozy cabins just behind the store For Perfect Surroundings and Maxine’s, call 830-367-4658. For Wishing Well rentals, call 830-367-3553
Just down the street and around the corner is Cactus Cabins, at 130 Old Ingram Loop, a collection of several B&Bs, including a fun boat, a stylish bus and a cozy indoor rental. Vacation or year-round. For reservations, call 830-377-5254
Following along the loop on the north side is Southwestern Elegance, 206 Old Ingram Loop, one of the most long-lasting retail stores, with unique decor, jewelry, clothing and quality furniture. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a m -5 p m , or by appointment Call 830-367-4749
Moving across the street, is Lamps and Shades on the corner, 203 Old Ingram Loop, open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lots of decor items, custom lamps and shades, lamp repairs and unique items 830-367-2826
River Dream, at 215 Old Ingram Loop, is a new event center and vacation rental designed for weddings, birthdays, seminars, corporate events and other occasions The venue features an air hall, outdoor patio, extensive lawn and direct river views. For more information, call 830-367-1889
At the far end near Johnson Creek is Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths, 2298 Old Ingram Loop, quality original creations with a Western flair. Belt buckles, money clips, cufflinks and many other fashionable offerings for men and women. Open until MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p m
Around the corner on the same block are Loop Pizza serving Ice Cream scoops, and Tip to Toe, a nail salon open Tuesday through Saturdays.
Outside the Old Ingram Loop is a group of merchants along Hwy 39 Joanne Marie and Me, at 321 Hwy. 39, is a wine bistro and boutique, just above Perfect Surroundings Serving mostly wines and light snacks, they carry jewelry, apparel and gift items. Open Thursday 11 a m -7 p m , Friday 11 a m -10 p m (with live music), and Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Next door, to the west, is 323 Bakery and Gardens The bakery serves fresh baked sweets including cookies, pastries and breads. Open Wednesday-Thursday, 6:30 a m -1:30 p m and Friday and Saturday, 6-9 p.m.
Across the highway are Hunt Salon and Sage Investments Up the street are a new laundromat, the Washboard, and Old Ingram Social Club
On the outskirts just past the loop is Lift Coffee, serving fresh coffee daily, and breakfast baked goodies, with seating under umbrellas outside A short distance east past the “Y” is The Creek Boutique, at 3272 Junction Hwy , featuring a wide assortment of unique, quality gift items, seasonal fun stuff and Yeti goods galore
Southwestern Elegance, a popular shop on Old Ingram Loop.
West Kerr Current photo
Bats! Devil’s Sinkhole home to millions of them
In 1876, a 27-year-old pioneer to the area now known as Rocksprings was chasing some of the animals he was responsible for on the large Owens ranch. He stumbled upon, and fortunately not into, a massive gaping hole in the ground, so large it can be seen from outer space but so flush to the ground that, on foot, you can only see it from about 20 feet away
Ammon Billings had moved to the area in recent years and had actually lived in a cave in his first two years there He had been hired as ranch foreman and had begun a family by the time of his astonishing encounter
There are a couple of versions to what he did next, but these versions suggest he found his wife and told her he had discovered the “gateway to Hell.” Mrs. Billings replied, “We can’t call it that–let’s call it The Devil’s Sinkhole ”
The Devil’s Sinkhole is Texas’s largest one-chamber cave, large enough to fit the
Texas capitol building inside.
The Sinkhole is also Texas’s fifthdeepest cave From top to bottom, it is 351 feet deep and the ceiling of the cave is the size of three football fields
During the summer, the cave is home to the fourth-biggest bat colony in the state, estimated between four and six million bats On a typical night at that time of year, the bats of the Sinkhole will eliminate (eat) about 28 tons of insects, mainly moths
In 1971, the cave became a national
natural landmark, and in 1985 the State of Texas purchased the landmark and 1800 acres of its surroundings to create the Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area.
For its first 16 years of existence, the only way tourists could go out to the cave was if they happened to see an article in the newspaper advising people where to meet the park ranger in Rocksprings to venture into the DSSNA. A four-wheel drive or other sturdy vehicle would have been recommended to participate In 2001, however, a local citizens
group got together and negotiated with Texas Parks and Wildlife to create a new Texas Parks friends group, the Devil’s Sinkhole Society
The society opened the Rocksprings Visitors Center on the Rocksprings town square and volunteers began providing tours to see the cave and the evening bat emergence during bat season. By 2004, a paved road had been installed and a viewing platform was in place allowing people to safely peer over the edge of the cave opening into the vast expanse
Today, the Devil’s Sinkhole Society volunteers provide day tours to see the cave all year round; nature walks and birding tours January-October; evening bat tours May-mid-November; and even morning bat return tours AugustOctober Tour fees are collected at the Visitors Center.
All tours to the DSSNA are guided because of all the things worthy of protection on the site, but all it takes to get a guide is a phone call to 830-683-2287, a visit to devilssinkhole com, or an email to devilssinkhole@swtexas.net to set up a reservation
The charm of it lies in the unpretentious mingling of people
Dance under the stars along the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River to the sounds of musicians like Jake Botello, Natalie Rose, Corey Weaver and Felix Truvere.
Enjoy a cold beer at the cafe. Set-ups available Mouth-watering burgers made from scratch and much more. Join us for Catf ish Friday Nights through Aug. 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Courtesy photo
River’s Edge much more than a gallery
By Irene Van Winkle West Kerr Current
Need a picture framed or a shadow box for family treatures?
Looking for quality art to hang on your wall??
How about letting your inner artist fly free while listening to great music?
It’s all here, and more, at River’s Edge Gallery in Kerrville at 832 Water St It’s where visitors will find a dizzying amount of artwork and styles, in an assortment of what owners Debbie and Mike Wilson fondly call, “Art that whispers art that screams!”
Gallery owners Debbie and Mike Wilson offer all this, and much more Just come down the street to their spacious showroom and find out They have continued to grow and expand over the years. Everyone is welcome to sit down on the plush benches, watch the multi-verse on the TV and have a chat with the Wilsons, or whoever else may wander in The audience is eclectic and conversations are stimulating and fun.
“We’ve been in business for over 24 years in this location, and come here after seven years in Las Vegas,” Debbie Wilson said. “We moved here to raise two children, and it was so easy, I decided to open up a frame business. We love our business so much.”
Debbie, who occasionally paints, handles the sales and artists and does the framing. She usually has one of their several family canines napping nearby, who add a friendly flavor to the professional atmosphere.
Mike throws his creative process into his paintings, many of which form parts of series diverse as the Vigilantes, a series on Jesus Christ, abstracts and landscapes ... some can be bold and colorful, others somber and ominous. Some need no explanation, others are deliberately enigmatic.
He likes using the computer as well as the traditional hands-on technique
Many of their artists are also friends, such as Rod McGehee, James Snuffer, Cliff Avin, and the classic, Travis Keese
There are sculptures, whimsical pieces and unconventnional ones for those with
unusual tastes
Debbie enjoys being creative in everything she does, even custom framing.
“I’m a picture framer and do everything to perfection I love learning things and evolving with the new technology while most framers are stuck with the way they do things I am not I will try new products out and move ahead with things,” she said “I like designing I’ll take a picture, put a frame around it, if it needs to be a little bit larger, I’ll mount it on a mat board and put a bigger frame that matches it around it Whatever my customers want.”
They always take into account a customer’s budget, and tailor the work to every scale. Costs have risen, she added, because of the marketplace
“There are no ships in China waiting out there to send us frames. My frames come from Italy and Indonesia, Spain, pretty much all over the world, she added. “I try to help my customers. It doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor Plus, I’ve pretty much got the lowest price around, because I do all the work myself I don’t have a bunch of people to pay, and I love my work I work six to seven days a week.”
There is often a band on most Friday
nights, featuring local musicians, new or seasoned There is no cover charge
Debbie knows what she likes, and has a good eye for talent and quality
“Art is in the eye of the beholder,” she said. “Some things I buy, people wouldn’t think of paying $10 for but they are so special to me when they hit my heart. That’s a piece I’ve got to have, it moves me ”
Often, it’s not about the money, just about seeing people so happy. There are a lot of “starving artists” out there, and they do what they can to help out
For shadowboxes, which are highly desirable, she enjoys taking a man’s military uniform, carefully putting his medals on the matt board and surrounding it in a fitting display
“When I see the customer’s face light up, it means everything to me,” she said. Sometimes it’s pair of beaded gloves, or a set of chaps The subjects are infinite. And usually affordable to suit the customer
Mike does fine art printing He’s a perfectionist, she said. At times, they will refer customers to others on certain jobs
“We represent artists, and we don’t do
Besides regular framing, Rivers Edge Gallery Owner Debbie Wilson also makes shadow boxes to display customers’ treasures, such as these toy guns.
Photo by Irene Van Winkle
Rivers Edge Gallery has a wide variety of art available, and also provides a welcoming space to visitors.
Gallery
Continued from Page 16
consignments,” Debbie added. “We send them to Bill Marsh and Rick’s East End Market. We try to help other businesses.”
They do think about retiring eventually, but want to make sure it’s to the right client, someone who loves the business as much as they do And who knows the business and has the basic skills, as well
They enjoy that each gallery and studio in the Kerr County area has its own unique flavor They have been in the heart of downtown for so many years, and the Wilsons believe in strength in numbers to promote the arts and encourage the creativity going on downtown.
“We all need to join together ... and promote each other as a group,” she added.
The gallery is conveniently open Monday-Saturday, 10-5 For more information, call 830-895-5184; cell/text to 830-777-0388
Cowboy Camp Meeting
The band Haywire, performing at a recent Hill Country Cowboy Camp Meeting, will play again at 4 p.m. on the opening day of this year’s meeting. Running daily from Sunday, June 2-Sunday June 9, Hill Country Cowboy Camp Meeting is a combination of fellowship, food and fine preaching that takes place in Mountain Home, Texas, on Hwy. 27, just eight miles west of Ingram. Look for the sign on the archway.
Photo by Irene Van Winkle
West Kerr Current file photo
Museum of Western Art a top tourist destination
Celebrating 40 years
Contributed by Nancy Foster
There’s always something new to enjoy at the Museum of Western Art. This Kerrville icon has been a prominent part of the Hill Country cultural scene since its opening in 1983 and attracts visitors from around the world who come to enjoy its impressive collection of Western art and artifacts.
Originally opened as the Cowboy Artists of America Museum in 2003, it was rebranded as the Museum of Western Art in 2003
The mission remains the same, however – to collect,
Western artists of the current and last century and roam past numerous Western artifacts including a collection of vintage saddles, weaponry and wagons An important collection of more than 400 types of barbed wire from ranches dating to the 1900s was added
MoWA is globally recognized and considered an acclaimed museum to visit for those interested in the authentic Old West True West Magazine ranked it in the Top 5 Leading Western Museums in the U S for three years in a row and it has been recognized as Kerrville’s top tourist attraction.
Visitors can roam past hundreds of paintings and sculptures, some loaned by private collectors. Knowledgeable docents also are on hand for those who prefer a guided tour Allow at least one hour.
About the exhibitions:
preserve and promote our Western Heritage and to provide educational opportunities for all ages to learn about this significant era of the Golden West.
Why you should go and what you will see
The museum’s outdoor facade creates a dramatic first impression. Its bold, hacienda-type exterior stands tall atop a hill overlooking much of Kerrville and sits on manicured grounds dotted by multiple larger-than-lifesize bronzes done by some of the country’s most acclaimed Western sculptors.
One of particular interest is the towering 22-foot Winning the Iron Shirt by the renowned sculptor Fritz White, on loan to the museum by the City of Kerrville
The Museum, also referred to as MoWA, was designed by well-known Texas architect O’Neil Ford and is highlighted by dramatic interior features, including floors of end-cut mesquite floors or Saltillo tile and handcrafted boveda ceilings amid massive beams
The multiple interior galleries beckon visitors to enjoy the works of leading
Visitors will always enjoy works in the museum’s permanent collection, although special exhibitions provide a reason for return visits throughout the year.
MoWA’s most significant exhibition, the 41st Annual Roundup Exhibition and Sale, is a collection of 190 paintings and
See MoWA, Page 19
The museum is highlighted by dramatic interior features, including floors of end-cut mesquite floors or Saltillo tile and handcrafted boveda ceilings amid massive beams.
Tatanka Yotake by Ed Natiya was featured at a recent show.
Courtesy photos
MoWA
Continued from Page 18
bronzes from 64 of the country’s most recognized Western artists and is scheduled through June 8
Art collectors look to this exhibition to add to – or start – their collection of Western art, and those unable to visit in person can shop from the e-catalog on the museum’s website
Another important exhibition on schedule opens July 20 and runs to Sept. 21 Two Perspectives: Scott Christensen & Quang Ho will feature the works of two of the country’s most respected Western landscape artists
Ongoing activities:
MoWA offers art workshops, children’s craft classes, and summer camps for youngsters, all listed on the website
Adults enjoy the monthly Wild West Wine Wednesday featuring a local winery, samples and a brief artist presentation.
To encourage all ages to visit, every last Saturday of the month is Family Free Day, held to encourage families to come learn about the lore of their Western heritage
Something for everyone:
In addition to the priceless art collection, the museum features an outdoor pavilion that is perfect for special events, weddings, celebrations and corporate get-togethers
Also on site is a Western research library containing more than 5,000 books and periodicals on Western life and frontier days.
The museum store sells unique gifts, including handcrafted leather goods, western-themed books, art, estate jewelry, stuffed toys and souvenirs
Yearly memberships are available in several categories and come with many benefits Details are listed on www museumofwesternart com along with ticket information, hours, newsletter sign-up, and program details
The Museum of Western Art is located at 1550 Bandera Hwy., Kerrville, and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a m -4 p m
Admission charged Active military, veterans and first responders are always guests; 830 896-2553
Cailloux adds vitality to area’s arts scene
Special to the Current
Visitors to Kerr County, a seemingly sedate part of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, are often pleasantly surprised by the vitality of the area’s arts scene. Among the highlights is the impressive Kathleen C Cailloux City Center for the Performing Arts in the heart of Downtown Kerrville
The Cailloux City Center, located at 910 Main St. in Kerrville, is sought out by visitors from miles in each direction for its high caliber offerings in dance, theater and music of all kinds.
Its two performing spaces, the lavish Cailloux Theater and the intimate VK Garage Theater, are busy most weekends, featuring everything from local school concerts to national touring artists, including the resident Symphony of the Hills and The Cailloux Performances series of outstanding events.
The complex is managed, on behalf of the City of Kerrville, by Playhouse 2000, Inc., which also serves as the resident theatrical presenter and Kerrville’s
William Lee Golden, for more than 50 years a member of the awardwinning Oak Ridge Boys, joins sons Rusty and Chris to perform as “The Goldens” at The Cailloux Theater on Sunday, June 16, at 3 p.m.
Community Theater
Playhouse 2000 has set out a virtual smorgasbord of activities and events for the summer of 2024, with something for every member of the family, and every taste in entertainment.
Two theatrical events get the summer under way. The annual “Shakespeare In The Park” production, presented in cooperation with The City of Kerrville’s Parks and Recreation Department, will bring the bard’s “The Comedy of Errors,” to Louise Hays Park on May 31 and June 1 at 8 p.m.
Then, P2K will return home to The VK Garage Theater to present the brand new comedy “The Charitable Sisterhood of Second Trinity Victory Church” from June 14 through 30. With both laugh-
out-loud wit and a heartfelt message, this play is suitable for the whole family
The Summer concert calendar also starts in June with two classic Country icons
William Lee Golden, founding member of the world-famous Oak Ridge Boys, will visit Kerrville alongside his award-winning family when “William Lee Golden and The Goldens” take the Cailloux Theater stage on Sunday, June 16 at 2:30
Award-winning artists in their own right, “The Goldens” are sons and grandchildren of William Lee, and they promise an amazing afternoon of Gospel, Country and even Rock hits that will thrill any concert goer
The next week, local legend and Country Music star Billy Mata and his band, The Texas Tradition, will perform “For The Good Times,” a loving tribute to “The Original Cherokee Cowboy” Ray Price
The first act will highlight Price’s early hits, from “Release Me” to “Talk
See Cailloux, Page 21
The Cailloux Theater
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Continued from Page 20
To Your Heart” and more. After intermission, the band will get a bit larger to present Ray’s “Nashville Sound” and mega-hits like “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” and “For The Good Times ”
Showtime is 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.
Two special learning opportunities –one for youth and one for adults – also will be available at The Cailloux City Center in June
Youngsters ages 6 to 8 can learn about the theater basics with the “Summer Workshop for Children” June 3 through 14.
Then, adults can experience the retro thrill of creating radio drama with “Vintage Radio Exploration” June 17 to 28
A pair of Christian-themed concerts are on tap for Jully.
“The Nelons,” long-time touring partners of the world-famous “Blackwood Quartet” will bring their up-to-date take on gospel and contemporary Christian musicmaking to the Cailloux Theater on Saturday, July 6 at 7:30.
And, the music of Christian-Rock superstars “Petra” will fill The Cailloux Theater on Saturday, July 20, when Friends of Petra presents “Classic Petra Resurrection,” featuring original member and lead vocalist Greg X. Volz.
With multiple “Dove” awards, four “Grammy” awards and more than 10 million album sales, “Petra” is the epitome of Christian Rock stardom Their show celebrates more than 50 years of music. A special “VIP Experience” also is available for purchase, including a chance to meet the artists in person Playhouse 2000’s “Summer Musical Theater Camp” production of “Shrek, The Musical Jr ” will be on stage at The Cailloux Theater on Aug. 2, 3 and 4. The show is the product of four weeks of preparation by students ages 8 to 18 Playhouse 2000’s main season will continue in the VK Garage Theater with Lauren Gunderson’s award-winning play “The Book of Will,” the true story of the men and women who dedicated their lives to bring about “The First Folio,” the very first publication of the plays of William Shakespeare It will be on stage from Aug 9 to 25
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Aug. 17, The Cailloux Theater will host “Analog FM,” a fun, summertime tribute to all the music “from Woodstock to Iconic Rock ” Made up of band members who
Mark Sturm models an example of the masks created for the “Commedia” style presentation of this year’s Shakespeare In The Park title, “The Comedy of Errors,” coming to Louise Hays Park on May 31 and June 1 at 8 p.m., with free admission.
have toured nationally with the biggest names in music, the group will perform songs by The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Boston, Journey, The Eagles, Toto, and many more!
On Sunday, Aug. 18, Playhouse 2000 will host a Kickoff Party to announce the new season of “The Cailloux Performances,” the series that brings the world of performing arts to Kerrville All the details, plus complementary hors d’oeuvres and wine, will be available starting at 5 p m Playhouse 2000’s annual gala, “Dinner With the Stars,” will once again supplement the traditional dinner and auction fundraiser with an hour of outstanding music from the biggest Broadway hits performed by the stars of P2K stages throughout the years. Cocktail hour starts at 6, dinner is served at 7, and the show begins at 8:15, with an “after party” on the Cailloux Stage at 9:30.
Both the Symphony of the Hills and the Cailloux Performances will begin new seasons in October. The SOH will offer five concerts featuring the area’s only fully-professional orchestra, and The Cailloux Performances will have six events, including classical, country, pop and rock music, plus jazz dance and more. Both seasons stretch from October to March
Complete details on all these events can be found online at CaillouxPerformingArts com, and tickets to all events are available there.
Guests are encouraged to avoid online convenience fees by calling (830) 8969393 or visiting The Cailloux Box Office, where real people are ready to provide excellent service from 10 a m to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, or 10 a.m. to 3 p m Saturday – telephone messages can be left at any time
Kerr County was one of only four counties completely within the groundzero pathways of both of the last year’s eclipses – October’s Annular Eclipse and April’s Total Eclipse.
Eclipses drew visitors to West Kerr from all over
By Tony Gallucci Special to the Current
Maybe you did this too?
When I was a kid, my family traveled a lot. And of course we played the license plate game, competing to see the most different plates.
Back then each state had one style of
plate and they were easy to spot among the many Texas plates on the road.
I still nurse an interest in license plates and I also spend a lot of time on the road, so there’s plenty of time to familiarize myself with all the varieties out there these days
ing to the Hill Country? Well, we recently became known worldwide for two events six months apart that drew hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors to the area – an Annular followed by a Total Eclipse! Nowhere else in the world got both of them at their full glory
Kerr County was one of only four counties completely within the groundzero pathways of both of the last year’s eclipses – October’s Annular Eclipse and April’s Total Eclipse.
Ingram, in fact, was dead center on the path for the maximum duration of the Total Eclipse
Despite the fact the two eclipses were six months apart, our being the only place in the world where both peak paths crossed brought us great notoriety Folks across the country and the world began planning to be here for the big event, and local visitor planners went into high gear.
The county has visitors year-round from all over the country of course We
see folks in town during the winter months when northern folks come here to escape icy weather, and in the summer to take advantage of our Hill Country rivers.
Texas’ summer camp mecca is right here too, and while most children
attending the camps come from Texas, we also get out of staters, and some folks from out of country as well.
When camp is over we are inundated with families in town for closing day festivities and award ceremonies.
Then there are the bikers Spring and
fall are especially good weather for visiting motorcycle clubs and gatherings to come ride the hills
Curious about where visitors came from, and sparked by reports of huge numbers of people (some estimates ranged up to 400,000) coming to witness the total eclipse in April, in between viewing the eclipse myself I set up to observe and photograph license plates of as many out of towners as I could
Even I, who pays attention to such things, was surprised at the variety of plates I found Over the course of my day I saw (and photographed most) plates from 44 U.S. states and two federal agencies, six Mexican states, three Canadian provinces, three Native American Nations, and two European countries That’s a substantial haul for a quick survey
In addition, to all the local cultural offerings, it’s clear that we are inundated during tourist season with folks from all walks of life, backgrounds and cultures, which can only contribute to our own sense of belonging in this great world. Thank you visitors for blessing us with your presence!
A photographic survey of visitors’ license plates seen in West Kerr during the eclipses.
Photos by Tony Gallucci
Los Texmaniacs will perform at the Kerrville Folk Festival on Friday, May 31.
Kerrville Folk Festival runs through June 9
The 52nd Kerrville Folk Festival a legendary songwriter’s festival began Thursday, May 23, and continues through Sunday, June 9.
The event runs for 18 straight days and nights at Quiet Valley Ranch, located nine miles south of Kerrville on Hwy. 16
The 2024 festival schedule features such performers as Ruthie Foster, Sue Foley, Los Texmaniacs, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Tuba Skinny. A complete festival schedule, information and tickets can be found at www.kerrvillefolkfestival.org or by calling the festival office at (830) 257-3600. Daily ticket prices range from $48 to $80.
HCAF a leader in arts since 1959
The Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram is the place for arts in West Kerr County. Besides traditional endeavors such as visual and theatrical arts, HCAF hosts the Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair, Stonehenge II and the Celtic Festival and Highland Games
HCAF was founded in 1959 by a group of artists whose goal was to enrich, educate and enlighten members of the community through the arts, and their efforts have paid off for generations of families and individuals.
Located off Hwy. 39 in Ingram where Johnson Creek meets the Guadalupe River, HCAF is home to the outdoor Smith-Ritch Point Theatre, indoor Elizabeth Huth Coates Indoor Theatre and DuncanMcAshan Visual Arts Center and Gallery.
Visitors are invited to visit the Duncan-McAshan Visual Arts Gallery which has outside art sculptures and watch theatrical productions at The Point Theatre (Please see related story).
The 13-acre HCAF campus has become an important stop for tourists Stonehenge II, a replica of Stonehenge in Salisbury, England, is a very popular attraction for visitors It is free and open to the public from dawn until nightfall Stonehenge II was created as an art project by the late Al Shepperd, a Hill Country Arts Foundation patron, and his neighbor Doug Hill more than 20 years ago on Shepperd’s land in nearby Hunt, Texas.
It took nine months to build and is 90 percent the height and 60 percent the width as the original Giving free range to his fanciful notion, Shepperd added two 13-foot Easter Island head replicas for good measure.
After Shepperd’s death, the megalithic circle along with its Easter Island sidekicks needed a new home In an effort to preserve this true Texas landmark, the sculptures were relocated stone-by-stone to their final resting place beside the Guadalupe River on the campus of the Hill Country Arts Foundation.
The 2024 Texas Arts and Crafts Fair will be Nov 1-3 on the HCAF grounds Since 1972, it has been Texas’ Official State Arts and Crafts Fair. After a hiatus of five years, the state arts festival returned in 2018. The fair is observing its 52nd birthday this year, and artists, exhibitors, musicians, food vendors and
demonstrators will sprawl across 13 acres for the state’s “official arts and crafts fair ”
Visitors will be treated to a wide range of arts and crafts exclusively by Texas residents, as well as favorite fair food offerings, entertainment, and related educational and recreational activities
The Duncan-McAshan Visual Arts Center has exhibitions and workshops scheduled for the summer. A 1,700square-foot gallery, four art studios, a ceramic lab and press studio comprise the Duncan-McAshan Visual Arts Center.
The gallery exhibition schedule includes a full range of art in virtually all media Exhibitions feature local as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists.
Works of art are available for purchase at most of the shows, and admission to the gallery is free Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a m - 2 p m
Upcoming 2024 gallery exhibits are:
Texas Watercolor Society
2024 Annual Show
May 3 – June 29
Monday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-2
Summer ArtMart
Handmade Art Show & Sale
July 12 – Aug 9
Interested in a booth? Apply at hcaf com
HCAF Annual Juried Exhibit
Fertile Ground
‘Landscapes of the Mind’
This show is not limited to landscapes!
Aug 23 – Sept 20
Artist Reception: Aug. 23, 5 to 7
Altars
HCAF Invitational Exhibit
Oct 4 – Oct 25
Artist Reception: Oct. 4, 5 to 7 p.m.
ArtMart Christmas Showcase
Nov 15 – Dec 13
For details, hcaf.com.
The HCAF offers summer camp programs for young artists. Both the Point Theater and the Duncan McAshan Visual Arts Center are gearing up to present programs this summer.
2024 Young Artist’s Camps
The camp provides a curriculum of creative, process- based art education to children ages 4 and up. The week-long camps are from 9 a m to noon, Monday
Stonehenge II, a replica of Stonehenge in Salisbury, England, is a
free attraction for visitors.
through Friday
Youth Theatre Summer Camp Campers will delve into all aspects of theater, including acting, music, movement, costumes, props, makeup and sets!
Theatre camp at the Hill Country Arts Foundation enables campers to grow,
collaborate and express themselves artistically as well as socially, learning from master level instructors and experienced assistants Each camp session will culminate in a production on the last day of camp at noon All friends and family are invited to attend.
popular
West Kerr Current photos
Point Theatre plans vibrant season
The Hill Country Arts Foundation’s Point Theatre has been bringing local theater to the community for 65 years.
Actors, singers, directors, musicians and technicians perform in the Hill Country Arts Foundation’s Smith-Ritch Point Theatre, a 520-seat outdoor amphitheater with the Guadalupe River as the backdrop and the moon and stars providing ambient lighting
When the weather turns, productions move indoors to the intimate Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre, which seats about 100 people.
This year ’s summer season opens with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat June 7-22 at the outdoor theater
Here’s what’s in store this summer and the rest of the year:
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
June 7-22
An ever-popular musical that tells the
story of Joseph in memorable songs The musical follows the Bible story of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, and his 11 brothers Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and ends up imprisoned by an Egyptian noble
The Velveteen Rabbit and Charlotte’s Web
July 12-25
Two children’s shows at the same time! They will play on different nights of the weekend
In The Velveteen Rabbit, a child is given a stuffed rabbit as a Christmas gift. The story is told from the toy’s point of view The rabbit is told that if he is loved enough, he will become real. When the child falls ill, the toy is to be thrown away, but it is given a new life and a new view of reality.
Charlotte’s Web is a story of friendship, courage and self-sacrifice Wilbur is a pig who finds out that his life needs to be saved His friend, a spider named
Charlotte, who lives in the doorway of his pigpen, is determined to save him;
she accomplishes this by spinning words about him in her web.
Promises, Promises
Aug. 16-Sept. 1
Promises, Promises is a musical with music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, and a book by Neil Simon. It is based on the 1960 film The Apartment written by Billy Wilder and I A L Diamond. The story concerns a junior executive at an insurance company who seeks to climb the corporate ladder by allowing his apartment to be used by his married superiors for trysts.
Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe
Oct. 11-27
In Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, playwright Eric Coble introduces us to a Poe who is struggling with questions of his own sanity as he presents the audience with an adaptation of four of his best works: “The Raven,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “The Tell-Tale Heart ”
A Christmas Carol Nov. 22-Dec. 15
Our annual Christmas tradition! The heartwarming story of ghosts, love, and redemption.
A scene from this spring’s “The Explorers Club.”
Courtesy photo
Crider’s Rodeo & Dancehall will soon celebrate 100 years
That West Kerr County landmark, Crider’s Rodeo & Dancehall in Hunt, is coming up on its 100th anniversary
The owners are asking for those who have any memorabilia from the “early days” of Crider’s, like T-shirts, koozies, glasses, matchbooks or photos to contact them so they can use them in 100th anniversary celebrations in 2025.
Texans and visitors have enjoyed the Hill Country experience of Saturday night rodeo action and an open-air dance floor with top country bands “8 seconds,” miles of “two-steppin” and lifetimes of fun between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What you need to know if you go: Crider ’s 2024 season is open on Saturdays May 25-Aug. 31. The café opens at 6:30 p m , the rodeo kicks off at 8 p m (books open at 6:30 p m ) and the boot scootin’ dance begins at 9 p.m.
Combo tickets for the rodeo and dance are $15 for ages 13 and over; 12 and under are free. For seniors and active military, the combo cost is $10 Catfish Friday Nights are held 6-8:30
Jessen Bruinsma in a bullriding event at Crider’s last summer.
Bustin’, Breakaway and Team Roping and Barrel Racing.
A variety of beer and wine coolers and set ups are available at the café
Table reservations are available.
Crider’s started as a simple 4th of July fundraiser in 1925 when Walter and Audrey Crider hosted a rodeo to benefit the Hunt School PTA 100 years later Crider’s is still going strong under the ownership of Walter and Audrey’s descendants, Bill and Tracy Moore and their children.
Crider’s is located at 2301 Hwy 39 west of Hunt
The band lineup for Crider’s the summer of 2024:
June
1st Chris Saucedo Band
8th Jake Botello & the Hill Country Outlaws
15th Texas Double Shot
22nd Britt Ballenger Band
29th Natalie Rose
July
6th Nick Lawrence
13th Rick Reyna Band
20th Corey Weaver Band
27th Mario Flores & the Soda Creek Band
August
3rd Nate Burnham
10th Logan Brothers Band
17th Mark Stewart Band
p m on Fridays until Aug 30
Rodeo events include Open Bullriding, Mini Bullriding, Mutton
The Crider’s experience has aways appealed to a wide variety of people, which is part of the fun.
24th Ryan Talley
31st Felix Truvere & the Open Road Band
Plenty of two-steppin to music provided by top country bands occurs on Crider’s dance floor.
