Volume 10, July 2012

Howdy Partners! We’ve got two great stories to kick off July with. First, read about our fellow Partners and Texans taking a bad experience (like getting mosquito bit) and turning it into a fun festival for the whole family. What a great idea! As they say, “Let’s celebrate everything good about living in an area of Texas inhabited by these pesky critters.” Next, our rural reporter Casper has been exploring again! This time he’s having a Heavenly experience visiting the painted churches in Schulenburg and Flatonia. Read all about them as well as about the Sengelmann Hall & Bakery and the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum. Texas is magnificent! - See you on the Trail - Pinto Ponies & Painted Churches – Schulenburg and Flatonia

Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Clute, TX July 26-28, 2012 What do you do with a problem like mosquitoes? They don’t go

away…ever. So you may as well have a fun filled three day event that

celebrates everything good about living in an area of

Texas inhabited by these pesky critters. The BUZZ you hear in July is coming from Clute, Texas, home of The

Great Texas Mosquito Festival, where Willie ManChew greets visitors from near and far to enjoy three days of

live concerts, food, contests, cook-offs, carnival and sporting events. Our mascot is a 26-foot tall mosquito

dressed out in cowboy boots and an extra-large cowboy hat. He will be presiding over the annual festival the

last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of July at Clute Municipal Park. The festival is a family oriented event with

activities you can participate in, watch, listen, taste and feel good about. The price of admission includes Texas

Country Music concerts such as Fred Andrews and Honeybrowne, Rose Hill, David Allen Coe, and Kevin Fowler.

The whole family will enjoy this event, and you may come away with an appreciation of the little critters that

are our namesake. After all, you can’t swat them all!

Attractions: Petting zoo, bungee jump, inflatables and Texas Junior Angler Catch Tank. New attractions are

brought in each year; please see website and/or schedule of events for more details.

Carnival: Full spectrum of carnival rides, games, food and attractions for kids/adults. Pony rides, slides,

cotton candy and more.

Cook-Off: • Barbeque and Fajita Cook-off

Games: • Council Challenge-watch local cities compete • Bingo for Senior Citizens on Saturday morning •

Haystack Dives-kids hunt for candy and prizes

Contests: • Horseshoe Pitching Tournament • Doubles Washer-Pitching Tournament • Mosquito Calling

Contests • Mosquito Legs Contest • O You Beautiful Doll Contest • Skeeter Beaters Baby Crawling Contest

Races: • Mosquito Chase/5K run • Kids Fun Run

Vendors: Arts and Crafts vendors, food vendors, business/services offered vendors; vendors from all over the

State.

Hours: 5 PM-12AM Thursday and Friday. 9 AM-1 AM Saturday.

For additional information, contact the Clute Parks and Recreation Department at (979) 265-8392, toll free

(800) 371-2971, visit www.mosquitofestival.com or email buzz@mosquitofestival.com. Visit www.goclute.com

or call 1-888-462-5883 for your accommodation needs, and other exciting things to do while you are in town!

Traveling the Side Roads of Texas Pinto Ponies and Painted Churches – Schulenburg and Flatonia, Texas

by Casper

On the way to Schulenburg, I stopped in Giddings for the annual Lee County Fair and Rodeo. Saturday at the fair was

great, with a visit to Kelita at the RTTC booth, wandering through the large midway, and watching the events at the

fabulous BBQ cook-off. The rodeo was exciting and had a full slate of events. A good time was had by all and I look

forward to next year’s fair.

After a quiet, comfortable night at the nearly new Best

Western in Giddings, I headed out for Schulenburg and the

famous painted churches. Three of the churches are

spaced around a short loop near Schulenburg. My first

stop was Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, located near

Dubina. Established by Czech immigrants in 1856 and

first painted in 1909, this church features colorful floral

stenciling and a star-adorned blue ceiling. The light blue

and white painting accents, along with the beautiful

statues framing the altar, make this a bright, welcoming

place of worship. The Dubina/Sts Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, founded in 1866, is the resting place for many of the

areas’ early pioneer families. I was fascinated by the numerous grave markers which included small portraits of these

early settlers, and the ornate iron markers on some graves. I was lucky to meet a local man here who showed me the

graves of his father and grandfather and told me the history of the cemetery.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, near the community of Ammannsville, was established in 1890. The present

building was built in 1918 and painted in 1919. The light rose and white walls and ceiling are decorated with bright floral

designs and I was especially impressed by the white and gold altar and the beautiful stained-glass windows. The cemetery

next to the church is interesting as well, with a number of ornate, silver-painted metal grave markers.

My last stop of the day was the famous Nativity of Mary/ St. Mary Catholic

Church in the High Hill community. Often referred to as the “Mother of

Painted Churches”, this red brick building was built in 1906 and painted in

1912. The entryway was bright, with walls covered in beautiful stenciled

blocks. Artistic, carved wooden swinging doors guard the entrance to the

sanctuary. Inside, tall wooden pillars painted to look like marble, rise to a light-

colored ceiling crossed with gilded arches and painted in bright, floral designs.

High on many columns are large statues of the saints and other statues adorn

the walls and flank the altar. The ornate altar is of dark wood with gilt accents

and is highlighted by a beautiful, stained-glass picture of Christ on the Cross.

This portrait seems to glow as you walk down the center aisle. The elaborate

pulpit and the baptism font were striking, and the windows were spectacular.

After a comfortable night at the Best Western in Schulenburg, I headed out to

see the town. Schulenburg was established by German and Czech settlers from

the nearby communities of Lyons and High Hill when the railroad arrived in

the area in 1873. Today it is known as the “Gateway to the Rolling Hills”, and

is a friendly and growing community of nearly 3000. My first stop of the day

was breakfast at the Original Kountry Bakery, well-known for its outstanding pastries and kolaches. The small restaurant

was staffed by friendly employees and full of happy customers. The bakery also serves lunch from 10:30 to 1:30 and

offers a wide menu of hamburgers, sandwiches, pitas, soups and salads.

At the Chamber of Commerce, I was greeted by Marcia Hrncir, Director of Community Services and Executive Director

Mike Stroup. They were excited about their town and county and offered great information about places to see and things

to do. My first stop on Main Street was The Shop Downtown, a small, eclectic gift shop owned by Christine Galipp.

When I mentioned I was looking for a gift, Christine went into high-gear and produced a Texas-shaped basket and

suggested locally produced products including granola snack mix from Lagrange, a fabulous peach-flavored candle made

in Dubina, and organic coffee roasted locally and distributed by the Shop. This wonderful combination was tied up with a

calico ribbon and I was set. A fun stop and a good place for early morning coffee and chat. Close by is the Flower Box, a

friendly, family-owned shop offering fresh floral arrangements and gifts.

Sengelmann Hall and Bakery is a famous landmark in Schulenburg and is a fully

restored 1890’s Texas dance hall. The Hall, bakery, and restaurant are usually

open only on weekends, so check with the Chamber of Commerce or call ahead

before planning a trip. Another interesting stop on Main Street is the

Schulenburg Historical Museum, which is also only open on Fridays and

Saturdays. Around the corner on Lyons Street is Barn Birds Fresh Antiques. The

owner greeted me and we visited as I roamed the aisles. This new addition to

Schulenburg has a little of everything, from glass decanter stoppers to antique

games and tops, furniture and accessories, books and much more. I saw a

number of items of interest and ended up buying a few stereopticon slides of

places I have visited. The owner also sells fresh farm eggs. Next door is Harold’s Coins, a full service antique and rare

coin shop for collectors. My tour ended at the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum. The museum is bright and clean, with

wonderful displays on the history of the Stanzel brothers and their model aircraft company. The tour includes the

old factory building, with additional displays and some of the machines originally used in the manufacturing, and

the restored historic home of the Stanzel’s grandparents, built in the 1880’s.

After my tour of Schulenburg, I headed for Flatonia. Traveling west on Hwy 90,

you pass the community of Praha, home of another painted church, St. Mary’s

Church of the Assumption. This is one of the oldest painted churches, built in

1895 by Czech settlers. The natural stone face and buttresses on the sides frame

tan, plastered walls outside. A copper metal roof adds to its feel of permanence.

Inside, the white walls display large, beautiful paintings and elaborately carved and

painted Stations of the Cross. The floral-themed ceiling paintings are wonderful

and the white and gilded altar, flanked by stained-glass windows is beautiful. My

favorites here were the beautiful statues flanking the altar. Paintings on the high

vaulted ceiling also include angels and the renowned “All-Seeing Eye”.

Flatonia, a friendly, quiet town of about 1400, was established as a railroad depot

in 1874. On one side of historic Main Street stands the restored railroad Switching

Tower #3, which operated from 1902 until 1996. Across the street are a number of

businesses including Main Street Pharmacy and Gifts and The Aston antique store,

where I was invited back for the annual Czhillispiel Festival, held in late October.

Down the street is the Arnim & Lane Mercantile building, built in 1886. Although

many years closed, the building still appears to have stock on the counters and

shelves. Across the street is the E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum, highlighting

the town’s Czech/German history, with antique furniture, household items,

clothing, and historic wagons and buggies.

After a wonderful steak dinner at Roberts Steakhouse, just north of town, I checked into the Ollie Hotel on Market Street.

This small, beautifully restored hotel is spotless and decorated with a Texas theme and wonderful antiques. Our hostess,

Kathryn, was very friendly and really cares about the comfort of her visitors. The extra clean rooms and special little

touches all make it seem like home. Hot breakfast is served in the morning and was outstanding. .

This was a fun and interesting trip and I look forward to returning to see more of the area.

Schulenburg C of C – www.schulenburgchamber.org

Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum – www.stanzelmuseum.org/

Flatonia C of C – www.flatoniachamber.com/

Olle Hotel – www.ollehotel.com

Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10:30-4:30

General Admission $4.00, Seniors $2.00

Children under 12 FREE, School Tours FREE

311 Baumgarten St., Schulenburg

979-743-6559

http://stanzelmuseum.org/

RTTC Partners

Angleton, City of www.angleton.tx.us

Bellville Chamber

www.bellville.com

Belton Chamber www.beltonchamber.com

Blanco Chamber

www.blancochamber.com

Bowie Chamber www.bowietxchamber.org

Bridgeport Chamber

www.bridgeportchamber.org

Brenham/Washington County www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com

Brownfield, City

www.brownfieldchamber.com

Brownwood Chamber www.brownwoodchamber.org

Cameron Chamber

www.cameron-tx.com

Canton Economic Development www.cantontxedc.com

Canyon, City of

www.canyontx.com

Clute Visitor’s Bureau www.goclute.com

Columbus Chamber

www.columbustexas.org

Comfort Chamber www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com

Cuero Chamber www.cuero.org

RTTC Partners Diboll, City of

www.cityofdiboll.com

Hot Nights, Cool Tunes

Summer Concert Series lineup

announced

Main Street Brenham will again be

hosting the Hot Nights, Cool Tunes

Summer Concert Series this July,

keeping a community-favorite

tradition alive. The lineup for 2012

brings back some crowd favorites

while adding a new band, and great performances are in store for those

who attend. Kicking off the event on Saturday, July 7, is The Newsboyz

(newsboyz.com), a terrific 5-piece band from Austin with great female

and male lead singers. They play a huge variety of music and really put

on an entertaining show.

The second week, Saturday, July 14, concert attendees will hear the

band Dysfunkshun Junkshun (dysfunkshunjunkshun.com). This 7-piece

band from Austin was putting on a fantastic show last year before

having to close down early due to a weather threat. The band’s rock ‘n

roll, disco, funk and Motown sounds are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Returning to the Hot Nights stage on July 21 is Abbey Rode & Already

Gone (AbbeyRode.com) – Beatles and Eagles Tribute bands that

continue to be crowd favorites.

Saturday, July 28, Main Street brings back the popular group Suede

(suedeaustin.com). This explosive, electrifying band plays hits from the

70’s, 80’s and 90’s to today.

This year, the Stray Katz Car Club is sponsoring the Classic Car Cruise-

In that will be lining West Alamo Street for every show. Car enthusiasts

interested in participating can contact Carla at 979.836.2855.

Again this year, food and beverages will be available, thanks to the

Brenham Rotary Club and Brenham Main Street Historical Preservation,

Inc. Those planning to enjoy the evening are encouraged to support

these organizations and the work they do in the community by leaving

coolers at home and helping to keep the concerts free.

“There are a number of things that continue to make this a unique

event,” Pyle said. “It happens in the slow-paced summertime; it’s held

in the shade of our beautiful, historic downtown; the quality of the bands

is outstanding; and, best of all for the community, it’s FREE!"

Concerts start at 7 p.m. this year, and more information will soon be

available at www.DowntownBrenham.com or call 1-888-BRENHAM.

Dimmit County Chamber

www.dimmitcountytx.com

Elgin, City of www.elgintx.com

Emory Development Corporation

www.emorytx.com

Ennis Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitennis.org

Fireman’s Park, Giddings

Friends of the Depot, Giddings

George Bush Library

http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/

Giddings Chamber www.giddingstx.com

Giddings Swap Meet

www.giddingsswapmeet.com

Gonzales Chamber www.gonzalestexas.com

Hamilton Chamber

www.hamiltontexas.com

RTTC Partners Iraan Chamber

www.iraantx.com

Lee County Fair, Giddings www.leecountyfairtx.com

Lexington Chamber

www.lexingtontexas.com

Livingston Chamber www.polkchamber.com

Luling Chamber

www.lulingcc.org

Magnolia, City www.cityofmagnolia.com

Matagorda County

www.visitmatagordacounty.com

Celebrate July 4 with a parade

& the Summer Cowboy Event

At 10 a.m., kick off July 4 in

Washington County at the

Chappell Hill Independence

Day Parade. Then, from

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., visit

the Chappell Hill Museum to

enjoy the eighth annual

Summer Cowboy Event

featuring V.T. “Cowboy”

Williams, Jr. The exhibit,

which opens June 9, will be displayed through July 29. A “Cowboy”

Williams sculpture by local artist Ruth Wilson will also be displayed.

Children’s activities such as knot tying, roping, pitching horseshoes,

using a branding iron (with ink only), tossing a cow chip and reading

cowboy stories will also be available.

“Everyone living in or around Chappell Hill will remember ‘Cowboy’

Williams,” said Ladonna Vest, museum Director, “since ‘Cowboy’ and

his wife, Beth Chappell, lived in the area for many years. Beth was a

descendant of Robert Wooding Chappell for whom the town was

named.”

Visitors will also enjoy the Rocking T Chuck Wagon, EMC Farm pony

rides, a petting zoo, Cowboy Bob-The Fun Roper, Roy Rogers

television shows, oxen demonstrations by Texas Recollections and

cowboy stories. Admission and activities are free. Food and beverages

will be available for purchase.

The exhibit was organized and assembled with the cooperation of Linda

and Don Dixon. In addition, a special exhibit of western bronzes and

paintings from the Cook Collection will also be on display June 30 –July

8.

Museum hours are Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and

Sun. 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

The museum is located at 9220 Poplar Street in Chappell Hill, between

Houston and Austin on Hwy. 290. For more information, call 979-836-

6033, ext. 6, Wed-Fri. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit

www.chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com

For a visitor’s guide or more information about all of the events in

Washington County, call 1-888-BRENHAM (273-6426) or visit

www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com

Marketplace Taylor

Taylor, Texas

Mexia Chamber www.mexiachamber.com

Mount Enterprise, City

www.mountenterprise.com

Munday, City http://mundaytexas.com/

Nocona, City of

www.nocona.org

Onalaska, City of www.cityofonalaska.us

Plummer Printing, Lincoln

www.plummerprinting.com

Polk County Chamber www.polkchamber.com

RTTC Partners

Port Lavaca www.portlavacatx.org

Rockdale Chamber

www.rockdalechamber.com

Rockport-Fulton Chamber www.rockport-fulton.org

San Juan Economic Development

Corporation www.sanjuan-edc.com

Schulenburg Chamber

www.schulenburgchamber.org

Sealy Chamber www.sealychamber.com

Smithville Chamber

www.smithvilletx.org

Spoiled Doves of Texas, Lago Vista www.spoileddoves.com

Taylor Chamber

www.taylorchamber.org

Rockport Music Festival Texas Blues Rocks at Fulton Harbor

2

nd Annual Rockport Music Festival will kick off at 4 p.m., Thursday,

June 7 at the Fulton Harbor Park, 300 N Fulton Beach Rd. Rockport-

Fulton, Texas. This year’s extraordinary musical selection includes 6

Grammy award winners and 7 nominees. There will be a variety of

entertainment from Texas Blues to West Coast Mix.

Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase food and beverages.

Bring your lawn chair, small umbrella and relax in a unique bay-side setting.

Enjoy live bands including: Los Lobos; Marcia Ball; The Blues Broads; The

RMF All-Stars; Rodney Crowell; Hayes Carll; Greezy Wheels; Toni Price;

The Texas Toast; Delbert McClinton; and more.

Individual General Admission Tickets to the event can be purchased at

the gate for $30 Thursday Pass, $35 Friday Pass and $45 Saturday pass

or $95 for a three-day package and $75 Fri-Sat Package. The cost of

VIP entrance will be $200 for Member Tickets, $300 Member Guest

Pass, and $400 non-Member Guest Pass. Beverage Proceeds will go to

benefit our Aransas County EMS.

For a complete schedule of events visit www.rockportmusic.com, or contact:

Tommy Moore 877-316-8742.

43rd Annual Rockport Art Festival Over 120 artists, Live Music, Food, Children’s activities

The Rockport Art Festival is

now in its forty-third year.

The 2012 festival will be

held July7-8, right on

Aransas Bay on the festival

grounds next to Rockport

Beach Park.-

The Rockport Art Festival

began in 1969. It is one of

the largest outdoor art

festivals in the country. The

festival begins with a July 5

“Stars and Stripes Forever”

Art Auction & Party, which

includes: a Live Auction,

Big Board Auction; Silent

Auctions; full dinner; valet

parking; live music and open

bar.

Terrell Chamber

www.terrelltexas.com

Texas Word Wrangler Festival Giddings Public Library & Cultural Ctr

www.texaswordwrangler.com

The Village Bakery, West

Wharton Chamber www.whartontexas.com

Washington on the Brazos:

Start the day by visiting the

site’s three main attractions:

Independence Hall, where the Texas

Declaration of Independence was signed

in 1836;

Barrington Farm, an 1850s-era cotton

farm, and the original home of Anson

Jones, the last president of the Republic

of Texas;

Star of the Republic Museum, the only

institution of its kind telling the story of

the time in history when Texas was a

sovereign nation.

On Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8, over 120 artists will be

displaying and selling their work. Only high-quality fine art and master

crafts are showcased. No commercial vendors. There will be live music

and food under a large air conditioned tent and a kid’s activity tent with

their own live musicians. The festival will open Saturday, July 7 10am-

6pm; admission for Saturday is $7. Sunday admission is $6 and hours of

operation are 10am -5pm. An All Festival two day pass, with no waiting

line, is available for $10/pp.

H-E-B presents a new look for 13th annual

Fireworks-on-the-Brazos!

Fireworks display choreographed to patriotic tunes!

Washington-on-the-Brazos State

Historic Site is the place to bring

your family this July Fourth. The

“Birthplace of Texas” has a full

day of fun activities planned to

celebrate our nation’s

independence, capped off by a

remarkable fireworks

extravaganza, choreographed to

your favorite patriotic tunes.

Festival food vendors will be on

hand all day. Children will be

invited to participate in 1800s

period games beginning at 5 p.m. Cool off with some free Blue Bell ice cream

and Coca-Cola products at 5:30 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., head to the amphitheater for

a special free concert by The Wesley Westbrook Band.

Finally, the highlight of the evening is a 15-minute fireworks extravaganza.

The display begins at approximately 9:15 p.m. and will be simulcast on KTEX

106 Sounds Like Texas. So, bring your radio, blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy

this free Fireworks-on-the-Brazos Celebration, made possible by our

presenting sponsor, H-E-B. State park rules apply; alcohol is prohibited.

“A Slice of Life: Washington in the 19th Century,” is now on display at the Star

of the Republic Museum. The exhibit focuses on the people, businesses and

events that influenced the fledgling village of Washington during the 1830s.

Best known for the Convention of 1836 that declared Texas’ independence

from Mexico, Washington was also a hub for medical practices, land offices,

mercantile establishments, hotels and, of course, taverns. A special sneak

preview of the Asa Hoxey collection is also on view; the exhibit continues

through December 31, 2012.

Admission to the park is free, but some tour fees apply. Call 936-878-2214 for

tour hours. Free shuttle buses will be available to bring visitors from satellite

parking areas to the Visitor Center, beginning at noon, and ending at 8 p.m.

--July 2012--

Calendar of Rural Texas Events Longer Running & Month Long Events Aransas Pass – (Tuesdays) Rialto Rhythms Jam Session, Rialto Theater, 327 S Commercial, Open to all musicians Bastrop – (Fridays) - Lumberyard Music Hall, www.musicinbastrop.com, 512-303-0558 Belton – (Saturdays) Farmers Market, Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. 7am–1pm, 254-778-2104. Blanco – (Fridays) - Real Ale Tasting Room & Brewery Tours, 2pm-5pm. Tours at 3pm and 4pm. Blanco – (1-Aug 9) Paintings by Dan Gilroy, Redbud Café, 410 1/2 4th St., 830-833-0202, redbud-cafe.com Bowie – (Mon & Sat Night) Texas Swing Music & Dance< Silver Strings Country Entertainment Ctr, 500 N. Smythe St. Brenham – (Sat’s) - Brenham Farmer's Market 2012, 8am-noon, 307 South Park St., Produce, food products, salsas, jams Brenham – (Jul 7-Nov1) "Paris, the Moon, and Brenham" at Brenham Heritage Museum, 979-830-8445, 105 S. Market St Burton – (Fridays) - Live Music at Pig & Whistle, Gene Hackemack, every Friday at 7pm!, 979-289-2319 Burton – (Sundays) - Live Music at Saddlehorn Winery, 3-6pm, 958 FM 1948, live music and wine tasting! Cameron – (Jul28-Aug5) “Alice in Wonderland”, Cameron High School, Contact us at MilamTheaterInfo@gmail.com Cochran – (Thursdays) - Great Picking & Grinning, Cochran Store, 979-865-2544, 10711 Highway 159 East. Comfort – (Thursdays) - Guenther’s Biergarten Grill live music of Stewfish & The Couch Potatoes Comfort – (Fridays) - Guenther’s Biergarten Grill live music (7-9 pm) Comfort –(Fridays) musical group “Rose &Thistle” 1-5 pm. 830-995-3559 706 High Street www.sweetcomfortshop.com Comfort – (Saturdays) - Comfort Area Farmers Market at Comfort Park from 8 am until noon , 830-995-3368 Eagle Lake – (May-Nov) Farmers Market, Wednesday 4PM to 6PM, Saturday 9AM to 1PM Giddings – (Tuesdays) Farmers Market, Hwy 290 at the old Peanut Factory Gonzales – (Fridays) Main Street Concert Series, www.cityofgonzales.org, 830-672-2815

LaGrange – (Fridays-Saturdays)(1-23) Concert at The Bugle Boy, www.thebugleboy.com, 979-968-9911 LaGrange – (Jul 7-Sep 30) Texas Quilts Today: Selections from the Book Lone Stars III, Texas Quilt Museum Rockport – (Wed’s) A Quick Trip to the Past, Aransas County Historical Society Lab, (Rockport Schl) 619 N Live Oak Rm 15 Rockport – (Tues-Sat) Science on a Sphere, The Bay Education Center Rockport – (11-14) The John Uhr Memorial Billfish Tournament, Rockport Harbor Area Round Top (June 9-July 14) Music Festival, 100 young artists from around the world study and perform Round Top – (9-Jul 8) “Art of the Real” (Angus McEwan; David Poxon; Denis Ryan & Sandra Walker) The Gallery Round Top – (Jul27-Aug5) “The Heart of the Tin Trunk”, Festival Institute, (979) 250-1843, Schulenburg – (Thursdays) Acoustic Jam Session, Ole Moulton Bank, bring your instrument & play til you can’t! Schulenburg – (Fri-Sun) (1-24) Sengelmann Hall Music, sengelmannhall@gmail.com, 979-743-2300 Swiss Alp – (Fri-Sat)(1-23) Music/Dancing at Swiss Alp Hall, www.swissalptexas.com, 979-247-4536 Wharton – (Saturdays) Farmers Market and Craft Show Winedale – (Jul 19-Aug13) Shakespeare at Winedale, Four weekends of public performances, (512) 471-4726 July 1 Belton – (Jun29-Jul4) 4th of July Celebration, (254) 939-3551, BBQ, Parade, rodeo, arts&crafts Brenham – “The Miracle Worker”, Unity Theater, 300 Church St, (979) 830-8358 Canton - First Monday Trade Days, Largest Trade Days in the USA--An Adventure as Big as Texas Brownwood – “Annie Get Your Gun”, The Brownwood Lyric Theatre Elgin - Market Days — 1st Saturday of Each Month - Elgin Memorial Park - February through November July 2 Belton – (Jun29-Jul4) 4th of July Celebration, (254) 939-3551, BBQ, Parade, rodeo, arts&crafts July 3 Belton – (Jun29-Jul4) 4th of July Celebration, (254) 939-3551, BBQ, Parade, rodeo, arts&crafts Livingston-Polk – Freedom Fest and 5K Fun Run, Pedigo Park and The Chamber, July 4 Belton – (Jun29-Jul4) 4th of July Celebration, (254) 939-3551, BBQ, Parade, rodeo, arts&crafts Chappell Hill – Annual Parade, “Best Small Town Parade in America!” floats, cowboys, antique cars, (888) 273-6426 Chappell Hill – Summer Cowboy Event , V.T. "Cowboy" Williams Exhibit, cowboy demonstrators, pony rides979-836-6033 Washington – Fireworks on the Brazos, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, (979) 878-2214 Independence - Annual Celebrating Independence,parade, trail ride, fireworks, street dance, Giddings - Annual Firemen's July 4th Celebration is the place for BBQ, arts & crafts, food, fun fireworks, (979) 540-2717 Cuero – 4th of July Celebration, watermelon seed spitting contests, cake walks, dunking booths, great barbeque Comfort - Annual 4th of July Parade & Celebration, Parade, bbq Columbus – July 4th Freedom Celebration, the courthouse in Columbus, celebrate the oldest continuous July 4th celebrtn Canton - Fourth of July Parade, parade, food and fireworks! Burton - 123rd Annual Burton – 4th of July, Pork & Beef BBQ 11 am – 1 pm Live & Silent Auction Cake Walk Bingo Hamilton - Declaration Reading, west side steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse Elgin - Southside Market & BBQ July 4th Fireworks Show. Big Wells & Carizzo Springs – 4th of July Celebration Terrell – 4th of jUly fireworks, Ben Gill Park, 972-563-5703 Taylor 4th of July Festival and Fireworks, Murphy Park will include vendors, food booths and fun Mexia - 32ND ANNUAL BOOMIN' ON THE 4TH, AT HUGHES PARK 7AM TO 9PM July 5 Bellville – Great Picking and Grinning at Cochran Store, (979) 865-2544 Brenham – Movie in the Park, Hohlt Park - 2425 North Park St., Brenham July 6

LaGrange - Jackie Myers Band, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Brenham - Music You Love with Rob Landes, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St., Brenham Brenham - Antique Carousel Rides, Fireman's Park, 910 N. Park Street, Brenham Burton - Pig and Whistle of Burton presents Gene Hackemack, 12607 W. Washington, Burton, TX Fulton – Larry Joe Taylor & Band, Paws & Taws Convention Center July 7 Brenham – Hot Nights Cool Tunes, live music every Saturday in July, 1-888-BRENHAM Bowie – (7-8) Second Monday Trade Days, LaGrange – Austin Lounge Lizards, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Brownwood – 1st Annual 4th of July Bash, The Wild Duck Marina, 325-647-3434 Brenham - Brenham Farmer's Market 2012, 307 South Park St., Brenham, two blocks south of the courthouse Matagorda: Guided Wetland Kayak Trip, tranquility and nature at its finest, 800-776-5272 Burton - Farmers and Artisans Market, 507 N. Railroad St., Burton,TX Onalaska - Blasta Onalaska is an all-day, waterfront music festival at Waterfront Lodge & Marina, 281-479-3434 Giddings – Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Fulton - Fulton Farmers Market, Products grown and/or made locally Rockport - 43rd Annual Rockport Art Festival, ACND Festival Grounds, Rockport July 8 Bowie – (7-8) Second Monday Trade Days, Rockport - 43rd Annual Rockport Art Festival, ACND Festival Grounds, Rockport Fulton - Beachcomber Expo - Fulton Paws & Taws, 402 N Fulton Beach Road July 11 Elgin – Rodeo, Texas Lost Pines Riding Club will present the 2012 Elgin Rodeo, Hwy. 95 S, (512) 281-5422 July 13 LaGrange - Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Wharton - Chamber is participating in Community Nights for the inaugural season of the Sugar Land Skeeters Sealy - Sealybration July 13 - 15, 2012, 1008 Main Street, B&PW Park July 14 Anderson – “Traveling in Style”, Fanthorp Inn, (936) 873-2633, costumed characters & activities Brenham – Hot Nights Cool Tunes, live music every Saturday in July, 1-888-BRENHAM Stonewall - Movies Under the Stars at the LBJ Ranch, 1426 Park Road 49, 830-868-7128 x231 LaGrange - Michael Fracasso, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), (979) 968-9944 Cameron – Classic Horseshoe tournament, Brenham - Brenham Farmer's Market 2012, 307 South Park St., Brenham, two blocks south of the courthouse Brenham - The Real Gun Show, Fireman's Training Center, 1101 Hwy. 290 West, Brenham,TX, Matagorda: Adventures in Beachcombing & Riparian Discovery, 800-776-5272 Lexington – Market Days, Dowdy House, Lexington, TX 78947, 979-773-2763 Sealy - Sealybration July 13 - 15, 2012, 1008 Main Street, B&PW Park July 15 Brenham - The Real Gun Show, Fireman's Training Center, 1101 Hwy. 290 West, Brenham,TX, Sealy - Sealybration July 13 - 15, 2012, 1008 Main Street, B&PW Park July 16 Blanco – Market Day, Market Day is held the 3rd Saturday of the month on the Old Blanco County Courthouse grounds Livingston – Evening of Comedy with Al Fike, Central Baptist Church Worship Center, 503 N. East Avenue, Livingston July 19

Brenham - Friends of Bluebonnet Opry, Silver Wings Ballroom, Brenham, New entertainment each month! Smithville – “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Playhouse Smithville, July 20 LaGrange - Seth Walker, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Canton - Free Movie--The Lion King, Plaza Theater Outdoors on the Street 119 N. Buffalo Brenham - Antique Carousel Rides, Fireman's Park, 910 N. Park Street, Brenham Bay City: The Bandstand Music Festival, 2020 6th Street, 9792458333 Smithville – “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Playhouse Smithville, Taylor - 63rd Annual Taylor Rodeo, July 21 Brenham – Hot Nights Cool Tunes, live music every Saturday in July, 1-888-BRENHAM Brenham – (Jul21-29) Crush for Fun, Stomp grapes; get purple feet,t-shirt & picture, Pleasant Hill Winery, (979) 830-8463 Brenham – (Jul21-29) Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd, (979) 836-3252 Belton – Market Day, Buying, selling and trading in downtown Belton, Blanco – Market Day, Market Day is held the 3rd Saturday of the month on the Old Blanco County Courthouse grounds LaGrange - Butch Hancock & Jimmie Dale Gilmore, THe Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Washington - Riding The Range: A Look At The Tack Used By Old-Time Texans, Washington on the Brazos SHS Brenham - Brenham Farmer's Market 2012, 307 South Park St., Brenham, two blocks south of the courthouse Belton – Market Days, Buying, selling and trading in downtown Belton. Come see our vendors and farmer's market Bay City: Market Day on the Square, 1700 7th Street, 979-245-8333 Matagorda: Friends, Furs & Feathers, 6421 FM 2031 Matagorda: Paddle & Stroll, 6421 FM 2031, 979-863-2603 Taylor - 63rd Annual Taylor Rodeo, Smithville – “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Playhouse Smithville, Fulton - Fulton Trade Days, Product home grown, home made and commerical product sold July 22 Brenham – (Jul21-29) Crush for Fun, Stomp grapes; get purple feet,t-shirt & picture, Pleasant Hill Winery, (979) 830-8463 Brenham – (Jul21-29) Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd, (979) 836-3252 LaGrange - Two Towns of Jasper, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Washington - The Runaway Scrape, Washington on the Brazos, events that the average settler had during TX Revolution July 26 Sealy - Western Swing & Gospel Music Jamboree, American Legion Hall, (979) 885-2799 Brenham – “The Wizard of Oz”, Unity Theater, 300 Church St., Brenham, TX Smithville – “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Playhouse Smithville, July 27 LaGrange - Tish Hinojosa, The Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), (979) 968-9944 Brenham – “The Wizard of Oz”, Unity Theater, 300 Church St., Brenham, TX Brenham – Antique Carousel Rides, Fireman's Park, 910 N. Park Street, Brenham Belton – Movie in the Park, Harris Community Park, 254-933-5861 Smithville – “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Playhouse Smithville, July 28 Brenham – Hot Nights Cool Tunes, live music every Saturday in July, 1-888-BRENHAM Brenham – (Jul21-29) Crush for Fun, Stomp grapes; get purple feet,t-shirt & picture, Pleasant Hill Winery, (979) 830-8463 Brenham – (Jul21-29) Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd, (979) 836-3252 Smithville – Casino Night & Buffet, Recreation Center, (Highway 95 between First and Second Streets) (512) 237-2313 Bellville - Bluegrass Concert & Jam Session at Coushatte Recreation Ranch, (979) 865-5250 LaGrange - Matt the Electrician & Southpaw Jones, THe Bugle Boy, 1051 N. Jefferson St. (Hwy 77), 979-968-9944 Brenham – “The Wizard of Oz”, Unity Theater, 300 Church St., Brenham, TX

Brenham - Brenham Farmer's Market 2012, 307 South Park St., Brenham, two blocks south of the courthouse Matagorda: Cast Away, 6421 FM 2031, 800-776-5272 Livingston-Polk- Free Family Movies, Pedigo Park in Trade Days section, freefamilymovies@yahoo.com Smithville – “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, Playhouse Smithville, Smithville - 2nd annual Benny Boyd Casino Night and Buffet - Recreation Center, 106 Royston, Smithville, TX 78957 Rockport - Sidewalk Sale - Rockport Heritage District , Rockport Heritage District Area Fulton - Fulton Farmers Market, Products grown and/or made locally Rockport - Rockport Market Days, Food, Arts&Crafts, Specialty Products, Plants,Produce and much more Rockdale - Rockdale Tennis Open July 29 Brenham – (Jul21-29) Crush for Fun, Stomp grapes; get purple feet,t-shirt & picture, Pleasant Hill Winery, (979) 830-8463 Brenham – (Jul21-29) Harvest Grape Stomp at Windy Winery, 4232 Clover Rd, (979) 836-3252 Brenham – “The Wizard of Oz”, Unity Theater, 300 Church St., Brenham, TX Rockdale - Rockdale Tennis Open

Port Lavaca, Texas

Attention Partners of the RTTC:

If you have an event, attraction or destination of interest to visitors or tourists and would like to submit an article to this

newsletter, please email your story to contact@ruraltexastourism.org. Deadlines for submissions are the 20th of each

month for your article to appear in the following month’s Backroads newsletter. Newsletters are distributed and posted

the first week of every month (the exact day will depend on weekends and holidays). If you have questions please

contact:

Kelita Alberts

Tourism Director

Rural Texas Tourism Center

979-542-3455 contact@ruraltexastourism.org

ruraltexastourism.org :: 289 West Railroad Avenue :: Giddings, Texas 78942 :: 979-542-3455 :: 979-540-2183 (fax)