hill country current - december 2009

8/14/2019 Hill Country Current - December 2009

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www. illcountrycurrent.com H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT December 2009 1


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2 December 2009 H ILL C OUNTRY C URRENT www.hillcountrycurrent.com

Hill Country Current features the businesses unique to the Texas Hill Country.Were here to help people nd where to eat, sleep, and play. Its a spotlight on

the Hill Country Lifestyle.

The Current is inserted every month into these Hill Country newspapers:

Horseshoe Bay Beacon, Blanco County News, The Llano News, and Johnson

ity Record Courier. In addition to being inserted into 4 newspapers and

istributed throughout th ir coverage area, the Current is also available in

Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Marble Falls, and Wimberley.

Hill Country Current is a free, monthly publication covering the Texas Hill Country.

Published the rst week of every month in four newspapersand distributed around the Hill Country, reaching 13,000 readers.

submissions

To have your event included onur monthly calendar, submit ito [email protected] or by fax to (830) 833-4246.

Events must be sent at least14 days before the rst of themonth. Include contact name,elephone number, location of vent including address, andicket cost.

advertiseant to get your business or

rganization seen? We canhelp with that! Contact the

urrents ad sales staff today. The advertising deadline is5 days before the rst of themonth.

cover photo

Lights Spectacular: Hill CountryStyle at the Blanco County

ourthouse in Johnson City.Photo by Jon Lebkowsky (ickr.om/photos/weblogsky).

the staff Scott Wesner

[email protected]

Charles WillgrenEditor

[email protected] 833-4812

ill HunterAd Sales Director

[email protected](830) 833-4812

Francie DixAd Sales


my BrolinAd Sales


ecommend your favorite Hill Country eateries!

Do you have favorite eateries that you just cant pass up whiletraveling around the Texas Hill Country? Were looking for unique,outstanding, and down-right tasty restaurants and other fooddestinations to feature in future issues of Hill Country Current.Let us know where you chow down in the hills and why you love it.

Drop us a line: [email protected]

heres a lot to see in the Hill Country. Show us!

From gorgeous views to friendly people, there are great photo

opportunities everywhere. Amazing view? Friends all dressedup for a night out? Meet a celeb? Pull out that camera (or cellphone!) and grab a shot for us. et us know whos in the photo,

hats going on, and where you are!

Email your snaps: [email protected]


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inside

4 Johnson City Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style

6 Fredericksburgrtisans at Rocky Hill

Features Kinetic Sculptures

6 Albert New Owners of a Little TownCalled Albert, Texas

7 Hill Country Calendar of Events

3 Wimberley EmilyAnn Theatres Trail of Lights Tradition Continues

4 BanderaSilver BellsCowboy Style

6 Dripping Springs The Magic of Christmas on

Mercer Street is Upon Us!

Wimberley Winters Eve

7 FredericksburgFredericksburg to Shine Brighter than Ever This Holiday Season

8 San MarcosSeven Directions Art ExhibitCelebrating Native American Culture


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County Courthouse in Johnson City by Susan KirchmanKirchman Galleries - www.kirchmangallery.com

holiday light shows in the coun-ry. With Norma Honeycutt at the

helm, the rst Lights Spectacular,Hill Country Style was underway.

Lights Spectacular continues toreceive nationwide recognition. In2007, Les Thomas article in South-ern Living magazine describedJohnson Citys Blanco CountyCourthouse as the centerpieceof one of the biggest shows onhe trail ... shining brighter thanhe star of Bethlehem. Lights

Spectacular, Hill Country Style is acharter member of the Hill Coun-

,lights twinkling on the BlancoCounty Courthouse while Peder-nales Electric Coops Headquar-ers on Avenue F boasts a lightedorest of over 1 million lights.

Hayrides and carriage rides areavailable throughout the season. That very rst year, a decisionas made to focus on the com-

munity and support local busi-nesses and non-prots. Each

eekend, the GardenClub lls the Courthouse

ith Christmas orna-ments and holiday craftsor purchase. Food andendor booths con-inue to be offered to

local non-prots andchurches, with LightsSpectacular remaining akey community fundrais-

For additional events and lodg-ing, call 830-868-7684 or visit

ww.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com.

For the entire Hill Country Light-ing Trail, visit www.tex-fest.com/regional/.

johnson city

ing event. Merchants offer specialreats and keep late store hoursor the thousands of visitors and

horse-drawn carriage rides areavailable November 27 throughDecember 26 (except Christmas).

Down the street, the canopy of lights at Pedernales Electric Co-

operative makes the event evengrander. Over 1 million lights turnhe trees around PECs headquar-ers into a magical lit forest. One

expects elves to pop up behindhe trees with a wink. The scene is

simply breathtaking. Throughouthe community, the city park is

transformed into a Winter Won-derland and homes and business-es come alive with traditional andcreative lighting on every corneras they compete in the LightingContest. Less than ve minutes

north of Johnson City, a privatehome presents a Hill CountryLights Display that rivals that of many communities.

Each weekend brings differentevents.Living Nativity photo by Chelita Riley


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ery week (except Christmas day)Fridays & Saturdays. 20 minuterides in beautiful ornate carriages,originating from the (southeastcorner) of the Courthouse Square.Call for special pick up locationsor destinations, extended trips,non-holiday and private rides, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,

Sundays & after 9 PM on FridaysSaturdays. $6/person (age un-

der 3 free), minimum 4 adults perpull-out.

December 4 & 5, 11 & 12First United Methodist ChurchLiving Story of Christmas

show for all ages and a greatpart of anyones Christmas. 5ree 10-minute shows per night,

starting at 6 PM and running onhe hour and half hour; the last

show being at 8:30 PM. Bleacherseating. Children are welcome topet the animals after each show.Large display of nativity scenesin the church activity center. Freerefreshments (cookies, hot choco-late and coffee). 830-868-7414.

ww.fumcjctx.org.

johnson city

an open house and relive a 1920ssmall town Christmas celebrationin this decked out historic homelocated on Elm Street, one block south of Hwy 290 (Main Street) inJohnson City. Free. Complement-ed by stunning lighting displayat the PEC, across the street.830-868-7128, ext. 244. www.nps.gov/lyjo.

December 5Hill Country Toy RunCelebrating our 26th year! Start-ing at the Johnson City Court-house at 9 a.m. (arrive early forsocial time with coffee and do-nuts), the Bikers Toy Run heads

est and swings through Freder-icksburg, then up Hwy 16 northhrough Llano to the small town

of Cherokee, picking up bikers

along the way. With Santa and asleigh full of wrapped presentspurchased through donationsand proceeds from the JohnsonCity Pig Roast, the children of theCherokee Home will be wide-eyed and smiling as Christmas joyis delivered and the motorcycle

.son with an open house at the

.information.

mark your calendar


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Artisans Features Kinetic SculpturesArtisans at Rocky Hill, located in Fredericksburg, Texas, has represented

he serenely beautiful kinetic sculptures of Ralph Moresco for over 4 years.Ralphs unique and soothing copper wind spirals are each individually hand-built using copper, stainless steel and brass. The kinetic movement of his

spirals is constant due to his ne craftsmanship, which is in tune with evenhe gentlest of breezes.When visiting Artisans, a trip to the lovely sanctuary of a courtyard is a

must! There you will nd a lovely display of Ralph Morescos kinetic art. Var-ied designs and patinas dance in the breeze and create mesmerizing memo-ries for gallery visitors. Each copper wind spiral sits in a powder coated steelpost and installation in your own sanctuary is very simple. Ralphs newestspiral, though, is a hanging style and features either sh or blades. Custom

rders are available with your choice of available designs and patinas.Artisans at Rocky Hill showcases the work of artisans and craftsmen from

he Texas Hill Country. Featured on a full-time basis are over 80 area arti-sans and craftsmen whose talents include paintings in oil, pastel, acrylic and

atercolor, ne furnishings, wood turnings, pottery & ceramics, fused glass,extiles, lighting, mantles, gourd art, mosaics, copper and iron sculpture,

mixed media, jewelry, and more.Relocated in 2008 to 234 West Main St. in Uptown Fredericksburg, TX, Arti-

sans at Rocky Hill main focus is promoting education through demonstrationlong with providing a venue to showcase on a permanent basis the nest of alent in the Texas Hill Country. Regular business hours are Monday through

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. plus, some Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to3:00 p.m. For more information, please call 830-990-8160 or visit their web-site at www.artisansatroc y i .com.

Artisans at Rocky Hill, 234 West Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

ew Owners of Little Town Called

lbert, Texas The Easley Family of Austin, Texas are the proud new owners of Albert Ice

House and the small town of Albert, Texas. Brandon Easley was unanimouslynominated by the Easley family as Town Manager. Brandon is a Ranch RealEstate agent in Austin. They are excited to be there, and about the possibili-ies of the future. There are plans in the near future to start renovation onhe 85 year old dancehall, with hopes to attract musicians and book specialvents, such as weddings, and to have food service.Brandon had visited Albert many times in the past few years, and nallyecided he had to have the place. Easley said, It has such a draw on people.

I believe it is the family atmosphere and the avor of the local people thatmake it that way. My immediate goal is to get to know and understand thelocals, and for the tourist to realize what is special about these people. I wanto keep the family atmosphere and the impromptu cook outs, pot luck, jam

sessions, and the pickers that make this place so much fun.For the present time Albert Ice House is open on Friday evening, Saturdaysnd Sundays. Come out and join the family of Albert. For more information,all 512-663-2848. Albert, Texas, on RR 1623. south of US 290

fredericksburg / albert


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BANDERAind out more about Banderas

events on page 14.

ecember 4nnual Shoppers Jubilee

Begin the evening at 4:45 PM in front of he Courthouse for the traditional light-

ing of the Courthouse Christmas tree,performances by local church choirs, livenativity, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs.

laus by wagon. After the festivities athe Courthouse enjoy luminaria lit MainStreet, carolers, and shopkeepers openhouses until 9 PM.

ecember 4-7 19th Annual Christmasin the Hill Country

hristmas Open House at Country Ac-ents Antiques located approximately 5

miles south of Bandera on Hwy 16. Hours10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

ecember 5Holiday ParadeDowntown Bandera. 11:00 AM. Call 830-796-3280 to enter.

ecember 5Holiday Art Show and SaleExhibition of works in various media bymembers of the Bandera County Artists

events calendarssociation. Texaritas, corner of Mainnd Oak St. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Call 830-

796-3953 or 830-796-3059 for additionalinformation.

ecember 5Camp Fire Christmasather around the chuck wagon for

hot chocolate and cookies and enjoystorytelling and Christmas carols. TheBandera Riverside Players present a liv-ing nativity. Bandera City Park along the

banks of the Medina River. 4:30 PM. Bringyour lawn chair. 830-796-4447.

ecember 12Singing in the Saddle, Christmas

aroling Bandera Styleather at the Longhorn Saloon for ahristmas Caroling Trail Ride around

Bandera. Wagons available for non-rid-rs. Chuck wagon waiting at the end of he ride for hot chocolate and cookies.

3:00 PM.

ecember 12elebration of the Feast Day of Our

Lady of GuadalupePerfomance of Aztec dancers outside St.Stanislaus Church at 6:00 PM followedby a special Mariachi mass including the

ramatization of the appearance of theBlesed Virgin Mary to Juan Diego at 7:00PM.

ecember 19-20Bandera Downs Trade DaysHeld at Old Bandera Downs Race Track.

all 817-832-9936 for vendor informa-ion.

ecember 23nnual Gifts of Love Christmas Party

Presented by Dusty Britches and theRhythm Ranch Hands. Enjoy good food,

ood friends and good music at theSilver Dollar. 8:00 PM. Admission is a new

oy and/or 4 canned goods or nonperish-ble food items.

ecember 25nnual Christmas Day Lunch

Sponsored by the Pipe Creek Presbyteri-n Church. All are welcome to come andnjoy. 830-510-6650.

ecember 31New Years Eve DanceSponsored by Medina Lake Betterment

ssociation at Lakehills Civic Center.

BLANCOecember 5, 2009

The Starlight Symphony Orchestraoncert will be held at Old Blanco

High School at 7:30 PM. For additionalinfo, on the Starlight Symphony 2009-2010 Season, go to www.starlight-

symphony.org. You may also contactSuzanne Warmack at 512-797-1178 [email protected] for moreinformation.

ecember 12, 2009hristmas Market DaysAM to 4 PM. An annual tradition en-

joyed by locals and tourists alike! Christ-mas shopping around the Square and athe Holiday Market Day. Contact the Old

Blanco County Courthouse at 830-833-2211 for more information.

BOERNEecember 1-6ingerbread House Exhibit

The Ye Kendall Inn wi ll host and displayll the Gingerbread Houses that will be

participating in the Gingerbread Deco-rating Contest for the Holiday in the Hill

ountry Event.ecember 4

12th Night Masquerade Ballt Olde Towne from 6 PM to 9 PM. The

Mask Contest will be at 6:30 PM with the12th Night Cake served at 7 PM Whoever

nds the hidden gemstone in their cakeis crowned Royalty.

ecember 4-5Dickens on MainStart your holidays out right with The

Dickens on Main celebration in Boerne! There will be many fun festivities includ-ing Make it Snow snow shows everyhirty minutes, a Gingerbread Houseontest at Ye Kendall Inn, a Pet Parade,

Santa at the Gazebo, stages throughoutith live entertainment and food and

beverage booths. Many stores will staypen until 9 PM for holiday shopping!

ecember 5Holiday in the Hill Country Pet ParadeBring your pet to the Main Plaza from 1PM to 3 PM in his or her favorite festive

hristmas outt and they will be parad-d around the Gazebo and then judgedn their costumes and their talent!

ecember 5 & 12 & 19Honey Creek State National Area

uided TourMeet at Rust House at Guadalupe RiverState Park at 9 AM for a guided interpre-ive tour of Honey Creek State Naturalrea, emphasizing the history, geology,ora, and fauna or the Natural Area.

Dates of events are subject tochange. Please conrm themin advance by calling theevents phone number or localchamber of commerce.


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BOERNEecember 5

Randolph Roadrunners Boernehristmas Walk alk, jog or run at your own pace. It is

pen to all and families are encouragedo participate. Children under the agef 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Everyone participating MUST registernd carry a Start Card and turn it in athe nish. This event will be held regard-

less of weather conditions. Call JoanneForinash at 210-493-8543.

ecember 5eihnachts Fest Parade

elebration of Boernes German heritageith a fun and festive lighted night pa-

rade, starting at 6 PM and lots of festivi-ies afterward.

ecember 5-6mas Christmas Fair

This annual Christmas Fair, held at theKendall County Fairgrounds, will feature

onderful handmade crafts, Germanood, and Santa will be there as well.

ecember 122nd Saturday Art & Wine

n Second Saturdays the galleries of Boerne host joint openings from 5 PMo 8 PM. Come out and enjoy a glassf wine and the latest offerings on the

Boerne Art Scene.

ecember 12-13Boerne Market DaysEnjoy arts and crafts, antiques, collect-ibles, food and vendors from all over Texas! Main Plaza. Call David at 830-249-5530 or 210-844-8193. www.mainstreet-inboerne.com.

ecember 19-20owboy Christmas at

Enchanted Springs RanchSpend the weekend before Christmas atEnchanted Springs Ranch! Cowboy Santand two reindeer, Rudolph and Comet,

ill delight the kiddos. Enjoy ChristmasMusic, the Decorated Old West Town, Tractor Wagon ride through the Wildnimal Park, Pistol Packing Paula, Pony

Rides for the Kids, Woodrow-the SaddledLonghorn Steer for kids, the Wild Bunch

unghts, more kids activities, vendors,ood concessions. Take IH 10 West andxit on Hwy 46. Turn left on Hwy 46. Go

2.5 miles. The ranch is on the right. Buyyour tickets at the gate. 830-249-8222.

ww.enchantedspringsranch.com.

BRADYecember 5hristmas in the Heart

This family event features a lighted trailin Richards Park, photo opportunities

ith Santa, carriage rides through the

park, and hot chocolate and hot cideror your enjoyment! Please make planso join us as we light up the park! www.

bradytx.com.

BUDAecember 5 & 6

Budafest

The festival runs from 10 AM until 5PM, Saturday and Sunday on the rsteekend in December. The festival

kicks off on Saturday morning at 10 AMith a parade. Youll see local celebri-

ies, marching bands, homemade oatspulled on atbed trailers behind pick-uprucks, veterans groups all followinghe ag in a joyful procession down

Main Street. The greenbelt by the libraryin downtown Buda lls up with morehat 125 artisans selling handcrafted

items of every type jewelry, candles,

holiday decorations, salsas, woodcrafts,pottery, and soaps to name but a few.Local churches and youth organizationssell many different kinds of food fromajitas and tamales to baked potatoesnd turkey legs. The stage by the gazebo

showcases performance throughoutach day; country & pop singers, young

ballet dancers, puppet theater, choirs,ddlers, and guitarists. Children can visitith Santa Claus and get their pic ture

aken with him. A full carnival with ridesnd games sets up across the street at

he city park. There is ample street park-ing as well as a shuttle bus from outlyingparking lots. www.budafest.org.

ecember 9-13, 17-20Buda City of Lights

inter Wonderland Trail of Lights inHistoric Stagecoach Park. Visit Budasnewest park for an enchanting holiday

xperience. Santa, Christmas carolers,nd live music.

BURNETecember 4-6, 11-13Main Street BethlehemFirst two weekends in December, from 6PM to 9 PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday

venings. An entire block of permanentbuildings transports you back to thenight of Christs Birth. A must-see for theholidays, free admission & free refresh-ments served (donations accepted). Tour buses welcome. Hosted by the FirstBaptist Church of Burnet, Texas. www.FBCBurnet.org.

ecember 12hristmas Festival on the Squareelebrate Christmas on Burnets

Historic Square with seasonal activitiesnd the arrival of Santa. Follow the Trailf Lights from the Train Depot throughhe Historic Square, all the way to Ham-

ilton Creek Park which, as part of the Hillountry Trail of Lights, is lighted with

housands of Christmas lights. Contacthe Burnet Chamber of Commerce for

more information at 512.756.4297 or goisit www.burnetchamber.org.

ecember 12hristmas at Fort Croghan

The cabins at Fort Croghan (703 Buchan-n Dr.) are decorated as they would have

been in the 1800s, and are staffed byamilies dressed in frontier attire. Visitorsre welcomed with hot apple cider and

homemade cookies.

CANYON LAKEecember 10-12, 17-19

North Pole VillagePM to 9 PM. Enjoy a magical villagehere children can write a letter to Santa

t the Post Offi ce, play with animals athe Petting Barn, adopt a free stuffed toy

t Toy Land, make a craft at the SchoolHouse, get their face painted at theElves House, get a freebook from the Library,

ecorate cookies athe bakery, go shingt Frostys Ice House,

sing at church, seelive nativity, take a

hay ride, shop at theounty Store and visit

Santa. The North PoleVillage is a must see for your Hill Country

Holiday plans. Admission cost is $3.00ach and children under 18 months areree. Face painting and decorating cook-

ies cost an additional $1.00 each. CRRCRecreation Center 125 Mabel Jones Dr.(below the dam). 830-964-2324. www.rrcofcayonlake.org.

COMFORTecember

Lucky Bat Contemporary Art presents therich wood sculptures of Kevin Rackley

(Center Point, TX), with the mysteriousnd unquantiable subjects of painterDotti Brundrett (Kerrville, TX). Hwy 27 W

Water Street at Cypress Creek Landing.30-431-0769. www.nancymcgalliard.om.

ecember 31AYC New Years Eve Party

in Comfort Park Doors open at 7 PM with a buffet dinnert 7:30 PM. Jody Jenkins Band from 9

PM to midnight. $100 per couple. Silent

uction, reverse raffl e $2,000 grand prize.Beer, wine, setups by donation. Reservedsponsor tables available with waitstaff.210-363-8609 or 830-995-2330.

COPPERAS COVEecember 5

Evening Christmas ParadePM to 7 PM. Downtown.

ecember 4-6Krist Kindl MarketDowntown. 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday. 9 AMo 9 PM on Saturday. 9 AM to 3 PM on

Sunday.

ecember 5Junior College HOT Bowl2 PM at Bulldawg Stadium. The 9th an-nual CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl.

DRIPPING SPRINGSecember 5hristmas on Mercer Street

Its beginning to look a lot like Christ-

mas in Downtown Dripping Springs asbusinesses and citizensprepare for the 5th An-nual Christmas on MercerStreet. 10 AM to 6 PM.Hosted by the City of Dripping Springs andDripping Springs Lions

lub. Admission is free.An annual resource forunique gifts with artistic

riginality and quality craftsmanship.Santa Claus will make an appearance in

his grand Clydesdale-drawn carriage. The days activities will lead up to thehighlight of the hometown holiday

vent, the annual Lighting of the Tree athe Triangle at 6:15 PM. Christmas carol-rs, community holiday lighting contest.ww.cityofdrippingsprings.com.

ecember 7-8Springs Family YMCA Holiday

ookie FestivalDecember 7 from 9 AM to noon, Decem-ber 8 from 4 PM to 7 PM. Bake a couple

f batches of cookies or candy, donatehem to the YMCA, and then come back nd buy a whole variety of cookies andther specialty items for your own enjoy-

ment or to give away. Specialty i temsinclude fudge, truffl es, candies and lots

f other goodies. Proceeds will supporthe Springs Family YMCA Partner of outh campaign, making it possible forveryone to be a par t of the Y. 512-894-

3309.

ecember 122009 Christmas in the HillsTour of Homes10 AM to 5 PM. Benets Dripping Springs

ommunity Library. Admission is $15;ickets available at Dripping Springs

ind out more about Christmas on Mercer Street on page 16. 4

T ll us about your Hill Country Holidays.Email [email protected] with your story!


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ommunity Library, Print Plus, Hemi-sphere Marketplace. The delectable Tour

f Homes Bake Sale will be held at thelibrary this year, and will be expandedo include savory casseroles, as well ashe traditional cookies and baked treats.

512-829-4537.

FREDERICKSBURGecember 4First Friday Art Walk

alleries are open until 8 PM. Fredericks-burgs art galleries will be focusing onsome aspect of exhibiting artists works,

hich may include painting and neraft demonstrations, casual art talks, op-

portunities to meet artists, special show-ings and entertainment. Participants

ill experience the Fredericksburg artscene up close and personal while enjoy-ing ne wines from local wineries and

beyond all day long. Participating gal-leries are Artisans at Rocky Hill, CharlesBeckendorf Gallery, Fredericksburg Art

allery, The Good Art Co., Photography14, Rodeo Studio Gallery, Uptown Mar-

ket, Whistle Pik Galleries, Fredericksburgrt Guild and InSight Gallery.

ecember 4ommunity Christmas Parade

Its amazing, its beautiful, its Christmas.Enjoy lighted oats, trailers, animals, atvs,

nd re trucks. This event kicks off St.

Nikolas Markt weekend, Fredericksburgselebration of the holidays.

ecember 4-5St. Nikolaus MarktMarktplatz. 4 PM to 10 PM on Friday, 10

M to 9 PM on Saturday. St. NikolausMarkt features an expanded shopping

rea, focusing on juried vendors offer-ing high quality, unique merchandiseor home and gift giving. Entertainment

includes highlights of the Nutcracker Bal-let, performed by local ballet students,

nd the crowd-pleasing Sauerkrauts.Holiday foods with a German are willempt festival attendees throughout theeekend. Holiday arts and crafts will be

vailable for children attending the festi-al. 830-997-6523. fbgtxchamber.org.

ecember 4-6Holy Ghost Lutheran Church NativityEnjoy this display of over 200 individually

wned creches from various cultures andountries. Hours are Friday 6 PM to 9 PM,

Saturday 5 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday 9 AMo 10 PM.

ecember 5horale Christmas Concert

3 PM and 7:30 PM at St. Josephs Halle(212 W. San Antonio). This chorale Christ-mas concert features original and classichoral and instrumental Christmas

music. This concert is free and the public

is welcome. Donations are encouraged.30-997-6869. www.fredericksburgcho-

rale.com.

ecember 5Rheingold Historic SchoolHost Open House11 AM to 4 PM. Join the Friends of Gil-lespie County Country Schools Trailor their open house at the Rheingold

Historic School. Color coded maps of therail are available at the Visitor Centert 302 E. Austin Street. www.historic-

schools.org.

ecember 5-7 rand Re-Opening of theeorge H.W. Bush Gallery of the

National Museum of the Pacic WarPresident George H.W. Bush will be the

uest of honor at the opening ceremo-nies of the Grand Opening of newly

xpanded National Museum of thePacic War, with the opening of a new32,000 square foot George H.W. Bush

allery, as well as house the 16,000square foot Center for Pacic War Stud-ies. Activities for Saturday will includehe Pacic Combat Zone Reenactment at

10:30 AM, 1 PM and 3:30 PM. From 3 PMo 5 PM, the Air Force Band of the Westill perform. On Sunday, World War II

ircraft will be on display at the Gillespieounty Airport and Pacic Combat Zone

Reenactment at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM.From 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM there will be a

edication of the Memorial to the menf the United States Submarine Service

in World War II, in honor of RADM CharlesD. Grojean, USN. Monday at 9:45 AM, pre-ision parachute demonstration by theolden Knights, Army Parachute Team.

From 10 AM to 10:45 AM will be therand Opening ceremonies and Ribbonutting. Musical performances, lms,

lectures and panel discussions will takeplace throughout the day at a variety of enues on the grounds. www.national-

museumpacicwar.org.

ecember 6eihnachten 5K Fun Run/Walk

2:30 PM. This timed 5K race raises moneyor the Good Samaritan Center. Cost is

$20. www.fbgathleticclub.com.

ecember 7 Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Services The Admiral Nimitz Foundation and theNational Museum of the Pacic War willhost a program in commemoration of he anniversary of the attack on Pearl

Harbor. www.nimitz-musem.org.ecember 10-13hristmas at the Theater

1668 Highway 87 South. Join theFredericksburg Theater Company ashey celebrate the Christmas season.

Fast becoming a family must duringhe holidays, Christmas at the Theater

presents its third celebration of holidayheer. Performances are Thursday, Fridaynd Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at

2:00pm. 888-669-7114. www.fredericks-burgtheater.org.

ecember 11rtisans 5th Annual Holidayelebration of Art

5 PM to 8 PM. Artisans hosts i ts 5thnnual Celebration of Art and Holidaypen House. Anne and Barry Bradley,long with our artists, invite everyoneo Artisans for a wonderful evening of rt, food, libation and friendship. Most

resident artists will be in attendance andnxious to meet and thank the many col-

lectors who have supported their work nd the gallery over the years. www.rtisansatrockyhill.com.

ecember 11illespie County Historical Societys

Preservation WeekendTannenbaum Ball7 PM to 11:30 PM. Lady Bird JohnsonPark & Golf Course. Enjoy the holidayst the Tannenbaum Ball Partridge in a

Pear Tree. Cocktails and a seated dinner,ancing, silent and live auctions. Music

is provided by the Bill Smallwood Band.Proceeds benet the Pioneer Museum. Tickets available through Dec. 6, cost is$100 per person. 830-997-2835. www.pioneermuseum.net.

ecember 11-12hristmas JourneyPM to 8:30 PM. Bethany Lutheranhurch (110 W. Austin). Enjoy this drive-

hrough presentation of the Christmasstory in 9 scenes, all with live characters

nd animals, magnicent backgrounds,special lighting and effects, with Christ-mas music lling the night air. Donations

ladly accepted and will benet the Hillountry Community Needs Council. 830-97-2069. www.blcfbg.org.

ecember 11-12Tin Star Ranch BBQ & Chili Cook-Off Enter this sanctioned cook-off and cook up your best BBQ or chili. Enjoy cowboy

ction shooting, booths and activitiesor the whole family. Food, drinks beer &ine will be available for purchase. Ad-

mission into the event is $5 per car. Call30-685-3464 or email [email protected] more information about food entry.ww.tinstarranch.com.

ecember 12

St. Josephs Halle Craft ShowAM to 5 PM. 212 W. San Antonio.Need last minute Christmas gifts? Shopor handmade arts and crafts, orals,

jewelry, stained glass, textiles and muchmore. This event is free and the public is

elcome. 512-355-9041.

ecember 12Preservation Weekend

hristmas Home Tour This event is the annual tour of nine

never before seen unique Fredericks-burg homes decorated for the holidays

uring Preservation Weekend. Cost is$25 per person. 830-997-2835. www.pioneermuseum.net.

ecember 12andlelight Tour

5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Tour the PioneerMuseum grounds, Krieger-Geyer House,Schandua House and the Tatsch House

uring this evening holiday tour. Enjoyperiod decor, music and light refresh-ments. Cost is $15. 830-997-2835. www.pioneermuseum.net.

ecember 18-20Trade DaysShop with over 350 vendors in onelocation. Acres of antiques, collectables

nd more. Relax in the Biergarten whilelistening to live music. $3 parking fee is

ood all three days. Hours are Friday andSaturday 9 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 9 AMo 4 PM. www.fredericksburgtradedays.om.

ecember 26weite Weihnachten Fest

2 PM to 5 PM. Zweite Weihnachten Fest,Second Christmas, is a traditional Ger-

man holiday party. Enjoy refreshments,ine, decorations and German Christmas

items. This fest keeps alive the Germanraditions of community gathering theay after Christmas. Admission is free.30-990-4621.

ecember 31Memorial Volkssport Walk St. Josephs Halle (212 W. San Antonio).End 2009 with this Memorial Volkssport

alk. The walk starts between noon and2 PM and must nish by 5 PM. 979-478-

203.

ecember 31Midnight Volkssport Walk St. Josephs Halle (212 W. San Antonio).Begin 2010 with this Midnight Volkss-port Walk. The evening begins with areception at 11 PM and the walk beginst midnight and must nish by 3 AM.79-478-6203.

GOLDTHWAITEecember 5hristmas Parade of Lights

Downtown Goldthwaite.

ecember 5rts and Crafts Show

Held annually rst Saturday in Decembert the Mills County Civic Center.

calendar continues4


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GRUENEecember 5

Breakfast with SantaJoin Santa for breakfast and crafts. Bring

camera and tell Santa how good youvebeen while you sit on his lap. Ride therain with Buster, the Parks & Recreation

mascot! Pre-registration is required andlways sells out. 830-221-4370. $10 per

person.

ecember 5ruene Town Lighting

Enjoy the town lighting in the GrueneHistoric District at 6 PM on Saturday

hen Cowboy Kringle rides into townn horseback. Free admission. 830-629-

5077. www.GrueneTexas.com.

ecember 5th Annual Gruene Pony Express Rideruene Historic District will receive a

Pony Express rider from the Heritage Trail Riders Association of New Braunfels

t 10 AM. Relay riders carry a Christmasreetings message from the Governorf Texas. A temporary Post Offi ce will be

set up next to Gruene Outtters in Gru-ne to cancel stamps for mailing. Bring

your Christmas cards to have the stampsancelled with the 2009 commemorative

stamp representing Gruene.

ecember 5-6, 12-13, 19-20ruene Christmas Market DaysPhotos with Cowboy Kringle

Nearly 100 vendors in the Gruene Histor-ic District offer Christmas gifts, uniquelyrafted items, and packaged Texas foods.

Perfect for everyone on your holidayshopping list. Market hours are 10 AM to5 PM. Free admission. Have your photoaken with Cowboy Kringle. Picturesill be taken on Saturday and Sunday.

Packages available. 830-832-1721. www.ruenemarketdays.com.

ecember 5-6, 12-13, 19-20owboy Kringle Kids Workshopbeneting Communities In Schools

Bring the kids out to Gruene the rsthree weekends in December to makend wrap one-of-a-kind handcraftedhristmas presents to give family mem-

bers. Parents will be able to safely leaveheir children (5 and older) at the gif tenter while they shop, eat, or enjoy the

sights of this beautiful historic district.10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 12 PMo 5 PM on Sunday. 830-620-4247. www.isnewbraunfels.org.

ecember 31New Years Eve at Gruene Hall

ith Delbert McClintonGruene Hall favorite returns to help

ring in the New Year at Texas OldestDance Hall. For information or to pur-hase tickets, visit our web site at www.ruenehall.com, call 830-629-5077 or toll

ree from San Antonio 830-606-1601, or

stop by Gruene Hall in person. Advanceickets are recommended.

HAMILTONecember 5hristmas on the Square

Join in our holiday festivities at JaysonHarris Pavillion! 254-386-5954.

ecember 5Lighted Christmas Parade7 PM. After you enjoy the festivities the

hristmas festival has to offer, comeown to the square and watch the

parade!

ecember 5-8Hamilton Civic Theatre:Tuna Christmas

7:30 PM. Tickets will be $8 for adults and$4 for children under 12. Reservations

re recommended. 108 Ross St. 254-386-3854.

HORSESHOE BAYecember 3

2nd Annual Holiday Open House5 PM to 7 PM. Open House activities

ith entertainment, refreshments, wineasting, and more. Then a Block Partyrom 7 PM to 8:30 PM with live music andvisit from Santa. Central HSB businessistrict on FM 2147 between Tall Texan

Building and Bottle Shop Building.

INGRAMecember 1-12hristmas Bellesomedy about a church Christmas

pageant that spins wildly out of controls three feuding sisters try to reign inhe mayhem. Friday & Saturday 7:30 PM,

Sunday 2 PM. The Point Indoor Theatre,Hill Country Arts Foundation, Hwy. 39,Ingram. 830-367-5121, 800-459-HCAF.

JOHNSON CITYecember

20th Annual Lights Spectacular,Hill Country StyleBlanco County Courthouse glows with100,000+ lights for a full month. Alsoeatured is a one million light displayt the PEC headquarters on Avenue F,hristmas in the Park and light displays

hroughout the community.

See all the Johnson City events with theLights Spectacular article on pa e 5.

KERRVILLEecember 1-5nnual Texas Furniture Makers Show

Statewide competition of the nestustom furniture makers in Texas. Tues-

ay-Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, Sunday 1-4PM. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl

arrett. 830-895-2911.

ecember 3, 6Rising Stars

performance by the Symphony of theHills. Thursday 7:30 PM. Kathleen C. Cail-loux Theater, 910 Main St. 830-896-9393.

ecember 5Hill Country Chorals Christmas Concert

hristmas music from the classics tomodern. Saturday 4 PM. First Presbyte-rian Church, 800 Jefferson St. 830-895-3710.

ecember 618th Annual Kerrville School of Dance

hite Christmas in the HillsKerrville School of Dance and San

ntonio Performing Arts Classical Ballet.Saturday 7 PM. Cailloux Theater, 910Main St. 830-896-9393.

ecember 6The Best Christmas Present Ever

hildrens Christmas Musical. Sunday 6PM. Trinity Baptist Church, 800 JacksonRd. 830-895-0114.

ecember 12Supper with SantaFirst annual Supper with Santa event for

ges 3 to 10 years. Join us for an eveningf fun with a candy cane hunt, dinner of

hotdogs and hamburgers, holiday crafts,movie and, of course, Santa. Kerrville

Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Hwy. 830-257-7300.

ecember 12 & 13nly LoveChristmas Musical. Saturday and

Sunday 7 PM. Trinity Baptist Church, 800Jackson Rd. 830-895-0114.

ecember 13Hill Country Youth Orchestra

hristmas Concerthristmas concert featuring classical andholiday music, performed by the children

nd young people of the Hill Country.Sunday 3 PM. Cailloux Theater, 910 MainStreet. Street. 830-257-0809.

ecember 13andle Light Carolstraditional Candlelight Christmas

elebration of carols and readings toelebrate the season, followed by a

reception in Tucker Hall. Sunday 7 PM.

St. Peters Episcopal Church, 956 Main St.30-257-8162.

ecember 16Holy Cross Childrens

hristmas ProgramHoly Cross Lutheran Church & Schools

nnual childrens Christmas program.ednesday 7 PM. Holy Cross Lutheran

hurch, 204 Spence St. 830-257-4433.

ecember 17 hristmas Concertlso a play by children. Thursday 7 PM.alvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534.30-895-3000.

ecember 17 & 18, 21-23hristmas Like It Used To Be

Step back in time to a vignette that looksnd feels like Grandmas kitchen. Enjoyroaring re in the replace, a cup of

mulled cider or our special Bluebell-avored eggnog, and our ever popular

homemade Cookies by Shelley, all whileaking in the sights and sounds of the

season as presented by various localrtisans and talents. Thursday-Friday 12

PM. Bank of the Hills, 1075 Junction Hwy.30-895-2265.

ecember 20hristmas Cantata

The combined choirs of The First UnitedMethodist Church will present a Christ-mas Cantata. Sunday 8:30 AM & 11 AM.First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Dr, 830-257-0800.

ecember 20Messiah Sing The annual Community Messiah Sing will

ontain soloist and directors from vari-us churches. Sunday 3 PM. First United

Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Dr.30-257-0800.

ecember 31Turn Back The Clock

elebrate New Years Eve in style withmusic and dancing to the SentimentalJourney Orchestra Fabulous big bandmusic, party favors, champagne toast atmidnight followed by deluxe midnightbreakfast buffet. Thursday 8 PM. GrandBallroom, Inn of the Hills Resort Hotel,1001 Junction Hwy. 830-895-1535, 800-292-5690.

KINGSLANDecember 5hristmas tree lighting, photos with San-

a, arts and crafts, 5K run/walk. Contacthe Kingsland Chamber of Commerce at

325-388-6211.

KYLEecember 2

yles 11th Annual Santas Arrival & Tree Lighting Ceremony

n the front street between the Historic Train Depot and Kyle City Hall. Santarrives at Kyle City Hall at 4:30 PM. Theree, located on the south side of therain depot, is lit at 6 PM. Join us forree childrens activities, food vendors,

pictures with Santa (offered by Kyle H-E-B PLUS, or take your own), and more!See cityofkyle.com for the school choirschedule.


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LLANOecember

Starry, Starry Nightse invite you to bring your family and

riends and come visit us in the BaduPark along the banks of the beautifulLlano River for an evening of sights andsounds. The Christmas Park is open from

PM to 9 PM every evening throughDecember. Music of the season lls the

ir while you stroll through arches of lights, mesmerized by the charming andunique lighted art displays along your

ay. There is hot chocolate and popcorno warm your tummy and marshmallowsre available to toast by the open re.fter your evening in the park, extend

your stroll over the Llano River Bridgend enjoy the beautiful picture paintedn the water by the lights of the park!

riday & Saturday Nights in December Santa comes to visit with the young ones(and the young at heart ones) everyFriday and Saturday night from 6 PM to

PM. He is tickled to his toes to pose forpictures while he is here! Local live musicis always a treat at the park on Friday andSaturday nights. A sampling of Llanosalent includes: December 4, FBC: Awa-

na, Praise Band & 4Way Stop. December5, Methodist Church Praise Band. Decem-ber 11, Cavalry Youth Choir. Ornament

ecorating is available for kids of all agesFriday and Saturday nights for $4.

ecember 5Lighted Christmas ParadeJoin us for one of the most unique pa-rades youll ever see as we all turn out onhe Courthouse Square for the Lightedhristmas Parade.

ecember 12Snow Day in the Park

rab your mittens and bundle up for fun,un, fun when we enjoy Snow Day inhe Park from 1 PM to 9 PM (or until the

snow melts). $5 admission.

LUCKENBACHecember 19

Luckenbach Christmas BallPM to midnight. Enjoy dancing under

he Christmas lights at the world famousLuckenbach Dance Hall. 830-997-3224.

ww.luckenbachtexas.com.

ecember 31Luckenbach New Years Eve Dance

PM. Ring in the New Year at the worldamous Luckenbach Dance Hall. 830-97-3224. www.luckenbachtexas.com.

NEW BRAUNFELSecember

Santas Ranch The spectacular Christmas light park

ith more than 1.5 million twinklinglights on 12 acres, opened for its 7th

season. Located on I-35 between NewBraunfels and San Marcos, the park hasbecome a holiday destination for fami-lies through out central TX. Open everynight through Jan. 2. Hours: 6-10 PM,Sun-Thurs and 6-11 PM on Fri and Sat.

30-743-1293. www.santasranch.net.

ecember 3assailfestPM to 9 PM. Be part of the friendlyowntown competition for the Bestassail in New Braunfels! Stroll under

he twinkling holiday lights and sampleassail from your favorite downtownmerchants! Enjoy music on the plaza andbe sure to pick up your annual collectorsmug! www.nbtexas.org.

ecember 8Tamale TimeJoin Mark Segovia, renown local chef

nd restaurateur, for a remarkable ex-perience to enhance your culinary skill!Make veggie, chicken and cheese tama-les - as well as traditional pork. Child careis available during this class at Kids Night

ut (additional $10)! $25 pre-registra-

ion required. 830-221-4370. Landa Park Recreation Center.

ecember 18Sounds of ChristmasEveryone is invited to this annual FeyFamily tradition of Christmas music asplayed on the Feys Wurlitzer MilitaryBand Organ (Carousel Organ) and Tang-ley Calliope. 350 Lark Lane, New Braun-els. 830-625-0537.

MARBLE FALLSecember alkway of Lights

Nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM. We inviteyou to arrive early to dine, shop and visithe Walkway of Lights in Lakeside Park

located immediately west of the Hwy.281 river bridge.

Let yourself imagine over one millioniny, twinkling lights on 130 sculpturesreecting on the sparkling waters of beautiful Lake Marble Falls. As you strollleisurely on the shoreline, experience aplace where dreams are made. The spirit

f the entire community culminates dur-ing the Winter Holiday Season in MarbleFalls, Texas, at the Walkway of Lights!

The self-guided winter wonderland walk ill dazzle you with the largest lighted

pole-tree boasting over 17,000 multi-col-

red lights and a lighted tunnel toutingver 12,000 clear bulbs.

The expansion and continuation of thealkway of Lights is 100% dependent

n your generous donations. Admissionis free to the public but donations areheerfully and gratefully accepted.

Santa is available for pictures on Thurs-ay from 6 PM to 8 PM as well as Fridaynd Saturday from 6 PM to 10 PM.

ecember 3Meet on MainStroll through Marble Falls Historic MainStreets unique shops and galleries, while

njoying free live entertainment andin-store special sales and events. Local

rowers, artists and crafters are presentt the events Homegrown & Handmade

Farmers Market.

INKS LAKEecember 5

hristmas Lighted Boat Paradence again, boats will meet at Inks LakeVillage Cove around 5:35 PM and theLighting of the ol Bridge and reworks at

:17 PM.

SAN MARCOSThrough January 7 Seven Directions Art Exhibit:

elebrating Native American CultureSee page 18.

ecember 3-5Sights and Sounds of Christmas

Nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM. $2 for 11years old and up, $1 for ages 2 - 10, andFREE for under 2 years. Shimmering withhousands of twinkling lights, the banksf the San Marcos River are the setting

or this annual Yuletide event. Comehungry and treat your taste buds at theFood Court. There is something for ev-

ryone, from big juicy burgers to freshlymade tacos, from classic sausage-on-a-stick to melt-in-your-mouth funnel cake. Three evenings of Hill Country holiday

un include twirling under a towering

ree of layered lights, whirling on a clas-sic carousel, choirs of angels on stage, aisit to historic Bethlehem, sock-skating,nd lights, lights, lights everywhere! Sug-rplum Theatre offers continous enter-ainment for the lil ones in the family.

atch Sahawe Indian Dancers and otherhrilling dance and musical performanc-s. Pet a camel at Night in Old Bethlehemnd ride the Sights & Sounds Expressrain. Children of all ages are invitedo Santas River House to whisper theirhristmas wishes in Santas ear.

SAN SABAecember 4

San Saba County Pecan Food Show tobe held at the Courthouse. All entriesmay be brought between 7:30 AM and 9

M on that day. Contact Carol or Carolyn325-372-5416.

ecember 5Pecan Capital Trade Days

n the Courthouse Square from 8 AM

until 2 PM. This will be last Pecan Capital Trade Day until the 1st Saturday in March2010.

ecember 12hristmas on the Squarehildren can have their pictures takenith Santa and Mrs. Claus while families

ake advantage of the downtown mer-hants extended hours (until 9 PM) andomplete their last minute shopping, allhe while enjoying vendors, live musicnd drawings, and San Sabas annual

lighted Christmas Parade. Come andnjoy a beautiful Nativity Scene on theourthouse Square while the Howard

Payne Jazz Ensemble performs. 325-372-5141.

calendar continues4

got an event? send it on: [email protected]


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ecember 12hristmas Breakfast with SantaAM to 11 AM at the Fathers House

Fellowship Hall. Free of charge. Picturesith Santa, activities, and goodies to eat

nd drink.

ecember 12Lighted Christmas Parade The parade includes individuals, busi-nesses, non-prot organizations, mo-orized vehicles and much more. The

parade will begin at 6 PM at 8th andallace Streets, across from the San Saba

High School. Take pictures with Santand Mrs. Claus.

SATTLERecember 12

31st Annual Canyon Lakehristmas Parade

Enjoy the Centex Wing yover, oats,bands and Alzafar Shrine entries, endingith Santas arrival. Begins at 11 AM. FM

2673.

STONEWALLecember 20

40th Annual Christmas Tree Lightingnd Evening Ranch Tours

5 PM to 9 PM at the LBJ Ranch in Stone-all. Celebrating the Season with anpen house at the Sauer-Beckmannerman farm, a childrens nativity scene,nd a relaxing ride through the famed

LBJ Ranch to view displays and decora-ions at the Texas White House and otherreasured sites. Yuletide music adds even

more enjoyment, At night, Johnson fam-ily members arrive and extend their holi-

ay wishes, light a beautiful native cedarree. Santa also visits. For more informa-ion call 830-644-2420 or 830-868-7128 x

245 or visit www.nps.gov/lyjo.

ecember 31

Stonewall New Years Eve DancePM to 1 AM. Ring in the New Year inStonewall. 830-644-2735.

WIMBERLEYecember

EmilyAnn Theater Trail of LightsNow in the 12th year, the Trail of Lightst the EmilyAnn Theatre has becomeWimberley tradition. Open nightly

(weather permitting) from 6 PM to 9 PM(until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays).Free, but donations are accepted. Busi-nesses, individuals and the Wimberleyommunity volunteer and decoratelittering holiday displays drawing visi-ors from all over Central Texas. 512-847-969. www.emilyann.org.

ind out more about EmilyAnn TheatersTrail of Lights on the next page.

ecember 4-6imberley Community Chorus

Holiday Concerthapel in the Hills, RR 12. The Wimberleyommunity Chorus brings holiday cheerith its annual winter concert. Get in the

mood with this years concert, Christmasin Harmony. Friday and Saturday perfor-mances at 7 PM, Sunday performance at3 PM. Performances are free, but dona-ions are always welcome.

ecember 5imberley Market Day

Lions Field, FM 2325. The monthly eamarket held the rst Saturday in Marchhrough December. Sponsored by the

imberley Lions Club with more than00 vendors.

ecember 5inters Eve Festivalet ready for an enchanting eveningmong the stars as you stroll throughver 90 shops in the downtown Wim-

berley area. Stores lled with beautifulnd special holiday gifts, gourmet food

booths downtown, Enjoy the local neoods that are represented from aroundur local community. Santa will be mak-

ing an appearance in the beautifullyecorated Wimberley Square at 7 PM.

Live music, strolling carolers. Wine, beer,nd hot chocolate.

Read about Winters Eve on page 17.

ecember 6Starlight Symphony Holiday Concert The Holiday Concert Series will feature

A Christmas Festival by Leroy Andersonnd Arcangelo Corellis Christmas Con-erto along with many holiday favorites,

including a sing-along. As always, theseoncerts are free but donations are ap-

preciated. St. Stephens Episcopal Church.512-797-1178.

ecember 20Starlight Symphony

Sing Along MessiahJoin the Starlight Symphony Orchestraor a special holiday per formance of

Handels Messiah. You are invited to singlong! Enjoy the timeless music with the

members of the Starlight Symphony andbecome a part of this amazing master-

ork! One performance only. 512-797-1178.

WARINGecember 5

17th Annual Texas Hill Countryhili Cookoff aring VFD Hall from noon to 4 PM.

ASI Sanctioned Chili Cookoff. JackpotBeans, Jackpot Green Chili, ChristmasDecorating Contest. Cooks Party FridayNight. Soup-off Saturday Night. Benetshe Waring VFD & other local charities.

Public welcome. Shirley at 830-537-4381.


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www. illcountrycurrent.com H ILL C

--EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens 12th Annual Trail of Lights. Hereyoull nd more than 7 acres lled with lighted displays createdby families, schools, community organizations and businesses.A visit to the Trail of Lights makes for an unforgettable familyexcursionfrom a life-sized dinosaur to the beautiful hilltopEmilyAnn Tree, the magical displays offer something for ev-eryone. An old-fashioned Yule Log burns nightly where youngand old alike can roast hot dogs and marshmallows and enjoyfamily-friendly entertainment. Little ones will enjoy riding theJingle Bell Express (Friday & Saturday nights only; $2.00 sug-gested donation), playing in the musical garden, and visitingSantas post offi ce. Santa, himself, will be in residence to hearthose special wishes from December 11th December 23rd.

dmission to the Trail of Lights is free, but the EmilyAnngratefully accepts donations to help pay for the electric bill andother costs of the event. The Trail will be open nightly (weatherpermitting) through December 31st from 6:00 9:00 Sunday

Thursday and 6:00 10:00 Friday and Saturday.Special events include a benet for Brown Santa on Dec. 6th,(please bring a new unwrapped toy to donate), the lightingof the menorah for Hanukkah on Dec. 11th and a Los Posadascelebration on Dec. 20th. Live entertainment is featured mostevenings. Please check the EmilyAnns Web site www.emilyannorg for a current list of entertainment and events. The Trail of Lights is a walking path. Golf cart rides up to the

Yule Log are available. Visitors who need special assistanceshould contact the EmilyAnn at 512-847-6969. Please note--

dogs, alcohol, and rearms are not allowed at the Trail of Lights. The EmilyAnn is a non-prot, outdoor theatre located on 12acres at 1101 FM 2325 in Wimberley, TX. In addition to the Trail of Lights, the EmilyAnn offers indoor studio theatre pro-ductions, outdoor musicals, a spring Buttery Festival andShakespeare Under the Stars. Visitors are welcome daily to walk through our gardens, enjoy our life-size chess/checker boardand interactive musical garden, visit the hilltop Veterans Memorial Plaza, eat a picnic lunch or spend time bird and butterywatching. For a more information about the EmilyAnn visit

www.emilyann.org.

wimberley

Top : Roast a hot dog and listen to live entertainment at the EmilyAnns oldfashioned Yule Log. Middle : ome visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, Dec. 11-23.Bottom : You cant miss this life-sized dinosaur, built in memory of JoeSaunders. The dinosaur debuted at the 2008 Trail and will be joined by alife-sized Pterosaur.


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and unique shopping experiencesas well.

It all starts on Friday evening, De-cember 4, around 4:30 pm on theCourthouse Lawn where you willenjoy the sweet sound of childrensoices as choirs bring us their ver-

sion of what makes Christmas spe-cial. Local church choirs will offerheir Christmas message in song

and you can settle in for the arrivalof Mary and Joseph and the LivingNativity provided by the studentsof Pipe Creek Christian School.David Busby, Pastor of Pipe Creek Community Church, will be nar-rating the Christmas Story to thebackdrop of some beautifullysung, traditional Christmas carols. The celebration on the lawn will

come to a close with a visit fromSanta and Mrs. Clause, who aremaking a special visit to BanderaCounty to visit all of the kids on hisNice list. Bandera Merchants will

open their doors until 9:00 p.m.and welcome shoppers for the29th Annual Shoppers Jubilee.

corners.Banderas musical celebration

of Christmas continues Saturdaymorning, December 5, at 11am,

hen the Chamber of Commerceis hosting the yearly Christmas Pa-rade. Bring your lawn chair and

atch as the many beautifullydecorated oats go by; each oata representation of how we cele-brate Christmas, Bandera style. Fi-nally, bring this musical weekendo a close with the Cowboy Camp-re in the City Park. Join us at 5:00

pm in the City Park on the MedinaRiver where you will see amazingdisplays of Christmas lights, whichgrow more and more beautiful ashe sun goes down. You will beelcomed by the soothing vocal

styling of the Kemp Family Sing-ers, after which local celebrity LeeHaile will regale you with some

onderful Christmas stories. Thereis no one around who will makehe stories come to life quite like

Lee can. The Kemp family singersill continue the musical evening

brings cause for all of this musicalcelebration. This Living Nativity isbeautifully spotlighted against thebanks of the Medina River. Bringour lawn chair and a hanky; there

is rarely a dry eye there! The following weekend of De-

cember 12, the Longhorn Saloonill feature the annual Christmas

Singing in the Saddle event. Thisis Christmas, Bandera style. Bringour horse and join the ride fromhe Longhorn Saloon for Christ-

mas caroling down Main Street. The singers will visit both the Ce-dar Hills Nursing Home and Ban-dera Rehabilitation and Health-care Center. A chuck wagon withhot chocolate and cookies will beawaiting the participants at theend of the ride. Following the ride,stick around for the 6:00 p.m. Cel-ebration of the Feast Day of OurLady of Guadalupe at St. StanislausCatholic Church. The event will in-clude Aztec Dancers followed by aspecial Mariachi Mass.

Saturday, December 19, visit

Quick Look see an era on page .

ecember 4nnual Shoppers Jubilee

ecember 4-7 19th Annual Christmasin the Hill Country

ecember 5Holiday Parade

ecember 5Holiday Art Show and Sale

ecember 5Camp Fire Christmas

ecember 12Singing in the Saddle,

hristmas Caroling Bandera Style

ecember 12elebration of the Feast Dayf Our Lady of Guadalupe

ecember 19-20Bandera Downs Trade Days

ecember 23nnual Gifts of Love Christmas Party

ecember 25nnual Christmas Day Lunch

ecember 31New Years Eve Dance

bandera


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Bandera for the last performanceof the year by the Frontier TimesMuseums Cowboys on Main Liv-ing History Project. Singers andrick ropers will perform between

:00 pm and 4:00 pm.On Wednesday December 23, join

he community at the Annual Giftsof Love Christmas Party presentedby Dusty Britches and the RhythmRanch Hands at Arkey Blues SilverDollar Saloon. Admission is a new

oy and/or 4 canned goods or nonperishable food items.

Music is the language whichreaches across all boundaries, andouches all people, no matter what

age. Let Banderas Cowboy Christ-mas be in your musical memoryor years to come. Visit Bandera,

Shop Bandera and take homesome Christmas memories Cow-boy Style.

Merry Christmas, from the Bandera Business Association!


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17/20


wimberley / fredericksburg

Fredericksburg to Shine Brighter than Ever This Holiday Season


18/20


The spirit of Native Americanculture comes alive in SevenDirections through the work of twelve distinguished, award

inning American Indian artists,showing from November throughDecember at The Walkers Galleryin the San Marcos Activity Center

on 501 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, Texas. The featured artist is Don-ald Vann, One of the best knownIndian artists working in this cen-ury, according to the Cherokee

National Historical Society. To celebrate the exhibits open-

ing, the artists will attend a re-ception in their honor on Friday,November 13 from 6:00 PM to9:00 PM at the gallery. The public

WHAT: Seven Directions ArtExhibit: Celebrating NativeAmerican Culture

WHEN: Exhibit throughJanuary 7, 2010.

WHERE : The Walkers Gallery,San Marcos Activity Center, 501E. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX

WHO: Featuring Donald Vann,One of the best known Indianartists working in this century,and eleven award winningNative American artists.

www.IndigenousCultures.org

is invited to enjoy Native Ameri-can performances, a silent auction

ith art donated by the artists,Native food, ute performances,Native poets, and a reception-night-only exhibit of originalpieces. The reception and exhibitare free and open to the public.

In the twelve years of WalkersGallery exhibits, Seven Directionsill be one of the most extraordi-

nary and professional ever. Weare very excited to be presentinghe work of these nationally rec-

ognized Native American artists,says curator Linda Kelsey-Jones,

ho is also president of the SanMarcos Area Arts Council, one of he exhibit sponsors. The variety

of media and styles representedfrom painting, printmaking andextile sculpture, to beadwork,

clothing and artifact reproduc-ionwill make this a vibrant and

inspiring celebration of Nativemerican culture. The exhibit was developed by

local nonprot Indigenous Cul-ures Institute to celebrate Nativemerican heritage and to raise

awareness about the myriad of contributions made by indig-enous people.

American Indians from the topof the Western Hemisphere to theip of South America have made

incredible contributions to soci-ety, says Dr. Mario Garza, board

chair of the institute. Our ex-hibits artists capture the beautyand magnicence of the culturesof several tribal groups, and alsoreect our unique and inspiring

orld view as American Indians. This exhibit is sponsored by

About the ArtistsDonald Vann creates images designed to make people see with their hearts.

He was honored by the Smithsonian Institutions Museum of the American Indian

with their top painting award for watercolor medium. Bonnie Woodie s wearableart designs are a blend of Native Indian and high fashion couture and are bestknown for their elaborate appliqu and beadwork. Joseph Skywolf s beadwork and artifact reproductions have received worldwide recognition and have beendisplayed at the Smithsonian Institution and the Museums of Natural Science inLondon, Scotland, Venezuela, and Japan. Dana Tiger is the daughter of nationallyacclaimed artist Jerome Tiger and an amazing artist and author in her own right.Gabriel Gaytan has produced original works for clients such as the McDonaldObservatory and is best known for his mural-sized paintings and bold Native-Mexican art pieces. am Coronado is an Austin based artist celebrity of Mayanancestry who has achieved international recognition through his serigraphs,illustrations, and paintings. Andrew Saldaa s work has been exhibited in mu-seums and galleries across the country and is best known for its elegant simplic-

ity that exults serenity and idyllic romance. Julia Nava creates one-of-a-kindojos de dios that combine subtly colored textile interweavings with miniaturepaintings. Emma Ortega s delightfully playful paintings celebrate grandmothersand children. Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez is a native Coahuilteco, whose awardwinning Mission Indian ar t has been exhibited in numerous galleries and privatecollections. Aaron Pyle is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a re-cent graduate of Texas State University, and an emerging visual artist. Dr. MarioGarza , from the Meakan/Garzas band of Mier, toured the Indian Market circuit forover ten years and will exhibit one of his lauded medicine shields.

Walkers Gallery HostsNative American Culture

Art Exhibit

san marcos

Indigenous Cultures Institute,he San Marcos Area Arts Council

and the City of San Marcos, andunded by the San Marcos Minor-

ity Tourism Development Com-mission.


19/20


20/20


hill country current - december 2009

Documents