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Get a taste of

the Old West

at Bandera’s

Twin Elm

GuEsT Ranch

this summer

RThe Henry family’s

schliTTERbahn

Destination

designed for

memory making

R Taste of Italy ay

Wimberley’s

bElla VisTa

Ranch

producing

olive oils, wine

RC.J. Wright’s

hill counTRy

wildlifE

Elusive song of

the Wood Thrush

RThe Hill Country’s

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Find us on FacebookHillCountrySun

Hill Country SUNJULY 2014 Serving

Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Comfort,

Concan, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Gruene,

Henly, Johnson City, Kerrville, Kyle, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach,

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Serving Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda,

Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Comfort, Concan, Driftwood, Dripping

Springs, Fredericksburg, Gruene, Henly, Johnson City, Kerrville,

Kyle, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, Medina, New

Braunfels, San Marcos, Sattler, Sisterdale, Stonewall, Wimberley,

Utopia, Vanderpool & More

PAGE 2 JULY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

By ErniE AltgElt

Since 1939, Bandera’s iconic Twin Elm Guest Ranch has been serving up an authentic Western experience to gen-

erations of urban escapees eager for a taste (if not a big bite) of the “cowboy” lifestyle. Riding and other entertaining rec-reations, combined with large doses of re-laxation, restful ac-commodations and exceptional repasts, all contribute to the ranch’s successful rec-ipe for fun and fulfill-ment that continues to bring back booted-vis-itors from across the nation (and the globe) year after year.

For many of the loyal however, it’s Twin Elm’s action-packed, on-site, week-ly summer rodeos that put this venue (Stetson topped) head and shoulders above other vacation destinations.

Located on 250 diverse and verdant acres just north of Bandera, the ranch (be-fore 1939 it was a working cattle ranch) is blessed with breath-taking elevations, lush pastures and cool, shady river bot-toms with ample frontage along both the Medina River and Indi-an Creek. Multiple guest room complexes and in-dividual cabins dot the property supported by a dining facility, recre-ation room, company store, swimming pool, outdoor pavilion, horse corral and other user-friendly constructs—all geared to enhance the visitor’s stay.

The architecture (most is original, all is excellently maintained) nostalgically harkens back to the Twin Elm of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Also, those with RVs can take advantage of 27 con-crete pad sites, each with full hook-up ca-pacity and all very “horse-friendly.” And, for the adventurous, rustic camping is even allowed on the river.

Once at the Twin Elm (where visitors can actually meet the real “Twin Elm” tree), the hardest question for many is “what to do first?” Guided horse rides across the property offer an excellent way to get into the spirit of ranch life. Each rid-ing guest is evaluated on ability before be-ing assigned a mount and, on every cross-country trek an experienced and skilled “wrangler” is in attendance ensuring safety and maximizing pleasure. After-wards, a cool dip in the swimming pool or a “float” down the crystal-clear Medina River in a tube might be called for.

Fishing always proves a popular pas-time but there’s also horseshoes, basket-

ball, volleyball, ping pong, hayrides and other (group or individual) activities

Following a hearty lunch, many opt for a siesta before tackling the afternoon, which can include a visit to historic down-town Bandera for some shopping and

sight-seeing. Back at the Twin Elm, others may gather for vari-ous (and, very enjoy-able) educational demonstrations on roping and branding as well as informal talks on ranching in general. For those seeking a peaceful conclusion to a full day, an evening seat around the beckoning

camp fire may just provide the answer.As Saturday approaches however, it’s

the rodeo to which all thoughts turn. Be-ginning at 8 pm at the comfortable Twin Elm arena, area cowboys (and even some intrepid guests) weekly test their skills and courage on horseback against a bevy of ornery beasts in a series of exciting events like bullriding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping and chute dogging.

On the lighter side, youngsters “sad-dle-up” for wild (and woolly) rides on

some very surprised sheep as they try their hands at a little “mutton-bustin’.” Others opt for the “calf scramble,” where catching a young steer bare-handed is as tough as it looks.

With cash and prizes up for grabs, the competition is always fierce. These rodeos are the real thing!

FYI • Twin Elm Guest Ranch is located just off High-way 16 North at 810 FM 470 in Bandera. The ranch is open year ‘round and available to groups. Twin Elm’s Saturday-night rodeos run throughout the first half of each summer, this year ending on July 12 (so time is running out!). To guests staying on the all-inclusive package there is no charge for attending. A modest $6 admittance fee is required for others. Children five and under get in free. There is a conces-sion stand at the arena but personal coolers are welcomed as well. For information on rates and directions call 830-796-3628 or visit the web site at www.twinelmranch.com.

Western family fun at Twin Elm Guest Ranch

Bull riding at Twin Elm Guest Ranch rodeo. Photo by 1881 Western Photography, courtesy Genie Strickland.

Kids can experience the thrill of mutton bustin’ at the Twin Elm Guest Ranch rodeo. Photo courtesy Twin Elm Guest Ranch.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2014 PAGE 3

July 2014 Volume 25 • Number 2 • ISSN: 1524-2315

Entire contents copyright © 2014 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

•The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted.

•Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service.

•Cover Twin Elm Guest Ranch in Bandera for family fun, Western style. Photo by Molly Johnson Photography, www.mollyjohnson-photography.com (See story, page 2). Inset top Pari-mutuel horse racing starts July 4-5 at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds in Fredericksburg (See story, page 10). Photo courtesy Gillespie County Fair Grounds. Inset bottom Boogie Bahn Surfing Ride at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels (See story, page 5). Photo courtesy Schlitterbahn.

•Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month.Email events/press releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com.www.hillcountrysun.com

Hill Country SUN

HENLY

Texas Hill CountryLocator Map

© 2014 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

INDEXAustin J5

Bandera B10Bergheim D9

Bertram I2Blanco F6

Boerne D9Buchanan Dam F2

Buda J7Bulverde G10

Burnet G2Camp Verde B8

Canyon Lake G9Castroville C12

Center Point B8Clear Springs H11

Comfort C8Concan A11

Driftwood H7Dripping Springs H6

Fischer G8Fredericksburg C5

Georgetown K2Granite Shoals G2

Gruene H10Hancock G8Helotes G6

Henly G6Highland Lakes F2/3

Hondo B13Hunt A7Hye E6

Ingram B7Johnson City F5

Kendalia F8Kerrville B7

Kingsland F2Kyle I8

Lampasas G1Leakey A9Llano D2

Liberty Hill I12Luckenbach D6

Luling K10Marble Falls G3

Martindale J9Mason B2

Medina A9New Braunfels H10

Oak Hill I6Oatmeal H2

Pipe Creek C10Round Rock K3

San Antonio F12San Marcos I9

Sattler H9Seguin I11

Sisterdale D8Spring Branch F9

Startzville G9Stonewall D6

Utopia A10Vanderpool A9Wimberley H8

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Bella Vista Ranch, classic Italian farm in Wimberley

See BELLA VISTA, page 5

Olives on the vine at Wimberley’s Bella Vista Ranch. Photo courtesy Bella Vista Ranch.

By lAurEl robErtson

Any Saturday or Sunday, you can take a day trip to a classic Italian family farm “without the $3,000

ticket and 21-hour flight,” jokes Jack Dougherty (aka “the olive guy”), owner of First Texas Olive Oil Company at Bel-la Vista Ranch.

An avid student of ancient history, Jack patterned 27 acres of his Hill Coun-try ranch to reflect an agricultural mod-el developed in Rome for the captured Carthaginian soldiers after Hannibal’s defeat. Interspersed among rows of olive trees are grape vines, berry bushes, fig trees and seasonal produce beds.

A frantoio (olive pressing facil-ity), winery, tasting room and gift shop round out the full tour.

First Texas Olive Oil Company was conceived in 1995 when Jack, who grew up in the orchards of California’s Santa Clara Valley and was newly transplant-ed to the Hill Country, realized the soil and weather here are similar to the cli-mate of the Mediterranean.

He became determined to start the Hill Country’s first successful olive or-chard. The fact that no one else had ever accomplished that didn’t deter him a bit.

Jack began his grand experiment in 1998, planting four varieties of olive trees on his newly acquired ranch near Wimberley.

The intense heat, scarce rainfall and thin soil on the dilapidated land he bought to restore to a working ranch were perfect for olive trees, he reasoned. “The worse the soil, the better they like it,” he contends.

That December, one of Texas’ infa-mous “blue northers” killed most of his newly planted trees.

Though the temperature range in the Hill Country is similar to olive-produc-ing regions in California, southern Eu-rope and north Africa, the sudden drops in temperature and humidity that accom-pany cold fronts here create “onset freez-ing” that is hard for the semitropical trees to withstand, Jack explains.

Fifteen years later, after extensive pruning, replanting and experimenta-tion, Bella Vista Ranch has 1,200 flour-ishing olive trees that have produced 11 consecutive harvests.

“Yes, you can grow olive trees in Texas,” Jack asserts, “although 15 years later, we’re still not sure of the long-term outcome. For anyone who wants to get-rich-quick raising olives here,” he warns, “remember one word: emu!”

First Texas Olive Oil Company grows a variety of olives, including the California Mission Olive, which came to Texas in the 1600s with Spanish explor-ers, according to Jack.

Some of those original olive trees can

still be found growing wild near Presi-dio, he says. Other varieties he grows include the arbequina, a small Span-ish olive that is the primary olive crop in California and the barouni, with its large plum-sized fruit.

Jack’s personal favorite is the Co-ratina, the most popular olive in Italy. Bella Vista grows the only crop of Cora-tinas in the US, he believes.

Around April 17, the olive orchard is in bloom for three days. The flowers have a pleasant smell (they’re from the same family as lilac bushes), although a number of people are allergic to them -

including Jack, he reports with dismay. The olive fruit matures throughout the summer, ready for harvest beginning in late September. Bella Vista welcomes a host of harvest volunteers each fall - mostly women, Jack observes.

Directly after harvest, the olives are taken to the fratorio, where they are cold pressed (below 90* F) into aromatic extra-virgin olive oils with grassy front notes and a peppery after-taste.

First Texas Olive Oil produces an es-tate oil from their own Coratina olives, a Texas Blend oil from estate olives mixed

WIMBERLEY H The cast and crew of The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens’ annual Shakespeare Under the Stars production are hard at work through August 9.

The theatrical undertak-ing culminates with perfor-mances of ”Richard III,” pre-sented nightly July 31 through August 9 at 8:15 pm (except Sunday).

Shakespeare Under the Stars —now in its 23rd sea-son (and its 14th season at the EmilyAnn). Shakespeare Under the Stars is a unique educational program that offers middle and high school students the opportunity to study and perform one of Shakespeare’s plays. Students audition each year in May and memorize their lines before they arrive in late June. All actors are high school age or younger. Students select an area of technical theatre (set construction, costuming, or lighting) on which to focus. With guidance from the artistic director and interns, stu-dents aid in the construction of the costumes and sets. When not working on their as-signed technical area, students rehearse with their director, working on acting and the understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. The six-week experience culminates with the production of 12 performances of full-length plays.

FYI • Shakespeare Under the Stars is under the Artistic Direction of Bridge Farias, who holds a BFA in Acting and Di-recting from Texas State University and has directed Shakespeare Under the Stars productions since 2008. For more informa-tion about Shakespeare Under the Stars, please email Bridget at bridget@emilyann.org. For more information about the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, call 512-847-6969 or visit the web site at www.emilyann.org.

It’s Shakespeare Under the Starsat EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens

Enjoy an unforgettable theatrical experience in Wimberley. Photo courtesy Shakespeare Under the Stars.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2014 PAGE 5

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BELLA VISTA RANCH, from page 4

Jack Dougherty, owner of First Texas Olive Oil Company at Bella Vista Ranch, conducts a tour. Photo by Lake Robertson.

Olive oils produced at First Texas Olive Oil Company at Bella Vista Ranch. Photo courtesy Bella Vista Ranch.

with other Texas-grown ol-ives, and four flavored olive oils. All their olive oils are for sale only at the gift shop or by mail order.

Bella Vista Cellars pro-duces Hill Country varietal wines using locally grown grapes, as well as a Natural Blackberry Wine from their own berries.

In addition to olive oil and wine, the gift shop at Bella Vista Ranch sells their handcrafted olive oil soaps, several flavors of their homemade jams and pre-serves, bottled tapenades featuring their home-grown produce, custom-cured stuffed olives and imported balsamic vinegars. Weekend tours include a walking tour of the orchards, an overview of the history of olive culti-vation with specifics about growing olives in Texas, a tour of the frantoio, and a guided olive oil tasting. Samples of Bella Vista Cel-lars wines and other Bella Vista products are included.

For aspiring olive grow-ers, First Texas Olive Oil Company sells olive trees of varying size and age. Expert advice from The Olive Guy on raising them here in Tex-as comes with the trees.

FYI • Bella Vista Ranch is located at 3101 Mount Sharp Road in Wimberley. The gift shop is open Monday, Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm; Sundays noon to 4 pm. Tours are Satur-days at 10 am and 1 pm; Sundays at noon. Group tours are available by special ar-rangement. For tour reservations and more information, visit the web site at texasoliveoil.com or call 512-847-6514.

PAGE 6 JULY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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By ErniE AltgElt

The ever-expanding, diverse and, oh so swimmingly successful Schlitter-bahn water park and entertainment

organization is truly a family operation.Since moving to the historic German

community of New Braunfels in 1966 and purchasing the existing (mostly undevel-oped and fairly rustic) 13-acre Landa Re-sort nestled next to scenic Comal River—amenities included 34 modest screened cabins and a small pool—the industrious Henry clan has gone on to create an in-credible, internationally-recognized wa-tery wonderland.

Comprised of myriad (and very innovative) slides, rides, chutes and spray, all solely geared to providing bucket loads of thrills, chills and lots of pure, family-friendly entertainment the en-terprise (happily and profitably) now draws more than a million excited visitors each year. And, they did it al-most single-handedly.

When practicing CPA, Bob Henry, and his wife, Billye (seeking a small-town lifestyle and escape from Houston)discovered bucolic New Braunfels and then the “for sale” Landa Resort, they knew they’d found their dream.

Realizing the potential of this beauti-ful riverfront property, the senior Henrys and their three children, Gary, Jeff and Jana, began what would become an ever-

growing “family” production that today has expanded the original “Landa” foot-print to encompass more than 70 magical acres replete with rides, relaxing recreation areas, resort-style guest accommodations and more while simultaneously develop-ing other, equally impressive (and popu-lar) “Schlitterbahn parks” across Texas and, in Kansas as well. Wow!

So, how did they do it? As son Gary explains, “Initially, we all had jobs at the resort – working in the kitchen, cleaning up after the guests, anything and every-thing involved in running literally, a ‘mom and pop’ hospitality enterprise.”

Then perhaps tellingly, in 1967, brother Jeff and his father (both com-

petent handymen) added a rope swing over, and a tube chute into, the river. With those primi-

tive enhancements, as Jeff ex-plains, “We were suddenly in the

water park business – before there was such a thing!”

The business really took off after an in-spirational visit to Orlando, Florida, in 1976 where Jeff and a friend were seren-dipitously introduced to several of the na-tion’s first, larger-scaled, “water-based” amusement parks that featured such novel creations as concrete slides.

After witnessing the same, the excited 20-year-old insisted his parents “come see” as well. Soon, the entire family was “on board and awash” with plans for expan-sion – in real estate and entertainment of-ferings – at their New Braunfels base.

By 1979, Schlitterbahn (“slippery road” in German) officially opened after the construction of a German-style tower sporting four heart-racing water slides. Quite well received at the time, but obvi-ously, only the beginning of what has since grown into the Henry’s impressive, pri-vately-owned H2O empire. (see sidebar)

Today, with Bob and Billye retired, older brother Gary (like his dad, a degreed CPA) is CEO and financial whiz; Jeff, self-taught (industry-wide recognized) cre-ative spark in charge of R&D (namely, ride development); and sister Jana (with a fash-ion merchandising degree), the retail boss.

Each family member has assumed the role, at one time or another, of “general manager” at the various family-owned parks. Mom and Dad still weigh in on oc-casion. All agree it’s been (and, continues to be) a very fun ride.

In assessing their success, a large part can be attributed to the enviable fact that they, distinct from one another, have “lived” this wonderful business, from the ground up, for the past 45 years, each ulti-mately accepting varied roles appropriate to their individual strengths, growing, learning, innovating and adapting.

Perhaps, most importantly, they share the same professional vision – to provide the finest in wholesome entertainment in an environment where families can (as the Henrys have personally done) bond. As Jana explains, “We feel that we truly create

Popular Schlitterbahn a remarkable family affair

See SCHLITTERBAHN, page 7

Like us on Facebook.HillCountrySun

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2014 PAGE 7

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MODERN ORTHODONTICS FROM FRIENDLY PEOPLE.

H The original New Braunfels development, initially 13 acres, now covers 70 acres. The entire footprint was designed so as to complement the existing natural environment. It contains multiple entertainment areas, restaurants and several hundred guest rooms.

H Schlitterbahn is New Braunfels’ largest employer – 2,000 in New Braunfels, 3,000 company wide.

H All of the water attractions and the majority of the supporting technology were developed exclusively by the Henrys.

H Schlitterbahn has been voted “The World’s Best Water park” for 15 consecutive years in polls conducted by Amusement Today.

H Since 1995, Schlitterbahn has reigned as the nation’s most popular “seasonal” water park, only topped in attendance by year-round water parks. More than one million guests visit the original park each season (April through September).

H The six-story Master Blaster uphill water coaster was voted “The World’s Best Water park Ride” for the 11th time in 2010. It works by using state-of-the art technology to blast riders uphill on high-velocity streams of jetted water.

Schlitterbahn is “big business.” Here, a brief overview of this expansive, innovative and ever-growing entertainment extravaganza. To personally (and delightfully) experience the many complexities of this incredible and varied “waterworld,” a visit (with bathing suit) is definitely required.

H 98 percent of the water used at Schlitterbahn is recycled.

H Schlitterbahn now operates parks in four locations, including the original Schlitterbahn Water park in New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island (an indoor park that remains open year-round on weekends), Schlitterbahn Beach South Padre Island and Schlitterbahn Vacation Village in Kansas City, Kansas.

Schlitterbahn at a glance

a happiness that ties people together – meaning our guests and our employees – making us all seem like family! There’s just nothing neater…except maybe our Master

Blaster ride!”FYI • For more information about all of Schlitter-

bahn’s offerings, visit the web site at www.schlitterbahn.com.

SCHILTTERBAHN, from page 6

A fun and wholesome environment where families can bond is what the Henry family had in mind when creating their Schlitterbahn water park. Photo courtesy Schiltterbahn.

Photo courtesy Schiltterbahn.

Sisters tubing. Photo courtesy Schiltterbahn.

PAGE 8 JULY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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Dusk falls early in these woods and, as the sun disappears be-hind the trees, I listen, eager to

hear the flute-like song of the Wood Thrush. As if Nature is holding its breath, the evening remains still. Waiting.

The words of Henry David Thoreau ring poignantly in my mind: “The thrush declares the immortal wealth and vigor that is in the forest. Whenever a man hears it, he is young, and Nature is in her spring.”

Yet, the trees stand bereft of song and darkness descends. Stars sparkle amidst tree branches overhead. Drawn to the deck lighting, moths flit, land on the rail-ing, hover near the light, then circle about, many pasted to the door like orna-ments.

A lovely luna moth bangs its pale green wings against the door, tumbles to the floor only to rise and repeat its death wish. I gather it in my hands and remove it from the light, then settle to enjoy the night sounds. A Great Horned Owl calls from the direction of a creek not far off. Then the other bird I take pleasure in hearing at this time of year startles the

night with its call. A Chuck-will’s widow sings directly

overhead. After a pause, another answers, followed by yet a third. Their dueling calls continue long into the night.

When morning dawns, sun filters through the trees, highlighting the still fresh foliage of late spring. Somewhere amidst the pines, oaks and sweet gum, I hear the insistent calls of Tufted Titmice.

A frog belches forth a loud croak from its lair amidst the puddles left from the last rain. A hummingbird buzzes by un-seen, its probable destination the honey-suckles that wrap flower-laden vines around the forest trees.

Not far away, Pileated Woodpeck-ers hammer out long strains of notes making one wonder when they’ll pause to breathe. The squeaky wheel call of a blue jay, followed by the caw of a lone crow winging its way overhead, add to the chorus.

As I work in the garden among raised vegetable beds and a flower bed, a north-ern fence lizard beats a hasty retreat, slith-ering beneath a layer of dry leaves.

hill country wildlife

C.J. Wright

Longing for song of the Wood Thrush

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2014 PAGE 9

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A black swallowtail butterfly flutters by, perhaps the adult form of the fourth or fifth instar caterpillar I found munching on parsley a few visits ago.

A brief silence descends, soon inter-rupted by a birdcall with which I’m unfa-miliar. Add yet another unidentifiable song and I’m reminded that I must find my birdsong CDs, for in this woodland—still fairly new to me—birds easily hide. The steady drumming of what I take to be a Red-bellied Woodpecker adds percus-sion to the symphony.

As birds fly in to check out the garden and, while at it, perform solos, I imagine them introducing themselves for my ben-efit. Overhead, three birds circle and twit-ter—perhaps the Eastern Phoebe fledg-lings from the nest tucked atop the ledge of a stone pillar beneath our porch.

Even as the day warms and activity slows, summer tanagers persist, repeat-ing their dry, clicking calls. Then, to stir

things up, a Carolina Wren pauses to belt out a song as it works its way through a pile of brush.

Evening falls once more and I linger outside, hoping to hear that feath-ered flutist’s song. But all is still.

Even though my visits were intermittent four years ago, Wood Thrush songs graced the woods each evening I was here, their ethereal voices a glo-rious close to the day.

Last year, I heard the thrush’s lovely ee-oh-lay just once. Though I’ve yet to hear one lyrical strain this year, my hopes remain. Sadly, a recent Breeding Bird Survey shows a 50 percent decline in the species since regular counts started in the late 1960s. Why the decline? As with most population decreases, it boils down to habitat loss. The Wood Thrush winters in Central America, in a traditionally tropical forest habitat now suffering from deforestation.

Bridget Stutchbury—a professor at York University in Toronto who, since the 1980s, has studied songbirds from winter-ing grounds in Latin America to their North American breeding grounds—re-cently wrote an article that appeared on the American Bird Conservancy Blog. To help bring back the Wood Thrush, she suggests, we should drink Bird Friendly® coffee—organic coffee grown in shade in the forested habitat in Central America

C.J. Wright

Wood Thrush. © Chris Hill | Dreamstime.com

See WILDLIFE, page 10

PAGE 10 JULY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

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frio/sabinal river valleys WILDLIFE, from page 9where thrushes and other songbirds winter.

Prior to the 1970s, coffee was a shrub or bush grown beneath the shade of trees. Then coffee farmers cut trees to plant dwarf coffee shrubs that produced more coffee and required no shade—though they demanded fertilizers, pesticides and more care. Thus, migratory birds re-turned to their tropical winter habitat only to find their forest homes uprooted, replaced by full-sun coffee farms.

What kind of impact can we make by converting to bird friendly coffee? Ac-cording to Global Exchange, coffee is the world’s second most valuable traded commodity, second only to petroleum. Of that coffee, two-thirds of it is grown in Latin America.

Therefore, creating a demand for shade-happy coffee goes a long way to-ward helping farmers retain their liveli-

hood, preserve their land and increase their yield. Ultimately our actions would reverse deforestation and reestablish a safe winter habitat for the Wood Thrush. Once again a thriving population, the Wood Thrush would return to breed and to grace our evening woodlands with its melodic song.

FYI • Bridget Stutchbury’s suggestion of Bird Friend-ly® coffee is certified organic and certified shade Bird friendly coffee. You can find it at Coffee Traders, Inc. on 4th St. in Austin. Birds and Beans, recommended by Cornell Lab and the American Bird Conservancy, is also certified or-ganically grown inside a forest-like canopy. The Smithson-ian Institution certifies it as “Bird Friendly.” For more, visit www.birdsandbeans.com. The Rainforest Alliance also certi-fies bird friendly coffee and can be found at Whole Foods stores. Its mission is to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainability. Its standards, however, aren’t as strict as the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s Bird Friendly stan-dards.

FREDERICKSBURG H The Hill Country pari-mutuel horse racing season kicks off July 4-5, with 10 races scheduled Friday and 12 races Saturday. Post time is 1 pm each day. Gates open at 11 am, races run until 6 pm. Race fans are invited to stay into the evening Saturday, July 5, for Scholarship Fest, featuring German food, drinks, live and silent auctions, and all-day drawings for thousands of dollars worth of guns, jewelry, gift certificates, outdoor and sporting gear, art, and more. Funds raised at the annual event provide scholarships for Gillespie County youth. Night In Old Fredericksburg will be held at the Fair Grounds July 19, and the Gillespie County Fair is August 21-24.

FYI • General admission for the races is $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 6-15; and free for 5 and under. Reserved seats are $10, regardless of age. Box Seats are $15, regardless of age. Purchase gate tickets online at www.gillespiefair.com. Admission to Scholarship Fest is $25, and includes general admission into the races; appetizers, German plate, and drinks at the Fest immediately following the races; and entry for door prizes. Upcoming race meet dates are July 19-20, August 9-10, and August 23-24. Complete information and tickets for all events are online at www.gillespiefair.com.

Don’t miss horse races, festivals, more at Gillespie Fair Grounds

HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2014 PAGE 11

Hill Country Calendar

July 4 ................................. Josh Grider

Cody JohnsonJuly 5 ...............................Curtis Grimes

Randy RogersJuly 12 ....................... Charlie Montague

Jack IngramJuly 19 .......................... Aaron Einhouse

Kevin FowlerJuly 25 .................... Captain LegendaryJuly 26 ............................ Breelan Angel

Stoney LaRueAugust 2 .............................El Rey Vino

Bellamy BrothersAugust 8 ........................ SpazmaticsAugust 9 ........................... Frio River

Song FestivalAugust 30 .......................... Jason Eady

Max Stalling

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2014Summer LineupNOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm information.EVERY DAYGRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. Enjoy free music shows Monday through Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruene-hall.com.SECOND SUNDAYBANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cow-boy music at Frontier Times Museum. Free. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321.JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Music Events. Rockin’ gospel to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290.EVERY MONDAYCANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256.CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fel-lowship of other artists. 830-825-3465.WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Commu-nity Band. First Baptist Church. 512-858-7960.WIMBERLEY: Toddler Story Time at Wimberley Library. 10:30 am. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org.EVERY TUESDAY through SUNDAYWIMBERLEY: A premier hand blown glass lighting and art glass studio since 1992, Wimberley Glassworks hosts glass blowing demonstrations for trav-elers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. The Glassworks’ custom lighting designs are featured in luxury commercial properties through-out Texas. wgw.com, 512-213-2110.FIRST TUESDAYSBANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Sil-ver Sage Corral Senior Center. 830-796-4969.THIRD TUESDAYSNEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music Show at the Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101.EVERY WEDNESDAYDRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at the Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdripping-springs.com.WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce, fresh breads, much more at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637.THIRD WEDNESDAYSDRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club meets at 6:30 pm in the VFW Hall. ryon-crew@yahoo.com.FOURTH WEDNESDAYSWIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am at the Wimberley Community Center. 512-847-2849.EVERY THURSDAYDRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Decadent Desserts

and Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and the Flying Ar-madillos at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.WIMBERLEY: Cafe’ Susanna. Serv-ing lunch to the community from 11 am to 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Wimberley United Methodist Church, located at Ranch Road and County Road 1492. Good ole’ church cookin’ just like your grandma made. Entree’, two sides, bread/crackers, ice tea, and myriad of decadent desserts for only $9. Good food and fellowship. www.wimberleyumc.org, 512-847-3109.FIRST THURSDAYBUDA: First Thursday. Stroll through the downtown antique and specialty shops, enjoy the food from downtown restaurants. www.discoverbuda.com.SECOND THURSDAYWIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead So-ciety Meets. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. For information, Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net.FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAYCANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406.THIRD THURSDAYWIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Cof-feehouse presents some of the best in Central Texas’ musical talent. Concerts held at Wimberley United Methodist Church, Corner Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492. Doors open by 7 pm, concert at 7:30 pm. Free child care; tamales, pizza, pie, coffee, soft drinks available. Tickets at door. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www.wimberleyumc.com.EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAYWIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. Delicious food, beautiful music at 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-5464. www.facebook.com/Lindas-FineFoods.EVERY FRIDAYBLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. www.realalebrewing.com.GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Broadcast live by KNBT-92.1 FM Radio. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077.WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall on Ja-cobs Well Road. 512-847-6441.WIMBERLEY: Preschool Story Time at the Wimberley Village Library. Bring your little ones at 10:30 am. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org.WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035.SECOND FRIDAYCASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever. Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive.

PAGE 12 JULY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Hill country calendar

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www.castroville.com, 830-931-2479.WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Area Parkin-sons Association Meeting. Chapel of The Hills Church, 11 am. 512-847-7953.FOURTH FRIDAYBANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. At the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. Call 830-796-4969 for information.EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAYFREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater. Variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688.EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAYWIMBERLEY: Live Music. Linda’s Fine Foods. www.lindaallencatering.com.EVERY SATURDAYAUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Re-public Square. 512-236-0074.AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Mar-ket. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976.BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Enjoy barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, hat and pistol branding, archery, old fashioned pho-tos, a cowboy stage show, gunslingers, line dancing and entertainment. www.flyingl.com, 800-292-5134.BANDERA: Twin Elm Ranch Rodeo. Watch bull riding and rodeo events, plus enjoy a calf scramble and mutton bustin’ for the kids. Starts at 8 pm. www.twinelmranch.com, 888-567-3049. COMFORT: Comfort Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park on Highway 27.COMFORT: Wine Tastings at High’s Café. 4 pm to 7 pm. www.highscafeand-store.com.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. www.solaroestate.com.FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market. Local artists and farmers, food, fun and entertainment. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2781. NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Mu-sic Show. 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods and div-ers, experience beauty of spring that started town. 10 am. www.jacobswell-spring.org.WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Fresh flowers, more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830-833-5428.FIRST SATURDAYBANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square. 830-796-4447.BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale. Public Library. 830-796-4213.DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Communi-ty Club meets to enhance community spirit of Driftwood. Dinner, fun at 7 pm. www.driftwoodtx.org 512-829-5101DRIPPING SPRINGS: Low Cost Pet Vaccinations. At Tractor Supply on Highway 290. 512-858-7229.WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (March through December). Everything you can’t live without at Lions Field. 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www.shopmarketdays.com.

FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAYWIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Public Speaking and Leadership Club. 10:30 am. Visitor’s Center. 512-913-4804.SECOND SATURDAYCASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316.THIRD SATURDAYMARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm. Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784.EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAYROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at West-cave Preserve. www.westcave.org.SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org.FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAYJohnson City: Market Days. Join us the fourth weekend of the month beginning May 24th for food, artisans, vendors. 830-868-7684, JohnsonCityTexasCham-ber.com.JULY 1-6FREDERICKSBURG: “Les Miserables.” Fredericksburg Theater Company. www.fredericksburgtheater.org.JULY 1-27KERRVILLE: Exhibits at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. Includes the HomeTown Crafts Teachers Show, Think Ink and Paris...Je t’aime, Joseph Walsh. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com, 830-895-2911.JULY 1 - AUGUST 1SAN MARCOS: Acting Up and Get-ting Down: Plays by African-American Texans. Exhibit celebrates the new book in the Wittliff’s literary series with UT Press. One of the few anthologies of its kind, “Acting Up and Getting Down” brings together seven compelling plays by African-American Texans, spanning turning points in history, addressing intergenerational struggles, and mark-ing cultural triumphs while exploring the complexity of African-American life from an array of perspectives. The Wit-tliff Collections, Alkek Library at Texas State University. www.thewittliffcollec-tions.txstate.edu. 512-245-2313.JULY 2AUSTIN: Rick Trevino. Free KOKE-FM Texas Concert Series at the Nutty Brown Cafe. 6:30 pm. www.nuttybrown.com. WIMBERLEY: Water Fair. Hays Coun-ty Extension presents a program that includes The Incredible Water Drop Journey, a watershed pollution model and rainfall simulator. 10:30 am at the Wimberley Village Library. www.wim-berleylibrary.org.JULY 1 - DECEMBER 7SAN MARCOS: Mary Ellen Mark: Man and Beast—Photographs from Mexico and India. Exhibit of more than 100 im-ages by renowned photographer Mary Ellen Mark includes many that explore the fundamental, intimate working rela-tionships between people and animals in two countries half a world apart. The Wittliff Collections, Alkek Library at

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R JULY 2014 PAGE 13

Hill country calendar

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Texas State University. www.thewit-tliffcollections.txstate.edu, 512-245-2313.JULY 3-5WIMBERLEY: 69th Annual Wimberley VFW Rodeo. Enjoy a calf scramble and mutton bustin’ each night, rodeo events, bull riding, roping, steer wres-tling, more. Saturday night dance and fireworks Sunday night. www.wimber-leyvfwrodeo.com.JULY 3-6WIMBERLEY: July Jubilee. Celebration includes VFW Rodeo Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 5:30 pm. Friday, head to the Celebration Station at the Visitor Center for food and drink from 8 am to 1 pm. Don’t miss the Friday July 4 parade at 10 am, a Family Fun Fest at 11 am at Ino’z and patriotic concerts at 2 pm and 4 pm at the First Baptist Church. Sunday evening, enjoy fireworks at the VFW field. More information on all events at 512-847-2201, www.wimberley.org.JULY 4BANDERA: Fourth of July Pet Parade. Dogs, cats and all types of pets—from turtles to horses—parade in their fin-est attire. Starts at 10 am. Bandera City Park. www.banderacowboycapital.com, 830-796- 3045.BOERNE: July 4 Fireworks Show at City Park. www.visitboerne.org.COMFORT: July 4th Celebration. 10 am parade, community celebration at Comfort Park from 11 am to 4 pm (with moon bounces and carnival-style games for the kids, an antique tractors display, plus arts and crafts vendors, pageants, an apple pie contest and mu-sic), barbecue lunch and more. www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com.CONCAN: Cody Johnson. Live mu-sic at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fire in the Sky. Includes a fireworks display, music, food, children’s activities. Gates open at 5 pm. Dripping Springs Ranch Park.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fourth of July Celebration at Duchman Winery. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of award-winning Duchman wine, barbecue from Chef Patrick and live, local music. Noon to 6 pm. Barbecue $14, glasses of wine $5. Tasting Room open until 6 pm. Duchman Family Winery, 13308 Farm Market 150 in Driftwood, Texas. Candace@DuchmanWines.com.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Bob Schneider’s 4th of July Bash at the Nutty Brown Cafe. Wear your red, white and blue to this celebration of the U S of A with a spectacular fireworks show! Starts at 6 pm. Advance tickets $17, at door $22, VIP tables available. www.nuttybrown.com.FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special events, refreshments and ex-tended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com.

JULY 4FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Celebrations. Includes parades and a patriotic program at the Marktplatz, a chili cook-off at Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, a kite festival at Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall and live music in Luckenbach. Plus, an evening concert and fireworks at Lady Bird Johnson Park. www.visitfredericksburgtx.com, 830-997-6523.KERRVILLE: Kerrville’s Fourth on the River. Live music, family activi-ties and fireworks at dusk. www.ker-rvilles4thontheriver.org, 830-792-3535.ROUND ROCK: Frontier Days Celebra-tion. Enjoy free watermelon, children’s games, the jalapeno-eating contest, rub-ber-duck races, arts and crafts vendors and skydivers, all leading up to the fireworks display accompanied by pa-triotic music by the Austin Symphonic Band. Old Settler’s Park, 3300 Palm Val-ley. www.austinsymphonicband.orgJULY 4-5CASTROVILLE: July 4 Celebration. En-joy a concert, fireworks, market days and family activities. Houston Square. www.castroville.com.FREDERICKSBURG: Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Features quarter horse and thoroughbred races, special races and trials for the 2014 Fair Futurity. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive. www.gillespiefair.com, 830-997-2359.

JULY 4-5 LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Enjoy a rodeo Friday and Saturday featuring calf rop-ing, bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and ladies’ barrel racing. Saturday morning parade at 10 am with arts, crafts and food ven-dors, Saturday evening old time street dance at 8 pm downtown. 830-232-5222, www.friocanyonchamber.com. JOHNSON CITY: 12th Annual July 4th Spangle Dangle Parade & Celebration. A two-day celebration with fireworks at dusk both nights. Blanco County Fair-grounds. Parade at 10 am on July 5 around the Courthouse on Town Square! www.spangledangle.com.STONEWALL: All-American Chili Cook-Off. About 70 cooks compete in this CASI-sanctioned chili cook-off. Taste samples, vote for best chili of the day, and enjoy wine tastings and live music at Becker Vineyard. www.beck-ervineyards.com, 512-567-2835.WIMBERLEY: The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens present Disney’s“Beauty and the Beast.”8:15 pm. www.emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.JULY 4-19INGRAM: “Young Frankenstein.” The Point Theatre, 120 Point Theatre Road. www.hcaf.com, 830-367-5121.JULY 5BANDERA: Market Day. Courthouse Square. www.banderatexasbusiness.com/market days.htm.

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Hill country calendar

JULY 5CONCAN: Randy Rogers. Live mu-sic at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Doug Moreland and the Flying Armadillos. Live Texas music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.FREDERICKSBURG: USO-Style Hang-ar Dance. Enjoy live 1940s-style Big Band music with swing-dancing les-sons. Hangar Hotel Pacific Showroom. www.hangarhotel.com.GRUENE: Texas Tornadoes. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.HELOTES: Gary P. Nunn. Live Texas music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com.KERRVILLE: Hill Country Auto Club Open Car Show. 9 am to 5 pm at court-house, 700 Main Street. www.hillcoun-tryautomobileclub.com, 512-791-4481.WIMBERLEY: Market Day. Come, shop the oldest outdoor market in the Hill Country and the second-largest in the state, offering more than 475 booths of everything you can’t live without. www.shopmarketdays.com.JULY 5, 12, 19, 26CEDAR PARK: Austin Steam Train Sat-urday Evening Express. Take a ride to Bertram enjoying the sights and sounds of the railroad, crossing highways, spanning the South San Gabriel River on the wooden trestle bridge and roll-ing through pastureland. www.austin-steamtrain.org 512-477-8468.JULY 5-6FREDERICKSBURG: Pacific Combat Living History Program. Living histo-ry demonstration covers World War II weaponry, clothing, training and tactics of U.S. and Japanese military. Programs begin at 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Na-tional Museum of Pacific War Combat Zone. www.pacificwarmuseum.org.JULY 7WIMBERLEY: Beginner’s Quilting Demo. So, you’ve got your material picked out, now what? Join us at Kath-erine Anne Porter School from 2 pm to 4 pm to find out! Linda Chase from Wim-berley Stitch Studio demonstrates be-ginning steps of piecing together a quilt for those who are just learning the art of quilting. $5 per person. Dr. Erin Flynn at eflynn@kapschool.org for more de-tails.JULY 7-13LAMPASAS: Spring Ho Festival. Cel-ebrate the heritage of this Hill Country community with an old-fashioned fam-ily festival including a parade, pageant, talent contest, museum exhibits, fishing derby, county fair, carnival, arts and crafts, barbecue cook-off, dancing, 10K and 1-mile runs, and a pet parade. On the banks of Sulphur Creek and His-toric Hancock Springs. www.springho.com, 512-556-5301.JULY 9AUSTIN: Reckless Kelly. Free KOKE-

FM Texas Concert Series at the Nutty Brown Cafe. 6:30 pm. www.nuttybrown.com.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay. Live music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.WIMBERLEY: Bonzo Crunch. Comic magic presented with a warm and whimsical style of audience participa-tion. There will be belly laughs galore! 10:30 am at Library. More information at www.wimberleylibrary.org.JULY 11DRIPPING SPRINGS: The Derailers. Live Texas music at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.GRUENE: Bob Schneider. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.JULY 12AUSTIN: Old Crow Medicine Show. Free show at the Nutty Brown Cafe. 7 pm. www.nuttybrown.com.BOERNE: Moondance Concert Series. Enjoy live music under the stars and oak trees. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Road. www.cibolo.org, 830-249-4616.BOERNE: Second Saturday Art and Wine. Enjoy a glass of wine as you stroll through the art galleries. 4 pm to 8 pm at various venues. www.secondsaturda-yartandwine.com.CONCAN: Jack Ingram.. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.GRUENE: Dale Watson. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.MARBLE FALLS: Founders Day. Com-munity celebrates its 1887 founding with music, exhibits, food, stories and demonstrations of skills from the past. Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista. www.fallsmuseum.org, 830-693-4449.JULY 12-13BOERNE: Market Days. Artists, crafters and vendors share their creative talents and wares to the sounds of homegrown Texas musicians on Main Plaza. www.boernemarketdays.DRIPPING SPRINGS: THCBRA $1,000 Barrel Race at Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 DS Ranch Road 12. email THCBRA@aol.com or call 512-784-3008.JULY 13BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy listening to tra-ditional cowboy music, or bring your guitar and join in the song circle. 1 pm to 4 pm at the Frontier Times Museum. www.frontiertimesmuseum.org.JULY 16WIMBERLEY: Back into Nature with naturalist David Womer. 10:30 am at the Village Library. www.wimberley-library.org.JULY 17WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen pres-ents The Austin Lounge Lizards. Su-sanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse, Corner of Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492,

Wimberley United Methodist Church; Doors open by 7 pm, concert 7:30-9:30 pm. $15 adults at door ($5 students un-der 18) Pizza, tamales, Wimberley Pie Company pie, coffee, soft drinks avail-able. For information, contact sharon-reece37@gmail.com, 831-601-2395.JULY 17-18GRUENE: The Mavericks. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.JULY 18-19MARBLE FALLS: Marble Falls Rodeo. Enjoy rodeo events, a downtown pa-rade and dance. Charles Taylor Arena. www.marblefalls.org, 830-693-4449.JULY 18-20FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop with more than 350 vendors in six barns, plus acres of antiques and collectibles, or kick back and enjoy the biergarten and live music. Seven miles east of town off U.S. Highway 290, at 355 Sun-day Farms Lane. www.fbgtradedays.com.GEORGETOWN: TFW BBQ Cup Chase. About 30 barbecue teams compete, plus enjoy a washer tournament, live music and children’s games. Bentwood Texas Resort, 8150 Texas 29 West. www.tfwb-bq.org, 512-844-8324.NEW BRAUNFELS: North Ameri-can Jewelry and Gift Show July. New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center. www.innewbraunfels.com.JULY 18 - AUGUST 2KERRVILLE: “Joseph and the Amaz-ing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Playhouse 2000, 305 Washington Street. www.cail-louxtheater.com, 830-896-9393.JULY 19CONCAN: Kevin Fowler. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.CEDAR PARK: Austin Steam Train Summer Murder Mystery Flyer. Enjoy a ride with plenty of ice cream and a murder mystery. Tickets include enter-tainment, box dinner, beer and wine. austinsteamtrain.org, 512-477-8468.FREDERICKSBURG: Night in Old Fred-ericksburg. Celebrate the food, music and culture that make Fredericksburg special at this 51st-annual event. En-joy live music and dancing; local food, beer and wine; a carnival; and more. Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.gillespiefair.com/niof, 830-997-2359.GRUENE: Cooder Graw. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.JULY 19-20GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. 10 am to 5 pm. www.gruenemarketdays.com. JULY 20GRUENE: Van Wilks. Live music at Gru-ene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.JULY 23AUSTIN: Whisky Myers. Free KOKE-FM Texas Concert Series at Nutty Brown Cafe. 6:30 pm. www.nuttybrown.com.WIMBERLEY: Joe McDermott. Dubbed

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Hill country calendar

the “Maestro of Imagination” for his creative approach, and as one of the nation’s top children’s music record-ing artists, Joe identifies with children on a basic level and presents a musical program with meaningful and well-thought-out themes. 10:30 am at the Wimberley Village Library. www.wim-berleylibrary.org.JULY 23-25GRUENE: Roger Creager’s Birthday Show. Live music at Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.JULY 25CONCAN: Captain Legendary. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Compa-ny. www.housepasture.com.HELOTES: Billy Joe Shaver. Live Texas music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com.JULY 25-27FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Auto Swap Meet. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. www.fredericksburg-carclub.com.JULY 25-28JUNCTION: Disc Golf PDGA Tourna-ment. In park along Llano River, near 402 Main Street. Email flyinkdw@gmail.com or call 325-446-5356.JULY 26AUSTIN: Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes. Live music at the Nutty Brown Cafe. www.nuttybrown.com.

JULY 26BANDERA: National Day of the American Cowboy Celebration. Enjoy Western games, music, vendors and crafts at the Frontier Times Museum. Also, horse racing in the afternoon and evening ranch rodeo at Mansfield Park. www.ndac.weebly.com 830-796-3864.CONCAN: Stoney LaRue. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.FREDERICKSBURG: Roots Music Se-ries. An open-air, live concert series at Pioneer Museum. www.pioneermuse-um.net/roots-music.php, 830-997-8515.KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days. Handcrafted and homegrown goods from the Hill Country. 9 am to 3 pm. Courthouse Square. www.kerrmar-ketdays.org, 830-895-7524.JULY 27FREDERICKSBURG: Concert in the Park. Adelsverein Halle at the Markt-platz. 830-997-8515.WIMBERLEY: Shakespeare Under the Stars presents “Richard III.” Young ac-tors present a classic play. Nightly, ex-cept on Sundays. The EmilyAnn Thea-tre & Gardens, 1101 Farm Market 2325. www.emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.JULY 31 - AUGUST 24KERRVILLE: Exhibits at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. Three exhibitions: Images, Olva and Glen Hollowell, and

Photography. Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com..AUGUST 2CONCAN: Bellamy Brothers. Live mu-sic at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.DRIPPING SPRINGS: Randy Rogers Band. Live music at Nutty Brown Cafe. www.nuttybrown.com.AUGUST 8CONCAN: Spazmatics. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.AUGUST 9CONCAN: Frio River Song Festival. Adam Carroll and Chris Carroll, Jon Dee Graham, Hal Ketchum, Kelly Mick-wee, Owen Temple, more at House Pas-ture. www.housepasture.com.AUGUST 30CONCAN: Max Stalling. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.SEPTEMBER 11WIMBERLEY: Water Crisis: Time to Get Serious. Community meeting provides opportunity to chat with experts. Get tips on lawns, household water, xeri-scaping, rainwater collection, more. Speakers on past, present and future water issues, followed by panel with audience questions. Free admission. 6 pm to 9:30 pm at the Wimberley Commu-nity Center. www.hayscard.org.

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