Festivals & Events in the Texas (TX) Hill Country - Topic Profile By Cofran's Texas Hill Country Portal

HILL COUNTRY FESTIVALS & MAJOR EVENTS

The Texas Hill Country seems at times like a continuing festival. Just look at the list below of major events scattered through the area. The range of themes is as varied as the locations.

Separately listed are the many market days, farmers' markets and trade days regularly held throughout the Hill Country. See Market Days

Be sure to check out the detailed profile page in this Portal site for each town to see their event calendar and more detail on some of these venues. Check the venue's web site for their updated schedule.

Plan your own festival trail or event trail through the Texas Hill Country with this convenient list.

If you visit the venues listed here, please tell them you found their information in the Hill Country Portal web site.

(We welcome submission of updates, additions, corrections & digital photos, without compensation.)

RESOURCES & EVENTS

BLUEBONNET MUSIC & FINE ARTS FESTIVAL: Marble Falls, March. Live music, live artist competition and auction, and sculpture exhibit, 830-693-7385. www.HistoricMainStreet.org

PARADE OF ARTISTS: Boerne, April 17-19, sponsored by BAAA (see below). Begins with Friday evening reception. Participating galleries have various events, and include wine and food. Sat & Sun, 10a-5p galleries will be open and have artist demonstrations, artist signing and the chance to see artists at work. Great for the art novice to learn about art mediums in a casual, friendly way. Free.

HIGHLAND LAKES FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL: Marble Falls, April. Sculpters, artists and painters in the Historic District. Wine tasting, live musical entertainment and juried fine art event. www.thunderbirdartists.com

HIGHLAND LAKES ART COUNCIL BLUEBONNET TRAIL: Spring (1st & @nd weekends) and fall (2nd weekend) art shows. 512-793-2858. Email: hlactx@yahoo.com

WINE AND ART TOUR: 877-TEX-WINE; Fredericksburg, TX 78624

JUNE 2010

KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL: May and June 2010. Continuation, See above detail under May listings

HILL COUNTRY ACOUSTIC MUSIC CAMP: June 2-6, 2010. Kerrville, at Schreiner University. www.hcamp.org. Five day residential camp devoted to improving skills and techniques in guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle,voice, bass, etc.

ARABIAN NIGHTS IN BUDA: June 3, 2010. www.discoverbuda.com. 512-312-0084. Merchants Assn takes you back to the era of caravans, the majestic castles of sultans and extravagant parties with their Arabian Nights. 5-9p.

SUMMER CARNIVAL WEEKEND: June 3-6, 2010. Kyle, at World of Life Sports Field. www.worldoflifekyle.org. 512-268-0700. 20+ carnival rides, food, entertainment for the whole family.

LLANO COUNTY OPEN PRO RODEO AND PARADE: June 4-5, 2010 (1st weekend), Llano, Downtown. Details. 325-247-5354. Llano County Rodeo Arena is W of Llano on RR 152. Parade on Sat morning. BBQ lunch at Courthouse Square. Dance at 8p.

NIGHT AT THE RACES: June 5, 2010. Kyle, Thunderhill Raceway, 24801 IH-35S, at 4p. 512-507-1486. Rollergirl daredevil stunts spectacular and stock car racing event.

MASONIC OPEN CAR SHOW: June 5, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Marktplatz. DJ, food, live and silent auctions. Free admission. 830-634-2698. www.fredericksburgmasons.com

BRANDON'S REVIEW: June 5, 2010. Boerne, at 140 City Park Rd. A benefit concert in memory of Brandon Gallagher Manning. $25. 830-249-5616. www.cibolo.org

THE GREAT CASTELL KAYAK RACE: June 5, 2010. www.castelltexas.com. Paddling on in memory of Judith Lynn Curtis. A focus on helping those with cancer and its impact on family and quality of life.

FAMILY FUN AT PIONEER MUSEUM: June 5, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main St. www.pioneermuseum.net. 830-990-8441. 10a-2p. Children's games and toys, musician, folklorist, storyteller.

CHILI COOK-OFF: Sat, June 6, 2010. Sisterdale, at Sisterdale Saloon, 1211 Sisterdale Hwy. 2p to mid-night. 830-431-0050. Live music. Fee $20 to enter chili contest. Admission: $5. Benefits Sisterdale VFD.

MIDWAY FILM FESTIVAL: June 5, 2010. Fredericksburg, at National Museum of the Pacific War, 340 E Main St. www.nimitz-museum.org. 830-997-8600

ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL: June 11-12, 2010. Lometa, at Lometa Regional Park. 512-752-3331.

BLANCO LAVENDER FESTIVAL: June 11-13, 2010. Blanco, TX. The City of Blanco is the Lavender Capital of Texas, and holds a great "Lavender Festival" each Jun, with vendors, displays, tours & entertainment. The entire town of Blanco and the surrounding countryside will be bathed in lavender during the Lavender Festival. The Lavender Market, on the grounds of the historic Blanco County Courthouse, is always a must-see highlight of the festival. Selected vendors and artists from across the Hill Country offer lavender-related pleasures and treasures from the finest craftsmen. See Blanco County Lavender Festival: www.blancolavenderfestival.com and their sponsor: the Blanco Chamber of Commerce: 830-833-5101; www.blancochamber.com.

HILL COUNTRY ANTIQUE TRACTOR & ENGINE CLUB SHOW: June 11-13, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com, www.rustyiron.org

SHAMMIES 'N KOOZIES - RIDE 'N FLOAT: June 12, 2010. www.shammiesnkoozies.com. Bike ride, river float and BBQ.

TEXAS RIVER SAFARI: June 12, 2010. San Marcos. www.texaswatersafari.org. 512-738-6607

SULPHUR CREEK CAR CRUISE: June 12, 2009, Lampasas, TX. Staged at W.M. Brook Park. Annual event. Owners of classic cars, street rods, exotic mini-trucks, and motorcycles line the park to show off their vehicles. Entertainment, poker run, parade, prizes and games available at this Chamber sponsored event. 512-556-5172. www.lampasaschamber.org

BURNET COUNTY RODEO: June 12-13, 2010. Burnet County Fair Grounds. Fri night band. Sat night dance. Team roping. $10 at gate. Kids 10 & under free. Contestants from all over Texas. In addition to the thrills of Bull Riding, Bronc Bustin', Roping, and Steer Wrestling we will have Mutton Bustin', Calf Scramble and the Rodeo Queens contest. The Friday night performance will be followed by a dance/band featuring Tejano and Mexican music,with the Saturday performance to be followed by country/western dance/band. 830-693-4000. dtrevinotx@yahoo.com

COMPETITIVE TRAIL CHALLENGE: June 12-13, 2010. Junction, at Rio Bonito Ranch, 5309 Rio Bonito Ranch Rd. www.actha.us. 210-722-1446. Part of a Guiness World Record Attempt a the Largest Trail Ride.

RODEO & PARADE: June 12-13, 2010. San Saba. www.sansabachamber.com. 325-372-5141. Parade, dance, races.

PEACH JAMBOREE: June 17-19, 2010. Stonewall, TX. Celebrate the bounty of local peaches. Activities include breakfast, rodeo, dance, races, peach eating contest, peach seed spitting contest, peach auction, peach queen coronation, and more. Info: 830-644-2735. www.stonewalltexas.com

SOAPBOX CLASSIC: June 18-20, 2010. Marble Falls, downtown. www.historicmainstreet.com. 830-385-9289. Show-n-shine, parade, inspections. Sat race day, evening entertainment, street dance. Sun finals, awards, open course.

BOERNE BERGES FEST: June 18-20, 2010. Boerne, at downtown Main Plaza. www.bergesfest.com. Parade, Miss Berges Fest Pageant, washer pitching tournament, egg toss, wheel barrow races, dachshund races, watermelon eating contest, little tractor races.

: June , 2010. www..com. 830-

LAMPASAS RIATA ROUNDUP RODEO: Fri, June 18-19, Lampasas. 512-556-5172. www.lampasaschamber.org

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: June 18-19, 2010. San Marcos, at Park Plaza. www.toursamerica.com. BBQ cook-off, music.

LUCKENBACH OPEN ROD, CUSTOM & CLASSIC CAR and MOTORCYCLE SHOW: June 19, 2010. Luckenbach, TX. Rods-Open, Customs-Open, Classics and Muscle Cars-Open, Motorcycles-Open, Corvettes-Open, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, Plaque, & Hat to First 100 Entrants, Benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg. Admission by donation. http://rockincarshow.com. 830-997-3224

LONGHORN SALOON COWBOY LUAU AND RIVER RODEO: June 19, 2010. Bandera, Medina River. www..com. 830-796-3600. Calf roping, bending, barrel racing, bull riding events - all in tubes and kayaks on the river.

BIZARRE BAZAAR DAYS SUMMER CELEBRATION: June 19, 2010. Wimberley. www.mysticaloasis.org. 512-919-6182

WAYLON'S BIRTHDAY BASH: June 20, 2010. Luckenbach. www.luckenbachtexas.com. 830-997-3224. $10

CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: June 21-26, 2010. Marble Falls, at Uptown Marble Theater. www.harmontyarts.org/cmf

LLANO JUNIOR RODEO: June 25-26, 2010. At Llano Rodeo Arena, 8p. 325-423-0539. www.crossandspursministry.com.

FIBER ARTS SHOW AND SALE: June 25-27, 2010. Dripping Springs, at Wewsley Gallery. www.wesleygallery.com. 888-224-3644.

JOHNSON CITY ANTIQUE ENGINE AND TRACTOR PULL: Sat, June 26, 2010. Starting at 9am. Tractors 1965 and back (Nebraska Test Book). All Engines Welcome. No charge to exhibitors. Food, live music, vendors, horse shoes, washer pitchin', kid's tractor pull. Admission: Adults: $5, Kids: $3, 12 & under: free. 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place and Best in Show Plaques. Proceeds benefit Blanco County Fair Association. Information: 830-868-2809. For Vendor information contact Horst at 830-868-7614 or Robin at 830-868-2510.

BANDERA RIVERFEST: June 26, 2010. Bandera, Bandera City Park, 1101 Maple St. River activities, arts and crafts, children's activities, music and more along the river banks. Enjoy car show and parts swap meet. Enter the bbq contest. Sponsored by the Bandera Business Association. 830-796-4447. www.banderariverfest.com

FISCHER ANNUAL MEETING: June 26, 2010. Fischer, at Fischer Store School Community Center, 11a-1p.

JULY 2010

JULY JUBILEE CARNIVAL & FIREWORKS: July 1-3, 2010. Brady, at Richards Park, 305 Memory Lane. www.bradytx.com. 325-597-3491.

JULY JUBILEE: July 2-3, 2010. Leakey, at Courthouse Square. www.friocanyonchamber.com. 830-232-5222. Arts and crafts show, street dance, parade, rodeo.

WIMBERLEY VFW RODEO: July 2-4, 2010. Veteran's Park, at RR 12N. www.visitwimberley.com. 512-847-2537

4th of JULY PET PARADE: Sat, July 3, 2010. Bandera, at City Park, 9a. All pets from horses to turtle etc are welcome. Free

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Sat, July 3, 2010. Comfort, at Comfort Park. www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com. 380-995-3131. Parade, barbecue, family fun, 11a-4p.

HARPER FIREWORKS JAMBOREE: July 3, 2010. Harper, at Hidden Springs Golf Course, 225 Living Water Ranch Rd. www.harpertxlibrary.org.com. 830-864-4993. 6p to midnight. Fireworks, food, kids games, dance

4th OF JULY PARADE AND BBQ: July 3, 2010. Lakehills. 11a. 830-612-2244.

: June , 2010. www.banderacowboycapital.com. Parade, BBQ, entertainment

4th of JULY PARADE: July 3, 2010. New Braunfels, at Main Plaza, parade at 9:15a. 830-629-1572.

LUCKENBACH OUTLAW 4TH OF JULY: July 3-4, 2010. www.luckenbachtexas.com. 830-997-3224. Live music with the best in legendary artists.

AQUA BOOM: July 3-4, 2010. Kingsland/Lake LBJ. www.kingslandchamber.org. Children's parade, aqua boom land parade, arts & crafts vendors, cow'ographers Wild West Show, Reed Helicopter rides, barbeque & chili cook-off, patriotic dinner and fish fry, street dance, poker run, horseshoe pitch & washer toss, obstacle course race, raft race, rubber duckie race, boat parade, live music.

ROCK'N RIVERFEST: July 4th weekend, 4th-5th, Llano, at Llano River Park. Celebrating Independence Day and the Llano River. This 2 day festival features an Arts and Craft Fair, Food, the Rock'n 4-wheel King of the Hill, Children's fun park, Miss Sparkle Contest, Car Show, BBQ cookoff, Fry, Street Dance and Fireworks Display. www.llanotx.com/riverfest

RED, WHITE AND BLUE BUDA: July 4, 2010. Buda, City Park. opens at 8:30p. www.ci.buda.tx.us. 512-312-0084

4th OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW: July 4, 2010. Kyle, at Gregg-Clarke Park, 1180 W. Center St. www.cityofkyle.com. 512-262-3939. Bring a picnic, stay 'til dark. Fireworks at 9:30p

JULY 4th WEEKEND RACING CELEBRATION: July 4, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds, Hwy 16 S. Concert & dance. Help us celebrate our Independence Day. Jul 4 & 5, Live pari-mutuel horse racing July 3 & 4. Open 11a. 830-997-2359.

JULY 4th FIREWORKS: July 4, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Lady Bird Johnson Park, 1606 E Highway St., 830-997-7521

JULY 4th PARADE & PROGRAM: July 4, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Main Street. Old fashion parade and patriotic program.

SPANGE-DANGLE JULY 4th CELEBRATION: July 4, 2010. Johnson City, at Blanco County Fairgrounds. 3p-midnight. Fireworks & parade. Music, games, wine, food, beer. 830-868-7684;www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com

4th of JULY FIREWORKS SHOW: July 4, 2010. Boerne, at City Park. 830-249-7277. Boerne VFD

FREEDOM CELEBRATION FIREWORKS DISPLAY: July 4, 2010. Junction, in City Park, at "dark-thirty". www.junctiontx.net. 325-446-3190. Free.

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION: July 4, 2010. Stonewall, at Sauer Beckmann Living History Farm, 199 State Park Rd 52, 10a-3p. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lbj. 830-644-2252. Celebrate our nation's birthday as a German farm family and friends would have in hte early 1900's. Free.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION: July 4, 2010. Kerrville, Louis Hays Park. www.kerrvilletx.gov. 830-257-7300

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: July 4, 2010. Marble Falls, at Lakeside Park. 830-759-8178

SUMMERFEST: July 4, 2010. San Marcos, at San Marcos Plaza Park. 4p-11p. www.summerfest.com. 512-393-8400. Live music, food, kid's activities, fireworks.

FOURTH OF JULY JUBILEE: July 4, 2010. Wimberley, at Cypress Creek Church Grounds, at South River, 6p-9p. 512-847-2201. Family fun, food, entertainment, fireworks.

SUMMER RUN MOTORCAR EXCURSION: July 4, 2010. RPI sponsored motorcar excursion over the ex-SP Llano branch rail line. This is a scenic stretch of track that parallels the Llano River and crosses the Colorado River on Lake LBJ. There will be abundant wildlife and nature permitting, bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes. Participants will travel from Llano, TX, through Kingsland, TX to Scobey Spur; a round trip distance of approx 54 mi. Fees: $ 40, applied to RPI's non profit activities. This is a NARCOA insured excursion and all NARCOA rules apply. Hy-rails welcome. Excursion Coordinator Leland Stewart, 10057 Palomino Canyon, Converse, TX 78109. 210-863-5397. www.railroadpartners.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE: July 5, 2010. Wimberley, downtown, 10a. 512-847-2201.

LAMPASAS SPRING HO FESTIVAL: July 5-11, 2010. Lampasas, downtown. www.springho.com. 512-556-5301. Beauty pageant, talent contest, fishing derby, county fair, exhibits, carnival, dance, pet parade, diaper derby, BBQ cook-off, dance.

TASTE OF THE HILL COUNTRY: July 9, 2010. Burnet, at Galloway Hammond Recreation Center, 1601 S Water St., Food & wine festival. $10

ROUNDUP RODEO WEEKEND: July 9-10, 2010. Mason. 325-347-5758. Friday evening barrel racing, Sat rodeo and dance, arts and crafts show, live music, children's games, jackass race, parade, billy bingo and car show. 325-347-5758.

FOUNDERS DAY: Marble Falls, (2nd Sat) Jul 10, 2010.

PARI-MUTUEL HORSE RACES: July 17-18, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). Horse racing the whole family can enjoy. Races feature a full slate of quarter horse, thoroughbred races, special races and trials. Racing weekends include dancing, entertainment, a variety of food and drink. 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com. In addition to live horse racing, the Race Barn, a pari-mutuel simulcast building will be open for greyhound, thoroughbred, and quarter horse races from all over the country. The operation includes an air-conditioned restaurant and bar as well as state of the art simulcast facilities. Call the Race Barn at 830-997-4058 or visit www.theracebarn.com

GOURMET CHILI PEPPER AND SALSA FESTIVAL: July 23-24, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Wildseed Farms. Guest Chefs & Speakers, Specialty food booths, Entertainment, Hot Air Balloons, Wildflower & pepper fields, Butterfly Haus, Food Court. Fri 3p-10p, Sat 10a-11p. Fee required. www.tex-fest.com/gcp

TEXAS INTERNATIONAL APPLE FESTIVAL: Late July, 2010. Medina, TX. Held on the banks of the Medina River.

AUGUST 2010

TEXAS WINES & TEXAS WINNERS: Aug 8, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). Ten Texas wineries will be participating in the wine tasting. 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com

BLANCO COUNTY FAIR & RODEO & BIG CARNIVAL: Aug 12-14, 2010. Johnson City, at Blanco County Fairgrounds. Annual event www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com. www.bcfra.org. Kay Odiorne: 830-868-7053,

GILLESPIE COUNTY FAIR & FESTIVAL: Thurs Aug 26-29, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). This is the Grand Daddy of them all, and brings four action filled days and nights at the "oldest, continuously running county fair in Texas". Whether it's the carnival, the livestock and agricultural exhibits, or the arts & crafts, the thrill of horse racing or dancing under the hill country sky to the country show of a nationally known performer, this weekend is sure to bring smiles to the entire family. 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com

PARI-MUTUEL HORSE RACES: Aug 14-15, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). Horse racing the whole family can enjoy. Races feature a full slate of quarter horse, thoroughbred races, special races and trials. Racing weekends include dancing, entertainment, a variety of food and drink. 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com. In addition to live horse racing, the Race Barn, a pari-mutuel simulcast building will be open for greyhound, thoroughbred, and quarter horse races from all over the country. The operation includes an air-conditioned restaurant and bar as well as state of the art simulcast facilities. Call the Race Barn at 830-997-4058 or visit www.theracebarn.com

PARI-MUTUEL HORSE RACES: Aug 28-29, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). Horse racing the whole family can enjoy. Races feature a full slate of quarter horse, thoroughbred races, special races and trials. Racing weekends include dancing, entertainment, a variety of food and drink. 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com. In addition to live horse racing, the Race Barn, a pari-mutuel simulcast building will be open for greyhound, thoroughbred, and quarter horse races from all over the country. The operation includes an air-conditioned restaurant and bar as well as state of the art simulcast facilities. Call the Race Barn at 830-997-4058 or visit www.theracebarn.com

SEPTEMBER 2010

KERRVILLE WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Sept 3-4 2010. Kerrville, at Quiet Valley Ranch campgrounds (9 mi S of Kerrville on Hwy 16). Each year over Labor Day Weekend wine lovers and music enthusiasts gather to celebrate the art of songwriting and winemaking. This Texas Hill Country setting is perfect for introducing our audiences to the newest and best wines that Texas has to offer in addition to performances by dozens of the world's best songwriters. Features three, 6-hour evening concerts and two, 2-hour afternoon concerts by two dozen singer-songwriters. During the evening concerts only, we have booths set up for Texas' top winemakers who offer their current vintage wines. Craft Vendors, Food and Wine Booths in the Kennedy Outdoor Theater open each festival day at 6p, with the music starting at 7. this event isn't your typical "wine tasting" party. Wine will only be available in the Kennedy Outdoor Theater during the evening concerts. Wine will not be available during the day or in the campgrounds unless you choose to participate in one of the Saturday or Sunday afternoon Wine Seminars. A variety of food items ranging from bar-b-que to vegetarian selections are available in the theater at our food service pavilion during main stage performance nights. Beer, wine, smoothies, soft drinks and gourmet coffee drinks are also available. The Kerr-Cafe is located in the Quiet Valley Ranch campgrounds and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and evening snacks. 800-435-8429. www.kerrville-music.com

BIRD DOG INVITATIONAL FLY-IN: Sep 18, 2010. Stonewall, at LBJ Ranch, 9a-5p. Visitors get up-close and personal with historic Bird Dog airplanes. 830-868-7128 ext. 231. www.nps.gov/lyjo, www.friendsoflbjnationalpark.org

GOLDEN-GEM RENDEZVOUS & KNAP-IN: Sep 24-26, 2010. Llano, at Badu Park. Annual event. 866-539-5535. http://llanochamber.org/rendezvous.html

OCTOBER 2010

BICYLCE CLASSIC: Oct, 2010. Texas Hill Country River Region (Concan, Garner State Park, Reagan Wells, Sabinal, Utopia, Uvalde). This event is for the cyclist looking for a serious challenge as well as families wanting an enjoyable ride for everyone. Headquartered at Garner State Park, Bicycle Classic kicks off on a Friday, with packet pickup, late registration, and a skills clinic focusing on climbing and descending skills needed for hill country rides. Maps available for unsupported rides. An evening social with snacks, entertainment, and vendor booths is also part of the fun. On Saturday, it's your choice of supported routes: 32-mile Scenic Cruise, 52-mile Challenge, 68-mile Classic, and the 94-mile Century. The 52-mile Challenge and the Classic Century include the most spectacular hill climb and descent in Texas. All routes include beautiful views, river crossings, friendly, well-prepared rest stops at least every 10 miles, and expert SAG wagons and mechanics. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner on Saturday night that benefits the park. Bicycle Classic proceeds are donated to local scout troops, EMS, and fire departments that volunteer their time to help ensure your ride is a safe one. 800-210-0380. www.thcrr.com

LLANO COUNTY HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Oct 15-16, 2010 (3rd Sat), Llano, at Llano Courthouse Square. Arts and Craft Fair, Live Music all day. Red Top Jail tours. Food, vendors, period costumes, gold panning demos, ranch rodeo @ 6p. www.llanomainstreet.com/festivals.html;
Includes CHUCK WAGON COOK-OFF: 3rd Sat in Oct in Badu Park; 325-247-4158 x209.

TEXAS LONE STAR GOURD SOCIETY FESTIVAL: Oct 15-17, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). Presented by the Texas Gourd Society, nationwide gourd art competition, gourd supply vendors, kid's gourd raft area, door prizes and raffles. 817-726-6653. www.texasgourdsociety.org, 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com.

TEXAS PRESENTATIONS ANTIQUES: Oct 16-17, 2010. Comfort, at Community Park on Hwy 27. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. Texas Presentations brings you the Comfort Village Spring Antique Show, complete with gazebo, large tent and pavilion, sets the mood for a fabulous collection of Americana antiques offered for sale by 50 out-of-area exhibitors. www.texasantiqueshows.com

FREDERICKSBURG JAYCEES TRACTOR PULL: Oct 22-23, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com.

KERR COUNTY FAIR: Oct 22-23, 2010. Kerrville, at Hill Country Youth Exhibit Center, Hwy 27 E. Provides residents of Kerr County and adjacent counties an opportunity to exhibit their finished skills and recognizes their achievements. Includes parade through downtown Kerrville, carnival, contests, scholarship pageants, 4H & FFA livestock exhibits, food & drink, music, dancing, team roping and the exciting bull and barrel contest. Chili and barbeque cook-offs (CASI & CTBA sanctioned), petting zoo and pony rides. Old-fashioned family fun with something for everyone! 830-792-8331. www.kerrcountyfair.com.

FALL RUN MOTORCAR EXCURSION: Oct 30, 2010. RPI sponsored motorcar excursion over the ex-SP Llano branch rail line. This is a scenic stretch of track that parallels the Llano River and crosses the Colorado River on Lake LBJ. There will be abundant wildlife and nature permitting, bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes. Participants will travel from Llano, TX, through Kingsland, TX to Scobey Spur; a round trip distance of approx 54 mi. Fees: $ 40, applied to RPI's non profit activities. This is a NARCOA insured excursion and all NARCOA rules apply. Hy-rails welcome. Excursion Coordinator Leland Stewart, 10057 Palomino Canyon, Converse, TX 78109. 210-863-5397. www.railroadpartners.com

HIGHLAND LAKES ART COUNCIL BLUEBONNET TRAIL: Spring (1st & 2@nd weekends) and fall (2nd weekend) art shows. 512-793-2858.

TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW: Oct 30-31, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com, www.texasgunandknifeshows.com

NOVEMBER 2010

HUNTER APPRECIATION EVENT: Nov 5th, 2010. Llano.

TEXAS PRESENTATIONS ANTIQUES: Nov 13-14, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Hwy 16 S. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4. Texas Presentations brings you the Comfort Village Spring Antique Show, complete with gazebo, large tent and pavilion, sets the mood for a fabulous collection of Americana antiques offered for sale by 50 out-of-area exhibitors. www.texasantiqueshows.com

THE PEDLER SHOW-PERFECT STREET OF SHOPS: Nov 26-28, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). Three buildings full of unique vendors during Thanksgiving weekend. Creative gifts, custom designs, chic fashions, gourmet food, personalized accessories, unique jewelry, handcrafted art. Fee required. Sneak Peak, Fri 12-1, Open Fri 1-8, Sat 9-6, Sun 11-4. 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com, www.pedlershow.com

DECEMBER 2010

LIGHTS SPECTACULAR-HILL COUNTRY STYLE: Nov 20-Jan 2, 2010. Johnson City. Millions of lights on the County Courthouse and the PEC HQ building. Methodist Living Nativity Pageant; Hill Country Toy Run; LBJ Park: Christmas at LBJ Boyhood Home; A Timeless Christmas at the Johnson Settlement; Annual lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse with 100,000+ lights. "Light Art Displays" featuring the 12 Days of Christmas. Christmas in the Park. One million lights twinkling in the trees around Pedernales Electric Coop's Headquarters on Ave F. Carriage and hay rides available at the Courthouse. The Courthouse is open on Saturday and Sunday nights from 6p-9p and will be selling ornaments and crafts from the Garden Club. After the parade, a Food Court for dinner and dessert will be behind the Friendly Bistro and in the alleyway next to Johnson City Bank on Courthouse Square with food booths on opening weekend hosted by local non-profit organizations with one of their biggest fundraisers of the year (hosted by Lions Club, Little League, JOY, Baptist Church, Women's Club, and many more). You can purchase items from delicious funnel cakes, hamburgers, glow necklaces, designer candy, chopped beef sandwiches, sausage wraps, turkey legs and much more. You don't want to miss this. Admission to all events is free Volunteers needed for set up. Contact JC Chamber: 830-868-7684; see schedule details at: www.JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com. See JOHNSON CITY LIGHTS SPECTACULAR,by George Cofran, freelance author:
Web: www.HillCountryPortal.com/reports/LightsSpectacular and You-Tube Video of PEC Lights (ranked #4 of World's Best Holiday Light Displays for 2008 by Travel & Leisure Magazine!). Also see Johnson City, Texas' Free Holiday Events, "Celebrating the Holidays in Johnson City", published 10/30/06, by Amy Francisco, Associated Content: Article

SILVER SPUR GUN & BLADE SHOW: Dec 17-19, 2010. Fredericksburg, at Gillespie County Fair Grounds (530 Fair Dr on Hwy 16, 2 mi S of town). 830-997-2359. www.gillespiefair.com, www.silverspurtradeshows.com