Things to Do

Hill Country Happenings: September 11-17, 2016

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Fall is in the air, and there are a lot of fall festivals, fundraisers, and fun going on this week. However, Sunday is the 15th anniversary of the tragedies that occurred on September 11, 2001. Before heading out for some Hill County fun, take a moment to remember those who lost their lives and gave their all during the horrific events of that September day.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

911 memorialPhoto: City of San Marcos Texas

9-11 Remembrance Ceremony The San Marcos Fire Department invites you and your family to remember the tragedies of September 11, 2001 with them. The program will only last 15 – 20 minutes, but is one you will want to attend. Mayor Daniel Guerrero will open the program with a welcome speech and the San Marcos Fire Department Honor Guard will raise the flag, and afterward, the San Marcos Fire Department Bagpipers will play a tune before the Mayor proclaims a moment of silence. Flowers will be provided to be placed on the 9-11 Flower Memorial. Free. 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. Fire Bell at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, Texas. sanmarcostx.gov

Bill Elsbury Annual Fish Fry & Silent Auction Youth Fundraiser Bring a donation and enjoy a meal of fried catfish, hush puppies, french fries, coleslaw, beans, beverages, and delicious homemade desserts. Participate in the silent auction to score that perfect gift for Christmas. All donations fund the FUMC Youth and their journey with Jesus. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Johnson City Activity Center, 105 LBJ Dr., Johnson City, Texas. Facebook/FUMC-Johnson City-Youth

Boerne Market Days On the 2nd weekend of every month, Boerne holds their fabulous Market Days. There, treasure seekers are bound to find a grand assortment of antiques and modern objets d’art. To keep up your energy while shopping, there are plenty of tasty treats to choose from and upbeat music playing. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Main Plaza, Boerne, Texas. visitboerne.org

Doggie Dip PoolPhoto: Flickr/Tom Wood

Doggie Dip Day Indulge your pooch with a little fun in the sun, a dip in the pool, and a bit of time to play with other canine friends. This special swim time is just for pooches! All dogs must be friendly, current on rabies shots, and wearing a collar they can swim in. Proof of rabies vaccination required on the day of the event. $5 per dog and up to two guests. $1 each additional guest. Noon – 4 p.m. Landa Park Aquatic Complex, 350 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels, Texas. nbtexas.org

New Cowboy Church Attend this Sunday morning worship service to celebrate God’s grace, love, and mercy. Service is held at the Fredericksburg Marktplatz, so be sure to bring a chair, some donuts, and a coffee. Enjoy a little down-to-earth fellowship with your community and receive a free copy of Dan Kelley’s book “God Wrote You a Love Letter.” Since the church is run by volunteers, no offering plate is passed, just post-its, which Kelly explains he will talk about in the service. Just come as you are! 10 a.m. Fredericksburg Marktplatz, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Dripping Springs Farmer’s Market Head to the farmer’s market to shop for local, fresh food and help support your local farmers! 3 p.m. – dusk. Every Wednesday, year round. The Triangle, Hwy 290 & RR 12, Dripping Springs, Texas. cityofdrippingsprings.com

Thursday, September 15, 2016

pexels-photoPhoto: Pexels

Bandera Farmer’s Market Head to the farmer’s market to shop for local, fresh food and help support your local farmers! There will be farm fresh eggs, wholesome organic produce, rare Asian vegetables, fresh-baked goods, and tons more. 8 – 11 a.m. Sid’s Bar B Que, 702 Main Street, Bandera, Texas.

Art Fest, Plein Air Competition & Art Auction “Plein air” translates directly to “in the open air.” Artists flood the streets throughout Burnet, Texas to paint its beautiful scenery, landscape, and anything else that catches their creative eyes. There will be live music, a 5K paint run, classic cars, a Bluegrass Festival, wine tastings, and a silent auction. Free. September 15-17, 2016. Burnet Square in downtown Burnet, Texas. artburnet.com.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Lunch with an Author Get the inside scoop from author Nola McKey on her newest book “From Tea Cakes to Tamales: Third Generation Texas Recipes”. Learn about the history of Texas cuisines and try your hand at fixin’ some old-fashioned Texas cuisine after taking a signed copy of this delightful book home. Free, but donations are welcome. 11:30 a.m. Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St., Marble Falls, Texas. marblefallslibrary.org

Rumble on the River Rally You may notice the earth shaking and the waters quivering in Bandera. There’s no need for alarm; the world is not ending! It’s simply the effects of a good-natured biker rally. Rumble on the River Rally is an annual motorcycle rally featuring live music, RV and tent camping, poker, food, vendors, tattoo contests, and games fit only for bikers. $30 registration. September 16-18, 2016. Mansfield Park, Bandera, Texas. bikerralliesoftexas.com

Saturday, September 17, 2016

seedsPhoto: Pexels

Annual Seed Stomp Help scatter wildflower seeds at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site to ensure next year’s beautiful blooms are plentiful. The seed stomp is a great event for young and old alike. There will be a little history to be learned about former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and a few kids crafts. 10:30 a.m. – noon. September 17-18, 2016. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, Stonewall, Texas. tpwd.texas.gov

Blanco County Courthouse Centennial Celebration The Blanco County Courthouse is turning 100 years-old, and there will be a celebration! Children and pets will dress up in period costumes for the parade. There will be antique cars and tractors on display, an official ceremony featuring speakers, special guests, and birthday cake, which will be followed by period games, face painting, bingo, and a cakewalk. Catch a bite to eat and watch as the street dancers show off some amazing moves in the streets of Johnson City. Free. 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. September 17, 2016. Blanco County Courthouse, 101 E. Pecan St., Johnson City, Texas. facebook.com/courthouse.centennial

Bluegrass Festival Grab you lawn and your coolers to live it up at this down-home Bluegrass Festival. Take part in some local wine tasting, vendors, tasty treats. Free. 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. September 17, 2016. Haley Nelson Amphitheater, 301 Garden Trails, Burnet, Texas. cityofburnet.com

2016_festivalPhoto: Brewster’s Pizza

Brewster’s Music Fest Brewster’s Pizza and Wimberley Brewing Company join forces to bring family-friendly fun, food, and drinks to the Texas Hill Country. There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, a talent competition, face painting, hourly raffle prizes, live music, and fireworks. Benefiting Wimberley EMS. Free. 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. September 17, 2016. The Junction, 9595 RR 12, Wimberley, Texas. brewsterspizza.com

Cross Trails Ministry Fall Festival Get out for a little family fun and some chili. Do a little stretching and take part in the 5K run or place your bid on some of the most amazing quilts in the Hill Country. Dance to some live music and get the kids involved in some fun-filled activities. Benefiting Camp Chrysalis and Ebert Ranch Camp. Camping $20. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. September 17, 2016. Marktplatz, Fredericksburg, Texas. crosstrails.org

The Farmer’s Market at Cibolo Shop fresh local produce, farm fresh eggs, breads, jams, jellies, local honey, and Texas Hill Country arts and crafts at the historic Herff Farm. Enjoy free live music, gardening classes, cooking demonstrations, and children’s craft activities! Free. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cibolo Nature Center, 140 City Park Rd, Boerne, Texas.

South Texas Maize Twist and turn through a mind-boggling 7-acre maze, pick some pumpkins, race down the Matter-Corn Mountain Slide, relax on a hayride, and chill by a campfire. There is plenty to do, and eat, at South Texas Maize! Admission $15; children 2 and under are free. Fridays 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sundays Noon – 5 p.m. September 17 – November 20, 2016. Graff 7A Ranch, 911 U.S. Hwy. 90 East, Hondo, Texas. southtexasmaize.com