Trailhead Bandera Bulletin

BANDERA BULLETIN T RAILHEAD GATEWAY TO THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

FALL 2019

WWW.BANDERABULLETIN.COM

TRAILHEAD BANDERA BULLETIN

OUR TEAM

Publisher JONATHAN DEELEY

Editor BILL PACK Office Manager INSIDE & Bookkeeper FRAN FOX

Sales & Advertising THIS ISSUE DEE RUSS

Magazine Designer TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... PAGE 2 MATT HELLMAN WELCOME FROM THE PUBLISHER ...... PAGE 3 FALL EVENTS CALENDAR ...... PAGE 4 SOUNDS OF SYMPHONY ...... PAGE 8 ARTS FEST RETURNS TO INGRAM ...... PAGE 10 Cover photo by FALL AT LOST MAPLES ...... PAGE 11 FABRIZIO VERRECCHIA DAY AT THE MUSEUM ...... PAGE 12 HILL COUNTRY MUSIC FEST ...... PAGE 16 WELCOME HOME FEST ...... PAGE 17 THIRTEEN NIGHTS OF FRIGHT ...... PAGE 18 NIGHTMARE ON MAPLE STREET ...... PAGE 19 MEDINA LAKE CAJUN FEST ...... PAGE 20 BANDERA BUCKFEST ...... PAGE 21 PUMPKIN PATCHES IN BLOOM ...... PAGE 22

P.O. Box 697 606 Hwy 16 South Bandera, TX 78003 For advertising, call 830-796-3718

www.banderabulletin.com

2 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Welcome to the Trailhead

BY JONATHAN DEELEY my father explained it wasn’t what he tough time with Buttercup. did as a boy. Without the benefit of a saddle, Bandera Bulletin Publisher The Boy Scouts filled some of the sound advice or adult supervision, gaps, but there was still no Wild West I learned my first lesson: crying and Fall is a special time of year. It marks equivalent to “running away and join- screaming will not stop a horse. In the beginning of the holiday season ing a circus.” Having three older sisters time, however, I learned how to hold and the outside temperature drops 10 did not encourage confidence that I onto the mane, jump off when Butter- degrees (to a comfortable 90). It’s a would achieve my cowboy goal. cup headed for a tree and at all cost, time of parades, family gatherings and one special night of dressing as your But one day, as luck would have avoid the one-eyed stud. alter-ego, whether that was a super- it, my dad acquired six ponies. He I also earned the distinction of the hero or a cowboy. had them boarded at our lake house first family member to break a bone. As any small child growing up in property where we would visit on the I would eventually break my left arm middle class America in the mid-70s, weekends. three more times. I found myself watching hours of re- My father never offered an explana- This will be my first fall season in runs, including The Lone Ranger, Lara- tion to where the small horses came Bandera since taking the helm as pub- mie and The Life and Legend of Wyatt from, nor did he offer any tack or in- lisher of the Bandera Bulletin. The list Earp. With familiar story lines of invul- structions as to how to ride them. Be- of events planned in our town and the nerable heroes who risked everything ing next to the youngest, I got last pick surrounding area is impressive, from to bring order to the untamed frontier, of the ponies. My default selection was the Nightmare on Maple Trunk or Treat these television shows captivated my a pregnant mare named “Buttercup.” (hosted by the Bandera City Marshal’s imagination. And like most small boys, At 10-years-old, I was a far-cry from office) and music festivals to an inter- we not only wanted to emulate these resembling the rough-and-rugged active haunted hayride where partici- heroes, but these shows only left us men portrayed in black-and-white - pants shoot paintballs at zombies. dreaming of a different life. cowmen who could start a fire, shoot a I look forward to more seasons in I wanted to be a cowboy. pistol and charm a damsel with the tip Bandera, exciting events and perhaps As a family, we didn’t go hunting, oc- of their Stetson hat. Protectors of the a lower electric bill. casionally fished, and my father’s idea home and hearth. I too plan to dress up for Halloween of roughing it was Howard Johnson’s. And most impressive, they could and perhaps even woo a damsel with A trained architect with his own firm, also ride a horse. I was having a pretty my Stetson. VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 3

Fall Events Call us at 830-796-3718 to sumbit your events for the next calendar.

Casino Night one week earlier than nor- cabrito, brisket & sausage din- Wilkerson and Jason Eady. Sept. 21, 6 – 10 p.m. mal to avoid conflict with ner raffle and silent auction. Doors open at 6pm with mu- Flying L Ranch Resort event vendors. sic starting at 7 pm. Catered (830) 796-7745 TX Hill Country meal by Brick’s available. Casino Night at the Flying 9th Annual Texas Music Fest L Hill Country Resort Ghost Frogs For Freedom Run Oct. 12, 6 p.m. Market Day & 1st Town Facility. All proceeds Oct. 5, 9 a.m. 11th St. Cowboy Bar, annual Chili Cook-Oﬀ will benefit the Boys & Girls 11th Street Cowboy Bar Bandera, (830) 796-5726 Oct. 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Club of Bandera County. (830) 796-4849 8th Annual Fundraiser ben- Pipe Creek Presbyterian Registration begins 9am. Frontier Times First bikes out 10am efitting local non-profit- or Church (830) 510-6650 Jamboree ganizations in Bandera with Handmade items, greet- Sept. 22, 1 – 4 p.m. Bandera Market Days great live music. Live auction ing cards, jams and jellies, Frontier Times Museum Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. & 50/50 raffle. Featuring Zac soaps, candles, baby items, (830) 796-3864 Bandera County Court- Fourth Sunday of each house Lawn (210) 215-1995 month. Cowboy music perfor- Arts and crafts vendors mance, free and fun for all ages. on the courthouse lawn in downtown Bandera. 39th Annual Medina Lake Cajun Festival Pipe Creek Sept. 28, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Pumpkin Patch Annual Cajun Festival & Oct. 5 – 27, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Gumbo Cook-Off (830) 751- Pipe Creek Tree Farm 2727 (210) 426-6191 Cost: $12 Adults, Children Activities include a hayride, 10 & under free. hay jump, scarecrow dressing, visiting farm animals and Cowboy Capital Opry pumpkin painting with the Oct. 1, 7 – 9 p.m. purchase of a pumpkin Silver Sage Community Center (830) 796-4969 13 Nights of Fright on Cost: $5 adults; $12 family; the Western Trail $10 per person reserved seating. Oct. 5 – 31, 6 – 11:55 p.m. Farm Country RV Park Bandera Market Days (830) 589-2276 Oct. 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bandera’s first-ever interac- Bandera County Court- tive haunted hayride. Using a house Lawn (210) 215-1995paintball gun, guests will be A young visitor to the Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch licks her lips while posing for a picture on the Arts and crafts vendorsable to ward off the undead. grounds of the Medina event. It and the Pipe Creek on the courthouse lawn in Pumpkin Patch open for business Oct. 5. downtown Bandera. Annual Cabrito Courtesy photo & BBQ Dinner Rumble on the Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. River 2019 Medina Community Center Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch Oct. 4 - 6 Annual fundraiser bene- Oct. 05 – Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mansfield Park fitting the Medina Livestock Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch (800) 449-0882 Motorcycle rally moved & Wildlife Association with A festival for children and the child in us all.

4 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE

jewelry and more. Lunch, sures within the old jail- 2440 STATE HIGHWAY 16 NORTH quilt raffle and bake sale. house. There is a little bit Welcome OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Prizes will be supplied by of everything. Benefiting Bik� s 830-796-3825 nationally acclaimed artist the Frontier Times Muse- Esther Benedict. um. CHECK OUT OUR

Bandera Wrangler Frontier Times MUSIC LINE-UP St. Jude Fundraiser Jamboree EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT: Oct. 19, 2 p.m. Oct. 27, 1 – 4 p.m. Red Horse Saloon Frontier Times Museum KARAOKE WITH DJ RAY Music, fish fry, auction, (830) 796-3864 50/50 raffle with proceeds Join us on the 4th Sunday benefitting St. Jude Chil- of each month as we have SEPT. 14: ...... TO BE ANNOUNCED dren’s Hospital. live music, storytelling and SEPT. 17: ...... BRANDON NICHOLSON/ more. Free and fun for all BISD Education ages. LYNN CAVIN & OPEN MIC - 6:30-10:30 Foundation Fundraiser Oct. 19, 3 – 8 p.m. Nightmare on Maple SEPT. 21 ...... WILDSTREAK Hill Country Cellars, (830) Halloween Event 6:30-10:30 796-2326 Oct. 31, 5:30 – 10 p.m. Four bands, bouncy Bandera City Park SEPT. 22: ...... WILDSTREAK house, 50/50 raffle, Bus- The Bandera City Mar- 5:00-9:00 bee’s food truck to raise shal’s Office second annual money for Bandera ISD Edu- combined National Night SEPT. 28: ...... ALLEN LOVE & cation Foundation. Out and Halloween cele- COUNTRY PRIDE- 6:30-10:30 bration. There will be Trunk Second annual or Treating, haunted hay- OCT. 05: ...... BRANDON NICHOLSON/ Bandera Fire & Rescue rides, bouncy houses and LYNN CAVIN & OPEN MIC - 6:30-10:30 BBQ & Chili Cook-off Haunted Halloween fun for Oct. 19 all ages. OCT. 06: ...... MARK PIPER Mansfield Park 4:00-7:00 Washer tournament, Bandera County bouncey house, Lone Star Chamber of OCT. 12: ...... WILDSTREAK Barbecue Society sanction Commerce Opening 6:30-10:30 chili cook-off for Bandera Day Buck Fest Fire & Rescue. Nov. 1, 6 – 10 p.m. OCT. 13: ...... BOB STEWART Mansfield Park 4:00-7:00 Oasis Run for Annual dinner and dance the Heroes III celebrating hunters and the OCT. 19: ...... ST. JUDE’S CHILDREN’S Oct. 26, 9:15 p.m. hunting season since 1962. HOSPITAL BENEFIT - STARTS NOON Oasis for Warriors, 888 Gun raffle, silent and live SERVING FOOD, DONATIONS Mountain View, Pipe Creek. auctions as well. ACCEPTED NOON -2:00 PM Trash & Treasure Show Annual Turkey Shoot AUCTION - 2:00-5:00 Oct. 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nov. 2, 9am ALLAN LOVE & COUNTRY Old county jailhouse Castle Lake Ranch VFD PRIDE BAND - 6:30 -10:30 complex (830) 535-6611 Come browse the trea- Raffle & silent auction. OCT. 26: ...... TO BE ANNOUNCED

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 5

Fall Events Call us at 830-796-3718 to sumbit your events for the next calendar.

Annual Hunter’s Cork ‘n Fork Cowboy Capital Cowboy Capital Game Dinner Nov. 9, 6 – 10pm Christmas and Christmas Parade Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Farm Country Club Shoppers Jubilee Dec. 7, 11 a.m. The Farm Country Club (830) 796-4448. Dec. 6 – 7 p.m. Main Street Bandera, Sponsored by the Medina Arthur Nagel Commu- Bandera County Court- (830) 796-3045 Volunteer Fire Dept. nity Clinic’s fifth annual house and downtown Ban- See Santa and all cowboys fundraiser. Honoring mil- dera, (830) 796-3781 as they celebrate the holidays Bandera Honors itary veterans and Ban- Enjoy beautiful lights in a parade on Main Street. Veterans dera’s own Buddy Byrd. and the sweet sound of Nov. 9, 2019, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Great food, friendship children’s voices as choirs Children’s Christmas American Legion Post 157 and fun for a life-chang- bring us their version of Party (830) 796-7528 ing cause. Catering by what makes Christmas Dec. 7, 2 – 5 p.m. Military memorabilia stands the Ranch House, Kirby special. A visit from Santa. Lakehills Civic Center, on courthouse grounds, cere- and Stephanie Jones. Holiday shopping while the (830) 751-9904 mony and guest speaker at 11 Musical guest artist Tony streets are filled with stroll- Children’s Christmas Party – a.m., a noon parade and free Booth. Live and silent ing Christmas carolers, mu- gifts, crafts, finger foods, photo barbecue for veterans. auctions. sicians and cowboys. with Santa, nativity and more.

6 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE

Celebra�ng a Rock Legend

An Evening with a Television, Film and Stage Star! The comforting and secure environment at The June creates the perfect setting for your loved one to be looked after and involved. Our residents are able to take full advantage of the many amenities that our community offers, which results in an Assisted Living and Memory Care community unlike any other in the San A Holiday Tribute to The Four Seasons Antonio area. 24 Hour Staf ng Spacious Apartments Vibrant Neighborhood Style Living Open Dining Experience Exciting Events And Much More!

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF! (210) 681-8638 4315 Rogers Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251 www.thejuneseniorliving.com

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 7 KERRVILLE’S CAILLOUX THEATER PRESENTS

Symphony of the Hills

Professional orchestra comes to the Texas Hill Country

For tickets and information: www.symphony ofthehills.org (830) 792-7469 Symphony of the Hills

cover the Symphony of the Hills, a sic is unexpected outside the metro BY PHIL HOUSEAL professional 75-piece orchestra that areas, according to Dr. Eugene Dowdy, Contributing Writer offers a full season of classical con- Conductor and Artistic Director. certs every year at Kerrville’s Cailloux “Symphony orchestras like ours are Newcomers to the Texas Hill Coun- Theater. rare,” Dowdy said. “This is not just try are surprised and pleased to dis- Such a high caliber of classical mu- a community orchestra; I like to re- mind my friends that Symphony of the Hills is a professional orchestra. These are professional musicians playing and teaching on their instru- ments. How fortunate we are in the Hill Country to have a 75-piece professional symphony orchestra that plays a five-concert season.” Symphony of the Hills 2019-2020 Season begins on October 3 with Swan Songs for the Orchestra, a program of “graceful music” featuring works by Wagner, Haydn, St. Saens, and Tchaikovsky. Concerts are held at the Cailloux Theater, 910 Main, Kerrville, starting at 7:30 p.m. Each concert is preceded by a wine and cheese reception for attendees Boasting a symphony orchestra benefits a community beyond providing classical concerts. The Sym- Symphony of the Hills orchestra performs on stage. phony of the Hills offers outreach Courtesy photo 8 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE opportunities, including two Symphony around our com- children's concerts that im- munity.” ABOUT THE pact 1600 elementary stu- One of the distinctive -fea DIRECTOR dents at 24 area schools. It tures of the Symphony of the also attracts talent and sup- Hills is the relationship -be Eugene Dowdy ports all the arts in the area, tween conductor, orchestra, according to Dr. Tim Sum- and audience. Dowdy is in his third year merlin, Board President. “I’ve conducted and per- as conductor and artistic “The upcoming season will formed in lots of theaters, director of the Sympho- excite our audience,” Sum- and the Cailloux Theater is a ny of the Hills, Kerrville, merlin said. “We will wel- gem,” Dowdy said. “It boasts Texas, and for two years come two exceptional guest superb acoustics, and is just was their associate con- artists and a talented brass lovely to be in. To be able to ductor under Jay Dunna- group to our concerts. Mean- experience five concerts here hoo. Dowdy has served for 20 years as professor while, you will continue to at such reasonable pricing is and director of orchestral studies and instru- see the Symphony of the an incredible opportunity. mental conducting at the University of Texas at Hills artists engaged in the We are performing music for San Antonio. He conducts the UTSA Orchestra community, providing music our friends, and we want the and the Lyric Theatre Orchestra and is the found- at events such as the Leader- community to share our ac- ing director of the UTSA String Project, a nation- ship Kerr County graduation complishments. And also to ally recognized teacher-training program. For six or the Chalk Festival cele- bring their friends and help years he served as the music department chair bration. We want to partner spread the word about the at UTSA and is currently the interim chair. Dowdy again in the future with Ker- Patron, Subscriber, and in- was the assistant conductor of the Mid-Texas rville Folk Festival, Hill Coun- dividual concert seating op- Symphony from 2009-2013 under David Mairs, try Arts Foundation, and the tions are now available for and also guest conducted the Camerata de Co- Texas Arts & Crafts Fair as we the orchestra’s five concerts ahuila, the state orchestra of Coahuila, Mexico. did last year. You will see the between October and April. of the Symphony Hills2019 ~20 Concert Season October 3, 2019 October January 11, 2020 January February 27, 2020 February

all performances at the CAILLOUX THEATER 910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX Tickets Starting at $25

April 23, 2020 April For Tickets Visit

December 5, 2019 December www.symphonyofthehills.org CALL 830-792-7469 or the CAILLOUX BOX OFFICE 830-896-9393

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 9

EVENT Spotlight Arts and crafts fair returns in Ingram

FOR THE BULLETIN Contributed article

More than 100 artists, exhibitors, musicians and demonstrators will sprawl across 13 acres when the Texas Arts and Crafts Fair returns to the Kerr County on the grounds of the Hill Coun- try Arts Foundation in Ingram on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. After last year’s successful relaunch of the “official” state arts festival, this fall’s event promises favorite features and a few changes, organizers said. Visitors will be treated to a wide range of arts and crafts exclusively made by Texas residents, as well as fair food offerings, entertainment and educational and recreational activities. The fair Ceramic artist Karen Cruce dis- opens at 10 a.m. each day. It closes at 5 plays one of the colorful bowls p.m. on Sept. 28 and 4 p.m. on Sept. 29. she has made. She will be one of The fair’s concert, held in conjunction the artists who will take part in the 2019 Texas Arts and Crafts with the Kerrville Folk Festival, Schrein- Fair in Ingram this month. er University and the Hill Country Arts Photo courtesy of Jane Lee Foundation, moves to Saturday night. Billed as the “Legacy Concert,” the show on the Schreiner campus in Kerrville. support. celebrates the community collabora- Scores of other artists will exhibit in “We had 140 volunteers who helped tion that began in 1972 when the fair festival tents in the area surrounding us create a fun weekend of art, music and the folk festival were founded to Stonehenge II. Ceramics, photogra- and good food,” Cash said. “It rained showcase art and music on the grounds phy, woodworking and painting of all Saturday, but folks kept coming in the of Schreiner University. types will share the tents with jewelry gates and buying art.” Headliners for the concert are the makers, basket makers, metal workers, The idea for the arts and crafts fair legendary folk trio The Limeliters and weavers and fiber artists. originated in 1970, when the Texas Kerrville’s own Sentimental Journey Musicians booked for the Stone- Tourist Development Agency, inspired Orchestra, under the direction of Ted henge Stage include Willow City, The by successful arts fairs in West Virginia Conerly. Flashbacks, Kerrvana, The Elderberries and Canada, wanted to establish a simi- The invitation-only “Heritage Artists” and Josh Murley and Florin Sanchez lar event in Texas. exhibit will be indoors at the founda- and an encore performance by peren- From a number of competing cities, tion's Duncan-McAshan Gallery. Invit- nial crowd pleasers Buster Baldwin and Kerrville was selected as the host site, ed exhibitors include regional artists Emil Willmann. and the first arts and crafts fair was held who have a historical connection to the HCAF board President Dave Staggs over Memorial Day weekend in 1972, arts and crafts fair and the arts founda- said the unique 13-acre site on the designated as the official state arts and tion. banks of the Guadalupe River is the ide- crafts fair by the Texas Legislature. Among the artists are Legacy Artist al location to showcase this major com- Tickets for the event will be $10 for Amado Peña, watercolorist Edith Mas- munity event. adults, $5 for students, and youngsters key of Comfort and goldsmith Fred Event Director Wanda Cash said the ages 12 and younger will get in for free. Stockbauer of Wimberley, all of whom 2018 fair was a success in terms of at- The Saturday night concert at Point exhibited at the first fair, held in 1972 tendance, artist sales and community Theater will cost $25 and $35. 10 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE Fall big season at Lost Maples

SPECIAL TO THE BULLETIN Contributed article

Any time is a good time to visit the Lost Maples State Natural Area north of Vanderpool to appreciate the majesty of nature, but the fall is when it attracts the most attention because of how colorful the trees that cover the hillsides become. The big attraction at the natural area are the stands of Big Tooth Maples that the preserve is named for. They turn yellowish and then orange and red when the tem- peratures start cooling and the conditions are right, said Lost Maples’ Superintendent Lisa Fitzsimmons. Sycamore trees also abound throughout the natural area and their leaves can become a brilliant yellow during the cool fall season, while the red oaks display more copper hues during the period. Fitzsimmons said the best time to see the brilliance of fall is from mid-October trails, camping areas and other resources For help in securing those reservations, through November, with peak times gen- are controlled to reduce the impact that go online to https://tpwd.texas.gov/state- erally being the second or third week of has on the land. parks/park-reservation-information/res- November. By the start of December, When its parking lots fill up, which they ervations. Reservations can be made by most of the leaves on the trees have fallen. might during the fall, the area will close for calling 512-389-8900. The natural area’s website posts up- a period to allow crowds to thin and open The natural area is located at 37221 FM dates about the impact of the fall season again, typically, about 1 p.m. Park officials 187 and features more than 10 miles of trails. in mid-October each year. It is available ask visitors to consider visiting during the It costs $6 per person to enter for any- at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ week days rather than the weekends or one 13 and older. Those under the age of lost-maples/foliage-reports. holidays during the fall to avoid the crowds. 13 get in free. Visitors from across Texas and through- No day-use reservations are not available Visitors who are backpacking it can use out the country visit Lost Maples to see the at Lost Maples, but visitors can get pre-paid primitive camping areas for an extra $10 colors change. Fitzsimmons said it draws admission online and camping reservations fee. Thirty camping sites with water and about 30,000 people in November alone. that will guarantee entrance even during electric hookups are available for $20 a Since it is a natural area, public use of the the periods when the park is closed. night in addition to the admission fee. ONE STOP FOR ALL YOUR HUNTING NEEDS

Utopia Outpost Utopia General Store 702 North Main Street • Utopia, Texas 78884 458 Main Street • Utopia, Texas 78884 830-966-4195 830-966-3444

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 11

Trixie, one of the stars in Night At The Museum, greets visitors inside the International Hall. Photo by Phil Houseal

Day At The MUSEUM Bandera's Natural History Museum offers you the chance to take a tour 65 million years in the making...

BY PHIL HOUSEAL 12 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE "

The first vibe upon arriving is a little Jurassic Park-ish.

s an elementary science teacher, I was  perennially fascinated by the "fascina- tion dinosaurs held for all students. I now have a granddaughter who requested a dinosaur theme for her 3rd birthday, and she was talking Triceratops, not Barney. So, when I learned there is a museum in the Hill Country that features life size models of dinosaurs, we took the 45-minute, 65-million-year drive to the Bandera Natural History Museum. The first vibe upon arriving is a little Jurassic Park-ish. Sixteen life size reproductions of dinosaurs and ice age animals ring the parking lot. That’s not by accident. “Kids love seeing those as they drive in,” said Dr. M.J. Schumacher, Director of Operations. “One reason Mr. Infante thought of putting dinosaurs outdoors was so kids would say, can we go there?” Juan Carlos Infante is the prime mover behind this project. Born in Argentina, Infante emigrat- ed to the United States where he became an engineer and worked in the oil and gas industry. He is a Medina rancher and an avid hunter, and early on had a dream of creating such a museum for educational purposes. He chose- Ban dera for its reputation as a tourist destination. In 2011 they formed an educational nonprofit, and in the summer of 2016 opened the 14,000 square foot building on eight acres of land. Inside the International Hall, the Museum Col- lection features an impressive array of full body animal mounts from around the world, including a lion, wolf, grizzly bear, kangaroo, and giraffe.

Bandera’s Natural History Museum is an unexpected treasure located in Bandera, Texas. Young dinosaur hunters can get up close to 16 life size replicas on the grounds. Photo by Phil Houseal VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 13 There are artifacts from many cultures, including a collection of ceremonial masks, arrow and spear points, wood carvings, and a 2,000-pound jade tiger from Taiwan. Overhead flies a full-size replica of Quetzal- coatlus with a 36' wingspan, and you can view a real 50,000-year-old femur from a mammoth. Outside you find several “dig sites,” where youngsters can dig up bones like real archeologists. “The company that made all our dinosaurs also builds them for movies, including Jurassic Park and all the Night At The Museum movies,” Schumacher said. “When they realized Trixie was going to be destroyed after the movie was filmed, they asked 20th Century-Fox if we could have it for display here.” In its short existence, the Natural Histo- ry Museum has become a popular destination for school groups from surrounding communities. I can see why–it held the attention of both me and my young dinosaur hunter. Her favorite was the Trail of Habitats, a hall of six dioramas depicting life in different parts of the planet. Locals seem to linger over the arctic tundra the most, not surprising in July in South Texas. Schumacher enjoys seeing that and other effects the museum makes on visitors of all ages. “For the young kids, just to see them so excited and exposed to things they’ve never seen before is fun,” she said. “It opens up a world of possibility for them. We have children and adults who come and this is their first time at any museum. I find it very heartening to show them that, yes, you can have fun and you can also learn.” Young dinosaur hunters can get up close to 16 life size replicas on the grounds The same goes for grownups and Photo by Phil Houseal grandpas. THE MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART ...Where the legend lives 36th Annual Roundup Exhibition and Sale Through October 26th

Exhibition includes over 120 pieces of original art from 57 renowed western artists, including members of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America. Come add to your collection of exceptional western art. Coyote Moon by Nancy Boren 1550 Bandera Hwy., Kerrville TX 78028 - museumofwesternart.com Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. 830.896.2553

14 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE

JOIN US. It’s a great day at Lowe’s… Family Owned, Family Operated since 1964.

At Lowe’s, we strive to give our customers the freshest meats, fruits and veggies, fantastic promotions and a fast and friendly checkout. We will do all this in an atmosphere that is fun for our customers and teammates alike.

Welcome to Bandera and thank you for shopping at Lowe’s. 907 N. Main Bandera, Texas Hours: 7am- 10 pm 830-796-4401

SINCE 1972 SEPTEMBER 28 - 29, 2019

Hill Country Arts Foundation txartsandcraftsfair.com INGRAM~TEXAS

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 15 KIWANIS CLUB PRESENTS Texas Hill Country Music Fest

Our Memory Care program is designed to meet the dynamic needs of families Country singer-songwriter Jason Eady performs at a recent show. He and Zac Wilkerson will take and seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s, the stage for the 8th annual Tx Hill Country Music Fest that will be held Oct. 12 at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera. The festival will raise money for three area nonproﬁts. dementia and other memory-related Courtesy photo diseases. From Assisted Living to The Tx Hill Country Music Boody, a pre-mixed cocktail, Memory Care, we have your living and Fest will offer a night’s worth for guests to enjoy. wellness options covered. of Texas country tunes, tasty Tickets for the festival cost food and a chance to bid on $15 in advance and $20 at fun items in a live auction the door. Pre-sale tickets are Call and speak with one all for a good cause when it available through Outhouse of our memory care returns to the 11th Street Tickets. Cowboy Bar in Bandera on Organizers said the festival specialists today! Oct 12. will benefit three area -non Performing at the 8th an- profits – the Kiwanis Schol- nual music fest sponsored by arship Fund, the Warriors the Bandera County Kiwanis Heart Foundation and the Club will be hard-charging Bandera Challenger Sports country tunesmiths Jason League, which helps disabled Eady and Zac Wilkerson. youngsters in the area get In addition, Brick’s River involved or stay involved in Café will have food available sports. to purchase, and an auction Money raised by the event featuring a variety of gifts will be split evenly between from local and regional re- the three. 210.688.9966 | LandonRidgeAlamoRanch.com tailers will be held during Doors to the festival will 11349 Alamo Ranch Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78253 one of the breaks. open at 6 p.m., and music Free tasting stations also will start an hour later. The

AL 147048 MC104071 will be set up by Rebecca cowboy bar is located at 307 Creek Distillery and Bloody 11th St. in Bandera. 16 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE KERRVILLE PRESENTS Welcome Home Fest

STEAKS • SEAFOOD • PASTAS

WEEKEND BREAKFAST

Beto & the Fairlanes pauses for a photo during one of its recent performances. The Austin band will be a headliner at the new Welcome Home Fest that the Kerrville Folk Festival Foundation is ★ putting on at the Quiet Valley Ranch in October. Wing Night Courtesy photo ★ For almost 50 years, people niacs, Guy Forsyth and Jeska Steak & Oysters have gathered at the Quiet Val- Bailey, Joe King Carrasco, Walk ley Ranch to celebrate the Kerr- Wilkins & the Mystiqueros, ★ Trivia ville Folk Festival, and the event Beat Root Revival, South Austin has developed such a close Moonlighters, the Bob Living- ★ Cajun Night following among its artists and ston Trio, Shawn Camp, War- guests that the phrase “Wel- ren Hood, Will Owen Gage, ★ Prime Rib come home” is the one most Beto & the Fairlanes and Amer- commonly used when every- ican Dreamer. one returns for a new show. A Music Camp for Teens also Since a year was too long will he held with music by Tori to ask supporters to wait for & Red and Joel & John, and another event, a fall gathering Sunday’s festivities will start was created a few years ago to with gospel music by Akina shorten the gap named “Little Adderley, of the Vintage Pay- Folk” because of the smaller boys. crowds. The Kerrville Folk Festival This year, an all-new fall gath- Foundation is also excited to an- ering will take place called the nounce that between Threadg- “Welcome Home Fest.” It will ill programming, “Tweener” 807 Main Street be intimate, organizers said, as sets will present fresh artists at all programming will take place the Kerrtry Kourtyard. In addi- in the Threadgill Theater, and tion, late-night acoustic show- Bandera, TX 78003 it will arrive later in the year cases are being planned. when the weather is cooler. Tickets are available now for (830) 796-9990 The three-day event will be purchase online at discounted held Oct. 11-13 and will feature price. Gate price will start on www.tjsoldforge.com a variety of live music, food the site at 1 p.m. on Oct. 11. vendors, craft offerings, a silent Call the foundation’s office at auction and, last but not least, 830-257-3600 with any ques- a campground of music appre- tions and to reserve a spot for We’ll Keep You Comin Back ciators and players. RVs, which are limited. Infor- Among the performers to mation also is available at the take the Threadgill state will festival’s website, www.wel- be Flaco Jimenez & Los Texma- comehomefest.org. VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 17 Zombie-like performers like those expected to take part in Bandera's new Thirteen Nights of Fright Haunted Hay- ride. Visitors shooting paintball guns will ward off groups of “zombies” on a trail southeast of Medina in the event that gets started Oct. 5. Courtesy photo

Bandera's newest ‘Zombie’-ﬁlled attraction

the opportunity to take shots at live charac- For a $15 ticket, visitors can get a general BY BILL PACK ters dressed up like zombies and vampire admission pass and can get onto the wag- Bandera Bulletin Editor overlords with paintball guns mounted on ons as non-shooters. A $20 ticket will get wagons during the Halloween season. guests into the event and on to the wagons The Halloween season will get a little The wagons will travel down trails for a lit- as shooters, which includes the first 100 spookier – and organizers hope a lot more tle more than 20 minutes giving visitors the rounds of paintballs. fun - around Bandera this October as a chance to shoot not only at the costumed Each wagon that’s sent out on the tour horde of “undead” actors become the tar- zombies on the trail but inanimate targets can hold up to 14 shooters and six people gets of sharpshooters firing paintballs from the creators of the event are constructing who are not shooting. wagons in a new venture called the Thir- and even some targets with animatronic Stelzig said the zombie shoot-fest will be teen Nights of Fright Haunted Hayride. features. an introduction to other Western-themed A partnership called the Cowboy Capital Each visitor with a shooter’s ticket will live productions the dinner theatre group is Dinner Theatre is bringing what it calls “an have a paintball gun with 100 rounds in planning. A comedy based on a cattle drive interactive, audience participation - haunt it. Those wanting to inflict more paintball gone awry is being planned for the spring ed hayride” to the fields around the Farm damage can buy additional rounds of 100 inside the event center at the Farm Country Country Club at 347 Pue Road, southeast of for $5 per round. Club, he said. Medina, for 14 nights in October. “We want to give people of all ages To add to the authenticity of the Thirteen The first night of the zombie-shooting something fun and exciting as an option for Nights of Fright, the wagons, gun mounts, adventure, on Oct. 5, will be listed as a their fall, Halloween activities,” said Jody zombies and other features are being out- soft opening aimed at attracting reporters, Stelzig, one of the three partners who have fitted in the look of the Old West. cameramen and women and other media put the attraction together. “I think it’s go- Stelzig said other companies have put on representatives to get a firsthand look at ing to be a great entertainment option for zombie-combating hayrides in other parts what goes into the holiday presentation. folks around here.” of the country, but normally with a more It then will continue on Oct. 6 and every A $5 ticket will get visitors into the gen- contemporary feel. The Thirteen Nights of Friday through Sunday that’s left in Octo- eral admission area of the outdoor venue, Fright is the only Western-themed zombie ber, along with Oct. 29, 30 and 31, ending which will be filled with food and merchan- hayride he is aware of. on Halloween. dise vendors, games for youngsters, live The fun will start at 6 p.m. each night the The partners who put the venture to- music and an area where people can take venue is open. It will last until midnight on gether are film stuntmen and performers shooting practice at zombies with a paint- Fridays and Saturdays and the three days who are paintball enthusiasts and believe ball gun. That shooting gallery will cost $1 that end on Halloween. On Sundays, it will there are a lot more people who would love for 10 shots. close at 11 p.m. 18 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE

A NIGHTMARE ON MAPLE STREET

Bulletin photos by Chuck McCollough

BY CHUCK MCCOLLOUGH worn by children and adults. between residents and law en- The fun is scheduled to start Bandera Bulletin Staff Writer Costumes included zombie forcement agencies, which has at 5:30 p.m. and last until nuns, a tall Oz munchkin, a been the purpose of National about 10 p.m. in Bandera City The Nightmare on Maple skinny Superman, the entire Night Out. Park. Street returns to Bandera on Flintstone family, Scooby Doo Oct. 31 for its second fun and baby, a bouncing teen dino- safe Halloween celebration for saur, a taco, skeleton, clowns kids of all ages in the Bandera and a Bandera City Council City Park, 1102 Maple Street member dressed like a kitty. and outside of the Boys & Girls Deputy Smith said the same Clubs of Bandera County Teen fun components from last year Center, 715 Maple St. like bouncing houses, free The first Nightmare on Ma- food, a DJ, a haunted hayride ple Street - a combination of and trunk or treat activities will CARRYING FULL LINE OF PURINA FEED Halloween and National Night be available as well as a more CARRYING PURINA LINDNER TOTAL EQUINE FEED Out - last year was rainy and clearly defined pumpkin patch COME SEE OUR HUGE LINE OF PET FOOD still drew an estimated 800 area, where visitors can take AND ACCESSORIES visitors to a variety of outdoor pictures of their group dressed Thank you to all our Customers and Friends! activities scheduled along the up in Halloween finery. Medina River, said Bandera Representatives of first re- We will always strive to bring quality products Deputy Marshal Willie Smith sponder organizations also are and service with a Big Smile! who is organizing the event. expected to be present handing He is optimistic the event out candy and displaying emer- will have a larger crowd this gency vehicles to the crowd. year based on positive feed- “We’ve got a pretty good back he got last year from fam- formula,” said Deputy Smith. ilies and others who took part. The free event was designed Smith expects more churches as a way to bring the commu- to be involved in programming nity together for a safer, more QUALITY • SERVICE • KNOWLEDGE this year and for games to be entertaining Halloween cel- 354 State Hwy 16 South added to give youngsters more ebration than that normally to do. available in the door-to-door BANDERA, TEXAS 78003 Last year the event was a Halloween rituals. night of fun, fake fright and Organizers also hope it im- a parade of clever costumes proves lines of communication 830-796-3342

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 19

A band performs at the 2018 Medina Lake Cajun Festival at the Lakehills Civic Center. The festival returns to the center for its 39th year on Sept. 28, and bands will provide entertainment on two stages during the annual fundraiser. Bulletin photo by Chuck McCollough MEDINA LAKE CAJUN FESTIVAL APPROACHING

FOR THE BULLETIN transform the grounds into a little slice of bands from the heart of Louisiana, enjoy Cajun Country, decorating booths, cooking the best homemade Cajun food this side Contributed article all of the foodand preparing for the huge of Louisiana, and sample gumbos in the number of visitors who are eager to sample Great Gumbo Cook-off. You may wonder, “what is a Cajun festi- all the Cajun fare the festival has to offer. The Cajun dishes prepared by volunteers val doing in the Texas Hill Country?” The doors will open on Sept 28 at 11 for the festival include crawfish pies, jam- In 1981, organizers of the event said a.m., and the good times will go on until balaya, fried catfish & shrimp, red beans & the Lakehills Civic Center was desperately 10 p.m. rice, crawfish etouffee and bread pudding seeking a way to pay the mortgage on its Admission is $12 for adults. Anyone age with whiskey sauce. building, which was being foreclosed on. 10 and younger who comes out will get in All day long, two stages rock with Cajun The center’s board of directors asked the for free. and Zydeco music and a little Country and help of a recent Louisiana transplant, attor- There also will be free parking at the civic Western added in. ney Bob Caswell. center’s parking lot, and a shuttle will deliver Ca Va Bien, Cajun on Demand and Rusty After buying time on the foreclosure, visitors to the grounds if they have to use a Metoyer and Zydeco Krush will be fea- he suggested trying a gumbo cookoff as a satellite lot that will handle overflow traffic. tured at the Fais Do Do pavilion, and the fundraiser. At that time, that was a rather The civic center, a hub of activities for -se La Recolte Cajun Band, the Toman Broth- bold idea, because the Cajun craze had not niors and youngsters in the Lakehills area, ers and Ca Va Bien will provide the tunes at really hit Texas yet. is the beneficiary of funds raised at the fes- the Gazebo Stage However, the event was a success and tival since the organization that puts the Also part of the activities will be an arts eventually grew into the Medina Lake Ca- festival on owns and operates the center. & crafts show and games for kids. jun Festival. It is located at 11225 Park Road 37 in For more information, visit www.Ca- The event will return to the civic center Lakehills. junFestival-MedinaLake.com, call 830 for its 39th year this Saturday, Sept. 28. Guests can listen and dance to Cajun 751-2727 or 210-885-6435 or e-mail cut- Each year, about 500 volunteers work to and Zydeco music on two stages with [email protected].

September 28, 2019 11am to 10pm Lakehills Civic Center Cajun, Zydeco Music and Country & Western Music all day on two stages Big Silent Auction • Art & Crafts and Games for Kids • Free Parking • Shuttle Service The event takes place rain or shine! www.cajunfestival-medinalake.com (830) 751-3130 11225 Park Road 37, Lakehills, TX 78063 39th Annual Medina Lake Admission: Adults $12, Cajun Festival children 10 and under free.

20 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE

BUCKFEST HONORS BANDERA’S HUNTING LEGACY

BY CHUCK MCCOLLOUGH along with silent and live auctions. A sfield Park is at 2667 Highway 16 North steak dinner is on the menu as is an outside of Bandera. Bandera Bulletin Staff Writer open bar. “Banderans love their historic roots Admission is $50 per person, and the The Bandera County Chamber of and our business community is hard chamber plans to sell only working, hard playing, and dedicated Commerce’s 57th annual kickoff to the 350 tickets. It is hunting season – Opening Day BuckFest to serving our visitors and locals with a key fund- the absolute best products and services -will be held at Mansfield Park on Nov. 1. raiser for BuckFest, formerly known as the available,” said chamber Executive the local Director Heather Odom. “We at the Hunters’ Weekend Bar-B-Q, toasts the business chamber embrace our primary indus- annual fall pilgrimage of hunters to the associa- try of tourism, while reaching for new county and the big impact they have on tion. frontiers to enhance the quality of life area hospitality interests, retailers and Man- hunting lease owners. in Bandera. A crowd of more than 350 visitors en- “The annual BuckFest allows us joyed the 2018 BuckFest. the opportunity to raise funds to Then chamber President Jaki Per- continue the mission here in our kins said BuckFest is a celebration community.” of Bandera's hunting legacy. Call the chamber at 830-796- The gala dinner and dance 3282 for more information. event will start at 6 p.m., with din- A kick off party for BuckFest ner at 7:30 p.m. and music provided is planned for Oct. 10 from 5-7 by the Derailers starting at 8 p.m. p.m. at Texas Hill Country Bank in The event will include a gun raffle, Bandera, 800 Main St.

355 State Highway 16 South • P.O. Box 1389 Bandera, Texas 78003 830-796-3333

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 21

Pick - Your - Own PUMPKIN PATCH Pumpkin patches about to bloom

BY CHUCK MCCOLLOUGH located at 14024 Highway 16 North in Medina. Bandera Bulletin Staff Writer Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch The feel of fall is the air, and two icon- The Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch opens ic symbols of the season - football and on Saturday, Oct. 5, and runs through pumpkins – are sure signs that summer Sunday, Oct. 27, to help folks get into has drawn to an end. the Halloween mood. Football is up and running, and pump- “This will be our seventh or eighth kins will soon have everyone thinking year we have had the pumpkin patch, about Halloween. and we are open every weekend day Two well-known and popular Bande- bale maze, an apple orchard tour and of October,” said Pipe Creek Christmas ra County pumpkin patches, in Medi- other entertainment. Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch owner Jim na and Pipe Creek, will be opening in Children 2-years-old and under are Hingst. early October to locals and regional free. There is an additional charge for He started the Christmas Tree Farm customers. face painting and a barrel train ride. in 1994 and added a pumpkin pack -lat “We want children to experience a er to have almost back-to-back fall and Great Hill Country day on the farm and fun,” said ownerwinter activities. Pumpkin Patch Bryan Hutzler, about the popular fall The pumpkin patch is geared espe- The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch offering. cially to children 10 and under, Hingst at Love Creek Orchards in Medina The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch said, but is fun for all ages, with a -hay opens for its 26th year on Oct. 5. It will is also open on Thursdays and Fridays ride, pumpkin painting and other fun be open every Saturday, Sunday, and for scheduled school tours. activities. Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through For more information, call 830-200- The Pipe Creek pumpkin patch will be Oct. 28. 0302. For school tour information, callopen 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the week- Admission is $6 per person and- in210-215-1995. Special birthday parties ends in October. cludes the hayrides, petting zoo, pump- can also be accommodated by calling Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm & kin painting (you buy the pumpkin 210-215-1995. Pumpkin Patch is located at 805 Phils and we provide the paint), a hay For more information, go Road in Pipe Creek. For more - in to www.lovecreekorchards. Youngsters ﬁnd a place to rest at one of the formation scarecrow-and-pumpkin displays that are com. Love Creek call 210-426- sprinkled around the grounds of the Orchards is 6191 or visit Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch pipecreek- in Medina. It will open for its 26th year on Oct. 5. christmas- Courtesy photo trees.com.

22 TRAILHEAD MAGAZINE

Waterboyz, LLC Over 30 Years Experience COMPLETE WATER WELL SYSTEMS • STORAGE TANKS • PUMP SERVICE WINDMILLS • WATER CONDITIONING • FILTERS • PLUGGING

Commercial • Residential • and Supply Serving Bandera, Medina and Kerr Counties

VOL. 1, NO. 1 | FALL 2019 23 BANDERA BULLETIN ECRWSSEDDM Residential Postal Patron US POSTAGE PAID TRAILHEAD Bandera, Texas 78003 EDDM RETAIL GATEWAY TO THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Plan For Tax Savings Now With Solar

Save up to 50% on your monthly utility bill with renewable energy from your trusted electric cooperative. Receive a 30% federal tax credit when you install a BEC Solar system before the end of 2019.

Backed by 80 years of energy expertise.

Contact BEC Solar today for a free solar energy audit! 830.331.4500 | BanderaElectric.com/Solar