cvbsales@fbgtx.org .
LBJ Park Planning Meeting on Tuesday (tomorrow)
Be a part of the future direction of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. An open house meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the park headquarters at 100 E. Ladybird Lane, in Johnson City. Main objective: to hear public comments on how to guide the operation and management of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park over the next decade and beyond, and to determine a transportation plan for the LBJ Ranch district of the National Park. For more information, log on the National Park Service website at http://parkplanning.nps.org .

Stagecoach Theater undergoes upgrades
The recent purchase and renovation of the Stagecoach Theater in Fredericksburg by RKO, Inc. (Destination Heartland, with president Gene Oliver) includes all the latest bells, whistles and silver screens: all auditoriums have all digital projection and all are 3 D capable screens. No other theater in the Austin and San Antonio market is 100% digital and 100% 3 D capable. In fact, the improvements even include new seating in Theater One. Stagecoach Theater is located at 2254 US Hwy 87. To find out what’s showing, log on to www.stagecoachtheater.com .
Tax-free Weekend is this Weekend!
Just as a reminder, August 20-22 is Texas’ tax-free weekend, with tax exempts for most clothing and footwear priced under $100; even school supplies for elementary and secondary students. Find out which items are exempt from tax collection by logging on to the Window on State Government website at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html . Fredericksburg Trade Days this Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Over 300 vendors are vying for your attention at Fredericksburg Trade Days this weekend, August 20-22. Hunt for a bargain or hidden- find in one of five barns showcasing everything from antiques and collectibles, to tools, furniture, handcrafted items, jewelry, and more! Trades Days is located just seven miles east of Fredericksburg on Hwy 290 E. For more information, visit

www.fbgtradedays.com .
Pioneer Museum to host Family Fun on Timeless Toys this Saturday
Here’s fun for the whole family – the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg will host its Timeless Toys Family fun event this Saturday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Learn more about the toys used for play by the Pioneer children. There will be demonstrations and your kids might enjoy the hands-on activities available. This event is free with regular museum admission. For more information, call 830-997-2825. And to learn more about the museum and the Gillespie County Historical Society, log on to www.pioneermuseum.net .

Fredericksburg Culinary Arts to host Cooking Class this Saturday
There seems to be no relief in the high temperatures, so take this opportunity to learn to prepare a few tasty summer salads during the Fredericksburg Culinary Arts’ Cool Meals cooking class. Learn how to make Tortellini Salad, Chicken Cobb Salad, and other easy to prepare dishes – including a yummy fresh berry sorbet. The class will be held from 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 21 at Das Peach Haus on Hwy 87 S. Cost for the class is $39. For more information, visit www.fbgculinaryarts.com .

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Eyfells & Eyfells planned tours this Saturday
Three studio tours of internationally acclaimed sculpture, Johann Eyfells, will be available to the public this Saturday at the Eyfells & Eyfells Studios at 9068 East U.S. Hwy 290 (about ¾ mile east of Wildseed Farms). Tours will be conducted at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. and each lasts about an hour. For more information, call Sherryl Brown at 830-990-9305. To learn more about the works of Eyfells and that of his wife, pop artist Kristin Eyfells, log on to www.eyfellsandeyfells.com .
Roots Music Concert Series returns this Saturday night at the Pioneer Museum
It’s Texas Country Night this Saturday, August 21 when the Roots Music Concert Series returns to the grounds of the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg. Hear the sounds of Brian Milson, Eleven Hundred Springs and Doug Moreland. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the toe-tapping entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. The Roots Music Series is a series of live, open air concerts featuring both emerging and established artists – providing a wholesome family atmosphere to enjoy the variety of music. Tickets are sold at the gate, with admission set at $12 (or $10 using coupon found on museum website). Students of high school age and younger will be admitted for free. Concessions during the event will be available and all proceeds will go in support of the Gillespie County Historical Society. For more details, call 830-997-2835 or visit www.pioneermuseum.net .

Gary P. Nunn performing this Saturday at Albert Dance Hall
Hear the traditional Country sounds of musician Gary P. Nunn at a dance this Saturday, August 21 at the Albert Dance Hall in Albert, Texas – cost: $10 (kids free). Doors open at 7:00 p.m. This small town with the big sound is located just 20 miles east of Fredericksburg on RR 1623. For information, log on to www.alberttexas.com
Fredericksburg in National Geographic Traveler
The Texas Hill Country is featured in the latest issue of the National Geographic Traveler magazine (September 2010). Author Jessica Dupuy outlines a route of German-settled central Texas towns in her article, Tooling the Hill Country – commenting on how these locations offer travelers an authentic taste of the Lone Star State. Fredericksburg, Luckenbach Texas, and the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area are featured destinations along the route. Good read!

Austin American-Statesman’s Travel article about Fredericksburg gets ‘outdoorsy’
You betcha, there’s lots to do in and around Fredericksburg – especially for outdoorsy types. If you have a chance, check out the Sunday, August 15 Austin American-Statesman article about the many activities and produce available in the Fredericksburg area, or, log on to

http://www.statesman.com/life/travel/fredericksburg-has-more-than- shopping-859546.html
Looking ahead: German-Texan Heritage Society meeting in Fredericksburg September 24-26
Texans of German descent from across the state will be gathering in Fredericksburg September 24-26 for the German-Texan Heritage Society Annual Meeting. Zion Lutheran Church, located at 426 W. Main St., will be the meeting site for the event. The weekend will be packed with informative presentations, walking tours, tours of area churches and an informational visit to learn more about the historic Der Stadt Friedhof cemetery. In addition, plans are to take a road trip to see where Baron von Meusebach signed the treaty with the Comanche Indians, permitting the early German settlers to continue development of Fredericksburg. All events are open to the general public. To learn more, including times and any fees, call 512-482-0927 or 866-482- 4847, or log on to the GTHS website at www.GermanTexans.org .
Want to learn more about Germany?
If you’re interested in learning more about Germany, one good place to look on-line is the website by the German Missions in the United States. This website contains news about Germany, its culture, its arts, history, business, education; even cuisine. You will notice some common cultural threads still present in Fredericksburg today, some 164 years after our founders arrived here from Germany. And to keep updated, sign-up to receive a weekly e-newsletter – visit www.Germany.info .

First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg this Friday
Art lovers have the opportunity to enjoy hours until 8p.m. during this months First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg on 8/6 as participating Fredericksburg fine art galleries share exhibits and special events throughout the day. The Cowboy Bronze Art Gallery located at 405 E. Main St. For information.
Harvest Wine Trail this weekend & next!
The self-guided Harvest Wine Trail opens this weekend and running through Sunday, business hours at 27 participating wineries throughout the Texas Hill Country – including several right around Fredericksburg. Tickets are $35 ($60 per couple) include complimentary wine tastings, food pairing and a 15% discount on a special 3-bottle wine selection at each winery. The trail continues next weekend, August 13-15.

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Family Fun at the Pioneer Museum this Saturday
The Gillespie County Historical Society will host a family fun presentation entitled Cornhusk Dolls this Saturday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg. First crafted by Native American over a thousand years ago, corn husk dolls are part of our history. Pioneer mothers on the frontier often created the dolls for their children when other toys were not affordable or readily available. Here’s your chance to make your own doll. The event is free with regular museum admission. For information, call 830-997-2835. To learn more about the museum visit www.pioneermuseum.net .
Country Schools Open House this Saturday at the Willow City School
As part of the Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools’ History Country School Trail first Saturday of the month open house promotion, Willow City School (located on RR 1323 off Hwy 16 N. in Willow City) will be open to the public this Saturday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A map to the school, and others on the trail, is available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center at 302 E. Austin St. For more information, call Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau at 830-997-6523 or visit www.historicschools.org . Harperfest 2010 with Kevin Fowler this Saturday
Harperfest 2010, featuring music by Kevin Fowler and Kyle Park will be held this Saturday, August 7 at the Harper Community Park in downtown Harper – located just 20 miles from Fredericksburg on Hwy 290 W. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. with the concert starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission: $20 at the gate. For more information about this fun event, visit www.kevinfowler.com/harperfest .
Purchase discounted presale tickets for $17 at www.outhousetickets.com/venue/harperfest_2010 .
Larry Jackson Antiques & Estate Services located on S. Llano St. in Fredericksburg
At its new location at 209 S. Llano St., in Fredericksburg, Larry Jackson Antiques & Estate Services offers broker services, appraisals, and sells antiques and fine home furnishings. Owners Jeannie and Larry Jacksons buy, sell, locate, consult and liquidate. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and weekends by appointment. For more information, call 830-997-0073 or visit www.larryjacksonantiques.com .
Becker Vineyards awarded honors at 2010 San Francisco Wine Competition
During the recent San Francisco Wine Competition, local winery Becker Vineyards received awards for several of its vintages. Congratulations! Silvers were awarded for the Prairie Rotie 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007, Merlot 2008, and Chenin Blanc 2008. And bronze medals were won for the Fume Blanc 2009, Roussanne Reserve 2009, Claret 2008, and Gewurztraminer 2009. In all, 1290 wineries from 27 countries participated in this 3-day competition, with a total of 3897 wines entered. For more about the winery, log on to www.beckervineyards.com .

Fischer & Wieser wins prestigious sofi™ Gold Award
For the country’s best spaghetti sauce, head over to Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus, home to Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce, winner of the Outstanding Classic Product for 2010 at the National Association for Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFIT) during this organization’s sofi™ Awards (Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation). The sofi™ recognizes the best in specialty food and beverages and are a coveted industry honor. This year, a record 2,257 products were entered and Fredericksburg’s own Fischer & Wieser landed on top with the gold award in the Outstanding Classic Product category! Congratulations! For more about the company’s Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce and other award-winning products available, call 830-997-8969 / 888-997-8969 or log on to www.jelly.com .
Gourmet Chili Pepper and Salsa Festival this weekend
Spice it up during Wildseed Farms’ fourth annual Gourmet Chili Pepper and Salsa Festival this Friday, July 23 from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, July 24 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Enjoy specialty food booths, salsa sampling and hot air balloons. Guest chefs Ross Burtwell of the Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant and Jo David of HEB’s Cooking Connection will both be on hand to offer cooking demonstrations. Friday’s entertainment includes a balloon glow at dusk and music by Ponty Bone & The Squeezetones at 7:00 p.m. Wake up early to catch the balloon launch on Saturday morning around 6:00 a.m., then stay to enjoy the sounds of Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes at 8:00 p.m. There will be plenty of food tasting booths and the Brewbonnet Biergarten is open to meet your needs. Wildseed Farms is located on Hwy 290 E. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. Two-day passes are also available. For more information, call 830-997-8515 or visit either www.wildseedfarms.com or www.tex-fest.com .
Change in Dates next year for Night in Old Fredericksburg – now
June 10 & 11, 2011 – pass the word!
Next year, Night in Old Fredericksburg will be held June 10 & 11 – same place, same fun, now just one month sooner. For our lodging facility partners, please share this change in date information with your guests. It’s important everyone knows of the new date to ensure planning for next year’s lodging and festival visit aren’t affected!

Hill Country Auto Swap Meet this weekend
The Fredericksburg Vintage Car Club is hosting its 33^rd Annual Hill Country Auto Swap Meet this Friday, July 23 until Sunday, July 25 at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Hwy 16 S. Enjoy car corral, flea market, concessions and a whole host of other car-related items! Admission is $0.50 to the indoor car display. For information, call 830- 998-4058 or log on to www.fredericksburgcarclub.com .

www.wineroad290.com .

PCAA Summer Concert Series happening this Sunday
The Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) will bring live music to the Marktplatz on Main Street in Fredericksburg this Sunday, July 25 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Bring your chairs and drinks and enjoy the variety of music performed Sunday, at these free concerts. Sunday’s concert will feature the Marshall Ford Swing Band.

Peach Crop update
Freestone peaches, like Loring, Red Globe, Ruston Red, and Majestic varieties are now available – considered the best, sweetest and biggest of the season. Later this week, look for the Dixilands and Redskins varieties to be available. The 22 local growers that make up the Hill Country Fruit Council have roadside stands throughout the county where, along with peaches, you’ll find tomatoes, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, green beans, and other produce. For more information, log on to www.texaspeaches.com .

Fredericksburg Farmers Market returns this Thursday
Fredericksburg Farmers Market returns 4:00-7:00 p.m. to the Marktplatz in the Kinderhalle (corner of W. Austin and N. Crockett streets). Stock-up on the fresh produce, grass-fed meats, and more! For more information, visit www.fbgfarmersmarket.com .
German language Fredericksburg area brochures now available
Stop by the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center at 302 E. Austin St. to pick up a copy of the Montabaur Sister City Organization- produced Fredericksburg and Gillespie County brochure in German. For information, call 830-997-6523 or e-mail visitorinfo@fbgtx.org .
Looking ahead:
The Former Texas Rangers Foundation will host its Silver Stars & Six Guns 2010: A Gather of Friends of the Texas Rangers benefit gala on Saturday, October 9 at the Hangar Hotel Conference Center in Fredericksburg. Featured entertainment will be the legendary Ray Price. Monies raised will go toward the mission of preserving the true history of the Texas Rangers and the Texas Rangers Heritage Center to be built in Fredericksburg adjacent to historic Ft. Martin Scott. Show your support by purchasing a ticket for $125 person/ $250 couple or $1,200 per table. Corporate tables are also available for $2,000. For more information, call 888-766-4055 or visit www.formertexasrangers.org .

Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse – 305 W. Main St., Fredericksburg; $50 per person; dinner, dancing and champagne toast at midnight; music by Jay Boy Adams & The Roadhouse Scholars. 830-997-0485 / www.crossroadssaloonandsteakhouse.com

Hangar Hotel Officer’s Club – 155 Airport Rd., Fredericksburg; no cover; doors open at 5:00 p.m.; music starting at 8:00 p.m. by the Bill Smallwood Band. 830-997-9990 / www.hangarhotel.com

Hilltop Cafe – 10661 N US Highway 87, Fredericksburg; reservations required; two dinner seatings; music by the Texas All Stars. 830-997- 8922 / www.hilltopcafe.com

Hondo’s on Main – 312 W. Main St., Fredericksburg; no cover; 8:00 p.m.; music by the Dust Devils. 830-997-1633 / www.hondosonmain.com
Inn on Barons Creek – 308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg; $100 per person; fund-raiser for the Morning Rotary Club; music by the Spare Parts band; enjoy good food, champagne, dancing. 830-456-2735
Luckenbach Texas— RR 1376 off Hwy 290, Luckenbach; reserved seats $35/single or $50/couple and general admission $30/single or $40/couple; 9:00 p.m.; concert, dance, champagne toast and balloon drop; music by Mike Blakely y Los Whiskey Traders. 830-997-3224 / www.luckenbachtexas.com .
Pedernales Cellars—2916 Upper Albert Rd off Hwy 290 E, Stonewall; no cover; music by Lonnie Lett; food and wine available for purchase. 830-644-2037 / Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille —310 E. Main St, Fredericksburg; no cover; music by Josh Dodds and Quincy Harper. 830-990-4949 / www.silvercreekfbg.com

Tin Star Ranch— Off RR 965 on Crabapple Rd., Fredericksburg; $20 per person/$35 couple; doors open at 6:00 p.m.; music by the Raggedy Cats from 9:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.; food and drink are available. 830- 685-3464 / www.tinstarranch.com

Turner Club— 103 W. Travis, Fredericksburg; $15 per person; 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.; music by Bubba Littrell and the Melody Mustangs; 830- 997-3936
Torre di Pietra Winery to host Cook-off on Friday
Grab some good luck in 2010 by eating black eyed peas at Torre di Pietra Winery’s 4^th Annual Black Eyed Pea &Cornbread Cook-off at the winery on Hwy 290 on Friday, January 1 from 10:00-6:00 Enjoy live music beginning at 2:00 p.m. featuring the Almost Patsy Cline Band. For information, call 830-644-2829

January’s First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg is next Friday, 1/8/2010
Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg will be held on the second Friday, January 8.
Last Week for Eisbahn Ice Skating fun
The Eisbahn Ice Skating Rink, located at the Marktplatz on the 100 block of Main St. in Fredericksburg, will close for the season on Sunday, January 3.
Hunting Season at Enchanted Rock begins on Sunday
Scheduled hunts will be held at Enchanted Rock on Sunday, January 3 beginning at 10:00 p.m. through Friday, January 8 until 2:00 p.m. As a result, the park will be closed these days to visitors. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located at 16710 RR 965, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg. For information, call 830-685-3636 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=s0049 .
Rockbox Theater closed through January 14
Rockbox Theater will be closed through January 14 as cast and crew enjoys an annual two-week vacation. Rockbox Theater will kick- off its “Funtabulous” 2010 season on Friday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m.