Final Weekend of 2009 Rockbox Christmas Show

• 4:30 and 8pm, Saturday, Dec 26
• 1:30 and 7pm, Sunday, Dec 27

Call toll-free 1.866.349.6688 for reservations or email us from the website.


ROCKBOX GIFT CERTIFICATES - THERE'S STILL TIME
Call now for a gift sure to please. The Rockbox gift certificate is redeemable for one year from date of purchase. We'll mail the gift certificate to you or to the recipient.

Call toll-free 1.866.349.6688.



GROUP 20/20 OFFER FOR 2010

Attention Group Leaders. Circle up with 20 friends for a great ticket deal in 2010.

Enjoy $20 tickets (plus tax) for groups of 20 or more during January and February 2010 (weekend of Feb 12-14 is excluded from this offer).
Q: How do I book my group?
A: Call toll-free 1.866.349.6688 and we'll get you started.

Q: I'm not sure how many people are in my group.
A: That's ok, we'll show you how to handle that.

Q: I'm not sure when I want to come.
A: No problem, our staff will help you figure that out.

Q: Will I have to pay tax?
A: Some groups are tax-exempt. Our staff will help you handle that.

Q: How early do I need to reserve my date?
A: As soon as you know your date, call to hold your seats with a deposit. All seats are reserved. Call toll-free 1.866.349.6688 now for best seats.


ROCKBOX TO HOST HIGH VALLEY ON JAN 8-9

The resident cast of Rockbox performers will be on vacation until Jan 15 when the 2010 Season opens.

On January 8-9, the theater will host two concerts by Nashville recording artist High Valley, a dynamic, positively centered country group featuring three brothers from the Backwoods of Alberta Canada.

The shows begin at 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $10. Reserved seating. Call toll-free 1.866.349.6688 for tickets and information.

Curtis, Brad, and Brian, the guys in High Valley, began writing and playing together almost 10 years ago. Their songs are about growing up (and working) on the family farm and small town living.

Currently on tour through the Southwest, High Valley recently performed for a televised audience of one million viewers on the Canadian Country Music Awards with plans to release their 4th album through Centricity Music in the US and Universal Music in Canada mid-2010.

As a Rockbox fan, if you enjoy wholesome country music that speaks traditional values, God, and family, then come out to support this very talented brother trio. Their songs and their faith will have you leaving Rockbox as you have come to expect....excited and uplifted.
Visit High Valley's MySpace page where you can listen to snippets of more songs, check out tour dates, and learn more about the band.
For more information and tickets, call toll-free 1.866.349.6688 or visit www.rockboxtheater.com.

New Year's Eve at House Pasture -

Click on flyer to enlarge

www.friocountry.com

Angel's Lodge

We here at the Angel's Lodge Would like to take a moment and thank everyone who has stayed with us over the last year!

As a special thank you we are offering specials to our loyal guests!

Book any weekend (Friday & Saturday) in January with a two night minimum stay and receive both night at weekday rates.

Or for those of you who it's easier to travel during the week we have a special for you too!

Book a two story suite any two nights Sunday through Thursday and receive it at the price of a 1 level room.

Or book on of our 1 level rooms for 2 nights and receive the third night free! *Some restriction do apply*

**All reservations must be made between 12/1/2009-12/31/2009 in order to be valid**
*Must be a new reservation*
**Book early as rooms are limited**

www.angelsabovethecreek.com

Parkview Riverside RV Park -

We are busier than ever over here on the Frio River at Parkview Riverside RV Park in the 2009 - 2010 Winter season. We fed 140 people for our 7th annual Thanksgiving lunch. The park provided all the turkey, dressing & gravy and the campers brought all the side dishes and desserts as usual. Doug fried 20 turkeys this year. Jack smoked 2 and Pam baked 2. What a feast we had! We are also looking at a busy Christmas season. The annual Parkview Christmas Party is on the 19th followed by Christmas Lunch on the 25th. After that we will have a big lunch on New Year's day. These main events don't even include the breakfasts, potlucks. crafts classes, game nights, exercise classes and golf outings. Anybody wanting to stay busy and have some fun in a gorgeous RV park should check it out! The longer you stay the less you pay.......you can't beat this Winter destination park.

www.parkviewriversiderv.com

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Appetizers from 5:30 - 6:00pm
1st Course Starts at 6:00pm
Vista Room, $29.95++/person
Join us Thursday, December 31st, 2009 for a very special 3 course dinner to celebrate the New Year. Appetizers will be served from 5:30 to 6:00pm. Dinner will begin with the first course served at 6:00pm and will end at approximately 8:00pm.
To RSVP call the Pinnacle Grill: 830-895-8500 ext.249
Deadline to RSVP: Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Reservations carry a 72 hour cancellation policy. Reservations cancelled less than 72 hours prior to event will incur full charges.
MENU
Reception (5:30 - 6:00pm)
Chef's Choice hot and cold Hors d'Oeuvres
Course I
Poached Pear Winter Green Salad with Spicy
Walnuts, Sun-Dried Cranberries, Bleu Cheese
Crumbles & Orange Basil Vinaigrette
Course II
(Choice of)
Southwestern rubbed New York Strip with
Chipotle Demi-Glaze
=OR=
Lady's Petit Filet w/ Grilled Shrimp
Both Entrees to be served with Sauteed Baby
Vegetables and Rosemary Red Potatoes
Course III
Chocolate Lava Cake w/ Raspberry Coulis

www.comanchetrace.com

5th Annual Holiday Celebration of Art....

Click on flyer to enlarge

www.artisansatrockyhill.com

Preservation Weekend.....

The moment has finally arrived when nine local homeowners open their doors to their exclusive homes for public viewing during the Fredericksburg Holiday Home Tour, this Saturday, Dec 12, from noon until 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society, this year’s tour offers nine never-before-viewed properties decorated for the season.

Tickets for the tours are available right up to the day of the event. Home Tour tickets are $25 per person. The Candlelight Tour is $15 per person.

Tickets may be purchased:

Online - www.pioneermuseum.net

By phone - 830-997-2835

By mail - GCHS, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

By email - info@pioneermuseum.net

In person - Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, Historical Society office, Gastehaus Schmidt, Journey Lane Scrapbooking, Crenwelge Motors (Kerrville)

Unique architectural elements include converted fachwerk buildings, restored barns and cabins, 19th century limestone houses, wraparound porches, and many antiques and one-of-a-kind decor items.

This year also marks the return of the Candlelight Tour, to be held on Saturday, Dec 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Candlelight Tour opens all buildings on the grounds of the Pioneer Museum, plus three historic homes.

They are the Krieger-Geyer Home, built for the original German colonists, and an example of the fachwerk type of construction; the Tatsch Home, with a 13-foot wide fireplace, walls two feet thick, and original beams; and the Schandua House, the only remaining pioneer home in Fredericksburg with no electricity or plumbing. Carolers will sing at the Pioneer Museum while volunteers serve hot cider and traditional German cookies.

The public can still buy tickets to win one of three unique $2500 prizes offered by the Gillespie County Historical Society: a new motor scooter from Scootique, VISA gift card, or a custom painted gun. The winner’s name will be drawn the night of the Tannenbaum Ball.

Preservation Weekend is the largest fundraiser for the Gillespie County Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and tell the story of Fredericksburg’s unique cultural heritage.

CANYON OF THE EAGLES – A CALIBRE RESORT

New Years Eve Dinner

Complimentary Glass of Champagne

*****

Smoked Salmon Canapé Appetizer

Smoked Atlantic Salmon, Caviar, Pumpernickel, and Crème Fraise

*****

Choice of Soup or Salad

Your choice of French Onion Soup or Mixed Field Greens with our special Raspberry Vinaigrette

*****

Choice of One Entrée Per Person:

Beef Wellington

10 oz. Tender Beef Filet in a Puff Pastry with a Truffle Demi-Glaze served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and our Chef’s Seasonal Vegetables

Surf & Turf

Broiled Lobster Tail with Drawn Butter accompanied with a Petite Filet served with a Loaded Baked Potato and our Chef’s Seasonal Vegetables

Breast of Duck

Seared Tender Breast of Duck with a Gran Veneur Sauce served with Roasted Potatoes and our Chef’s Seasonal Vegetables

Chilean Sea Bass

Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with a Lump Blue Crab Mornay Sauce served with Wild Rice and our Chef’s Seasonal Vegetables

*****

Chef’s Special Desserts

$38 per Person

Vegetarian and Children’s Menus Available upon Request

Served from 5 pm to 10 pm on December 31, 2009

Advance Reservations Required

Please call 1-800-977-0081

www.canyonoftheeagles.com

News from Comanche Trace....

For the latest news & happenings from Comanche Trace, click here.

Canyon of the Eagles Holiday Menu

Plated Dinner @ $32 Per Person

Roasted Rosemary Thick-Cut Pork Chop with Porcini Mushrooms,

Roasted Peppers and Twice-baked Potato

or

Red Snapper Veracruz served over Risotto

with Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

or

Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and French Style

Green Beans and Sautéed Shallots

or

Roasted Cornish Game Hen with a Cajun Style Stuffing

and Fried Okra

(Groups 10 or more must all have same entree)

Buffet Style @ $30 Per Person

Bourbon Baked Ham, Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash

and Asparagus

or

Grilled Turkey Breast topped with our Chef’s Special Sauce,

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and French Style Green Beans

or

Tender Filet of Beef with a Bourbon Cream Sauce, Oven Roasted Potatoes

and Glazed Baby Carrots

Buffet and Plated Entree include Iced Tea, Water, Coffee, Salad, Dinner Rolls, and Dessert

Price Does Not Include Tax and Gratuity (22%)

Have you planned your Holiday Party? Hurry…Call (512) 334-2070

Sleeping Room rates $129

best room available

www.canyonoftheeagles.com

Merry Christmas from Family Sports Center

Click on flyer to enlarge

www.familysportscenter.com

Dust Devils at Roddy Tree's Lazy Day Canteen

Built around the award-winning, mature songwriting of Kevin Higgins, and representing Texas with their original southern-rockin', genre-ben din' “Farm-to-Market Rock'n'Roll” style of music, The Dust Devils once again state their independence from hype and trends. With the 2007 release of their third album, Change in the Weather, (Little Train Records), the Dust Devils combine diversity with raw talent, allowing them to move about freely on the musical landscape. Add to that the visual and musical advantage of a male and female fronting the band, and you have a winning combination all the way around.

Higgin’s solo CD won “Album of the Year” at the 2000 Hill Country Music Awards. Higgins would go on to become a 2000 Kerrville “New Folk” Finalist later that year, earning the band a spot on the Main Stage at the 2001 Kerrville Folk Festival. Critics have compared Higgins' songwriting to that of Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young, Patterson Hood, and Red Stegall. "...the sound of the South never went away - it just got better with age..." (4-1/2 star review) -(AllMusicGuide.com).

Barbara Malteze,(vocals/keyboards/mandolin), continues to make waves in Texas, as she accepted the honor of "Female Vocalist of the Year" for two years in a row at the 2006 & 2007 Texas Music Awards, a feat of repetition that no other artist has accomplished thus far.

“The newest member of the band, Will Owen Gage, guitarist extraordinaire will be a pleasant surprise for anyone who hasn’t seen them lately. Will is a guitar prodigy that has been blowing audiences away for several years,” says Keith Asbury owner of Lazy Days Canteen.

The fans have been describing The Dust Devils as "the Led Zeppelin of Texas", because the band has a distinct way of "genre bending." They can lay down a hot honky tonk number; a ripping 70's rocker; then a bluegrass groove; scream thru a blues tune; caress a ballad...you never know what to expect with this group. And they do it all with energy, feel, abandon and talent. This is Americana at it's best...no one else is kickin' up dirt this hard, creating the real melting pot that folks call "Texas music."

The date is Saturday, December 5th & the music begins at 9:00 p.m. The cover charge for Saturday’s show is $10 & includes 1^st drink; 17 and under admitted free.

Lazy Days Canteen, located at Roddy Tree Ranch Resort, serves cold Texas and Mexican beer and Texas wine exclusively. It is one mile from the Ingram Dam at Roddy Tree Ranch.

Call Keith Asbury at 459-9912 for more information. CHEF JEFF WILL BE FIXIN' HIS FLAMEOUS CHILI IN ALL KINDS OF WAYS!!!!

www.roddytree.com

Riven Rock Ranch News

The Terrace Grill. . .a Work in Progress We are pleased and flattered by your continued support of The Terrace Grill. We have installed clear roll downs and are amazed by how comfortable they make it when it's cold and breezy. Another adjustment we've made to further reduce the chill factor is make a solid entrance & door just inside the entrance gates. Chris was able to buy the old courthouse windows from Kerrville and we saved the old beaded board from the Farm House here on the ranch. Incorporating these materials, we've created a charming "wind breaking" entrance that has historical interest. How fun is that? Also, we've made a few small changes to our menu that you can check out on line by clicking Menu. We hope to see you soon! Reservations are suggested, please call the main ranch number: 830-995-4045.

How to Find Us For easy directions click here: rivenrockranch.com/ranch-story/location

Christmas Dinner '09 at Riven Rock Ranch The nice thing about Thanksgiving being over is that we still have something exciting and cheerful to look forward to. Christmas is coming right up! The "modified" buffet that we tried for Thanksgiving was extremely successful, stress free and easier for everyone; therefore, we will do it the same way for our Christmas dinner. We will have stations (small buffets) for the salads & desserts enabling diners to get their salads as soon as they arrive. The wait staff will then take individual orders for the entrees and as before, seconds for whatever you want more of, are included. When finished with entrées & seconds, diners can get whatever they desire from the dessert station. Everyone seemed to be quite pleased! More Information & the Christmas Menu

Exciting Gala for New Year's Eve!! For the first time ever we are having a New Year's Eve celebration and are planning an exceptional gourmet dinner along with live music. The party will start at 8pm and last until 12:30 New Year's morning with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The Grateful Geezers , whom many of you have heard, will be playing for our pleasure. They always get rave reviews and play a large variety of music. First they'll be playing music appropriate for dining and then move on to the dancin' stuff. The clear roll downs will be installed around the large pavilion at The Terrace Grill and there will be plenty of heaters so we will be having our dinner party there. I will be posting the menu on the website as soon as it is finalized-I think by the end of this week. The cost is $95.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity and includes dinner and dancing as well as a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Wine and beer from our menu will be available for the prices listed. Reservations are required and charges will not incur for cancellations received at least 48 hours (2 whole days) in advance . We thank you for your consideration.

Jewels - A Trunk Show at Artisans

Click on flyer to enlarge

www.artisansatrockyhill.com

Up-N Jacks Winter Events -

Jump with Santa

Saturdays 3-6pm

Kids can climb, slide, jump,& play next to Santa Claus

Come see our inflatable wonderland and get a picture made with Santa

257-6453

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PARENT'S NIGHT OUT

FRIDAY DEC 18

3-11 YEAR OLDS

6-9:30PM

GREAT FOR LAST MINUTE SHOPPING

CALL 257-6453 TO GUARANTEE A SPOT

EACH MONTH OUR NUMBERS GROW - SO DON'T PUT IT OFF!

www.up-njacks.com

Hill Country Arts Foundation News -

In The Theatre:

The Futrelle Sisters –From left, Suzanne Edwards,
Jessica Roberts, and Ambra Andrew.

Christmas Belles Opens Friday on the Indoor Stage

The Point Theatre rings in the holiday season with "Christmas Belles" opening Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. on the indoor stage. The Southern comedy, directed by Sarah Tacey, runs through Dec. 12.

Opening night festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a pre-show reception in the Gallery to celebrate the opening of the show and the exhibit "Destinations" which features the artwork of Texas college students.

Tacey has directed numerous comedies for The Point including "The Kitchen Witches;" "Nobody's Perfect;" "Same Time, Next Year;" and "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change." She is also a well-known Hill Country actress.

"Christmas Belles," by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, is the sequel to "Dearly Beloved" which was performed by Playhouse 2000 in August. The play is set in the small town of Fayro, Texas at Christmastime. The three squabbling Futrelle sisters - Frankie, Honey Raye and Twink - are trying to reign in the mayhem as the church Christmas pageant they are working on spins wildly out of control.

Suzanne Edwards plays Frankie who is pregnant with twins, Ambra Andrew portrays Honey Raye who is suffering from hot flashes, and Jessica Roberts appears as Twink who is in jail for accidentally setting the town on fire. Edwards and Andrew are reprising the roles that they created in "Dearly Beloved." Roberts most recently appeared in Playhouse 2000's "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

Cast members include Ann Galland as Geneva Musgrave, the ousted director of previous Christmas pageants; Cassandra Reedus as Patsy Price, the local society matron; Jeff Talarico, as Frankie's husband Dub; and Wright Roussel as John Curtis Buntner, the deputy sheriff. Galland appeared in last year's Point production of "The Kitchen Witches." Reedus and Talarico will again be playing the characters that they played in "Dearly Beloved." Roussel has made frequent appearances on both Point and Cailloux stages.

Rounding out the cast are Sherry Wardlaw as Rhonda Lynn Lampley, the manager of The Dairy Dog; Alex Barbutti as Frankie and Dub's daughter, Gina Jo; Phillip Huddleston as the interim church pastor Justin Waverly; and James Wooten as Raynerd Chisum, a part-time employee at The Dairy Dog. Wardlaw, Barbutti, and Huddleston are making their Point Theatre debuts. Wooten is best known for portraying Rev. Oglethorpe in The Point's production of "Sanders Family Christmas."

This comedy is "guaranteed to bring joy to your world," and is appropriate for all ages according to a Point spokesperson. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youths 17 and younger. For reservations or more information, call 830-367-5121.

---

In The Gallery:

Destinations Exhibit Opens With Reception Friday

Opening with a reception Friday, November 20 from 6 to 7:30 pm is "Destinations," the Hill Country Arts Foundation's fresh, innovative and inspiring exhibition featuring the artwork of emerging artists currently enrolled in a Texas college or university.

At the beginning of the fall semester, a call for entries went out to schools of higher education throughout Texas. Once digital entries were received, the artwork to be included in the exhibition was chosen by juror, Ash Almonte.

Almonte is a successful young artist, educated at McMurry University in Abilene. Her work has been exhibited in several one-person and group exhibitions including those at the Center for Contemporary Arts in Abilene, TX, the Broadway Mall Gallery in New York, NY, and Simply Art Gallery in Galveston, TX, among others. Her passion for painting has attracted many collectors and numerous awards including a "Best in Painting" award in the Manhattan Arts International 24th Anniversary competition.

Art students enrolled at Baylor University, Collin Country Community College, McMurry University, St. Mary's University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, and University of Texas at San Antonio are featured in "Destinations." Selected winners of the exhibition's awards will be announced at Friday's reception.

This exhibition is sponsored by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and an underwriting donation from Sue Hovey of Kerrville. Ms. Hovey is a long-standing supporter and patron of the Hill Country Arts Foundation.

Immediately following Friday's reception, the Point Theatre will present the opening performance of "Christmas Belles." The gallery's regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and one hour prior to each Point Theatre performance. Admission to the gallery is free. For more information on this exhibition or other visual arts opportunities at HCAF, call 830-367-5120.

---

Other News:

HCAF Facilities Available for Rentals

HCAF facilities are available for rental when not being used for our regular theatre and art events. We have everything from the outdoor theatre which seats over 700 to a studio room for as few as 10.

One of our most popular rooms is The Country Kitchen. This picturesque meeting room is adjacent to the outdoor theatre and overlooks the Guadalupe River. It seats 50-75 and is equipped with a warming kitchen.

Book your next party, reception, concert, or reunion at The Point. For more information, contact Rosanne at 367-5121 x227

www.hcaf.com

830-367-5121

Christmas at Comanche Trace...

A December to Remember...
It's shaping up to be a great Holiday Season at Comanche Trace. Don't miss
out on all of the exciting opportunities the upcoming month has to offer including:


Golf Shop Sale of the Season
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 - All Day

Tuesday December 1st, 2009, come by the Golf Shop all day for the annual Sale of the Season. Special discounts will be in effect, and plenty of merchandise will be available to choose from. You're sure to find something special. And, should you find that perfect gift, in-store gift wrapping service will be provided at no additional charge. Wine will also be available from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
Call the Golf Shop: (830) 895-8500 ext.248 for more information.

Trim the Tree Celebration
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Get in the Holiday Spirit! Join us to partake in the fun of trimming the Comanche Trace Clubhouse Christmas Tree on Tuesday, December 1st from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This year's theme for ornaments is Western.

Please bring a theme ornament to garnish the tree, and a non-perishable food item or two which will be contributed to the Kerrville Salvation Army Food Pantry. What a great way to celebrate the holidays, gather with good friends, trim the Comanche Trace Tree, AND help our less fortunate citizens. It doesn't get any better than that!
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails will be available for participants.

Please RSVP NO LATER THAN Saturday, November 28th, 2009.
To RSVP call: (830) 895-8505.



Candlelight Dinner
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 @ 6:45pm. Vista Room. $39.95++ per person (Please note that 7oz. Filet is an option for the main (fourth) course, not part of the first course)
Join us Wednesay, December 9th at 6:45pm for a very special 5 course dinner to celebrate the Holiday Season. Reservations must be made no later than Friday, December 4th, 2009.
To RSVP call: The Pinnacle Grill at (830) 895-8500 ext.249
Reservations carry a 72 hour cancellation policy. Reservations
cancelled less than 72 hours prior to event will incur full charges.

MENU
Course I
Pan-seared Bandera quail with a balsamic
reduction. Served with Roasted
Yukon Potatoes.

Course II
Butter-nut squash soup with fresh creme
in a sourdough bread bowl.

Course III
Raspberry Sorbet

Course IV
7 oz. Filet OR Rosemary and Lime Roasted Chilean SeaBass with Mediterranean Salsa and wild
mushroom parmesan polenta.

Course V
Chocolate Trilogy with a vanilla bean creme
anglise and fresh whipped cream.

Family Holiday Party
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Vista Gallery

Join us Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:30pm in the Vista Gallery as we decorate Gingerbread Clubhouses to be on display in the Clubhouse. We will also have cookies available for the children to decorate and take home! Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, mini burgers, hot beverages, and a visit from a special guest (around 6:45pm)!

RSVP is required by Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
To RSVP call: (830) 895-8505

www.comanchetrace.com

News from Frio Country Resort -

Click on flyer to enlarge

www.friocountry.com

Tannenbaum Ball set to start Fredericksburg’s Preservation Weekend

Tannenbaum Ball set to start Fredericksburg’s Preservation Weekend

Tickets now on sale online for Dec 11 event

Everyone can help celebrate the season with an elegant meal, live dance music, auction, and raffle while raising money for a good cause by attending the Tannenbaum Ball on Friday, Dec 11 in Fredericksburg, Texas.

The Ball is sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society and is one activity of Preservation Weekend. Other events include the Holiday Home Tour and Candlelight Tour on Saturday, Dec 12.

Guests at the Tannenbaum Ball will enter a world of "Partridge in a Pear Tree,” with colorful birds perched in delicate silver branches at the Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Park. At 8 p.m. Dawn Gentle serves a formal dinner service of baby spinach salad with roasted walnut dressing and blue cheese crumbles, choice cut prime rib, garlic potato mashers drizzled with balsamic cream sauce, and grilled vegetables. Dessert will be a mini-cake assortment of chocolate-mocha-raspberry, strawberry-cream cheese, and lemon blueberry, plus chocolate almond truffle and apricot streusel bars.

The Bill Smallwood Band will perform for the Ball. This well-known group is a crowd favorite, playing tunes from standard country to rock classics to big band numbers designed to appeal to all musical tastes and dancing styles.

During the evening, guest can buy chances to win one of three unique prizes, choosing from a new motor scooter from Scootique, VISA gift card, or a custom painted rifle.

Tickets are $30 each or 4 for $100.

One highlight of the Ball is the live and silent auction. Notable live auction items include a Crawfish Crawl for 30 people, Piper Cub flyover of Gillespie County, Houston Grand Opera package including hotel accommodations and dinner, Murder Mystery dinner, and a week-long Santa Fe retreat for 12.

Reservations for the Tannenbaum Ball are $100 per person, and need to be made by Dec 4.

During Preservation Weekend, visitors can also participate in the Holiday Home Tour and the Candlelight Tour on Saturday, Dec 12.

The Holiday Home Tour runs from 12 noon until 6 p.m. and features nine distinct properties in an around Fredericksburg, dressed up in holiday decor. The Candlelight Tour follows on Saturday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can view three historic houses decked in period decor and lit with candlelight. The tour includes the buildings and grounds of the Pioneer Museum, where carolers will sing while volunteers serve hot cider and traditional German cookies.

Tickets for the tour are $25 per person, or $43 for the Tour by Trolley. Trolley seating is limited to 27 and requires reservations by December 4, 2009. The Candlelight Tour is $15 per person. This year the public can purchase tour and ball tickets online at www.pioneermuseum.net.

Patrons also can order tickets by any of four methods:

By phone - 830-997-2835

By mail - GCHS, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

By email - Vickibeasley@austin.rr.com

In person - Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, Historical Society office, Gastehaus Schmidt, Journey Lane Scrapbooking, Crenwelge Motors (Kerrville)

Preservation Weekend is the largest fundraiser for the Gillespie County Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and tell the story of Fredericksburg’s unique cultural heritage.

Tannenbaum Ball set to start Fredericksburg’s Preservation Weekend

Tickets now on sale online for Dec 11 event

Gillespie County Historical Society, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 830-997-2835

Everyone can help celebrate the season with an elegant meal, live dance music, auction, and raffle while raising money for a good cause by attending the Tannenbaum Ball on Friday, Dec 11 in Fredericksburg, Texas.

The Ball is sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society and is one activity of Preservation Weekend. Other events include the Holiday Home Tour and Candlelight Tour on Saturday, Dec 12.

Guests at the Tannenbaum Ball will enter a world of "Partridge in a Pear Tree,” with colorful birds perched in delicate silver branches at the Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Park. At 8 p.m. Dawn Gentle serves a formal dinner service of baby spinach salad with roasted walnut dressing and blue cheese crumbles, choice cut prime rib, garlic potato mashers drizzled with balsamic cream sauce, and grilled vegetables. Dessert will be a mini-cake assortment of chocolate-mocha-raspberry, strawberry-cream cheese, and lemon blueberry, plus chocolate almond truffle and apricot streusel bars.

The Bill Smallwood Band will perform for the Ball. This well-known group is a crowd favorite, playing tunes from standard country to rock classics to big band numbers designed to appeal to all musical tastes and dancing styles.

During the evening, guest can buy chances to win one of three unique prizes, choosing from a new motor scooter from Scootique, VISA gift card, or a custom painted rifle.

Tickets are $30 each or 4 for $100.

One highlight of the Ball is the live and silent auction. Notable live auction items include a Crawfish Crawl for 30 people, Piper Cub flyover of Gillespie County, Houston Grand Opera package including hotel accommodations and dinner, Murder Mystery dinner, and a week-long Santa Fe retreat for 12.

Reservations for the Tannenbaum Ball are $100 per person, and need to be made by Dec 4.

During Preservation Weekend, visitors can also participate in the Holiday Home Tour and the Candlelight Tour on Saturday, Dec 12.

The Holiday Home Tour runs from 12 noon until 6 p.m. and features nine distinct properties in an around Fredericksburg, dressed up in holiday decor. The Candlelight Tour follows on Saturday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can view three historic houses decked in period decor and lit with candlelight. The tour includes the buildings and grounds of the Pioneer Museum, where carolers will sing while volunteers serve hot cider and traditional German cookies.

Tickets for the tour are $25 per person, or $43 for the Tour by Trolley. Trolley seating is limited to 27 and requires reservations by December 4, 2009. The Candlelight Tour is $15 per person. This year the public can purchase tour and ball tickets online at www.pioneermuseum.net.

Patrons also can order tickets by any of four methods:

By phone - 830-997-2835

By mail - GCHS, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

By email - Vickibeasley@austin.rr.com

In person - Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, Historical Society office, Gastehaus Schmidt, Journey Lane Scrapbooking, Crenwelge Motors (Kerrville)

Preservation Weekend is the largest fundraiser for the Gillespie County Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and tell the story of Fredericksburg’s unique cultural heritage.

Comanche Trace Special Events -

Bobby Shelton and the History of Comanche Trace

A Dinner Event Tuesday, November 10th @ 6:30, Vista Room

Please be aware that the 80 person guest list for this event has been filled. Additional guests wishing to make reservations will be placed on a waiting list in the order calls are received. If any cancellations occur, space will be filled from the waiting list. For More Information Please Call: The Sales Office - (830) 895-8505

Don't Miss Out on Upcoming Dinner Events at Comanche Trace.

Make your reservations for the Thanksgiving and Candlelight Dinners Today!! Thanksgiving Buffet Thursday, November 26th

Vista Room 1st seating begins @ 10:45am 2nd seating begins @ 1:15pm

Please Note Price Revision Adults - $24.95++/person Children 6-12: $12.95++/person Children age 5 and younger - Complimentary

Join us Thursday, November 26th for a no-holds barred Thanksgiving Buffet. Two seating times will be available as listed above, and reservations MUST be made in advance no later than Friday, November 20th. RSVP: The Pinnacle Grill: 830-895-8500 ext.249

A Member number or Credit Card number will be required. RESERVATIONS CARRY A 72 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY. CANCELLATIONS THAT OCCUR LESS THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EVENT WILL INCUR FULL CHARGES.

MENU

Fresh Fruit Display, House Salad with Assorted Dressing, Spinach Salad with Pecans, Strawberries and Red Onions, Ambrosia Salad, Crab Salad, Broccoli & Carrot Salad, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Cocktail and Lemons, Caprice Salad, Deviled Eggs

Roasted Turkey with Giblet Gravy, Roast Beef with Au Jus, Grilled Atlantic Salmon served w/ cucumber, baby shrimp and lemon dill sauce, Pulled turkey meat with Cornbread Dressing Candied Yams with Marshmallows, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole with Bacon and Onions, Assorted Vegetable Medley, Hot Rolls and Butter

Assorted Desserts including: Cakes, Pies, Tarts, Cookies and Jello

Candlelight Dinner Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 @ 6:45 Vista Room

Please Note Price Revision: $39.95++/person Join us Wednesday, December 9th at 6:45pm for a very special 5 course dinner to celebrate the Holiday season. Reservations must be made no later than Friday, December 4th, 2009. To RSVP call the Pinnacle Grill: 830-895-8500 ext.249 A member or credit card number will be required. RESERVATIONS CARRY A 72 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY. RESERVATIONS CANCELLED LESS THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO EVENT WILL INCUR FULL CHARGES.

MENU I.

Pan-seared Bandera quail with a balsamic reduction and roasted golden Yukon Potatoes

II.

Butter-nut squash soup with fresh creme in a sour dough bread bowl

III. Raspberry Sorbet

IV. Rosemary and lime roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Mediterranean Salsa and wild mushroom parmesan polenta

V. Chocolate Trilogy with a vanilla bean creme anglise and fresh whipped cream and berries

www.comanchetrace.com

News from FrioMan Vacation Lodging...

Color changes, green grass, awesome weather, & Garner State Park

Wow! If you've never been to the Frio Canyon and surrounding areas in the fall, you're missing it. The trees are putting on their brilliant colors, the grass is green and lush from recent rains, and the weather is AHH-some!

Gigi, Maddie, and I took a leisurely drive yesterday, down to the Frio above Neal's campground, and then on to GSP.

The water is probably a little too cool to swim or tube in for most, but just being there is so peaceful.

This weekend we're going to the Utopia Fall Art Fair.

44th Annual Utopia Fall Arts Fair - (Saturday November 7, 2009 9 am - 4 pm) Town Square, FM 187 in Utopia, Texas. There will be over 70 vendors of handmade arts & crafts plus music, food, craft demonstrations, and a silent auction to benefit local scholarships.

On November 28, Christmas on the square will be held at the courthouse square in Leakey, from 9am til 4pm. Santa Claus will be there for the kids from 10-noon, and again from 1-3. It's fun, we'll be there.

Come on, it's not ever too long of a drive to experience this. And the best part, no crowds!

This shot is looking upriver from the dam at GSP.

No description required, yall all know this spot!

We saw lots of deer and squirrels, a couple of the park folks, and a few campers.

Green is good! The 5 or 6 inches of rain we received in late September and October really revived the flora and fauna.

Oh, and we did see a few buzzards upriver from Rock Beach

You can still do the GSP dance thing after summer's over, but ya gotta bring your own music.

Well, what I'm trying to say is, you really need to come see us!

We're so thankful that we live in such a beautiful area, and can just hop in the truck and be at these spots in mere minutes. We hope you enjoy these pictures, and that they see you through the long off-season until your next trip to the Frio River.

Next trip, Lost Maples Natural Area outside of Vanderpool. The Bigtooth Maples, Lacy Oaks, and many other trees are beginning to turn colors. Another great place close by to hike and enjoy nature.

Take care, and don't forget to join FrioMan on Facebook.

FrioMan Vacation Lodging

Concan & Leakey Texas

www.frioman.com