Christmas at the Theater

Tickets go on sale Monday for the upcoming Fredericksburg Theater Company production, Christmas At The Theater, a two-act show set to debut Thursday, Dec. 11 and run through Sunday, Dec. 14.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. each night, with the exception of a Sunday matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Patrons may purchase tickets, which cost $20 for adults and $5.50 for children, at the FTC box office, located at 306 East Austin Street, or online at www.fredericksburgtheater.org

Tickets will also be available at the FTC’s booth during Weihnachten (Dec. 5-7).

Individuals interested in Christmas At The Theater as well as the Gillespie County Historical Society’s Holiday Home Tour can purchase a combination ticket good for entry to the home tour and the Dec. 13 FTC performance at 7:30 p.m.

Combination tickets will also be available on Monday at www.fredericksburgtheater.org for $45.

The first act of the program will feature a musical variety show, including performances by the Hill Country Youth Choir, dancers from Ms. Rhonda School of Dance, an adult choir and songs from Hoover.

During the second act, attendees will be able to see Gift of the Magi, an original musical written by Hoover that follows the O. Henry classic short story.

Guests at Tannenbaum Ball to enjoy new German Christmas Market

Guests at this year's Tannenbaum Ball in Fredericksburg can shop for distinct and whimsical gifts at the new German Christmas Market, part of the Gillespie County Historical Society's Preservation Weekend, held Dec 12 and 13, 2008.

The Society hosts the Tannenbaum Ball on Friday, December 12, from 7:00-11:30 pm at Pioneer Pavilion, Lady Bird Johnson Park, Hwy 16 South of Fredericksburg. This year's theme is "Winter Wonderland," with entertainment by singer Linda Petty. Guests will enjoy cocktails and reserved dinner seating. The new German Christmas Market will help guests find new and interesting gifts, according to Linder Langerhans, Auction Committee Chair.

"Our new Christmas Market is another way for the public to support the Society in a fun way," Langerhans said. "These items are easy to pick up and make great Christmas gifts."

Committee members sought out unique items not available locally and that reflect playful themes. For example, Poof Fairies are 8" tall, frilly creations that sport whimsical messages such as "Poof - the kids are asleep" and "Poof - Dinner is ready." Varsity China features ceramic plates adorned with logos from major universities in Texas. Other gift items include Knobstoppers - vintage wine bottle toppers, and San Francisco music boxes.

Shoppers can also bid on their favorite live and silent auction items. Top offerings include a Houston Grand Opera Package, Santa Fe Retreat, Wine Tasting Party, Texas Bird Hunt, and a Murder Mystery Dinner.

"This wonderful event is the Society's major fundraiser for operation of the museum," Langerhans said. "Being there is great fun, with good music and good food."

On Saturday, Dec 13, the public can view eight unique Fredericksburg properties decorated for the season on the Holiday Home Tour. Properties will be open between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008. All are located in and around Fredericksburg.

Tickets for the tour are $25 per person. For an additional $18, visitors can reserve rides on the trolley that shuttles from door to door. Trolley seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to reserve early.

Reservations for the Tannenbaum Ball are $100 per person, and must be made by December 5.

Patrons 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)

The Home Tour and Ball are the largest fundraisers for the Gillespie County Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and tell the story of Fredericksburg’s unique cultural heritage.

Photos: Guests at the Tannenbaum Ball can bid on auction items or shop for Poof Fairies at the new German Christmas Market on Fri, Dec 12, 2008. The Ball and Home Tour are the year's largest fundraisers for the Gillespie County Historical Society in Fredericksburg.

A1 Vacation New Braunfels offers Waterfront Vacation Condos...

A-1 Vacation New Braunfels offers the newest and most elegant waterfront vacation condos, cabins and estates in the New Braunfels area.

Heavenly View at Canyon Lake has 75 feet of waterfront, as the Guadalupe River flows towards New Braunfels we have Villa on the 4th, Cabin on the 4th, Lil Ponderosa, Cabin on the Chute, and Lil Kahuna.

Once in town we have Bougan-Villa & Rose Cottage, dozens of condos on the Comal and Guadalupe downtown and in historic Gruene (NEW!).

As the river leaves New Braunfels, it forms Lakes Dunlap, McQueeney and Placid where we have Betsy's Bungalows, Elm Grove and Barefoot Ridge next to Deep Water Inn with more coming soon!

We can sleep from two to 50+ at one location for small romantic stays or large gatherings! Whether you would like to tube or take your ski boat out, we have the loveliest properties at the best prices. We love Winter Texans and Interim Guests in the winter months. Please visit www.A1vacationnb.com.

Catch a Fish, Help a Kid - 2nd Annual Big Bass Roundup

Anglers who love fishing for prize money and helping youngsters can do both on Saturday, October 25 at the second annual Big Bass Round-up, a tournament benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Burnet.

The day-long competition will begin at 6 a.m. on Lake Buchanan, with $2,000 guaranteed prize money for the winning team. Additional cash and prizes will also be awarded for top placements. An entry fee of $100 is required for either one or two-person teams. The team members must fish from the same boat and use artificial lures. An aerated live well is also required. Complete rules are listed on the website at www.bigbassroundup.com.

Only large-mouth, small-mouth and spotted bass will be weighed (no stripers), with a minimum length of 14 inches. The winning team will be based on the combined weight of the best five fish per boat (per team). Weigh-in will be at Canyon of the Eagles Park at 3 p.m., the headquarters hotel for the tourney.

The whole community is supporting this event with First State Bank of Burnet serving as the title sponsor. “The first annual last year brought in 44 teams. With Lake Buchanan’s water level and conditions being optimal this year, and there’s an abundance of fish due to diligent stocking over the past few years, we’re expecting a lot more anglers for this tournament,” said Travis Warren, the tournament director who is well-known in the area both as a competitive fisherman and as a tournament director. “We’ve got a great way for people to have fun fishing, help kids, and spend some time in our part of the state while the weather is great for fishing.”

Special hotel rates for anglers and their families are available at tournament headquarters, Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park 512-334-2070. Other lodging options in Burnet County are listed at www.visitburnetcounty.org.

“Fishermen and women will understand that with Travis Warren as our tournament director, we’re going to have a top-notch tournament,” says Tournament Chair, Russell Graeter. “He has a stellar reputation in the tournament world and has fished competitively for 35 years.”

Graeter also encourages anyone interested in sponsoring the event to please contact him at 512-715-2611. All donations are tax-deductible and will be used to directly assist in the operation of the Boys & Girls Club of Burnet.

For more information on entering the tournament please contact Travis Warren at 512-423-4473. Details are also available at the website at www.bigbassroundup.com .

Jellystone Park to Host Noah’s Ark Fall Festival Weekends

September 22, 2008 – Families are invited to the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Canyon Lake, Texas as they celebrate the fall season with a Noah’s Ark-themed festival. The weekends of October 3-5 and 10-12 are packed with interactive activities including pony rides and a petting zoo featuring a rare 30 inch cow.

Besides the animals, there will be a costume contest, campsite decorating contest, face-painting, crafts, candy hunts and games. “Jellystone Park is a place where families enjoy spending time together and our Fall Festival is a great non-scary alternative to typical Halloween events,” comments Larry Jones, owner.

The Camp-Resort, conveniently located between Austin and San Antonio, offers tent sites, RV sites and cabins. Plus, guests get full access to the Camp-Resort’s many amenities including an indoor and outdoor pool, volleyball court, and playground. You could also choose to explore the area with easy access to Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Canyon Lake, Schlitterbahn, Natural Bridge Caverns, and all the other great hill country area attractions.

Come enjoy a weekend of fun and relaxation with your family. Yogi Bear looks forward to seeing you! For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.jellystonehillcountry.com or call 877-964-3731.

Final Roots Concert Features Musical First

For the final 2008 Roots Music concert at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg on Saturday, Sept 27, three bands push Irish music into a new light, using influences from rock, African, Caribbean, and Cajun music to create a new "world" style.

Beth Patterson is the leading instrumentalist on the Irish harp known as the bouzoukis. She pulls from eclectic influences as far-ranging as Cajun and Caribbean, African and Greek.

Poor Man’s Fortune keeps crowds hopping with a whirlwind take on traditional folk songs, using instruments from around the world.

Blaggards play "stout" Irish music, performing traditional Irish tunes in a rock and roll style that shows off the roots of familiar tunes.

In the afternoon from 2 to 5 pm, musicians of all ability levels are invited to join the free acoustic jam under the trees.

For the first time, the Longhorn Street Cafe will handle the meal, with a menu of Pork Loin stuffed with bacon, mozzarella and rosemary, mashed potatoes and green beans; or Irish Stew served with potato bread; or Corned Beef and Cabbage. Dessert is Apple Oatmeal Crisp with Irish Whiskey Cream. Meal with dessert is $9, and will be served from 5:30 pm until the concert ends, along with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $10, with tickets sold at the gate. Visitors can receive a $2 discount by printing out the web page at www.pioneermuseum.com. Students age 17 and younger are free. Guests are welcome to bring in lawn chair.

The Pioneer Museum is located at 309 West Main Street in Fredericksburg.

This is the final concert in the 2008 series. Proceeds support the mission of the Gillespie County Historical Society. More information is available by calling 830-997-2835.his is the final concert in the 2008 series. Proceeds support the mission of the Gillespie County Historical Society. More information is available by calling 830-997-2835.

Photo: Leading Irish instrumentalist Beth Patterson makes her first Fredericksburg appearance this weekend as part of the Celtic themed Roots Music concert at the Pioneer Museum on Sat, Sept 27.

Blanco County Sesquicentennial Celebration

Join your neighbors at the grand slam event of our Blanco County 150 Year Sesquicentennial Celebration!

This Sesquicentennial Celebration will be held appropriately at the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City, on Saturday, September 20^th, beginning at 10am.

Don't miss the all-star line-up of outstanding pageantry and family fun activities, including at noon the reenactment of the founding of Blanco County 150 years ago.

Live music will entertain you from 1p-7p (one band will be polka/country and the other Austin Bluegrass), all complementary. Bring your chairs & coolers. Family members of all ages will enjoy this special event.

Hang on to your hats, as we will have: Armadillo Races, Hill Country Lawn Washers, Cow Chip Shuffleboard and Quick-draw redneck horseshoes. Plus, Terry's Texas Rangers, civil war camp setup with horses, and black powder demonstrations. We will also have Native American Dancers, demonstration of pow-wow dances, and artifact displays including teepees.

And more! Yes, see a Mountain Man demonstration of knife and tomahawk throwing and hand made art. Catch a glimpse of Saloon Ladies as they appeared at the time.

As a spectacular attractions, In The Spirit of the Old West......... we will be entertained and enlightened by the Brazos Bottom Cow'ographers, with their Wild West Entertainment....."Gunfighter of the Old West". Three shows plus a gun safety program.

Across the street, at the Old Blanco County Supply building (soon to be the Pecan Street Brewery, with space for this event donated by Tim & Patty Elliott) will be displays of artifacts from our cherished county history. Armed with PowerPoint presentations and artifacts, you will see period photos, oral history, hardware, kitchen wares, transportation, clothing, baking items, and much more.

We will have a number of vendor booths including a food court. If you have interest in participating with a booth, contact Sharon Cofran at sharoncofran@cofran.com, Cell: 281-543-4410.

This will be very educational as well as tons of fun! You will not want to miss this event! Come one, come all. We won't have a celebration quite like this for many years, perhaps not in your lifetime!

Don't forget that just down the street will be the "Now & Then" Quilt Show, from 9a-6p at the PEC Auditorium in Johnson City. Hosted by Johnson City Quilt Club. Contact: Charlotte Matthews at 830-868-0940.

For Sesquicentennial event management, contact: Sherry Smith Jenkins, Chair-North Blanco County, Johnson City. Home: 830-868-2683, Cell: 830-868-3243, sljenkins65@gmail.com

Media & Advertising Information: George Cofran, georgecofran@cofran.com, Cell: 281-300-7177

Celebrating 150 years of Friendly. . . Ours Roots run deep in Blanco County.