Fredericksburg Kraut Run 8K & Walk - 10/4

An 8K road race (5 miles) through the quiet residential area of north Fredericksburg. The post race party features beer and sausage. Please visit the website to register and for more information. 8 am start; estimated 11 am finish.

$25.00 per person registration; $30 late registration.

2014 National Fall Show at Whistle Pik Galleries - 10/3 to 11/29

National art show featuring new works from some of our nation’s most talented artists. Opening artists’ reception on November 7 from 6 to 8 pm during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg. WhistlePik Galleries is at 425 E. Main St. Call (830) 990-8151 for more information.

David Cheifetz One Man Art Show at RS Hanna Gallery - 10/1-31

RS Hanna Gallery, 208 S. Llano, enthusiastically presents David Cheifetz’s new body of work.  Opening reception on October 3 from 6 to 8 pm during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg. Call 830-307-3071 for more information.

St. John Lutheran Annual Homecoming - 9/28

Lutheran worship service held annually on the 4th Sunday of September followed by a BBQ chicken meal. The service begins at 10:30AM with lunch starting at 12:00PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 14689 Lower Crabapple Road. Admission is by donation.

Call (830) 685-3385 for more information.

Farm Demonstration Day at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site - 9/27

Step back in time and come visit and tour the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, at the LBJ Ranch.  Period-dressed costumed park interpreters will take you back in time to the traditions of a 1915 German farm family and will show how the necessary, low profile chores needed to be done in order to survive in the Texas Hill Country prior to electricity and running water.  Visitors will discover how common things used today were vital in life of yester years.  All park visitors should stop first at the State Park Visitor Center to obtain a free park permit, map and visitor event information before they travel back in time at the living history farm.

10 am to 3 pm.  Free, but donations are welcome. Call 830-644-2252 for details.

Movies Under the Stars at the LBJ Ranch - 10/3

The public is invited to enjoy a free 7:30 p.m. screening of the "A Hard Day's Night", this Saturday, September 13, at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park on Hwy 290 E. near Stonewall.  The program starts at 6 pm when The Eggmen, from Austin, will play the first of two 50 minute sets.  At 8:30 pm, the park will show the film.   Parking is available on the airstrip. Bring your chairs, blankets and picnic baskets for this fun night under the stars! Free popcorn will be available. For details, call 830-868-7128.

Fall Wine & Food Festival - September 27

Tickets are available at the door of Texas Vineyards and Beyond, 329 1/2 E. Main St., or by phone for this event which will feature tastings from several Texas wineries and local food venues.  Tickets include a souvenir wine glass plus wine and food tastings.  Meet the winemakers and purchase autographed/personalized bottles.  Live music by Ben Beckendorf.  At Texas Vineyards & Beyond.

1 to 5 pm.  $12 per person. Call 830-990-9199 for details.

Hill Top Cafe Dinner Concert Series - 10/2

This month featuring songwriter extraordinaire Gary Nicholson along with Johnny Nicholas and Hell Bent.  Ticket price includes meal. Reservations recommended.

Doors at 5:30 pm; show at 7 pm. Main Dining Room $65 per person; Cavern Dining Room $40 per person. 10661 N. US Highway 87. Call (830) 997-8922 for more information.

LBJ to host annual Seed Stomp - 9/20-21

Help spread Lady Bird Johnson’s dream for more wildflowers by participating in the second annual Seed Stomp at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park on Hwy 290 E. this Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. (both days). Seeds and containers will be provided. For more information, call 830-644-2252.

First manned flight September 20, 1865

Jacob Brodbeck was born in the duchy of Württemberg on October 13, 1821. He sailed for Texas with his brother George on August 25, 1846. He reached Fredericksburg, Texas in March 1847, where he became a teacher. Brodbeck eventually became the county surveyor, district school supervisor, and county commissioner. But he is most famous for his attempts at powered flight almost forty years before the famous success of Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Brodbeck worked on his design for twenty years. In 1863, he built a scale model of the craft with a rudder, wings, and a propeller powered by coiled springs. He would show the model at various county fairs, and bouyed by the success of the model, began looking for funding to build a full scale version.

Brodbeck wrote:

I will give a few ideas indicating generally the character of the air ship, and what it will be able to accomplish. The air ship consists of three main parts:

1. The lower suspended portion, formed like a ship with a short prow to cut the air; it serves to hold the aeronaut, and also the power of producing engine with all the steering apparatus. This portion is shut up all around to prevent the rapid motion from affecting the breathing of the man within. In this, as low as possible, lies the center of gravity of the whole structure, so as to steady the motion. At the back end of the ship, there is a propeller screw which will make it possible to navigate in the water, in case by any accident the aeronaut should have to descend while he is above water. In this case, the ship can be detached from the flying apparatus.

2. The upper portion, or flying apparatus, which makes use of the resistance of the air, consists of wings, partly movable, partly immovable, presenting the appearance of horizontal sails, but having functions entirely different from the sails of vessels.

3. The portion producing the forward motion consists of two screws, which can be revolved with equal or unequal motion, as to serve the purpose of lateral steering, or of wings of a peculiar construction. The preference to be given to one or the other depends on the nature of the motive power.

Another apparatus regulates the ascending motion. The material is so selected as to combine the greatest strength with the least weight. When the air ship is in motion, the aeronaut has in each hand a crank, one to guide the ascending and descending action, the other the lateral steerage. Immediately in front of him is the compass, while a barometer with a scale made for the purpose, shows him the approximate height. Another apparatus, similar to the ball regulator of a steam engine, shows him the velocity, as well as the distance passed over. It is self-evident that the speed of the air depends upon motive power and on the direction of the winds; according to my experiments and calculations it will be from 30 to 100 miles per hour.

Now, it depends on who you talk to as to what happened next. Some say that Brodbeck made his first attempt in Luckenbach, Texas. The reports indicate that the craft got twelve feet in the air and traveled about 100 feet before the springs unwound completely and the machine crashed to the ground.

Some folks say that he made his first flight in San Pedro Park, San Antonio, where a bust of Brodbeck commemorates the event. There are some who say the flight took place in 1868. But everyone agrees that the flight wasn't successful.

After the crash, Brodbeck couldn't find any local investors, so he began a US tour to raise funds to continue his work. But after his papers were stolen in Michigan, he couldn't persuade anyone to invest in his scheme.

Brodbeck returned to his home near Luckenbach, where he died in 1910, and was buried on the farm. Since no copies of his plans survive, Brodbeck's aeronautical adventures are in doubt.

Sustainability Green Home Tour - September 20

Fredericksburg SHINES, a local organization dedicated to educating the public about sustainable living, will host their second annual Fredericksburg fall tour of homes to spotlight local examples of sustainable, green-living practices.  Nine homes will be featured on the tour.  Sustainable practices to be showcased on the tour include solar applications for electricity generation and water heating.  Also, for those interested in water applications, there will be examples of xeriscaping and sites with various-sized rainwater collection systems – some large enough to replace wells.  Tickets for the event include a driving map and a description of what is available for viewing at each home.  Tickets may be purchased online.  Proceeds will help Fredericksburg SHINES to position Fredericksburg as the sustainability capital of Texas by staging more community educational events and offering consulting for those interested in sustainable living.

9 am to 3 pm.  $25 per person.

Cross Trails Ministry Fall Festival 2014 - September 20

This Lutheran Fall Festival at Marktplatz is fun for everyone!  The event kicks off with a 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 am and everything else begins at 9 am with live music, kids’ activites, artisan craft vendors, a silent auction, chili cook-off and so much more!  Proceeds benefit Cross Trails Ministery.

9 am to 3 pm.  Free admission. Call 830-257-6340 for more information

Annual Admiral Nimitz Foundation Symposium - 9/20

“In Stealth We Trust:  Special Operations and Their Origin in WWII”.  The 2014 Symposium will discuss the origins found in World War II of the American military’s Special Operation Forces. This is Part One of a two-part symposia series with the 2014 focus being on Navy, Marine and OSS Special Forces.  The 2015 Symposium will address the Army and Army Air Corps Special Forces.  Speakers include historian and author Richard Frank.  The Saturday evening dinner will feature guest speaker MajGen (Ret) Gary Harrell, Ex-Delta Force Commander.  To be held at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 S. US Hwy 87.  Registration available online.

Seating is limited.  If available, tickets at the door will be $60. Call 830-997-8600 ext. 205

The Diamonds – Doowop Legends playing at Rockbox Theater - 9/16-17

The Diamonds – old time rock ‘n roll and great 50′s doowop vocal harmonies – will perform their big hits, including “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”, “Little Darlin”, “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” and “The Stroll” along with other great early rock ‘n roll classics.  Two nights only at Rockbox Theater, 109 North Llano!

7:30 pm showtime both nights.  $37-$47 for adults; $17 for youth.  For reservations, call (830) 997-7625.

11th Annual Shopping For A Cause--Shopping Tournament - 9/13

“Shopping for a Cause”, this 11th annual shopping tournament gathers shoppers in costumed teams of four to shop in over two dozen stores along historic Main Street with special discounts, food, drinks and more.  All proceeds go to the Fredericksburg Boys and Girls Club

Friday – preview parties until 7 pm; Saturday 9 am to 7 pm- tee time, shopping day, 19th hole closing party.

Register here

Canto Chamber Choir Patriotic Program - 9/13

Canto Chamber Choir will present a patriotic program, “Lest We Forget: In God We Trust”, at the Hill Country Evangelical Free Church, 107 E. Lower Crabapple Rd.
3 pm.  $20 adults; $5 students.  Tickets available at the door.

Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 “Kiolbassa & Kabernet” - 9/13

Participating Wine Road 290 Wineries present Cabernet Sauvignon Wine (Kab) paired with mouthwatering Kiolbassa Sausage prepared by top Hill Country restaurants/caterers.  You can’t imagine all the mouthwatering ways Kiolbassa sausage can be prepared!  During normal winery hours while food supply lasts.

Free, but additional tasting fees may apply. Call 830-868-2321 for more information.

5th Annual Fredericksburg PBR - 9/13

40 of the PBR’s (Professional Bull Riding) best riders and some of the crankiest bulls around make this a must see event.  Enjoy the professional bull riders along with the future one who take part in the “Best of the Best Mutton Bustin’ Challenge” for kids.  There is also a scheduled appearance by world-famous clown and bullfighter Leon Coffee along with a military tribute.  Free parking and beer and food concessions on the grounds.

Gillespie County Faigrounds' (530 Fair Drive) gates open at 5:30 pm; start time 7:30 pm.  $20 general admission at the gate.  Box seats $40.  Advance tickets and children’s tickets are also available and can be purchased online.

Call 830-997-2359 for more information.

Community Clean Up and Education Event at Enchanted Rock

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has selected Enchanted Rock State Natural Area as one of its eight endangered “Hot Spots” in the nation and is hosting events to help raise awareness about natural areas around the country facing the threat of irreversible environmental damage.   Everyone is encouraged to come out for this weekend-long event and join the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers Team to learn about Leave No Trace principles to help protect and preserve Enchanted Rock for years to come.

Friday, September 12, 7:45 pm:  Night Hike to star gaze and learn some Leave No Trace principles along the way.  Meet at the gazebo that starts the Summit Trail.

Saturday, September 13, 9 am to 2 pm:  Meet the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers.  They will have free educational hangtags and fun educational activities for all ages to learn how to minimize your impact when in the outdoors.

Saturday, September 13, 9:45 am:  Summit Trail Hike.  Meet at the gazebo that starts the Summit Trail.

Saturday, September 13, 7:45 am:  Night Hike.  Meet at the gazebo that starts the Summit Trail.

Sunday, September 14, 9 am to 1 pm:  Meet the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers.

Sunday, September 14, 11 am:  Cave Clean Up.  Join the staff and pros to help clean up the Enchanted Rock cave and surrounding areas.  Bring a flashlight.

Call 830-685-3636 for more information.

PCAA Concert in the Park - 9/10

Join the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance for the June Concert in the Park! Bring your own lawn chairs, picnic meal and friends. This month featuring The Polamatics. 6:30 - 8 pm.

Fall Planting Days at Wildseed Farms - 9/12-14

Daily lecture and demonstration by John R. Thomas, founder of Wildseed Farms, on how, when and where to plant wildflowers.

2 to 4 pm daily. Free. Call (830) 990-8080 for more information.

New Horizons Benefit Concert and Radiothon - 9/13

Annual country concert and radiothon sponsored by KNAF AM to benefit New Horizons, a training and employment center for adults with developmental disabilities. Increasing awareness of MHDD on individuals, families and community. At the KNAF studios, 210 Woodcrest Street. 4 to 10 pm. Call in donations very much appreciated.

Please call 830/997-8696 for more information

Becker Vineyards Wine Dinner at Hill Top Cafe - 9/7

Fourth bi-annual Becker Vineyards-Hill Top Cafe Wine Dinner. It’s harvest time! Join us for another very special evening of fabulous wines and scrumptious Hill Top cuisine. Once again the focus will be on Mason County grapes and locally sourced produce and meats. Reserve your spot now!

5 pm. Ticket price TBA. Hill Top Cafe is at 10661 N. US Highway 87. Call 830-997-8922 for details.

Thomas Michael Riley playing at Pat’s Hall - 9/6

Thomas Michael Riley hosts this fundraiser benefitting Gillespie County Crime Stoppers at Pat's Hall, 406 Post Oak Road.  Food available for purchase.  Silent auction open til 10 PM.  Beer and wine cash bar – sorry, no BYOB.

Doors at 6:3o pm.  $10 per person.  Rain or shine – no refunds.

Guided Art Studio Walking Tour - 9/6

Walk to three artists’ studios within Fredericksburg’s city limits with local art consultant Sherryl Brown. Enjoy an optional lunch at Llano Street Bakery. Meet in front of Chase Bank on Main Street at 10:30 am. The route will be 2.6 miles. This event is free and open to the general public. The artists’ studios that are being featured are: Jim Fox (fine art photography), Pat Sreenan (watercolor and pen and ink) and Stevie Jo Lake (copper and three-dimensional). Please make a reservation by emailing sherrylbr@austin.rr.com