Van Der Stucken Music Fesitval - 3/21

Music fans are invited to help celebrate the life and music of Fredericksburg native son Frank Van der Stucken at the Van der Stucken Festival this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle, 212 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg TX. The event is free and open to the public.

The Van der Stucken Festival was established in 1991 by Friends of Van der Stucken to increase appreciation for the life and work of Fredericksburg native composer Frank Van der Stucken. This will be the first year that the nonprofit Fredericksburg Community Orchestras (FCO) presents the festival. This year’s program will introduce the first Van der Stucken Composition Contest. The winner of this nationwide competition will be announced at the festival and the winning composition will be premiered by an ensemble of FCO.

The Van der Stucken Festival is supported with contributions from the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance, Monterrey Iron and Metal Works, and Jack Vexler, whose wife, Bette, is a direct descendant of Frank Van der Stucken.

Information at www.fredericksburgorchestra.com.

Bundes Schuetzenfest - August 3-4

The Gillespie County Bundes SchuetzenFest, a traditional German target shooting competition, will be held Saturday,  August 2 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, August 3 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at At the Texas Hills Sporting Range on the Tivydale Road. 12905 FM 2093. Call 830-997-8006 for more information.

Founder's Day - 5/10

Wreath laying at the Vereins Kirche at 9:30 am followed by another wreath laying and tour at Der Stadt Friedhof on N. Lee Street. Living History activities will take place on the grounds of the Pioneer Museum such as rope making and doll making. Visitors will be treated to free beer tasting from Fredericksburg Brewing Company and Pedernales Brewery from 2 to 5 pm. A social hour will begin at 5 pm followed by a dinner at 6 pm. The dinner will be held in the historic sanctuary of the First Methodist Church and tickets are $15. Descendants of early Fredericksburg families who were engaged in the brewing heritage of Gillespie County will be honored. 9:30 am to 5 pm. Regular museum admission is $5 adults; $3 students; children 5 and under are free.

The Gillespie County Historical Society, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve historic sites and objects in Gillespie County, while promoting interest in Texas history. More information is available by calling (830) 997-2835.

Gillespie County Historic Schools Annual Open House (5 Schools) - 4/5

Former students will be available to share stories of school days from the late 1800′s to mid 1900′s. Come see the classrooms like the one your ancestors might have attended. "Preserving the past to enrich the future." Schools open for this event include the Willow City School, Rheingold School, Cave Creek School, Nebgen School and Junction School. Please come by the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center for a driving map or visit the website to download a map.

10 am to 4 pm. Free admission, but donations gladly accepted.

Lenten Fish Fry at St. Joseph's Halle - 3/28

Beginning on March 7th St. Joseph’s Society will offer Lenten Fish Fry every Friday evening throughout Lent as an opportunity for the entire community of Fredericksburg to join in a constructive community outreach.   The event is not viewed as a fundraiser but as an effort to bring together those of ALL faiths to meet for dialogue, discussion, and dining during the Lenten Season.  For those who wish to attend, Stations of the Cross Devotion will occur on Fridays at 6pm in the Marien Kirche with plenty of opportunity to attend the meal following the devotion.   This is the 5th year for this event and the support and attendance has been outstanding from the community over the past 4 years.   Meals to go will be available, but there is no drive thru as we are hoping that people will wish to stay, meet new people, visit with old friends, and socialize during the event.  For more information please contact Darin Holmes at 456.1999 or Carlos Juenke at 456.9645.

The Dinosaur Show - 9/28

One day only! One of the largest traveling prehistoric exhibits in North America is coming to Fredericksburg! ”Dinosaur George” of the History Channel’s “Jurassic Fight Club” will present an incredible display of dinosaur skulls including one of the largest T-Rex skulls ever found. You’ll see saber tooth tigers, crocodiles and much more. At the Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Johnson Park. Bring your cameras! Program courtesy of the Fredericksburg Rockhounds. 9 am to 6 pm at the Pioneer Pavillion at Lady Bird State Park. Free admission.

Sängerfest German Chorale Concert - 9/21

Bringing more than 300 singers to Fredericksburg, this German chorale concert will feature eight different choirs from San Antonio, New Braunfels, Corpus Christi and Fredericksburg.  This year, the Hermann Sons Mixed Choir will host the event, the 122nd Sängerfest of the Texanischer Gebirgssaengerbund, a tradition begun in 1881.  For the festival, a commemorative “Festscrift” program will be printed.  Event to be held at the St. Mary’s Holy Family Center, 306 W. San Antonio Street.
1 pm. 

Admission is free. Call 830-997-3936 for more information.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Festival - 3/3

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stonewall, Texas, is having their 16th annual parish festival on Sunday March 1 at 11 am. Enjoy a BBQ chicken meal, along with prize give-aways and a silent auction. Chicken plates are $8, with plates to go or dine in. Please call 830/644-2218 or 830/644-2368 for more information.

Texas History Day - 2/16

Fredericksburg based Former Texas Ranger Foundation has partnered with the Gillespie County Historical Society and the Texas Heritage Music Foundation of Kerrville, to produce “Texas History Day”, a truly unique event that will be presented at the Pioneer Museum, 325 West Main Street, in Fredericksburg on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The event is scheduled during Spring Break as an outreach program aimed at the youth of Texas to present messages of Texas History and Texas Values.

Daytime programming will focus on character education by presenting the Five Character Traits of the Texas Ranger (courage – determination – dedication – integrity – respect), while being wrapped in the theme of Frontier Texas, through presentations of song, storytelling, magic and field reenactments. An estimated 2,000 – 2,500 people are expected for the outdoor staging portion of the event from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM, and will culminate that evening with a catered dinner and concert by award- winning Texas author and singer Mike Blakely. Seating for the evening dinner and concert is limited to 200 patrons.

Admission for the daytime activities is $5 for adults, $3 for children age 7 to 17, and children under 7 are free. The evening dinner show is $40. All proceeds will benefit the Pioneer Museum and Texas Heritage Music Foundation.

Make plans to attend this family oriented, entertaining yet educational event …………
WHERE TEXAS HISTORY and TEXAS VALUES COME TOGETHER for TEXAS YOUTH.

For tickets and information contact Evelyn Weinheimer, Event Coordinator, at the Pioneer Museum (830) 990-8441.

Wildflower 5K & 10K Run/Walk - 4/30

Help the Fredericksburg Academic Booster help our kids, sign up for this run/walk. Bring the kids for their very own fun run. Race day registration is $20/$25 and a $1 for the kiddos. Call 830-997-1355 for more information.

Fredericksburg Archery Club Shoot - 4/22

Join the Fredericksburg Archery Club for their monthly shoot five miles out US Highway 290 West. Registration is from 10:00 - 11:45am, with shooting starting at noon. Memberships are available for individuals or families. Please call 830-456-9479 for more information.

Annual Rabies Vaccination Clinic - 1/28

The City of Fredericksburg and local veterinarians are calling the attention of all local per owners to the annual rabies vaccination clinic Saturday January 31, at the City's Consolidated Warehouse, 233 Friendship Lane (behind the High School) from 8 am until 4 pm, including the noon hour. These vets sacrifice a portion of their regular fee to provide this service to the community. Fee for rabies shot is $6 per pet. Pet owners will also be able to register their pets with the City of Fredericksburg for an additional fee. Please call 830/997-7643 for more information. Be a responsible pet owner.

Hallelujah Night - 10/31

Hallelujah Night is billed as "Something Real to Celebrate". Activities will be available throughout the park. Games for the very young will be available near the playground on Marktplatz from 6-8 pm, and games for older youth and teens will be located in and around the pavilions. In the center of the park, you will find a place to relax and enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, and local live worship music. What is Hallelujah Night? It is an event to counteract the negative aspects of Halloween. The purpose of Hallelujah Night is to shine a light on a dark night. What can be a night of mischief, danger, and wickedness is transformed into a night of light with safe and wholesome fun with games and entertainment for kids of all ages. Sponsored by area churches and businesses, Hallelujah Night is free to all who come. For information on how to be involved in this annual event or to make a donation, contact Joe & Sharon Grimes (830)990-8858.

E-Waste Collection - October 16

Fredericksburg CARES will hold its semi-annual electronic recycling (E-Cycle) collection on October 15. The Goodwill truck will be parked in the parking lot on the east side of the County Jail behind the Gillespie County Courthouse. Unloading assistance will be available from vehicles to the Goodwill truck during the event.

Computer and computer components, personal copiers, and many other electronic appliances will be accepted. Televisions will also be accepted (including flat screen). There will be no disposal fees charged for televisions. For the very first time, we will be accepting plastics #3 – 7.

More information on the E-cycle program may be found at jwatsongreenliving@gmail.com or 998-4133.

The public is also invited to join us at our next regularly scheduled FBG CARES meeting on Monday, October 24th at 6 pm at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

Lower South Grape Creek Historic School Host Open House - 10/1

Join the Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools Trail for their open house at the Lower South Grape Creek School at 10273 East US Highway 290. The Trail allows visitors to learn about the education and customs of the 19th century residents of German heritage in the Hill Country. Each month a different rural county school will host an open house and tour. Color coded maps of the trail are available at the Visitor Center at 302 E. Austin Street. Please call 830/669-2855 for more information.

Tennis Association "Taco" Social - 5/15

The Fredericksburg Tennis Association (FTA) is hosting their monthly tennis social. The event is free to members, with guests playing and eating for $5. Memberships to the FTA are available. Please call 830/990-7503 or email whill3@austin.rr.com for more information.

FBG CARES Candidates Forum - 4/21

FBG CARES will also hold its 2nd annual forum for candidates running for Fredericksburg City Council on Thursday, April 21st from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Golden Hub Community Center, 1009 N. Lincoln, Fredericksburg. This public event is open to all Fredericksburg residents as a public service to help potential voters make informed choices. This non-partisan forum will be in two parts. Part one will consist of a few selected questions posed to candidates in advance concerning local quality of life issues, some of which are highlighted in the City’s comprehensive plan. Potential topics are: the new Community Pool, public access and urban livability (sidewalks, bicycle lanes, etc.) as well as potential expansion of the City's existing recycling program.

Fredericksburg CARES Hosting Recycling and Sustainability Meeting - March 29

Fredericksburg CARES is hosting an open public meeting on the future of recycling and sustainability efforts in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. Attendees are invited to bring a healthy food or drink item to share. For more information contact John Watson at 830-998-4133, or email jwatsongreenliving@gmail.com Fredericksburg CARES will also hold its semi-annual electronic recycling (E-waste) collection on April 16. The sixth such event sponsored by FBG CARES, the City of Fredericksburg, and Gillespie County, the drive will be held from 9 am to 3 pm at the corner of Adams and San Antonio Streets. More details forthcoming. Fredericksburg CARES is still taking nominations for its two annual $250 awards to recognize local businesses and non-profit organizations for their contributions of outstanding sustainability endeavors in their community environmental/conservation/sustainability leadership in Gillespie County. Contact Sherryl Brown at info@fbgcares.com or 990.9305 by April 1, 2011.

St. Joseph’s Halle Craft Show - December 11

Another great craft show at St. Joseph's Halle, 212 West San Antonio Street, from 9 am to 6 pm. Artists and craftsmen from Fredericksburg and the surrounding area will exhibit. New crop pecans, fabulous jewelry, folk art dolls, mesquite cutting boards, gourd birdhouses, embroidered items, stained glass and more. Free admission.

Bundes Schuetzen Fest - Target Shooting - 7/31

Enjoy traditional target shooting at 2660 Center Point Road on Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Please call 830/997-8006 for more information.