Football, Loyalty, and Royalty

As I read my September Southern Living, a big grin takes over my day.  In the "Pride of Place" article,  the Tuohy's (who inspired Sandra Bullock's character in the Blind Side) remind me it is the start football season and for Texas that has a lot to do with High School Football as well as College.

I never considered high school football as part of my tourism adventure but come to think of it - there was much to be absorbed. Traveling to cities across Texas during football season is one way the change of seasons is heralded. For many the change of seasons means fall colors,  for me it means sportin' a different set of hues. It is always wonderful to look up into the stands and have a sea of royal blue greet me. Over the course of many years and many different kids and grandkids,  I estimate my folks put over 7200 miles on that old pop up Volkswagen Van.

Most of the time my family suited up in Royal Blue but I do remember when two grandsons were at two different schools. This led to my Mom's "Griswald" construction of taking two sweatshirts - one red - one blue - and splitting them down the middle, and sewing the opposing colors together for one sweatshirt.  Equitable support was given for the red and blue because you must always find a way to being your support!    

Now, Most of the mascots in Texas have to do with the wildlife native to the area; so how did we get to be the fighting Unicorns? Here is my theory:  The Great  (Royal) Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hanover and the House of Hanover in 1837.  Here is where I find the proud and noble beast, the Unicorn.  

You see New Braunfels was founded by Prince Karl Solms- Braunfels and his mother was, Her Majesty Queen Frederica of Hanover from 1837-1841.

We really are the City of a Prince, and our high school mascot embodies that royal lineage.

With that I will leave all high school football fans with one thought. Sportin' your colors not only shows loyalty but is sometimes a nod to royalty.

On New Braunfels, On New Braunfels....

"I will always love New Braunfels, it has a big place in my heart."

I ran across a unique posting online and loved it.  http://www.txgenweb2.org/txcomal/scan/Pictures.html

What struck me was that so many, including myself are passionate about this area of Texas.  My mom once told me it just sort of seeps into your soul. 

I hope that you enjoy the link and there are some great photographs. 

 I have and will always love New Braunfels, its rivers, all have a huge place in my heart.

New Braunfels Singer selected off You Tube for America's Got Talent ! Watch tonight to see if he goes on and then we got to support him in the next round.

Alert!  New Braunfels Musician on National TV tonight to see if he goes through to the next round! 

 

NBGal Judy Young

Check this video out -- Kevin Colis from New Braunfels, Texas - America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE, YouTube http://t.co/W3plsFF via @youtube

 

He owns Harmony Sweet music venue in New Braunfels for youth under 18. 

 

Rock on!

 

Judy

 

 

 

 

Pork Chop on a Stick Anyone?

Get ready for everything on a stick... sausage, turkey legs, pork chops, shrimp, sausage balls, etc....

The most recent edition of the Texas Highways Magazine  has an article called "fests Up" and while they chose some wonderful Texas festivals; they seemed to have left out the best - in my totally biased opinion.
So get those smart phones out, open those outlook and icalendars, add the dates of your "favs" and relish he approach of fall. 

First, lets establish that there is live music in New Braunfels 7 days a week and this fall is no exception. 

Next lets talk about some of our bigger festivals:

September more than football kicks off - It's Comal County Fair time!  The oldest continually operating County Fair in Texas.   September 21-25

Gruene Market Days is every Third weekend of the month with a special date for the Christmas Market Days.   Get your Cowboy Kringle on y'all!    

Every Saturday you can find fresh produce and treats while you're visiting at the Farm to Market in downtown New Braunfels.

October 7, 8, & 9 are the 25th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest.  Get your groove on for a good cause and some tastings!  

October 22nd and 23rd is the 19th Annual Texas Clayfest in Historic Gruene.  

November 4 through the 13th is the grandaddy of all festivals - Wurstfest - a 10 day salute to sausage.  http://www.wurstfest.com/

November 5 is the 28th Annual  Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic in Gruene Historic District.

Weihnachtsmarkt - German Christmas Market get the holiday season started November 17 - 20.   http://www.sophienburg.com/weihnachtsmarkt

That should give you enough to chew on for a while ... see you in New Braunfels, Texas this fall.

To see the full calendar of events go to www.nbjumpin.com.

The Herr Schmidt and the Mexican Hat Dance

The Herr Schmidt  and the Mexican Hat Dance marry two cultures with very similar styles of celebrations.


I acknowledge this having never realized that Melitta Freuh, my stern elementary school music teacher, embraced and taught multi-cultural curriculum far ahead of her time at our little school by Landa Park. She seemed a little scary to a 6 year old; but wow, 40 years later, I still remember every dance, every song she ever taught us. By the time the Fair or Wurstfest rolled around we were well tuned ambassadors of multi cultural folk dance and song. Visitors marveled at how engaged our youth were at our events. Now there are volunteers that enable our youth to “get it” and have fun. You can find one of those, Mrs. Schwab, teaching Kinder Tanzen every year. Find your step and embrace your own community – sign up, show up, and participate!