Cailey and Judy

The "Griswalds" have arrived at Downtown Lighting in New Braunfels, Texas.
Don't miss all the other great holiday events - www.nbjumpin.com

50th festival of WURSTFEST!

October 29th through November 7th come and celebrate the 50th festival of Wurstfest!

Know anyone that was there  at the beginning or that celebrates and Anniversary of Wurstfest?  Submit your stories and photos at http://www.newbraunfelsstories.com/ to have a chance to win season passes for 4 to Schlitterbahn for the 2011 season!  Post Photos all festival!

For our family this is a generational outing.  My mom, Gene "Mom"  Watson and her sister Wanda "Aunt BB" Silkwood,  sell beer tickets inside the Wursthalle.  My daughter will be dancing at the festival and I will be working.  My husband will be in charge of drink tickets and hats!  For my mom I believe this will be her 39th or 40th year to do so.... they dress everyday in the "appropriate" attire (at their own expense) and usually match each other.  She keeps track of the number of chicken dances played inside the hall on the posts of her booth.  There are years of them up there. Stop by, say Hi!  If you are lucky enough to work the bar behind her booth, you usually enjoy some homemade "Mom Watson" treats several times during the festival. If she is not in "her booth" she can usually be found waiting in line for Smokehouse bread pudding or Republican Women fried pickles.  They work open to close everyday and have legions of fans!  Come the last Saturday, they are a little pooped, but will still be smiling and doing their version of the "chair chicken dance". 

This year with Halloween falling during the festival - our family trick or treating costumes will give a nod to the heritage of the festival with German dirndls and lederhosen.   Maybe your family might get on board as well.  we will be at the festival as well.  Don't miss the Kinderchor and the KinderTanzer groups.  Many of us growing up had Mrs. Frueh teach us all the Mexican and German folk dances and songs in elementary school - do they still do that?  If not - why not!          

Our neighborhood will be at the festival in force!  We walk over and back and occasionally manage to park our golf cart close.  Don't forget the Schlitterbahn Wurstfest Shuttle and the Rockin R Wurstfest shuttle. 

For me, I will be in the potato pancake booth working for my Rotary Club - we are getting better at the process and NO there is NO way to make them faster.  So get a pitcher, get in line, and relax!



On to the festivities:   http://www.wurstfest.com/2010schedule.htm

Above is the entertainment calendar for performances at the festival and here is a small list of the other events that will be going on during the fest -

  Other Events - first weekend. 


7:00 am - 7:00 pm The Wurst Craft Show & Sale in Texas/New Braunfels Utilities Parking Lot

8:00 am Wurst 5 Mile Run/Landa Park Dance Slab

8:00 am Wurstfest Walkfest/Schlitterbahn Employee Café

8:00 am Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic-Recreational Tour/Gruene Hall

9:30 am Wurstfest Skat Tournament – International Rules/Landa Haus

11:00 am - 10:00 pm Kunsthalle (Arts & Crafts)/Knights of Columbus Hall across from Wurstfest Gate #1

11:30 am - 4:00 pm Annual Wurstfest Regatta I – Board boats & Centerboards/Canyon Lake

2:00 pm Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic-Individual Time Trial/Gruene Hall

4:00 pm & 7:30 pm Old Time Melodrama – “Harry Potwurst and the Order of Opas”/Circle Arts Theatre

Crisp, Cool, Wonderful Fall

The Texas Hill Country got a great cool snap this week; which puts me in the mood for all of the coming  "fests" ! 

October brings us live music, wine tasting, pottery, and all things "on a stick" kind of festivals!  Beginning this weekend with Artoberfest.  I love this title - this month of great art will be the 45th Annual.  This show is juried, regional, fine art show and can be found at the New Braunfels Art League in Downtown New Braunfels.     The complete October calendar is available online and in brochure format at the New Braunfels Chamber office, the Highway Visitor Center, and many other locations throughout town.  

An interesting new twist for fall is set at the Brauntex Theatre -  The 2nd Annual Texandance International Film Festival sponsored by the New Braunfel's Film Commission at the historic Brauntex Theatre will take place October 1-3, 2010. The festival will begin for ticket holders at the Huisache Grill on October 1st at 5 pm. Film Happens...   By the way did you know that the New Braunfels Chamber CVB is also the New Braunfels Film Commission.  Typical of the German work ethic... we do more with less people and try to do it really well.  Check out this film festival.... in New Braunfels.

Gruene Music and Wine Fest follow the weekend of October 7-10.  Yes there is an extra day of festivities this year.  Get your tickets online and plan to soak up a great time for a great cause!  United Way of Comal County.   Live music, wine tasting, shopping, dining, and a beer tasting on Sunday with a great big screen and football!  This same weekend also beings 1000's of cyclists to New Braunfels as we host for the second year the MS Ride to the River.  This event raises funds to fight Multiple Sclerosis.  Now, if you are like me and can't find my courage to wear those little cycling shorts you can still support the event by volunteering.  Catch  all the action at  http://www.facebook.com/bikemsalamoridetotheriver.

Okay, this is a new one, even for me.... Dungeness Crab Pick!  Oct. 16 - Come enjoy Fresh Dungeness Crab flown in overnight from the icy waters of the Pacific Northwest, along with Sour Dough Bread, European Butter, and homemade Chocolate Truffles paired of course, with the Texas Style wines from Dry Comal Creek Vineyards. This meal is not for the faint hearted. You will be required to work at crushing and cracking the crustaceans. Your utensils will be mallets, crackers, picks and bibs, but your reward will be the delicately sweet meat of the Dungeness Crab. This is a casual feast full of whimsical fun. Go to: http://www.drycomalcreek.com/event-crab-pick.html for more details and to sign up.

Then one of my kiddo's favorites- Texas Clay Fest in Gruene!  I have been taking my family to this event for many years and have great photos and clay creations that my child has made over the years. Not many events have the opportunity for kids to dive in with both hands and experience the art of creativity while the folks enjoy artists with extreme talent displaying their beauties and demonstrating for those that are eager to understand the method.  Jump In!

I am worn out and we have just begun.  The grand fest is to follow....   

" Perseverance with Purpose"

The title of today's post is from Everett Fey and I found it in his books New Braunfels: The First Founders.

As we get ready to present the CVB Cultural Heritage project to City Council today, I am reminded of that description and how we apply this statement everyday.  Sometimes projects feel like walking in quicksand, sometimes that quicksand weighs us down for years.  But through "perseverance with purpose" we are finally there, 4 years later on the edge of a fantastic project.  A brochure, micro site, and text back/video activated walking tour for smart phones of all the great things that make New Braunfels special.

If you are from here and not a recent residence you are so use to living in our founder's footsteps that we rarely acknowledge their sensational contributions to our community.  Those hardy folks really rocked it in those first 20 years.  They had a plan - they worked really, really hard and they played hard.  They took care of each other and provided for those less fortunate.  Did you know that by 1910 there were over 176 non profits in our county?  Today there are over 470?  So it appears, we get it!  It is not about what you do, but how you do it, and what imprint you leave.

We found some great images in our lengthy research process.  One of my favorites is of a guy that built the first paddle boat in New Braunfels.  It is genius!  Now here is where I bet you would like to see these images.... well we are not giving anything away.  If you have some images or great stories load them at http://www.newbraunfelsstories.com/ and be a part of the project.  You will see it all come to life in the next few months.

As we weave the traditions of our founders into our daily life -- remember, live music of today is spawned from the musical and singing societies of the 1850's, live theater of today was spawned from those theatrical societies of our ancestors.  The farming and ranching societies of the 1850's launched great youth programs and the oldest County Fair in Texas. The athletic societies of then support outstanding school athletics today. 
You name it, they did it - festivals, celebrations, fundraising, farmer's markets, entertainment halls, live music, theatres, public school, craftsmanship competition, and the oldest running shooting society in Texas.

It goes on and on......

Our founders footsteps haven't faded, you just might not be able to see them, because we are still walking in them.
      

Holiday Weekend

Sitting on the front porch this beautiful morning, life is pretty darn good.  The golfers at Landa seem to be on their game this morning and the sound of solid contact off the tee box punctuates the air.  Landa Golf Course is situated in the heart of New Braunfels with the Comal River meandering around it.  It is one of the most popular "muni" courses in Texas.

Other sounds that permeate the air are joggers, walkers, cyclist as they go about their morning routines.  Our neighborhood is the primary area for these folks to extend their routes beyond the jog path in Landa Park.  The Schlitterbahn kids are all making their way to work to get ready for a great day at the "bahn".  Coming back from church there was a line out the door at Naegelin's Bakery downtown.

All is right with the world.  Settling into this post with my coffee, I watch out of the corner of my eye as a little boy and mom try to master the art of riding a bike without training wheels.

That's a Sunday morning from my little spot in New Braunfels, Texas.

Just had to add this - after I posted this .... the mosquito sound of a little scooter grabbed my attention.  Around the corner came a rather salty character in his shorts, flip flops, and fishing shirt tootling along with his prissy, shaggy, cute little dog  in the basket on the front of his scooter -  really - I can't make this stuff up.

Cheers.

Toes above the Nose

Toes above the Nose
Originally uploaded by amboo who?

Ready, Set Go! It is Comal County Fair time. Polish those boots and get your seat early for the Comal County Fair Parade. Great Photo from Flickr. Remember to enter your photo and memory at http://www.newbraunfelsstories.com

Comal County Fair Parade is Friday, September 24th in downtown New Braunfels.

First Day of School

School started today in New Braunfels! I am somewhat melancholy as I will miss those afternoons at the island.  Homework will take over the after work routine.  But I vow this year to get that out of the way and take advantage of day light savings time not changing till early November.

Today would be the perfect day for a float.  Hot weather, cold river, and you could nearly have the river to yourself.  Don't write off water recreation just yet.   Schlitterbahn is still open weekends through September 19th.  These are some prime dates for visiting the park and enjoying some relief from the back to school madness that plagues us all.   Camping and floating will still be on the top of many lists through September and then skip right into the Comal County Fair. You can keep up with Fair happening's on Facebook.

Closer to Time - Thursday

Come out and enjoy --- Come and Take It! at the Grapevine in Gruene Historic District.  This Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm.  Cheers!      

Summer still hoppin' in New Braunfels

Let's line out out August and September.  No need to quit celebrating summer... the temperatures sure don't think we are past summer....  August - swim, float, play, relax. http//www.nbjumpin.com

While thoughts are on back to school, a great many Texans know when to take advantage of short lines at the Bahn! The next several weekends tend to be a great time to visit Schlitterbahn.

• September 2 - 29 you're invited to view art works based on the land and sea theme.  http://www.newbraunfelsartleague.com/
• September - every Friday - A Gruene Hall tradition with the Friday Afternoon Club.  Get your weekend kickin' at the Hall 4-7.  Enjoy happy hour, prize giveaways, and the best in Texas Tunes, broadcasted live on KNBT 92.1.  http://www.gruenehall.com/
• September 11 - Dry Comal Creek Vineyards - Winery U!  Gooseberry Bush, and other Aromas.  

• September 11 & 12 - 7th Annual Texas Metal Arts Festival in Gruene.  10- 5 Goldsmiths, tinsmiths, silversmiths, blacksmiths, and sculptors.. watch, buy, and have fun!  http://gruenetexas.com/ or zeekandmarty@netzero.com
• September 11 - Gruene 10K http://www.athleteguild.com/node/33
• September 12 - Gospel Brunch with Texas Twist at Gruene Hall
• September 17-26 - the Comal County Fair -  The oldest county fair in Texas! 
• 9/17 - Washer pitching tournament 6p
• 9/18 - BBQ Cook Off  830 am, Rodeo Queen Contest 10 am, Mutton Busting 7 pm
• 9/19 Fair Queen Contest 730 pm
• 9/21 - Carnival opens at 6pm
• 9/22 Carnival 6-11 pm, Night in Old New Braunfels 6-11
• 9/23 Carnival 6-1145 pm PRCA Rodeo 730 PM, Midnight River Choir 8-Midnight
• 9/24 Fair Parade 10 am, Carnival 11am - 1245 pm, High School Bands 1-4 pm, PRCA Rodeo 730pm, Six Market Blvd 7-9 pm, Rio Grande 9:30 to 11:30 pm
• 9/25 Carnival 11 am - 1245 pm, Jeremy Richards and Blake Meneley 1-4 pm, PRCA Rodeo 7:30 pm, Kyle Kutcher Band 9:30-11:30 pm, Gabe Garcia 11-12:30 pm
• 9/26 Carnival 1-10 pm, Bull Riding 2 pm, Rio 6-10 pm      

Swimming Bobcat!

While it looks small, it is only 6 months old.  A cable network was in town on Saturday to film this pixie bobcat.  The cool thing about them is that they have 7 toes on their front feet and love to swim.  Where else would they come but to New Braunfels, Texas.  Stay tuned for information on this story and when you can view it on television.

Scenes of Summer in New Braunfels

Spending sometime at Schlitterbahn at the Rapids (CampWarnecke) was a step back to 1980 for me. It looks the same, it feels the same; great water, rapids, smell of sunscreen and picnics. It was great to see that the traditions of my childhood still play out today. As we swam and watched folks having a ball, I was struck by the diversity of guests: families with small children, couples of all ages, grandparents and grandkids, all enjoying for a day, what I get to enjoy everyday.   It was especially fun to watch the tweens! There they were tween girls making sure they looked as cute as possible and those tween boys sucking it in and trying to be buff. It is a time honored tradition of summer. A right of passage, memories and grins were all around. The buff flat bellies diving off the dam and trying, in vain, to catch the ledge. The girls not sure whether they should let the guys know there was an easier way. The conversations about who was cute and who had been "going" with whom? It was a blast!

I encourage you to come and make some memories with your family soon or revisit some touchstones from your past - it's refreshing! Jump In!

Wednesday - Hump Day

Being hump day this week, my thoughts drift to a mid week float.  Need to wash the worries of the week away and look forward to the weekend.

Our team is working hard on the next New Braunfels TV Show from the Richter Center in Downtown New Braunfels. 

Here is what is on tap for the  August 25th weekend forecast live show and the August 28th live show -

Kids Report at Two Tarts Bakery

History of the Bandstand

Prince Solms Inn

Vacation NB

Buck Pottery

Myron's Prime Steakhouse

Seth James

Stay tuned...

Wine Tasting Thursday

Come and Taste It Wine SeriesWhen: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 26Where: The Grapevine Texas Wine Bar, 1612 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, (830) 606-0093, grapevine!ingruene.comCost: ComplimentaryInfo: A winery representative will be on hand during this summer wine tasting to answer questions.

Beautiful Weekend

Landa Park Train

This past weekend was beautiful in New Braunfels.  As I spent Saturday morning in historic downtown, I was reminded of those folks that make the ultimate sacrifice for us - in the heat.  We welcomed our local National Guard Troop home from the Middle East where they endured temps up to 125 degrees for us.  My daughter and I were on the Plaza with out insert the New Braunfels Herald- Zeitung provided and some flags - waving and cheering the buses that were brought in by a police escort and then on to Landa Park for a proper New Braunfels celebration.  BBQ, live music, dignitaries, but most important those troops and their families soaking up home in Landa Park.  While we didn't know any of those deployed, many in my family have served and I have two nephews that are serving our nation now.  This was a good life experience for my daughter in patriotism and respect.        

Comal River at Hinman Island

We were then off to the Comal River.  Ahhhh, there is no better place.  Crystal clear water from the largest spring system in Texas creates the Comal River and keeps it at a wonderful 73 degrees year round.  You can see the Aquifer in action at Natural Bridge Caverns, where you can see up close and person the limestone formations that filter this amazing water source to such a pristine clean that the lights in the water stay on in the caverns.  Floating for a while was heaven, watching my daughter play with lifelong friends took me back to my youth and those lifelong friends that I need to reconnect with soon.           

City Manager Morrison Celebrates Opening

City Manager Morrison celebrates opening
Originally uploaded by NBCVB

New Braunfels City Manager, Mike Morrison, celebrates the reopening of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers on June 24th. Cheers to the City of of New Braunfels hard working crews that made this possible. See you all at the river.

Dancing at the Wurstfest, probably 1969

Dancing at the Wurstfest, probably 1969
Originally uploaded by daveinshaw

This is a great photo from Flickr. What is your Wurstfest memory?

Enter them at http://www.newbraunfelsstories.com/

Moving Forward

Well, I just added this gadget to my igoogle homepage. Let's see if it works.

We are finally at the weekend. So looking forward to the troop welcome home tomorrow in Landa Park, then on to Farm to Market downtown for some fresh fruits and veggies - then settling in on the river with a great picnic and some float time. Those rivers just seem to wash away any worries -- my goodness, I am beginning to sound like my mother! (Thank goodness.) We will be checkin out Schlitterbahn on Sunday, just me and my daughter. It is a great way to spend some fun quality time together, and the conversations are amazingly open when you are waiting for your shot at the Master Blaster. Looking forward to fall and all the great music and wine events. If it's happenin' it is happenin' in New Braunfels, Texas - jump in!

Getting Started

As the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director in my hometown of New Braunfels, Texas, I have just about the perfect job.  Politics aside, my job is really all about communicating my pride and love of New Braunfels, Texas and the surrounding area.   Today great conversations have been zooming around about Anniversary celebrations for our attractions and gearing up for Christmas Events. 

Yes it is summer still in Central Texas and we are really happy we have plenty of water recreation available.  My leisure time is filled with swimming, floating, tubing and anything else that keeps near, in, or around our beautiful Comal and Guadalupe Rivers.  I certainly don't want to leave out my very favorite - riding the Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn. 

The Master Blaster is the world's first up hill water rollercoaster.  Yes, some of our local genious talent from New Braunfels has figured out how to make water shoot you uphill and then rockets you downhill all in a German theme beautiful 65 acre water park that has the Comal River meandering along for the best setting anywhere.  The really cool thing about the "Bahn" is that you can bring your own picnic and parking is free - yes FREE.  I love to get there early and do the Master Blaster first thing in the morning. 

Fountain in the middle of New Braunfels, TX

Fountain in the middle of New Braunfels, TX
Originally uploaded by gsloan

Great Photo of our beautiful fountain and bandstand in downtown New Braunfels by G.Sloan.

The Fountain was the only thing on the plaza in the beginning. Then came the curb around the fountain to keep folks from watering their horses in the fountain.

The bandstand is over 100 years old and was restored in 2005.

This is the heart of New Braunfels and every parade we have traverses the plaza.