Above photo by Robert Duke
That hometown experience within a rural setting continues to flourish in the National Registry community of Fayetteville as fundraisers, art, and a variety of musical events for all ages are explored in the month of May. And wrapping up April, you just aren’t a rural community without that hometown cooking and this time it includes a drive thru Bar-b-que chicken dinner at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 201 N. Rusk Street on Saturday, April 29 beginning at 4:00 pm. There is limited seating to dine-in and questions may be addressed to 979-966-7175 or 832-215-6724.
Saturday, May 6 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm) through Sunday, May 7 (11:00 am to 4:00 pm) celebrates ArtWalk, a juried fine art show sponsored by Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS) celebrated on the courthouse square in Fayetteville. With over 60 participating artists showcased and over $6,000 in award money given to the artists selected by a judges panel, this show is quickly becoming a popular event throughout the State of Texas. Promoting local, regional, and national artists is the initial goal and visitors are reminded that in addition to this show, there is a schedule of performing musicians, children’s art instruction /activities, wine tastings, food booths, and other attractions that makes this an unforgettable experience with memories to take home. This is a free event with proceeds going to art for the kiddos in the area—a real “win-win” and proves that a professional showing of fine art for all can indeed be conducted in a small community. Contact info@artsforruraltexas.org or call 979-378-2113 for more information.
Catch your “second wind” because after ARTS activities Saturday, May 6, festivities move right down the road at 302 Bell Street to the Annual Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser and Dance kicking off at 5:00 pm at the St. John Catholic Church Pavilion. This too is an annual event with children’s activities and Central Texas Sounds Polka Band performing from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the hall. Bar-b-que beef, pork, and sausage are served from 5:30 – 7:30 pm and a silent and live auction kick off at 6:30 pm. After the auction, The Anthony Moreno Band, sponsored by Bentwood Ranch, performs. This is a very important fundraiser for this volunteer group as the department operates on donations only. Proceeds fund life and property saving efforts including equipment such as paying off the balance of the 2014 Grass Truck. Donations are welcome by calling Rodney Sladek at 979-249-6868.
The following weekend (Saturday, May 13) spotlights another round of the Fayetteville Picking Park as live acoustic bluegrass jamming commences on the historic square. This too is a free event with all levels of expertise welcome. A slow jam kicks off at 1:00 pm at the Old Fire Station led by Lou Lou Barbour and the Old Fire Station closes at 10:00 pm although music continues at the gazebo and square after that. Call 512-415-3177 for more information. Picking is often performed the Friday evening before as well.
Musical May in Fayetteville also includes performances of Chamber Music at the Country Place Hotel on the square. The annual Fayetteville Chamber Music Festival is scheduled for Friday, May 12 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, May 13 at 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 13 at 8:00 pm, Friday, May 19 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, May 20 at 3:00 pm, and Saturday, May 20 at 8:00 pm. Expect world-class performances by musicians from New York, Hungary, Poland, Houston, and Austin in a closed environment with natural acoustics and in keeping with the Czech heritage of the community, Czech music will be performed on the Friday evening bringing warm, intimate sounds to the audience. Contact 979-966-8251 or info@fayettevillemusic.org for more information.
Friday, May 20 brings more fun with food as the Fayetteville KC’s celebrate their Annual “all you can eat” Crawfish Boil at the St. John Church Pavilion on 302 Bell Street beginning at 6:30 pm. Bring the dancing shoes for the live Zydeco music. Limited tickets may be purchased at Joe’s Place, Kovar Service, Fayette Realty, or Minarcik Construction (in La Grange). Call 979-966-7961 for more information.
As ARTS wraps up spring, they also serve as a “springboard” into summer for the kiddos as well as young adults with an incredible array of classes at Blinn College (Schulenburg location), Fayetteville, Round Top, Schulenburg, and Weimar. Classes include clay art, mosaics, beach art, mixed media, recycled art, alcohol inks, 3-D, choir week, cooking art, photography, acrylics, workshops, and theater week. Go to www.artsforruraltexas.org or call 979-38-2113 for more information.
“We have an incredible spectrum of activities for all ages in this cultural and historical community of Fayetteville that we all enjoy showcasing with our country hospitality thanks to all of our volunteers,” states Mayor Ronnie Pflughaupt. “Our restaurants, lodging, shopping, and businesses extend their hometown hospitality to welcome all visitors and locals that come to share these experiences”. Fayetteville is located on Highway 159 a short distance from La Grange and zip code 78940 for GPS.