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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_CVB_04.14.2017Minutes of Meeting of the Convention & Visitor Bureau Board City of Georgetown, Texas April 14, 2017 The Convention & Visitor Bureau Board will met on Friday, April 14 at 8:30 am at Convention and Visitors Bureau Office, located at 103 W. 71h Street, Georgetown, Texas. MEMBERS PRESENT: Georgene Richaud, Rita Healy, Karen Soeffker, Stephanie Blanck, Al Shankkle, MEMBERS ABSENT: Christy Fisher, Tauyna Vessels, STAFF PRESENT: Cari Miller, Marie Woodard Regular Session (This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.) 1. Chair Richaud called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. Legislative Regular Session 2. Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the March 10, 2017 minutes Motion by Healy, second by Blanck to approve the March 10, 2017 minutes. Approved 5-0 3. Discussion and possible action to approve a Hotel Occupancy Tax Reimbursement Grant for the Texas Half Century Senior Softball Tournament The application was presented to the Board. This is a recurring grant that has been funded for the past four years. After discussion, the following motion was made. Motion by Healy, second by Soeffker to approve the HOT grant in the amount of $2,000. Approved 5-0 Discussion and possible action regarding hospitality staffing General discussion regarding the possible need for an additional part-time staff member in the Visitors Center. The Board also discussed restaurants having a difficult time locating and keeping staff. Richaud and Miller will meet with Conchita Guseman, Program Manager for Economic Development, to discuss next steps and obtain accurate information. No action was taken. Wage Discussion and possible action regarding conference/meeting recruitment General discussion regarding recruiting national and state social organization conferences through local citizens who are members of said organizations. The suggestion was made that Woodard speak to local civic groups to bring awareness of the facilities at the Sheraton. Discussion was also held regarding possible incentives to entice meeting planners/groups to host conferences in Georgetown. This will be discussed at a future meeting. No action was taken. Discussion and possible action regarding advertising and media exposure and dates of upcoming events Miller provided current status of the CVB's advertising and media activities. The CVB March Monthly Review is attached. Adjournment Motion by Soeffker, second by Healy to adjourn the meeting. Approved 5-0. Chair Richaud adjourned the meeting at 9:53 a.m. Georgene Richaud, Chair phanie Blanck, Secretary Cari Miller, Tourism Manager Date 2IPage Downtown & Community Services Convention & Visitors Bureau Monthly Review - March 2017 Georgetown Tourism by Numbers $82,274 4,075 47,190 Total amount of HOT collected in February (2016 = $66,498) Visitors to the Visitors Center for the month of March (2016 = 3,337) VisitGeorgetown.com webpage views (2016 = 42,024) 3.08 Pages per session * / *Average is 2 Pages per session 26,085 RedPoppyFestival.com webpage views (2016 = 28,970) 2.55 Pages per session * / *Average is 2 Pages per session 6,030 Mobile App Users (2016 = 5,282) 7,203 Facebook Fans (2016 =5,700) 169,444 Post Impressions 3,383 Twitter Followers (2016 = 2,413) 33,200 Tweet Impressions 5EAuTIFUL TO��S Rf 4 .it GEORGEIOWN 2,605 Emma Newsletter Emails (2016 = 2,030) 8.6% Mail Score* (out of 10%) / Emma Average is 7% (*Mail Score =Overall Email Quality) 36% Open Rate / Emma Average Open Rate is 20% 1,346 Instagram Followers Website/Social Media/Advertising • March digital ads Houstonia Digital Microsite (673,809 Digital Magazine Impressions) TourTexas.com Sponsored Page (Total Content Engagement = 20,987/Banner Ad 25,000 impressions) Texas Meetings & Events Banner Ad (2.4 to 3 Click Ratio) Texas Society of Association Executives (new premium position / 4,500 open rate) • March print ads Eat, Play & Stay in Central Texas See Texas First (Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Abilene, Odessa -Midland, Rio Grande/Brownsville, Tulsa, Albuquerque, Houma, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Waco) Christian Meetings & Conference Assoc. Newsletter, full page ad (1,200 member distribution, quarterly) • Daytripper Sponsorship Television and Website (#3 non -City web referral/77 referrals/1.95 pages per session ) • Posted to Visit Georgetown, Texas Facebook, Twitter.com/visitgeorgetown and Instagram/visitgeorgetowntx • Sent weekly mobile app push notifications for Chase the Chief, First Friday and Art Center Exhibit Group Sales & Servicing • Groups Requesting Services: 14 Groups • Requests for Proposals Received: 8 RFPs received and responded to • Requests for Sales Leads for Room Availability: 1 • Services Provided: 1,1800 goodie bags / Year to Date: 2,865 goodie bags • Conferences / Tradeshows: 1 Conference @ Sheraton, 590+ attendees / 1 Trade Show — DFWAE Day in Irving, TX Media/PR (March Newton O'Neill Report Attached) • Pieces of Coverage: 5 • Online Readership: 90.3M • Estimated Coverage Views: 210K • Social Shares: 513 dd SUMMARY MONTHLY REPORT - MARCH 2017 5 PIECES OF COVERAGE: 513 SOCIAL SHARES: 90.3M 210K ONLINE READERSHIP: ESTIMATED COVERAGE VIEWS: 70 AVERAGE DOMAIN AUTHORITY: O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS Zi114tax aWHOLE OTHER COUNTRY Home Media Room Industry Press Releases 2017 - January loth Annual Red Poppy Festival Returns to Georgetown. Texas PRESS RELEASES What's New Story Ideas Texas Tourism Press Releases Industry Press Releases Texas in the News Video and Image Library Texas Tourism Media Contacts Media Assistance NEED HELP? Contact Us > Image, Logo and Footage Requests > ADVERTISING& MARKETING MEDIA ROOM TRAVEL RESEARCH INDUSTRY RESOURCES ® 1131093Gi 18TH ANNUAL RED POPPY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO GEORGETOWN, TEXAS January 5, 2017 Georgetown, TX - Known as the "Red Poppy Capital Of Texas," the city of Georgetown, Texas, will mark the spring season by celebrating its signature red poppies with the 18th Annual Red Poppy Festival, April 28 - 30, 2017. Located downtown in the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas," the festival encompasses three days of concerts, parades, contests, art, food and family fun in the downtown area. The music headliner will be announced in early 2017; past headliners include Tracy Lawrence and Mark Chesnutt. Georgetown is one of the few places in the United States where red poppies grow naturally every year. On April 25, 1990 the town was certified by local residents and the Texas Legislature as the "Red Poppy Capital of Texas." Red poppies have been a part of Georgetown's landscape for more than 70 years. WHAT: 18th Annual Red Poppy Festival, admission is free WHEN: Friday, April 28, 6 - 9 p.m. • Kick -Off Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. • "Paint the Georgetown Red" Parade at 10 a.m. • Classic Car Show: Cars will be parked on Austin Avenue from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Awards given at 3 p.m. • Red Poppy Taste Awards Presentation at 7:20 p.m. • Concerts on the Red Poppy Stage at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. • National Anthem at 9:20 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Kiwanis' One in the Hole Ball Drop at 2:00 p.m. • Coloring Contest Awards at 4:30 p.m. on the Celebrate Stage WHERE: Downtown Georgetown, in and around the square Free Parking: • Williamson County Parking Garage at Rock Street & 4th Street • Austin Avenue & 5th Street on the west side of Austin Avenue near the Monument Cafe • 6th Street & Rock Street • l0th Street and Main Street - ACCESSIBLE PARKING AVAILABLE Directions available on festival website from Austin and Waco/Dallas/Fort Worth. ### About Georgetown, Texas Established in 184E as an agricultural trading center, Georgetown, Texas, offers historic charm to residents and visitors, boasting one of the state's 26 designated cultural districts and "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas." Not only the home of acclaimed historic restorations and a thriving arts scene, Georgetown is a trend-setter as one of the largest cities in the U.S. to be powered by 100% renewable energy when the municipal utility moves to wind and solar power in 2018. Travel Texas - Texas Tourism JAN 5 2017 (IMAGE 1 OF 2) (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 1.95K 4 87 GG Just found this media coverage though published in Jan NEWTON O'Neill Georgetown is located 25 miles north of Austin. Texas. and is the county seat of Williamson County. With a COM M U N ICATI ONS vibrant offering of dining, shopping, art and history, plus miles of parks and trails, Georgetown is the perfect destination for a quick getaway or long-term stay. For more information, visit the website and follow on Facebook and Twitter. e Back to Press Releases About Us Facebook Contact Us © Twitter Privacy Pinterest TravelTexas.com g Instagram Site Map Q YouTube Google } ® 2017 office of the Governor, economic Development 6e Tourismnil rights reserved. noo San Jacinto, n n, Te.a, 78701 c512i 963-2000 Travel Texas - Texas Tourism JAN 5 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 1.95K 4 87 I:G Just found this media coverage though published in Jan NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS • KOED PUBLIC MEDIA naves arcs& life music programs shoR S Q. Morning bII M KQED Public Matlla 0 3:Sa • + Queue Download Embed Transcript AROUND THE NATION Texas City Leads The Way On Renewable Energy March %. 201%• 444 PM ET Heard on AM Things Considered API SHAPIRO Georgetown, Texas, an exurb of Austin, is one of the first cities in the country to be 1o0 percent powered by renewable energy. D Transcript ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: This week we're going to spend some time in a part of the U.S. that is leading the way on renewable energy. And this place is at the center of conservative, red -state, Republican America. We're talking about Texas. Texas produces more wind energy than the next three states combined. The new energy secretary, Rick Perry, was governor of Texas for 14 years. Tomorrow well hear about his role in all of this. Today we're going to visit one of the first cities in the country to be entirely powered by renewables. DALE ROSS: I don't think they're ever going to accuse Georgetown of being the next Berkeley (laughter). SHAPIRO: Georgetown, Texas, population 5o,000. The mayor is Dale Ross. We're about 3o miles north of Austin. ROSS: Austin's phrase is, you know, keep Austin weird. Now, what we say is, Austin, keep your weird. SHAPIRO: Mayor Ross wears a lapel pin from Trump's inauguration. He's sitting on a park bench in Georgetown's historic town square. ROSS: You know, it is the greatest city on planet Earth. ROSS: So I think people all over the country wonder, how is it that such a red city like Georgetown, such a conservative place, was one of the first cities in the country to be powered 10o percent by renewable energy? ROSS: You know, because it's our love of green - green rectangles and green energy. SHAPI RO: (Laughter) Green rectangles meaning dollar bills. ROSS: Yes, so - yeah, if you got an Andrew Jackson or a Benjamin Franklin on - well, I prefer, you know - Benjamin Franklin's my favorite. But really with the first and foremost, it was a business decision. SHAPI RO: When the old power contract was up in 2012, Georgetown city managers sat down to look at their options. They realized that wind and solar power are more predictable. The prices don't swing up and down like oil and gas. So the city can sign a contract today and know what the bill is going to be for the next 25 years. That's especially appealing in a place like Georgetown where a lot of retirees live on fixed OUR PICKS LIVE RADIO SHOWS NPR khan. ot.,, sponsors Become an NPR sponsor NPR.org MAR 7 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: is(13 490 9 22 GG Found coverage NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 87.6M 52.4K 96 We're driving up to this municipal building in Georgetown, Texas, and the roof is covered in solar panels. Hey there. CHRIS FOSTER: Howdy - Chris Foster. SHAPI RO: Chris Foster manages the city's energy usage. He presented a bunch of options to city managers. And when they picked a hundred percent renewable, Foster realized this could be a big deal. Only one other American city has done this in liberal Vermont. FOSTER: I went back and said, OK, would you like to tell anybody? And they debated about that. SHAPI RO: Some people were afraid that the city might undermine its conservative reputation if word got out. FOSTER: They said, you know what? We should go ahead and just say it. And it'll either be a great marketing tool, or nobody will pay attention. But if it is a great marketing tool, it's free marketing. SHAPI RO: Mayor Ross says it worked. The decision brought millions of dollars in new investment to the city. And companies in town have been happy to use clean power in their own marketing. ROSS: It's a great economic development tool because there's a lot of high -quality companies in this country that have robust green energy policies. Wal-Mart is one of them. The Wal-Mart in Georgetown can report to Bentonville that every kilowatt of energy that they bought last year was green energy from either wind or solar. SHAPI RO: On the town square, a toy store has Georgetown goes green painted in the window. Around the corner is a hot sauce shop where Tanya Valencia is an owner. Her best seller is called Texas Exes. TANYA VALENCIA: Texas Exes is a - it's a hot sauce, but it's chunky like a salsa. So they call it the salsa that bites back like an ex -spouse or an ex -boyfriend or girlfriend (laughter). SHAPIRO: How do you explain what's going on here? VALENCIA: Well, you know what? I think one thing we can all agree on no matter what party you're from is that you want what's best for our planet. I mean it's not a Republican thing. It's not a Democrat thing. It's what's best for our, you know, our planet and our country and our world. SHAPI RO: That said, city leaders told us the debate over renewables never mentioned climate change. In Texas politics, climate change is a wedge issue. The wind energy that Georgetown buys is produced hundreds of miles away in west Texas. The city can only get that energy because of changes to the electrical grid that former Governor Rick Perry put in place. The mayor says Perry deserves credit. ROSS: I truly believe he was a visionary because under his leadership, those transmission lines which run from West Texas and the panhandle - if the state hadn't put those on the ground to transmit that energy, we wouldn't be having this conversation today. SHAPI RO: Now, Rick Perry is the energy secretary. Well look at how his home state became a renewable energy powerhouse and what it could mean for the rest of the NPR.org MAR 7 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: is(13 490 9 22 GG Found coverage NEWTON O'Neill 87.6M 52.4K 96 COMMUNICATIONS nhpr ` NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC RADIO SUPPORT Listen Live •� NHPR lIJ 'ID Home News Series Blogs ' Programs &Podcasts Listen/Connect '• About NHPR ' Support Search Support the news that matters by helping us raise all the money in half the time. Clickhereor call 888.805.6477 Texas City Leads The Way On Renewable Energy By ARI SHAPIRO . k _ F AOGAAM All Things Considered © Tweet 0 Share 0 Geogler- 0 Email , Listen Originally published on March 8,20177,59 pm Copyright 2017 NPR To see more, visit https'/wvnv.npr.orgf ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: This week were going to spend sometime in a part of the U.S. that is leading the way on renewableenergy. And this place is at the center of conservative, red -state, Republican America. Were talking about Texas. Texas produces mare wi nd energy than the next three states combined. The new energy secretary, Rick Perry, was governor of Texas for l4years. Tomorrow we I I hear about his role in all of this. Today were going to visit one of the first cities in the country to be entirely powered by renewabl es. DALE ROSS: I don't thinkthey're evergoingto accuse Georgetown of being the next Berkeley (laughter). SHAPIRO: Georgetown, Texas, population 50,000. The mayor is Dale Ross. Were about 30 miles north of Austin. In 2017, you can help an abused child find a permanent, loving home. Accepting volunteer applications statewide. guy a Conservation and Heritage 'Moose Plate and conserve the best of NH. wo w. mo sepate.con LEARN MORE ROSS: Austin's phrase is, you know, keep Austin weird. Now, what we say is, Austin, keep your weird. SHAPIRO: M ayorRoss wears a lapel pin from Trump's inauguration. Hes sitting on a park bench in Georgetown's historic town square. ROSS: You know, it is the greatest city on planet Earth. ROSS: So I think people all over the country wonder, how is it that such a red city like Georgetown, such a conservative place, was one of the first cities in the country to be powered 100 percent by renewable energy? NHPR MAR 7 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 1 GG Found coverage NEWTON O'Neill 175K 859 65 RfISS• Ynl I lennw heral Ice it'c nl Ir I tore of preen - preen rertanelec anti preen enerpv COMMUNICATIONS SHAPIRO: (Laughter) Green rectangles meaningdollar bills. NHPR ROSS: Yes, so -yeah, if you got an Andrew Jackson or a Benjamin Franklin on - well, I prefer, you know - Benjamin Franklin's my favorite. But really with the first and foremost, it was a business decision. SHAPIRO: When the old power contract was up in 2012, Georgetown city managers sat down to look at their options. They realized that wind and solar power are more predictable. The prices don't swing up and down likeoi I and gas. Sothe city can sign a contract today and know what the bill is going to befor the next 25 years. That's especially appealing in a place like Georgetown where a lot of retirees live on fixed incomes. We'redriving up to this municipal building in Georgetown, Texas, and the roof is covered in solar panels. H ey there. CH R I S FOSTER: Howdy - Chris Foster. SHAPIRO: Chris Foster ma nages t he city's energy usage. He presented a bunch of options to city managers. And when they picked a hundred percent renewable, Foster realized this could be a big deal. Only one other American city has done this in liberal Vermont. FOSTER: I went back and said, OK, would you liketo tell anybody? And they debated about that. SHAPIRO: Some people were afraid that the city might undermine its conservative reputation if word got out. FOSTER: They said, you know what? W e shou ld go ahead and just say it. And it'll either be a great marketing tool, or nobo dy wi l l pay attention. But if it is a great marketing tool, it's free marketing. SHAPIRO: M ayorRoss says it worked. The decision brought millions of dollars in new investment to the city. And companies in town have been happy to use clean power in their own marketing. ROSS: It's a great economic development tool because there's a lot of high -quality companies in this country that have robust green energy policies. Wal-Mart is oneof them. The Wal-Mart in Georgetown can report to Bentonville that every kilowatt of en ergy tha t they bought last year was green energy from either wind or solar. SHAPIRO: On the town square, a toy store has Georgetown goes green painted in th a wi ndow. Around the corner is a hot sauce shop where Ta nya Valencia is an owner. Her best seller is called Texas Exes. TANYA VALENCIA: Texas Exes is a - it's a hot sauce, but it's chunky Iikea salsa. So they call it thesalsathat bites back like an ex -spouse or an ex -boyfriend or girlfriend (laughter). MAR 7 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 1 GG Found coverage NEWTON O'Neill 175K 859 65 SHAPIRO: H ow do you explain what's going on here? COMMUNICATIONS VALENCIA: Well, you know what? I t hi nk one thing we can all agree on no matter what party you're from is that you want what's best for our planet. I mean it's not a Republican thing. It's not a Democrat thing. It's what's best forour, you know, our p1 anet and our country and our world. SHAPIRO: That said, city leaders told us thedebateover renewables never mentioned climate change. In Texas pal itics, climate change is a wedge issue. The wind energy that Georgetown buys is produced hundreds of miles away in west Texas. The city can only get that energy because of changes to the electrical grid that former Governor Rick Perry put in place. The mayor says Perry deserves credit. ROSS: I truly believe hewas a visionary because under his leadership, those transmission lines which run from West Texas and the panhandle - if the state hadn't put those on thegraund to transmit that energy, we wouldn't be having this conversation today. SHAPIRO: Now, Rick Perry is the energy secretary. We'll look at how his home state became a renewable energy powerhouse and what it couid mean for the rest of the country tomorrow. (SOUNDBITE OF MARCO BENEVENTOSONG, "AT THE SHOW") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. © Tweet O Share 0 Google+ Q Email 0 Comments NHPR C% Recommend Et Share • Start the discussion... Be the first to comment_ 11 Subscribe 0 Add Distills to your site Privacy Q Login Sort by Best - DISOUS © 2017 New Haipsn : Public Radio Contact Support Schedule Social Community Calendar NHPR MAR 7 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: 1 GG Found coverage NEWTON O'Neill 175K 859 65 COMMUNICATIONS WIDE OPEN COUNTRY LIFESTYLE q SeaTch NEWS MUSIC — ENTERTAINMENT LIFESTYLE - FOOD &DRINK • PLACES • Why You Should Explore Georgetown, Texas BY ELLA-ETHA3RAHAMSEN 113 MIN O © 0 FarebooW9iry of Gew9etoon Just North of the trendy city of Austin, Texas you'll find the quaint, small city of Georgetown. With a charming downtown area and a thriving community, there's a number of reasons you should pay it a visit. So let's head up I-35 and take a look at what Georgetown has to offer. Life and Entertainment in Downtown FevebooW'L'p of Georgetown Georgetown has a vibrant historic downtown district that hosts a lot of civic activities and events for the community throughout the year. The biggest one is probably the annual Red Poppy Festival, which takes FaLTaw f TRENDING ARTICLES • LIFEfYXAS D33LNT2 NOME & GARDEN Why You Should Explore Georgetown, Texas 15 Outrageous License Plates Rejected by the Texas DMV This Old Grain Silo Was Transformed into a Jaw -Dropping Tiny House Wide Open Country MAR 17 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.47M 151K 38 COMMUNICATIONS place each Spring to coincide with when the red poppies bloom. This year's festival is set for April 28-30. Wide Open Country Georgetown received its first red poppy seeds following World War I, and the beautiful Flowers spread so far across the city that in 1990 the Texas Legislature declared Georgetown 'The Red Poppy Capital of Texas". MAR 17 2017 The Georgetown Christmas Stroll is also a popular downtown event. It takes place annually each December and includes a parade, a living nativity and a visit from Santa Claus. Another great event is the annual Wine and Music festival. This event brings together local restauranteurs and live music for an inviting and fun day. (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.47M 151K 38 boo eg . P.A. Fe a ebmk/E, d cnxgemwn COMMUNICATIONS The downtown district in Georgetown also otters First Fridays on the Square, which is a monthly shopping event. Merchants stay open late (until 8 PM) to allow residents more opportunities to explore restaurants, shops and galleries. Clean Eating and Clean Energy Fe cebmkICemlown Farme/s Market For fresh eating visit the farmer's market that takes place each Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30 on University Avenue. You can buy locally grown, fresh produce as well as meat and eggs, cheese, nuts and canned goods. The farmer's market has been a Georgetown tradition since 1984. Another good reason to check out Georgetown is its energy program. In 2015 Georgetown began an initiative to purchase 150 megawatts of solar energy and 144 megawatts of wind energy for its customers. The program launched this year and the city is now offering 100 percent renewable energy to its customers. This not only saves money, it's good for the environment and has a flat rate that is more affordable. Take the Train to and from Austin F<nk„ an.Fogenbar, Classic Austin mentality is that living in Georgetown makes the commute to work in Austin unbearable, but that's no longer the case. The construction of the SH 130 toll road made travel to Austin much faster. Also, the Leander Station for the Capital metro rail is just 20 minutes away. The metro rail goes all the way into downtown Austin and saves commuters that long frustrating drive. In addition, there are plenty of Tech offices for prospective employees to consider (such as Dell and Samsung) that are located in North Austin and Round Rock. Georgetown has its fair share of employers as well. Some of the largest employers in the city include Southwestern University, Georgetown ISD and St. David's Georgetown Hospital. Wide Open Country MAR 17 2017 (IMAGE 3 OF 4) (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.47M 151K 38 COMMUNICATIONS Southwestern University, which is a stunningly beautiful historic University. Southwestern is a small, Methodist University that hosts about 1,500 undergrads. Southwestern has attracted such illustrious speakers as William Jennings Bryan, Hellen Keller and Isaac Asimov. Fi.E01.1antew Forded, Now Watch: What Would You Do With This Giant Abandoned House in Texas? This GIANT Houston-ara"�ea home can be yours... You May Like [Video] Former US Navy Seal Sniper Admits Shocking Tactic Rattlesnakes are Suddenly Taking over this Texas Town MEM Promoted Links by Tebode I' Warning: Don't Use Prohiotics Before You See This PrWluiixlre Supplrmeri Wide Open Country MAR 17 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.47M 151K 38 COMMUNICATIONS tatcsman from Austin American-Stafesmon JOBS CARS HOMES CLASSIFIEDS OUR PRODUCTS + 70` wa Austin American -Statesman LOCAL USNRORLD POLITICS SPORTS HORNS BUSINESS AUSTIN360 FEATURED FOOD EPAPER SUBSCRIBE • LOG IN as lo• as ee+ .A. Celebrate the start of spring with fun festivals around the state From birding to bluebonnets, there's something for everyone. ® By Mauri Elbe! - Special to the American -Statesman Children can enjoy a variety of fun activities, such as tree climbing and Lego building. at Earth Day Texas Contributed Posted. 12'.00 a.m. Saturday, March 25. 20'17 There's no better time to take a road trip in Texas than spring, when winding roads are lined with wildflowers and fragrant breezes beckon you to be outdoors. April adds to the allure with a smattering of fun festivals celebrating everything from bluebonnets to birds here's a look at some of the top events happening across the state. Galveston April 6-5 birdin with plac birding More a Sugar Sign up for Newsletters pre news? Sign up for free to get more of.tte Statesman my$tatestnan Welcome to myStatesman.com This subscriber -only site gives you exclusive access to breaking news, in-depth coverage, exclusive interactives and bonus content. with to MAR 25 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill 1.06M 5.19K 65 April 6 You can read 4 free articles of your choice a month that are only available on COMMUNICATIONS Intern and b event at su Chap April 8- Bluebon p m. April 9. Declared the Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas by the Texas Legislature, this free event boasts more than 250 juried exhibitors, country -style food, live music from an array of entertainers including Julia Hatfield and Jeff Jacobs Band, and family -friendly fun in the form of pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a barrel train and more. More at chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com/bluebonnet. Already a Paid Subscriber? I have a loom for Elaital access I seee to create a main for tlioltal access Statewide April 15-May 15'. The 21 st Annual Girding Classic bird -watching tournament is intended for birders of all ages and levels. The statewide event aims to increase appreciation, understanding and conservation of birds through education, recreation, nature tourism and conservation fundraising. Register and find out more attpwd state tc usieventsigreat-texas-birding-classic. San Antonio April 20-30: It was 126 years ago when Fiesta San Antonio began as a one -parade event with the Battle of Flowers to remember and celebrate the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today nearly 100 local nonprofits, called participating member organizations, produce more than 100 diverse events during the 11 days of Fiesta San Antonio, raising funds for scholarships, medical research, historic preservation and special needs children and families. Fiesta is known as the "party with a purpose," as proceeds raised go directly back into the community. More at fiesta -so org Driftwood April 20-23: The 30th annual Old Settler's Music Festival is around the corner. The official schedule for the four -day event, one of the country's best roots music festival experiences, features over 30 first-time and returning performers on four stages at the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood. Find ticket packages and single -day wristbands and more at oldsettlersmusicfest.org, Fort Worth April 20-23: The Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival unfolds along 1 magnificent mile in downtown Fart Worth. The free four -day festival will spotlight 213 hand -selected artists, showcase hundreds of performers across four stages, feature authentic Texas cuisine and provide arts -and -crafts activities the whole family can enjoy. More at mainstreetartsfest.org. Burton April 21-22: The 28th annual Burton Cotton Gin Festival keeps the history and heritage of cotton alive at the site of the oldest operating cotton gin in America: Kicking off with an all -you -can -eat shrimp boil (tickets required( and live auction on Friday night, the free celebration continues on Saturday with a parade, live music, pie eating and seed pulling contests, tractor pulls, tours, folk life demonstrations and more. More at cottonginmuseum.org. Dallas April 21-23: Earth Day Texas has created this forum for sharing the latest initiatives, discoveries, research, innovations, policies and corporate practices that are reshaping the future.. Founded in 2011 by Dallas -based environmentalist, philanthropist and businessman Trammell S. Crow, EDTx promotes environmental awareness by curating an atmosphere for conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration and community -driven sustainable solutions: Over the s are ften me: Austin American -Statesman MAR 25 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 1.06M 5.19K 65 tree tnree-oay event in Fair r•arK, expect oui000r experiences, live music, environmentally themed films and art exhibits, beer and food pavilions, family activities, scuba diving and more. More at earthdaytx.org. Austin American -Statesman Garland April 22 "Hats off to Garland" is the theme for the city's fourth annual Garland Heritage Celebration, taking place from 4 to 8 p m on State Street between Fifth and Sixth streets next to the historic Downtown Square. Enjoy a ride on a mechanical bull, live musical entertainment, historic and comedic lectures and children's activities while learning mare about Garland's historic downtown. More at garlandtx.govlgovfhkiheritage_crossinglheritage_celebrationfdefault.asp. Geronimo April 23. Came out to the Geronimo VFW Dance featuring Charles & the Fabulous 4 (6808 N Hwy 123, Geronimo) from 3 to 6.30 p.m, The Auxiliary kitchen opens at 2 p m The friendly hall is open to all with a suggested donation of $8. For more information, call 830-305-8829/379-0506. Granbury April 28-29_ With four wineries located in one small county, Granbury is a great choice for Texas oenophiles, and at the eighth annual Granbury Wine Walk, visitors can sample as many as 15 wines and purchase a bottle of their favorite, The nonprofit event benefits local charities. More at granburyuuinewalk.com. Georgetown April 28-30: Free and family -friendly, the 18th annual Red Poppy Festival is the three-day, fun -filled event that takes place in Georgetown — named the Red Poppy Capital of Texas by the Texas Legislature in 1990 and one of the few places in the country where red poppies grow naturally every spring. The town celebrates the flowers' vivid blooming with three days of fun including a Paint Georgetown Red parade, arts and crafts, a car show, live music with Diamond Rio headlining, a food court, a kids' fun zone, the Red Poppy Taste Awards and much more unfolding around the "Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas." More at poppy .georgetown.org. Old Town Spring April 29-30: The Texas Crawfish and Music Festival's 31 st anniversary promises a weekend chock-full of fun for everyone. In addition to eating heaps of crawfish, adults can grab a cold one and listen to live music while kids can hit up the carnival's midway games, rides and petting zoo, Tickets to the family -friendly event taking place in Preservation Park are $12 (13 and older), $5 (children 6-12), and free for children under 5 More at texascrawfishfestival.com. Reader Comments F - Next Up in Travel MAR 25 2017 (EST.) MONTHLY VISITS: (EST.) COVERAGE VIEWS: DOMAIN AUTHORITY: NEWTON O'Neill COMMUNICATIONS 1.06M 5.19K 65