Fall is my favorite time of the year, when the weather begins to cool off and the season of festivals and celebrations begin that raise funds for a number of local non-profit organizations. That combination makes it a great time to get out and enjoy the community!
We just wrapped up the Comal County Fair, one of the largest county fairs in Texas. The Fair features a parade, BBQ cookoff, rodeo, carnival, livestock show, and live music, all supporting a variety of local non-profit agencies. I love the smell of the livestock, cotton candy, and fried foods that take me back to childhood memories at the Fair. I also enjoy running into old friends, catching up and recounting stories from years past. When the Fair comes around, I know that it’s Fall and that more festivals and celebrations are just around the corner.
Next weekend is the 38th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest, a great way to enjoy the Gruene historic district while supporting the United Way of Comal County by listening to live music and enjoying a bottle of Texas wine. Friday night’s Stars and Guitars event is my favorite part of the festival and always sells out fast. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice dinner catered by The Gristmill, wine tasting, and a private concert (this year from Randy Rogers!)? You can find out more about the event at www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org
November 1st kicks off Wurstfest, the ten-day salute to sausage and the biggest festival in New Braunfels. And, for many of our local charitable organizations, Wurstfest provides a chance to make most of their income for the year. The Opas who host the festival are made up of local business leaders who also contribute to a scholarship fund. In 2023, $62,000 in scholarships were distributed to local students, and proceeds from the festival are distributed into the community to support local non-profits and to efforts that preserve the city’s history and culture. So, head to Wurstfest this year and remember that admission is free Monday, Nov. 4th through Thursday, Nov. 7th. Learn more: www.wurstfest.com
On Saturday Nov. 9th, I hope you’ll head downtown for the annual Veterans Day Parade as the City honors those who served our country to protect or freedoms. The parade starts at 10am and will be followed by a ceremony at 11am at Veteran's Monument in Prince Solms Park. And if you or your organization would like to participate in the parade, fill out the registration form at www.newbraunfels.gov/veteransday.
Weihnachtsmarkt sets the stage for Christmas and helps you get your shopping done early with local vendors! This is the largest fundraising event for the Sophienburg Museum and Archives and begins with a gala on the evening of Nov. 21st, followed by shopping, meals, and photos with Santa in a traditional German market setting Nov. 22nd through 24th. Shopping at Weihnachtsmarkt supports the Sophienburg’s mission to preserve and share the historical and cultural heritage of New Braunfels and Comal County. Learn more: www.sophienburg.com
The Downtown Lighting is on Friday, Nov. 22nd, where thousands of twinkling lights are turned on in our historic downtown, followed by a visit from Santa who makes his way to the Main Plaza on a fire engine! Learn more: www.newbraunfels.gov/downtownlighting.
Thanksgiving is actually my favorite holiday and falls on Nov. 28th this year. Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends while giving thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Living in New Braunfels, we are fortunate to be very blessed and I feel thankful for the opportunity to live here.
Wassailfest is on Tuesday, Dec. 5th and makes downtown New Braunfels feel like a Hallmark card. The trees are lit, carolers are singing, Wassail is served, and it just feels like Christmas. Learn more: www.newbraunfels.gov/wassailfest.
Dec. 6th - 8th and Dec. 13th - 15th the New Braunfels Renaissance Faire returns! The event, held at 1370 Church Hill Drive, offers the opportunity to watch jousting, sword fighting, and traditional caroling, while tasting smoked turkey legs and mead. Be sure to put on your favorite Renaissance attire for a more authentic experience!
And, of course, Christmas is the crescendo of the celebrations when we celebrate the birth of Christ. I hope you have a church home but, if not, you are welcome at any church in town to celebrate. This is what most of the festivals have been building up to and the reason for the season, Christ’s birth.
These events are just a few of the many festivals and celebrations in our community. The City and the Chamber have community calendars with other events that may interest you. I hope you get out and enjoy this time of year as much as I do!
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Mayor Neal Linnartz