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2010 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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2010:
spring is on its way already in the garden here in
S. TX., there are daffodils, narcissi, and pansies
blooming, and a few rosebuds are showing. We’ve
had ample rain so the wildflowers should be
plentiful this spring. During our nuclear summers I
have wished more times than I can say that San
Antonio was more like the southwest of Ireland:
balmy, breezy, and cool at night, but when our early
spring arrives here in S. TX. it is pure enjoyment. Soon, the bluebonnets will be out in the Hill Country; then
I’ll take the back roads. For now, I’m planning
the spring and summer shows, and planning on doing a
lot of storytelling this year. My creative board
here in my workroom has some new ideas which I am
presently trying out – one new product which you
will definitely see is the new, multicolored Teddy
Bear, and a new Irish lap quilt.
So come see me at one or more of the shows listed
below – make me happy!
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FEBRUARY 28, 2010, Sunday 12 noon – 5 pm
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IRISH HERITAGE DAY
SAN ANTONIO, TX
at San Antonio College, San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio
A full day of music, dancing of Irish set dances by local dance groups, and led ceili group dancing by the audience, an Irish High Tea, genealogy and clan demonstrations, and a selection of Irish crafts and jewelry. Entrance is free, as is the Irish High Tea – although donations are gladly accepted. This event is always on a Sunday.
Live
music will feature Jim and Maggie Fox,
the Black Bexar Pipe Band and Irish harp
music. I will be telling stories from 3
pm – 3.30 pm.
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MARCH
5 - 7, Friday, 5 pm – 11 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 11 pm
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NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL
Dallas, TX
This gathering of everything Irish, (…and Celtic Scots) is held each year at the Dallas Fair Park. Description of it exceeds words, as it offers not only the best in Celtic and Irish music, both folk and traditional, and modern Irish rock, all day, but also storytelling, whiskey tasting, authentic and not-so-authentic Irish crafts, a host of Irish Dancing Schools giving demonstrations, Irish music, crafts and language workshops, an Irish Bakery, a Children’s Activity area, and a good selection of Irish food booths.
I
will be telling stories at the following
venues;
Saturday,
March 6th: 11 am – 11.45 am
on the Cashel Stage
Saturday
March 6th: 4.30 pm – 5.15
pm on the Urchin Street stage
Sunday,
March 7th: 1.30 pm – 2.15
pm on the Urchin Street stage
I
will also give a workshop on “Growing up in Ireland in the
1950s” on Saturday, March 6th
at 1 pm in the adjacent Women’s
Museum. This workshop will include a
personal account of the 1950s in
Ireland, to include influences on Irish
society by the growing labor movement
and emigration, retention of ancient
traditions, and the emergence of popular
Celtic music. This workshop could last
for four days, but will be 45 minutes
long.
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NATIONAL
GUARD
ASSOCIATION
OF
TEXAS
CONVENTION
AUSTIN, TX.
NGAT
is holding its annual convention again
at the Austin Convention Center in
downtown Austin. This trade show will
showcase mainly military related
products and hardware with a very select
number of quality arts and crafts. Over
1200 military members and their families
from around Texas are expected to
attend. I participated in this show in
2008 and was - to say the least -
fascinated by the variety of military
products and services shown at the
Austin Convention Center. Included were
Bell Helicopters, Boeing Aircraft Corp.,
ITT Night Vision, Sikorsky, Talley
Defense Systems, VA Mortgage Resource,
DRS Technologies, Northrop Grumman, Fire
Arms Training Systems Inc. and a host of
others. This is certainly one of the
more unusual shows which I attend. There
is parking close by, and an entrance fee
is charged.
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APRIL
23, Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm
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KING WILLIAM FAIR
SAN ANTONIO, TX
It’s
Fiesta time again and the King William
is the King of Fiesta celebrations! Get
there early, 9 am, for a good seat at
the parade, and stay for the streets
packed with arts and crafts, food from
every imaginable culture, and music and
happenings on four stages – also a
kids’ activity area and live radio
feeds from around the King William area
streets.
Look
for me on Madison Street – I’ve
requested my “regular booth,
#113, between Turner and
Beauregard Streets; keeping my fingers
crossed that I’ll get that prime spot
again this year, because that is where
the parade passes by. The King William
Association sure knows how to put on a
party. And I love a parade!
Don’t forget – bring Fiesta medals to swap.
And wear a crazy hat!
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MAY 1 AND 2,
Saturday
10 am–5 pm, Sunday
11 am–5 pm
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46th
ANNUAL
STARVING
ARTIST
ART
SHOW
SAN ANTONIO, TX.
The
Starving Artist show is back!
It will be held at the San
Antonio Housing Authority, also known as
the SAHS Park, at 818 South Flores St.
in downtown San Antonio.
This, an eclectic mix of art, sculpture, mixed
media, and high-end arts and crafts, has
always been one of San Antonio’s art
highlights. Expect quality, variety, and
excitement – prices are reasonable,
and all we crafters and artists are glad
that the Little Church of La Villita has
made it possible to bring back this
great show. Come early for the best
variety and assortment.
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MAY 16,
Sunday 5 pm-7 pm
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STORIES GALORE
SAN ANTONIO, TX
COMMANDER’S
HOUSE
ON S. ALAMO, IN SAN ANTONIO, TX.
Storytellers
and listeners alike join to enjoy two
hours of magic at the Commander’s
House Community Center, on S. Alamo
Street, just off Durango, in downtown
San Antonio. The first hour is a mix of
different stories by various tellers;
refreshments are served, and from 6.10
pm approx until 7 pm a Stellar Teller
will beguile. The featured Stellar
Teller in May will be yours truly; I
will be bringing a program of mystical
old Celtic tales and rollicking new
stories from the Irish countryside.
Entrance free; parking on site free.
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June
12 and 13, Saturday 10 am–7 pm,
and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
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THE
POTOMAC
CELTIC
FESTIVAL
LEESBURG, VA.
I
am slated to tell stories during the day
on Saturday and on Sunday morning at
this meeting of the Celts in Morven
Equestrian Park on US 15, just north of
the town of Leesburg. At last check the
storytelling stage was in a shaded dell
in the woods – sounds like an ideal
location for storytelling (with wood
faeries and leprechauns all around).
This
17th anniversary celebration
of all things Celtic – from Ireland,
to Scotland, to Wales, to Brittany and
Galicia - will feature pipe bands, a
parade, Irish and Scottish dancing and
traditional and modern Celtic music on a
number of stages, a Nite Fest on
Saturday night, demonstrations of Celtic
heritage crafts, a children’s activity
area, athletic events, food court,
fields for Celtic Clans and Societies,
and select Celtic crafts. Activities
begin at approx 10 am (Celtic time is
always approx.) each day. Over 2000
years of historical reenactment will
include Iron Age Celts, Robert the
Bruce’s Scots Army, troops from the
British Civil War of 1644 and the French
and Indian War of 1756, the Irish Guards
of WWI – these were all among last
year’s re-enactors at the Living
History camps, so expect a lot of action
this year. A full Celtic weekend is
guaranteed!
Google the festival address to find the
best way there: Morven Equestrian Park,
Tutt Lane, Leesburg, VA. 22043.
Discounted
advance tickets are available at www.pcfest.org/tickets.html
Visit
the festival website at www.potomaccelticfest.org
for the full lowdown.
Additional info about Leesburg and Loudoun
County: www.VisitLoudoun.org
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MARCH
3, APRIL 7, MAY 5, JUNE 2, JULY 7,
AUGUST 4, SEPTEMBER 1,
OCTOBER 6, NOVEMBER 3, and DDECEMBER 1
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STORYTELLING
IN
SAN
ANTONIO
SAN ANTONIO, TX
The
San Antonio Storytellers meet at the
Brook Hollow Library on the first
Wednesday of every month, from 6.30 pm
to 8 pm for story swap and merriment.
The Library is at 530 Heimer Road, San
Antonio, TX. 78232; take the Bitters Rd.
exit off Hwy 281 North, turn left on
Heimer). Meeting dates and time are
sometimes – rarely – subject to
change, so check with the library first
(tel. 210 496 6315) or call me (210 930
1026). Both listeners and tellers are
equally welcome.
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LEON
VALLEY MARKET DAY
LEON VALLEY, TX
Trade
and Market Days at the Leon Valley
Community Center, 6427 Evers Road, Leon
Valley, TX. 78238, are an established
tradition – an eclectic mix of good
crafts, food, music, some antiques, and
good cheer. The market is held outdoors
on the grounds at 6247 Evers Road (take
the Evers Road exit of 410 in northwest
San Antonio,) and indoors in the two
community buildings. Look for me
indoors! This is the best chance to see
my new Christmas collection.
No entrance fee, parking on site is free
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September
25 and 26, Saturday and Sunday / 10 am – 5 pm
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PECAN
STREET FESTIVAL
AUSTIN, TX
It’s the non-plus-ultra of Austin arts and crafts shows – crowds, music, crafts, art, happenings, beer, wine, dogs with neck-scarves, children’s activities; two days without end. Location: Pecan Street/6th Street in downtown Austin, and on some of the adjoining streets. Entrance is free.
You can find me in booth #6 on Pecan Street, very close to the cross street, Brazos.
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October
9 and 10, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am/10 am – 5 pm
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SCARECROW FESTIVAL
CHAPPELL HILL, TX
This is a favorite show; down Main Street and along Poplar Street in the center of the old village of Chappell Hill, which is off IH 290, about 11 miles east of Brenham – the variety of handmade crafts is unmatched and the buzz tremendous. The locals set up a myriad of food stands, and the couple of local, small restaurants also serve good and simple food. Find me on Poplar Street somewhere on the grass. I’ll have all new Christmas Tree skirts and all new table runners; the new collections came out in early September and I’ve snapped up
EVERYthing.
Come early for best parking. No entrance fee. Check out the website for more information: www.chappellhillmuseum.org
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October
23 and 24, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
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HUFFHINES ART TRAILS
RICHARDSON, TX
A beautiful art and fine crafts show, in Huffhines Park, off Arapho Road, in Richardson, about 15 miles north of Dallas downtown. Take the Arapho exit off IH 75 N. The artists are ranged along the decorated walking trails of the park, and access is easy. Quality, quality, quality, and variety; both of the art and the crafts. Great children’s playground on site, next to the show. A comfortable café with music for listening all day is also part of this show, which is staged with great care by the City of Richardson Community Events Dept.’s Huffhines team. Parking close by. Entrance is free. Check out their website for more information: www.huffhinesarttrails.com
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LEON
VALLEY MARKET DAY
LEON VALLEY, TX
Location
for this great mixed market (crafts,
antiques, food and music) is the Leon
Valley Community Center, two buildings
and the grounds at 6247 Evers Road, Leon
Valley, TX. 78238 (north side of San
Antonio, off Loop 410, take the Evers
Road exit).
No entrance fee, parking on site is free.
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November
5 and 6,
Friday 9.30 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10.30 am – 5 pm
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CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND
HOUSTON, TX
Quality at this show is very good. Selection is large, with a large number of well-produced sewn goods, pottery and wood products, and some “homemade” crafts – it’s the variety of talents which makes a show like this. The show is held indoors in a big gym, and outdoors under a large tent, at the Champion Forest Baptist Church. Address: 15555
Stuebner-Airline Road, in North Houston, just south of Tomball. Entrance is free.
Service for customers is very good: there is a lively, well-stocked café which provides lunches at decent prices, free shopping bags, a holding place for purchases, and door prizes awarded twice every hour.
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November
20 and 21,
Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
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SHOWCASE OF ARTS AND CRAFTS
SAN ANTONIO, TX
This is the Big One: crafters from all over Texas and beyond congregate in the Coliseum and in two adjacent buildings, next to San Antonio’s AT&T Center for two days. Put on your walking shoes for this one. Find me on the Coliseum Main Floor, booth H-03 with the most beautiful, the most gorgeous, the most exclusive collection of Christmas Tree Skirts, reversible Table Runners in two lengths, whimsical Pot Pads, new Pot Grabbers, Lizzy Dripping, Little Lizzy and PJ Dolls, new Topsy-Turvy Dolls, Christmas and Irish Green Lap Quilts, luscious Christmas Stockings, Table Mat Sets, Bib Aprons in patterns from the 1950s, and almost anything else that your (Irish) heart desires.
Make me happy – come see me!
And remember – I will refund your entrance ticket if you spend $35+ in my booth.
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November
27, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; parade at 7 pm
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The storied CHRISTMAS IN COMFORT
COMFORT, TX
I’ll, most likely, be coming to this one when I’m 99 – it’s such an enjoyable day. Find me at my usual booth space, #1, on Main Street, confluence of Main Street and 7th, next to the stage; right there, where the folk music, hand bell groups, children’s choir, and the singing cowboy entertain all day. There’s a beautiful, magical night parade as soon as it gets dark – start is around 7 pm. Bring deckchairs,, and blankets and the kids if you want to watch that, and get there by 6 to bag a good place if you want to just watch the parade. This makes for a beautiful day out – and a great start to the real Christmas season. At night, the eyes of the little kids are lit up all along the parade route – it’s magic time, and Santa will be here, soon.
Location: Main Street and 7th Street in downtown Comfort.
Entrance free.
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December
4, Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm
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OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS FAIRE
CASTROVILLE, TX
Crafters come from all over the Castroville, Van
Ormy, San Antonio, Uvalde and Lacoste areas for this one – it’s a huge, “local”, variety-filled show, accompanied by Alsatian music and dancers during the midday hours. Santa and his wife will arrive by fire truck at noon, and stay for photos afterwards.
Location: Castroville’s Main Square, in front of the St. Louis Church. Parking close by.
Entrance free. Find me at booth # 74, next to the inner Plaza, on the Madrid Street side of the Square.
Castroville is always worth a day’s trip – if not for the delicious
parisa, available at the local supermarket, then for a leisurely walk around its picturesque streets, filled with Alsatian-French houses, built by settlers in the 19th Century, and maybe a meal at any of its excellent, small restaurants.
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Sometime in March, I plan on meeting up with my husband on the Loire River, south of Paris, France, for a couple of weeks. That will be at the halfway mark of his tour of duty in Iraq. We did this when he was in Iraq in 2008; met on the island of Sardinia that time. Being married can be such fun!
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