President's Message

Can you believe it is already August? August may prove to be different, but, we have gotten through June and July without triple digit temperatures, and with much more rain than last year. The countryside has been green and beautiful through July. At this time last year, we had had over forty days with over 100 degree temperatures and very dry. What a difference a year can make! Well, it only took one day of August to get us into triple digits. But, hopefully August won’t be too bad, and usually by September we get a little relief from the hot days and start to get some moisture while moving towards fall. Vegetable gardens have been bountiful this spring and summer and, if all goes well, we might have favorable conditions for a fall garden also.

As we approach the fall season, the time for county fairs comes up in Central Texas. The Fayette County Fair, in La- Grange, Texas, will be having their 83rd Annual Fair in 2010. It is held annually the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday preceding Labor Day, thus this year it will be September 2, 3, 4, and 5. I will be the show superintendent for the Pigeon Show, on Saturday, September 4, as well as serving on the Poultry Committee for the Poultry Show which features sanctioned shows for the American Poultry Association and the American Bantam Association. There will also be a backyard poultry show and a game bird show. The fair also has a very nice flower show in the Horticulture Building. I think all of you would enjoy seeing the flower show. If any of you would like to exhibit or show your plants, they will need to be entered by Wednesday, September 1, judging will be Thursday, September 2, and they will need to be picked up on Sunday, September 5, between 4-7pm. Youth exhibitors 14 and under will be judged and displayed separate from adults. There are no entry fees for entering flowers in the show. Trophies will be awarded for Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in both adult and youth categories. Blue ribbon winners will receive $1.50 for first place, $1.00 for second place, and 75 cents for third place. If you are interested and would like to show, call me at 979 968-3659, and I’ll be glad to give you more information. They also have a Country Store featuring arts and crafts, and plants for sale. There are many other interesting agricultural exhibits and shows, including, rabbits, beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, horses, as well as examples of crops and produce raised in Fayette County, including corn, maize, wheat, oats, hay, etc. There is also a home canning and preserving section and baked goods. The queen’s contest, food booths, beer garden, carnival, and dances, are all added attractions as well as the main stage concerts. If you need a little old time wholesome entertainment for you and perhaps the grandchildren, drive down to LaGrange and enjoy the Fair. Seguin, New Braunfels, and Fredericksburg also have impressive county fairs coming up this fall.

The final music concert at Festival Hill in Round Top was excellent, with another fabulous party following the concert.

Thanks to all who brought ice cream, toppings, and other goodies to our annual ice cream social. Also thanks to those club members who spoke on their favorite plants, Irene Franco, Robert Day, Marilyn Metcalf, and Steve Reynolds. Everyone enjoyed their presentations while continuing to eat the ice cream. Thanks to those who brought pictures of their herb towers for the judging. Laura’s daughter selected the winners and all participants received potted plants for their efforts. All of this was followed by the drawing for door prizes. There were lots of door prizes and nearly everyone received something, which always proves to be quite thrilling for members and guests.

Check the Calendar of Events section elsewhere in this newsletter for all the correct dates and times. Hope to see you at all of these.

Sincerely, Wilburn