It’s time to polish those cowboy boots and get out some “bling.” The theme for this year’s Old Blanco County Courthouse Gala, to be held October 15 in Blanco on the historic courthouse grounds, is “Boots and Bling.” A number of events will make the day and night one to remember.

Market Days

Beginning at 9:00am and until 4:00pm, the monthly Market Days on the courthouse square will feature vendors selling unique items, many of them crafted by artisans in the Hill Country.

“True Grit” Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

At 10:30am, the second-annual “True Grit” Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament will begin on the second floor of the courthouse. Participants are asked to be seated by 10:00am. Prizes include trips to Las Vegas and the Caribbean. Early registration (before September 30, 2011) is $50 per person. Fee after September 30 is $60 per person. Pre-registration is required for this tournament. Registration is limited to the first 100 entrants. To register, mail names of players and registration fees to OBCCPS, P.O. Box 302, Blanco, TX 78606. For more information, call 830-833-2211 or Jeff at 214-394-9270.

Family Festival

Beginning at 11:00am and running until 3:00pm, a free Family Festival on the courthouse grounds will provide fun for the whole family, including a pumpkin patch, trick roping performance, storytelling, and music.

Gala Events

At 6:00pm, the gala itself will begin with an elegant dinner provided by Sullivan Street Caterers, live and silent auctions, and dancing under the stars to the music of Gary Glenn and the 20X Band from 8:30 to 11:30pm. The Live Auction will include a Chain Saw Sculpture by Jerry Hendricks; a Darryl Royall autographed football for all you Longhorn fans; a two-man wild hog hunt in Waelder, Texas, donated by North American Outfitters, and much more! Tickets are $50 and may be reserved by calling 830-833-2211 or by mailing your payment with the names of attendees to OBCCPS, P.O. Box 302, Blanco, Texas 78606. Additional information can be found on the courthouse website at historicblanco.org. For those who wish to attend the Street Dance only, admission is $10. The dance will begin at 8:30pm.

Proceeds from the gala will be used for the continuing restoration and maintenance of the historic building, one of the few original Texas courthouse buildings owned by the community. The second floor courtroom of the courthouse was one of the shooting locations for the Cohen Brothers film, “True Grit”. The courthouse, designated a Texas Historic Landmark, retains the aura of a bygone age. It is the jewel of the town of Blanco and a source of pride to every resident. It is supported totally by private donations and contributions.