Blanco County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the use of the interior of the Blanco County Courthouse for the Wild Flower Festival Youth Art Show.

The Festival, scheduled for April 17, may use the lower floor of the Courthouse at times when it will not interfere with normal county business. Commissioners approved set-up on Friday after 5:00 p.m. with the actual art show taking place on Saturday.

In the past, the Wild Flower Festival has used the grounds outside the building. County Judge, Bill Guthrie, indicated that although he supports the request of the Festival organizers, it would set a precedent for the use of the facility. Commissioner James Sultemeier reminded the Court that “it is the people’s courthouse.” Commissioner Chris Liesmann moved to approve and the commissioners unanimously voted their consent.

The Commissioners postponed approval of the guaranteed maximum price for the construction of the Blanco County Office Annex by Vanguard Contractors pending further review of changes to the plans.

Commissioner Sultemeier was appointed by the Commissioners Court to re-negotiate the contract with Waters Ranch for the communications tower lease which expires September 30 of this year. The commissioners postponed sending a request to Planning and Zoning regarding parking requirements for institutions.

Linda Howard and Nell Krueger of the Blanco City Historical Commission petitioned County Commissioners to provide financial support to the upcoming Texas Hill Country Heritage Program to be held in the City of Blanco on April 14. They said that Blanco will host the program representing the Hill Country Region located in Fredericksburg. Five of nineteen counties applied to host the event and Blanco was given the nod.

“We’re going with a Texas Ranger theme,” said Ms. Howard. “Blanco County was originally settled in 1853 by Texas Ranger James H. Callahan.

“This event was about to get lost due to attrition in the membership of the Blanco City Historical Commission. We just couldn’t let that happen.” They reported that other regions that have hosted the event have experienced an increase in tourism as well as receiving a boost to their local economies.

“We’re bringing in the Jeremy Miller Band. Jeremy is composing an original country western song about Blanco County with a Texas Rangers theme that we expect will be on the order of the renowned Luckenbach Texas song. This band has fronted for “Asleep at the Wheel” and has agreed to join us for the publicity it will bring.

“This will be a big event,” said Ms. Krueger. “We expect about 300 people at the Wednesday event including former Texas Rangers who will do re-enactments. There will be photo exhibits on the square in Blanco and Dennis Moore will provide a chuck wagon.”

“A Taste of Blanco County” will provide samples of cuisine from local area restaurants.

County Commissioners were provided official roadmaps of the Texas Hill Country Trail Region and indicated that a Blanco County brochure will be unveiled on March 14. Sponsors have paid fees to advertise in the publications.

County Commissioners were asked to support the efforts of the Blanco City Historical Commission by providing financial assistance. County Commissioners expressed their support with a promise to study the matter at greater length.