In Texas chili is as much a legend as it is a myth. However one historic fact feeds the fire of both myth and legend–Texas chili didn’t originate in Mexico. An article written in the Dicciorario de Mejicanismos and published in 1959, roughly translated, states that “American chili is a detestable food passing itself off as Mexican and it is sold in the United States from Texas to New York.”

Now, southwestern USA takes full ownership of chili. It’s part of our history–the poor man’s food. Native Americans of the Southwestern tribes believe the first recipe for chili was written in the 17th century by a beautiful nun, Sister Mary of Agreda. Her recipe called for venison or antelope meat, onions, tomatoes and chili peppers. The myths and legends are brought about by such things as: “Kit Carson’s dying words were ‘Wish I had time for just one more bowl of chili.”

According to the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), “The aroma of good chili should generate rapture akin to a lover’s kiss.” Approximately 50 CASI pods or clubs in the US and Canada sanctions over 400 chili cook-offs each year.

Texans worship at the altar of chili. One of the best and baddest cook-offs fires up on October 1 in Hico, Texas. Billy the Kid Museum in Hico, Texas sponsors a CASI Chili Cook-off. CASI sanctioned cookers, as well as Backyard Cookers who do not have to follow CASI cooking rules, will compete for separate cash prizes. All chili will be judged on aroma, consistency, red color, taste and aftertaste.

A Bean Contest with no rules to follow other than smell good, look good and taste good will also be held. All events take place Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For applications for cookers as well as vendors see: www.billythekidmuseum.com. For further questions you may call 254.796.2523.

A cool breeze blows across the Brazos. Boots click and spurs clink in a slow steady rhythm. The hands of the old clock in the courthouse tower creeps toward high noon. A door to the local bar squeaks on rusty hinges. Cold steel eyes meet and hands flash with lighting speed, ripping six shooters from leather. Shots rattle shop windows and echo across to the Wagon Yard. When the smoke clears and the dead gunfighters get up and shake your hand, you’ll know you are in Granbury, enjoying the Reenactment Guild of America’s Competition.

Gunsmoke on the Brazos, a Reenactment Guild of America (RGA) sanctioned competition, promises to smoke Historic Granbury on October 1st and 2nd. Touted as being “Where Texas History Lives,” Granbury will definitely come alive that weekend as reenactors from across the United States appear on the horizon in their 1800’s wardrobe, toting period correct firearms, cooking utensils and even a covered wagon or two.

The event Gunsmoke on the Brazos is the culmination of David “Doc” Moore’s desire and hard work to bring the years following the Civil War to life. The years after 1865, the cowboy rode into American History and gave birth to the often romanticized Wild West.

“This fun-filled weekend will offer something for all ages and includes: western reenactments, live entertainment, living history presentations, vendors and lots of family fun and games,” stated Moore. “We are also offering free vendor space to non-profit groups in our community and the surrounding area.”

In keeping with his passion for history, Moore and a group of friends that he refers to as the H.O.T. team will donate profits from proceeds from Gunsmoke on the Brazos to Preserve Granbury, a non-profit group who partners with the City of Granbury to restore historical buildings that have been relocated to Lambert Branch Park.

Don’t forget your fastest stick-horse, because there will be races! Family fun on every corner as usual in Granbury.

For more information about Gunsmoke on the Brazos and the H.O.T. team contact Janice Lanham or “Vienna” as she is known when she dons one of her flirty saloon girl dresses, elegant post Civil War era ball gowns or stately Victorian touring hats. Visit www.gunsmokeonthebrazos.com for a detailed event schedule. Make friends with Gunsmoke on Brazos on Facebook. For more information Email or call 254.379.8342.

The 23rd performance season of The Promise lights up the Glen Rose Amphitheatre each Friday and Saturday evening from September 2nd – October 29th.

This musical experience of the life of Christ in a state of the art facility puts Glen Rose at the top of the list for a family experience that provides more than entertainment. The heartfelt show gives memories that can lead to a changed life. Bring your family, your friends, clubs, church and more. Gates open at 7:00 p.m.

Everyone will be in awe of the costumes, the music, the sets and the professional quality of this production. This year the role of Jesus will be portrayed by Adam Richards for a 6th performance season. Jenna Harris will be returning for her second season in the role of Satan.

The amazing cast & crew of The Promise come from all over Texas, some traveling from as close as right here in Glen Rose, and as far away as Copperas Cove, Nacogdoches and Lufkin. Each year open auditions take place to fill each role in The Promise. While many return to audition from year to year, new people are selected, adding fresh faces and personalities to the performances. Some of the young adults in the show have been involved since they were babies, and a few made their Promise debut as “Baby Jesus.”

Two members of our Board of Directors, Philip Hobson and Dr. Ronald Corley, are from the original board. Our director, Travis Tyre, was “Satan” the year The Promise opened in 1989. Many people have come and gone in 23 years of performances. As the staff and crew hear from them, they share their hearts and prayers and the many happy memories of The Promise.

Bernie Daugherty, Paul and Abbey Daugherty at Squaw Creek Farms & Arena in Glen Rose provide our animals. There’s a camel, donkeys, horses, doves, and sheep. All year round, they are taken care of by the crew at Squaw Creek. Our camel, Elijah, is super smart and has quite the personality.

Each season, it takes hundreds of people to make The Promise one of the best passion plays in the world. While acting positions are the most inquired about, we also need people in backstage crew positions, lighting, sound, costumes, props, makeup, ushers, box office staff, prayer partners, etc. Each person is so important to the ministry.

People who want to be involved in this amazing display of the gospel may contact the office anytime throughout the year. The best way is to sign up on the website for the email club or “like” the Facebook Page.

For ticketing and questions, please visit www.thepromiseglenrose.com or call 254.897.3926. Come on out and bring your friends.

Shine your boots and polish your buckles for the 4th annual “Cowboys and Cabernet” gala to be held Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the breath-taking Ten Triple X Ranch just outside of Glen Rose. The gala, presented by the Somervell History Foundation, raises funds to maintain the historic Barnard’s Mill and Art Museum. Listed on both the state and national registries of historic buildings, Barnard’s Mill in Glen Rose is a true Texas treasure.

Appropriately, the gala will take place at the Ten Triple X Ranch, another Texas treasure. The 10xXx Ranch, or “Ten Triple X” is located in the beautiful cross timbers area of Bosque and Somervell Counties. The ranch’s nearly 10,000 acres of rolling hills and oak groves serve as home to an abundance of wildlife, including several exotic species such as Elk, Addax, Axis, Red Stag and many others. Numerous private lakes and spring-fed creeks teem with Black Bass, Hybrid Striper, Bluegill, and Catfish. There are recreational activities that range from enjoying a cold glass of lemonade on the porch of the hunting lodge, to watching wildlife in its natural habitat, to enjoying the spectacle of a 50-foot waterfall crashing into a lake, to catching huge fish from the depths of Dime, Penny, CoJo, Tuggle, Newman and Mitchell Lakes.

A working cattle ranch plus an outdoor paradise with over 40 lakes/ponds, over 60 miles of paved roads, over 30 miles of high fence, 10 houses for guests, two antique barns from New York (1770 Dutch Barn and 1850 English Barn), an 1835 Dog Trot Log Cabin from Ohio, a Cow Palace-working cattle barn and pens, and an infinite number of scenic views and overlooks host the gala in one of their restored barns. Joe and Connie Mitchell, owners of the ranch, not only provide this beautiful backdrop for the gala, but offer an exclusive tour of their ranch home to those willing to donate $250.00 per person in support of the Somervell History Foundation.

Designed by Greg Wyatt of Dallas, the style of the family ranch house is heavily influenced by the Andalucia area of Southern Spain (which includes Seville and Ronda). The home reflects the sturdy foundation of the Mitchell family in its stone walls, heavy wooden beams and graceful ironwork. Visitors to “Parador” (the ranch home name), will be tempted to refer to the ranch as “paradise” after enjoying the thoughtfulness infused in each room and every view from the many outdoor porches. Seeking to save all their favorite places to visit, Joe and Connie tuck pieces from around the world into a bathroom ceiling or a library wall.

Be a part of the tour of “Parador” and then bid on one of several unique gifts provided for the gala by area patrons. A glimpse of some of these remarkable opportunities reveals:

• A weekend retreat to the 10xXx’s Log Cabin on Penny Lake – the oldest dog trot cabin still in existence.
• A beautiful necklace created by famed Italian jeweler Helena Santini using rock beads collected from ancient Mayan ruins.
• A Whitetail Safari on the 10xXx Ranch.
• A bronze of “Barnard’s of the Brazos: First Family of Glen Rose” by Robert Summers.

For a $250 donation you can support the continued care of the Barnard Mill and Art Museum and get to know your neighbors a little bit better. Attend the 4th annual Cowboys and Cabernet Gala, October 1, 2011 at the Ten Triple X Ranch. Enjoy fine cuisine of the Riverhouse Grill, Live Auction & Western Band. Come in western attire and sip wine or a cool one! Please return reply card by September 19. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres and the ranch, mingling and silent auction at the Party Barn, dinner, live auction, visiting & dancing Saturday, October 1, 2011.

To make the winning fashion team look no further than Granbury. Cindy Hyde, owner of The Clothes Horse found all those trendy fashions and brought them home just for you! The Clothes Horse on the Historic Downtown Granbury Square sports fashion-forward trends, exciting brand name merchandise and a friendly staff who know how to fashionably dress women and girls of all ages. The Clothes Horse’s buying team attends numerous fashion markets across the country to determine the latest trends and they bring the most up-to-date fashion treasures back to Granbury, just for you!

General Manager, Tonya Brown says, “Earth tones will be the hottest color to have in your wardrobe for the 2011 back-to-school fashion season. Dresses continue to be very strong this fall with a Bohemian influence. Floor length maxi-dresses, worn with feather and southwest detail, promise to be a strong fall trend. Layering remains incredibly popular.”

Wearing a maxi-length dress with a jean jacket over the top of a dress or with a long-sleeve tee underneath keeps you in style all fall. Tie dye and rich-colored bold prints add a modern look to basic wardrobe pieces and are a must-have in your wardrobe choices. Brown says, “Darker wash and colored denim jeans continue as a staple in your wardrobe.”

The Clothes Horse carries Miss Me, Big Star, Lucky Brand, It Jeans, Ethyl and Zenim Jeans. Cindy says, “The pendulum swings in the direction of the 60’s and 70’s Hippy Chic.”

According to Cindy, the fall and winter collections showcase fur vests, belts and accessories. Gold jewelry and long earrings are wildly popular. The biggest fashion jewelry trend is the feather earrings, braided leather headbands, ponchos and large, fringe handbags. The 70’s style clutch in lizard, crocodile, animal prints and fringe will be reintroduced this season. As 70s trends make a comeback in footwear with higher heels and platform wedges, worn with skirts, dresses and jeans. Boots, boots and more boots remain hugely popular with all age groups. Cowboy boots, tall moccasin fringe boots, sweater boots and Ugg style boots show-off those shorter length dresses and skirts.

The Clothes Horse, located at 204 N Houston Street, offers all the latest fashion trends for missy and junior customers. Many of your favorite labels come in the hottest colors and styles: Lucky Brand, Not Your Daughters Jeans, IT Jeans, Miss Me and Roxy. Brighton and Pandora will offer popular, timeless jewelry pieces to pop your wardrobe into trendy. The Clothes Horse provides a large selection of both for you to choose and customize.

The extremely helpful staff at The Clothes Horse waits to help you design your fall and back-to-school wardrobe and accessories for the 2011 fall season.

A new fashion venue, Caylor Creek Boutique, tucked into the cozy streets of old-town Granbury Square, waits for you to explore. It’s conveniently located at 201 E. Pearl Street, just up the street from the scenic City Beach and Convention Center. Posh, but affordable, a combination of California trends and a touch of the south best describes Caylor Creek Boutique.

Designed with vintage ambiance, the Boutique offers wardrobes in the season’s trendiest styles with a backdrop of Audrey’s great grandmother’s antique wardrobe. Gold chandeliers adorn the ceiling, soft retro tunes play and vintage mannequins intermittently placed around the store bring an ambiance of luxury and warmth to your shopping experience.

While being a long-time business owner in Glen Rose, the owner, Audrey Caylor, has been very involved in the community volunteering at local community events, donating to local charities, and promoting local business. She looks forward to expanding her involvement to Granbury as well.

“I’m delighted about the unveiling of Caylor Creek Boutique. Our sister store in downtown Glen Rose offers fun and funky. However, the Granbury boutique offers a whole new experience with different brands and styles. Two completely different stores both ready to prepare you for fall. If your destination is school, work or cruising exotic places, my staff can help you get ready. Being unique, with a mix of fashion-culture is our goal at Caylor Creek Boutique. We rely on large numbers of designers to please our customers.”

Caylor Creek Boutique brings a selection of shoes perfect to step into fall with brands like Nicole Shoes and Corky’s Footwear. The Boutique offers several jean brands, including Rock Republic Jeans. Racks of uniquely beautiful dresses and blouses bring style and great looks to any body type, including brands like: Match Point Linen, Pretty Angel, Ya Apparel, Wish Collection, Better Be, and Umgee.

Bath products make Caylor Creek the perfect place for finding unique gifts. Big Buddha Handbags, Hollywood Fashion and so many more fashion labels. Beautiful accessories and jewelry take the common-place outfit and make a fashion statement. With that in mind, the boutique showcases one-of-a-kind jewelry by local artists, such as Talula–a vintage style, Twisted Pebble–a wire-wrap style jewelry with a Santa Fe influence and Traviata Holley’s Creation Jewelry.

Come take a stroll through the courtyard, listen to the relaxing fountain, and drop in and meet the manager, Kim Vezo. She will gladly assist you with fashion advice and shopping. Whether you need to make

a quick trip for a must-have for tonight’s cocktail party or if you’re looking for a Girls Day Out shopping excursion, Caylor Creek Boutique is the place to find something extra special and unique. The Boutique offers private parties where you can be the hostess, invite your friends and receive shopping credits for the sales made that evening. How fun is that? Shopping with friends and getting credit for doing it puts class in any store.

Located by the fountain in Granbury Square Plaza, the Boutique is currently open seven days a week and we offer lay-a-way and private boutique parties. Please call the store to inquire and book your party today, 817.579.5444. Also follow the store on Facebook at Caylor Creek~Granbury. You can also shop on-line at www.caylorcreek.com. Additionally, the Boutique is easily accessed via Granbury’s famous city trolley.

Heads turn, people stop and everyone dares to dream when a Corvette zooms past. Now in its 6th year, the BRCC Corvette Show brings hundreds of unique and beautiful vehicles and raffle items to the Historic Square in Granbury on the second Saturday of October.

Six members established the Brazos River Corvette Club in 2003. By 2006 the group hosted a Corvette ONLY car show. From the first show BRCC voted for all proceeds go to a charity. Over the years checks have been presented to The Coalition to Salute the American Hero, CAC of Hood and Somervell Counties and Face the Fire Ministries. This year the club has chosen The Salvation Army of Granbury. The club also donates money to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

A huge and diverse silent auction from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with about 100 items is one reason the club is able to gift these projects. Raffle items include: a Fort Worth night with a hotel stay  in the Stockyards and tickets to Billy Bob’s; a night at the Inn on Barron’s Creek in Fredericksburg and basket; rounds of golf and dinner at Harbor Lakes and other area courses; gift certificates to numerous restaurants and area shops; artisan silver jewelry; quilts and pictures; automotive services; children’s toys and much more have been donated. Each person participating in the Corvette show helps make it possible.

“We now have over 50 members in the club. Libby Lanzara, the co-chair of the Salvation Army’s Fundraising committee and her husband, Mike, President of the BRCC both enjoy the club.

“We have cars that have come from all around Texas and surrounding states,” Libby explains. “We invite everyone to come out and see some beautiful Corvettes and help us raise money for our charity.”

Mike and Libby and the other members enjoy an active club. “The Brazos River Corvette Club meets the first Thursday night of every month at Harbor Lakes Golf Club,” Mike says. “We enjoy our cars, our monthly cruises (Corvette convoy drive trips) and each other. We also have an annual track day at Motor Sport Ranch in Cresson. We also enjoyed being in the annual General Granbury’s Birthday Parade and in the 4th of July Parade. Classic Chevrolet is our sponsor.”

Kathy Hanlon, recording Secretary of the Salvation Army Women’s Service League of Hood County, describes the work donations can accomplish. “This group funds: various programs to provide new shoes and new clothing for underprivileged children in Hood County; a program to supply hygiene kits to needy children through the GISD; summer camp programs; a project to provide lap blankets for area nursing home residents; assistance for the most needy in Hood County; and many additional programs and missions. This coming year we will add new, additional service to kids by providing underwear and socks as well.”

Plan today to drop by the Brazos River Corvette Club’s annual show. Let the artistic beauty of the cars, the roar of the powerful engines and the nostalgia take you back to your dreams. Enjoy the show. For more information visit: http://corvetteshow.brazosrivercc.com.

Each Friday morning, the Coffee Grinder on the Square in Granbury hosts a gathering of Old Coots with Big Hats. This assorted ramble of southern engineers, philosophers, and sages opine present obvious solutions to the dilemmas facing the modern world.

This loose alliance forms each Friday from the opening of the doors at 7:30 a.m. until somewhere around 9:00 a.m., and has been meeting continuously since the spring of ‘02, that is 2002, not 1802.

The Coots and their big hats currently claim nine members with a varied and checkered past. Wearing the big hats around the coffee table is a Sergeant Major, a propeller mechanic, a rocket scientist, an industrial engineer, a contractor, a judge, a railroad electrician, and an airline pilot. Oh, the ninth guy. Most of the group is convinced he raises bulls for a living.

Larry King, one old coot, offers this invite, “There is no formal procedure to join the group other than possessing a big hat or being an old coot, preferably both and just wanting to sit around the coffee table and visit.”