Grant applications for the the City of Dripping Springs Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds are due today, Monday, March 30. The tourism-related grants are provided to local organizations and businesses that directly enhance or promote tourism. The program is funded by a 7% occupancy tax collected from guests who stay in an area hotel, motel, or B&B. For guidelines and application, visit cityofdrippingsprings.com.

On Thursday, Elizabeth McIntosh of Bloom (and our own Dripping Gardens with Bloom series), presents "Plants That Work" at the Dripping Springs Community Library. The free "chat in the stacks" promises to be a fun and informative discussion from a Dripping community favorite. If you're tired of buying plants only to see them nibbled bare the next morning or dead in a few weeks, come benefit from Elizabeth's more than 12 years of hands-on gardening experience in Hays County. The chat starts at 5:30PM.

On Friday, physicians, local health professionals, and members of the Dripping Springs community will be on-hand for "Ask the Doctor", a community event sponsored by Texas State University to promote awareness, share information, and answer questions about cancer. Topics covered will include cancer risk factors, early detection, and healthy living habits The discussion will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church- Church Hall (400 Post Oak Rd) from 7:00PM - 9:00PM. For more information about "Ask the Doctor," contact Karen Candelas at the American Cancer Society: (512) 919-1886.

If we could turn back time, we would dial back to age 6 to 12 to be a kid again for the Old Fashioned Easter Eggs event at the Dr. Pound Pioneer Farmstead on Saturday, from Noon - 2:00PM. Kids can create beautiful, old-fashioned Easter eggs with natural dyes and decorations made from herbs, vegetables, and plant material. The history of the Easter egg will be explored, and and a game played with eggs is on the goodtime schedule. The event is for kids ages 6 to 12 years, accompanied by an adult. Cost is just $5 per child, but enrollment is limited so please register early by calling Lauren at (512) 858-2251.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday one of Dripping's newest businesses, Ruby's Emporium, is holding its Grand Opening with a 3 day event (Friday and Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM and Sunday from 1:00PM - 5:00PM). The antique store is located at 222 Hwy 290 (one block west of RR 12, in the same building as DanTay's) and the event promises sales, drawings for daily door prizes, refreshments and giveaways. For more information, call (512) 858-4220.