Wow. What a way to start the week. As always, our thoughts are with the troops and those who who have  given and continue to give so much for our safety and freedom. Without them, there would be no voting and parties and concerts and markets. All the happy privileges we'll enjoy this week in Dripping Springs.

Early voting starts today for DSISD and Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) board positions (details on the Hays County website).  On Tuesday at 7pm the Dripping Springs 912-Project Group is hosting a candidate forum for HTGCD board positions, districts 2 and 4. Candidates are Erin Banks, Dirk Bauer, Steve Janda, Greg Nesbitt, and Edward Pope. The forum is open to the public and will be held in Dripping Springs at  Church of the Springs, 230 Sports Park Rd. At the same time on Tuesday, a school board candidate forum will be held in the DSISD Board Room at 510 W. Mercer Street. The forum will be hosted by Dripping Springs High School PTSA and Dripping Springs Education Association who have invited all three candidates for the two positions on the ballot, Barbara Stroud (incumbent), Alan Atwood (incumbent), and Ted Lehr. After candidates have introduced themselves, and answered prepared questions, audience members will be permitted to direct their questions to the candidates. At the conclusion of the forum, there will be an informal meet and greet with the candidates.

At 6:30pm on Wednesday, Angels in Cowboy Boots (AIC will be packing buckets and loading them up to take to the tornado ravaged areas in Alabama and surrounding states. They're looking for volunteers to help. Everyone is welcome and there are jobs for all ages and abilities. For more information on the AICB effort (and other ways you can help), visit our earlier post here.
 
On Thursday at 6pm it's Dinner By the Bite at Wilson Appliance (4205 E Hwy 290). This always fun and festive culinary benefit brings together a delicious mix of local chefs and food lovers with a heart. Click here to preview the evening's menu. Cocktails by Republic Tequila plus well-paired beer and wine. Tickets are just $50 in advance or $60 at the door. For more information, visit pawsshelter.org. 
 
The Dripping Springs Concert Band performs their first concert at the Dripping Springs High School auditorium on Friday at 7:30pm. Admission is free. For more information,  visit dsconcertband.org.

Horse enthusiasts are invited to watch the Twin Lions Spring Classic Hunter Jumper Horse Show at Harrison Ranch Park (29401 RR 12) starting at 8am Saturday morning. The show will feature horses and riders showing in hunter/jumper style. For complete details see the information sheet posted on the Harrison Ranch Park website.

Dripping Springs Farmers Market kicks off the season on Saturday morning from 9am - Noon at The Triangle (Hwy 290 & RR 12). Shop for fresh, locally grown meats and vegetables, farm fresh eggs, handmade salsas, breads, soaps, teas, and more. Get a rundown of the market's growing list of vendors on the official website here.

Also on Saturday, the Springs Family YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day – the nation’s largest health day for families. The free event will take place at the Springs Family YMCA (27216 RR12) from 10am - 1pm and feature activities such as visiting with healthy local vendors, playing on obstacle courses and water slides, swimming, fitness tests, and a visit with H-E-Buddy and the local fire department.