On May 2nd, the Courthouse square in downtown Johnson City, the Wildflower Capital of the Texas Hill Country, will be filled with artists, musicians, artisans, wine merchants and food.

Demonstrations and Workshops: Here’s your chance to enjoy "plein air" (painting in the open air) with the presentation of Dan Gilroy and his art by The Uptown Blanco Art Center. The Uptown Blanco Art Center also presents Royce Heberly, master potter, of Johnson City at his potter's wheel. Karate and tumbling exhibitions will keep things rolling. Check out these unique workshops: photography with Sherry Justus, butterflies with Dan Holland, lavender with Chris of Becker Vineyards, and various horticulture topics with local Master Gardeners.

Historic Home and Garden Tour: From 10 am - 3 pm you will be able to tour five appealing historic homes and gardens: The Barnwell House, The Pearl Hotel, the Johnson Settlement Log Cabin, the Chantilly Lace Country Inn and Lavender Farm, and "The Little Yellow Building", Johnson City’s only townhouse on the square. Slip back in time. Learn about Johnson City’s early, hardy residents. Download the Map (PDF) or pick one up during Wildflower Days.

Live Music: Music in the park will fill the air. A variety of musicians will be playing for your enjoyment throughout the day. The venue includes blue grass, country/western, gospel and jazz.

Booths: Shop among distinctive vendors. In a special setting, sip a variety of wine offered from local Texas wineries. A special opportunity awaits: a limited number of the official 2009 Wildflower Days posters by the artist, MJ Love of Johnson City, will be available for purchase – both signed and unsigned. Children will enjoy special activities. Food vendors will offer a variety for lunch and snacks.

Wildflower Tours: Spend part of the day with any of several self-guided tours around the Johnson City Hill Country. Maps available.

Local Art Galleries & More: Throughout Johnson City, art galleries, local merchants and restaurants will join the festivities by offering special art exhibits and artisan wares at their establishments. Visit the LBJ National Historical Park, where you’ll find a unique glimpse of Lyndon Johnson’s presidential history.

VENDOR APPLICATION

Plans are quickly moving ahead for 2009's Wildflowers Days - Below, please find a letter to Wildflower Market Applicants and a Vendor Application Form. For non-ARTISAN vendors, please complete the form below and return it along with payment to the Johnson City Chamber Office as noted on the form. Note: discounted booth fee for GoTexan Product members! To become a GoTexan member, go to: www.GoTexan.org

ARTISAN APPLICATION

In 2009 we are using a form specific to all you artists — ARTISANS Application! If you have any questions about the Artisans Market, please contact Susan Kirchman for more information susan@kirchmangallery.com.

Below, please find the Wildflower Market Application for ARTISANS. You may submit up to 10 jpg images (800 pixels on longest side).

Welcome to the Johnson City Texas Wildflower Loop

We are proud to offer pictures of wildflowers from in and around Johnson City and our Wildflower Loop.

Don't forget to check out the other things you can do and see while in the area!

Hill Country Wildflower Trail: Wildflower Trail Headquarters: www.tex-fest.com. 1-866-839-3378. The Texas Hill Country, renowned for its annual wildflower display, invites visitors to experience nature's beauty firsthand. Nine central Texas communities have joined to create the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail. From late March through June the towns of Brady, Burnet, Early, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite, Johnson City, Llano, Mason and San Saba are celebrating the natural roadside beauty that must be seen to be believed. Favorite wildflowers include bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, phlox, Mexican poppy, winecups, Indian blanket and lemon mint.

Viewing Texas Wildflowers: www.florage.com/tx_wildflower_viewing.html. Go on a great driving excursion to view beautiful Texas wildflowers! Where are the best blooms? Floral wonderlands abound within Texas – in formal gardens and along highways and country roads. Many of the events listed below feature the Texas State Flower, the Texas Bluebonnet.

Hill Country Wildflower Tour: www.txdot.gov, select Travel, then Wildflowers; TXDOT Wildflower Hotline: 800-452-9292. Recording announces where wildflowers are to be found. Travel counselors available 8a-6p. Information available by 7 regions of the state, including the Hill Country. The TXDOT Department's wildflower effort is part of a vegetation management program encouraging the growth of native species that require less mowing and care. April is considered the prime month for blooming wildflowers. TXDOT spreads more than 20,000 pounds of wildflower seeds along Texas highway rights of way each year.

MAP OF THE WILDFLOWER LOOP

Wildflowers in Bloom: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed. Horticulture Program, Texas Cooperative Extension