Early voting approaches

The clock is ticking for those registered to participate in the May 6 election. Early voting for elections in Hays County begins April 24. See a list of early voting locations at haysnewsdispatch.com.

Old Settler’s Music Festival

This annual festival at Camp Ben McCulluch in Driftwood offers bluegrass, folk and Americana acts performing on four stages over four days, along with camping in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Past performers include Sam Bush, Richard Thompson, Bruce Hornsby, The Mavericks, Alison Krauss and Michael Franti, and favorite locals such as Patty Griffin and Ray Wylie Hubbard. This year’s festival will be held April 20-23. See oldsettlersmusicfest.org for more information.

Community Earth Day

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School will host its 6th annual community Earth Day event for area preschool families on Friday, April 21, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. There will be creative crafts and nature activities for busy little hands, plus, time to play on the playground and explore the beautiful nature trail! Guests are also invited to bring a picnic lunch for after the activities. The event will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, 6000 FM 3237. See www.ststeveschool.org or call 512-847-9857 for more.

Earth Day Celebration

The Radha Madhav Dharn Green Team will host its third annual Earth Day April 22 from 1-3 p.m. at 400 Barsana Road in Austin. Celebrate the Earth with petting zoos, ladybug release, seed balls and more. See Facebook.com/Ecogenius2016 for more.

Free Diabetic Education Classes

Free Diabetic Education Classes are being offered by Wimberley Home Health on Wednesdays through May 31 from 2-4 p.m. at Wimberley Home Health Office, Wimberley Medical Plaza 201 FM 3237, Suite 123 Wimberley. Classes will be held May 10, 17, 24 and 31. Plan to attend all four classes. Space is limited to a maximum of 8 and a minimum of 3 participants. Contact Barbara Rosen at 512-738-7048 for more information.

Founders Day Festival

Head to downtown Dripping Springs April 21-23 for the 30th annual celebration of the founding of the Dripping Springs community. The celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes free music and entertainment on two stages, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-off competitions, over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.  Limited handicap parking will be available on Friday, April 23 at a designated area on the side of Old Fitzhugh Road near the Masonic Lodge.  On Saturday and Sunday, an additional handicap parking area will become available. People in need of handicap parking will have the option of parking at a designated area at Walnut Springs Elementary or on Old Fitzhugh Road. For questions regarding the event, please call City Hall at 512-858-4725 or visit the Founders Day web site at www.foundersdayfestival.com.

City Council candidates forum

A Dripping Springs City Council candidate forum sponsored by the North Hays Republican Group and North Hays Republican Women will be held on Sunday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Church of the Springs, 230 Sports Park Road in Dripping Springs. The forum will last an hour and a half and will be moderated by Walt Smith of The Mallard Group. Since this is a non-partisan election it will be open to the public and anyone who votes in the DS City Council election is welcome, as well as those who may be impacted by city council election.  Tim Von Kennel of Hays Emergency Services District #6 Board will also give a very brief update on the bond proposition related to ESD #6. The district is asking voters to approve a sales tax increase.