Mt. City Montage
by PAULINE TOM
Provide water & the birds come! Last week a Red-tailed Hawk arrived in Cindy Rector’s yard to take advantage of the water she keeps available for our hot, thirsty birds. He stayed for about 10 minutes. Have you heard the Red-tailed Hawk’s classic descending scream call from high above Mountain City this summer? RonTom hears that call most days when he takes BoD and Kiss’Me’ for their morning walk.
•••
I’ve not heard from anyone whose hummingbird syrup turned syrupy thick, like mine did during our hottest days. Cindy sent a reminder that hummingbird feeders should be changed frequently in the summer. Yes! Texas Parks and Wildlife’s website mentions that feeders should be cleaned as frequently as every day during extreme heat. Any time the temperature is consistently above 80 degrees during the day, feeders should be changed every other day to prevent spoilage (which can kill the hummingbirds).
TPWD also gives word on how to clean the feeders:
• Discard old food
• Rinse the feeders well with a good strong stream of water
• Refill with simple sugar syrup
It does not hurt to wash the feeder with soap and water, or even occasionally with a mild bleach solution, but if you do so, please be sure to rinse the feeder well, and to allow it to completely dry before refilling it.
•••
Did you remember to change the date of the Fire & Ice Festival on your calendar? It’s October 4th. This is Mountain City’s #1 outing of the year, attracting more than 250 attendees each year. The funds raised allow Loving Mountain City to sponsor citywide holiday festivals. At the Fire & Ice Festival, enjoy BBQ plates, taste “Fire” and “Ice”, listen and dance to beach music by Island Texas Live and, if you’re a kid, bounce.
•••
This year residents and community leaders are invited to compete, without an entry fee, in a cook-off for Best Salsa and Best Homemade Frozen Concoction (i.e., ice cream; sherbert; sorbet). And, this year, local businesses are invited to sponsor the Fire & Ice Festival. For a minimal investment ($100) sponsors will receive invaluable advertisement while supporting a community in continuing old-time neighborhood traditions. This is an opportunity for small local business owners to get their names out in Mountain City as a way never before possible.
•••
For a $100 sponsor fee, your business name will appear on all emails, flyers, and Facebook posts (which reach each household in Mountain City) and special recognition will be given to sponsors at the festival through printed advertisements and verbal recognition during intermission. Sponsorships will not be accepted from competitors, so don’t delay. It’s first come only. Deadline for sponsors is Friday September 2, 5 p.m. Contact Amy Hilton, [email protected], for an official request for sponsorship on letterhead. If you have questions, contact Amy at 512-517-4222
•••
Each week, Montage includes an official request for tidbits. Submit by email to [email protected] or text 512-517-5678 or phone 512-268-5678.
