DS gears up for 34th Founders Day Festival

DRIPPING SPRINGS — The establishment of the city of Dripping Springs is taken very seriously this time of year.

On April 28-30, thousands will gather in Dripping Springs’ historic downtown district for its Founders Day Festival to celebrate the city’s heritage and pioneer spirit. The three-day celebration will start with the Grand Parade and includes free music and entertainment, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-off competitions, more than 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.

“I think over the three days, we will see around 50,000 [people],” said Founders Day Commission Chair Brenda Medcalf. “It brings a ton of people into town. I’m sure all of the motels or hotels are booked solid, most of the Airbnbs are booked. It’s a time for people to reconnect and celebrate the town of Dripping Springs.”

Now, in its 34th year, the annual Founders Day Festival honors and celebrates the founding of the Dripping Springs community in 1850 by the Moss, Wallace and Pound families. The festival is hosted by the city and the Founders Day Commission, which includes representatives of various community organizations.

All of the proceeds are donated back into the community and directly benefit local nonprofit organizations, churches, school and park programs, youth groups and charities. The festival will take place from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, April 29 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with the carnival ending at 7 p.m.) on Sunday, April 30. For more information about the parade, sponsors and where to park, visit www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/founders-day.