[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was something special about Camp Ben McCulloch during the Old Settler’s Music Festival (OSMF) that Dripping Springs resident Jim Hudson will forever remember.
Many people know OSMF’s tenure in Driftwood for the throngs of fans and the multiple stages that populated the Salt Lick Pavilion since 2002.
Across FM 1826, those who chose to rough it out at Camp Ben during the four-day festival are treated to “good music and a fun exchange of people,” Hudson said.
All of that will be gone, however, as OSMF organizers announced they no longer have a place in Hays County to call home.
“Given the Salt Lick’s decision, we’re really glad we purchased this property when we did ... The purchase will allow Old Settler’s to design and develop a festival site and camping-oriented facility that will soon be known as one of the premier event locations in Texas.” Johnny Harvey, board president for OSMF
In a press release, OSMF organizers Friday said they are being forced to move after Scott Roberts, owner of the Salt Lick Pavilion in Driftwood, opted to not host the festival in 2018.
As a result, organizers will instead hold the 2018 festival on a recently purchased 145-acre property in Dale, a small community just outside of Lockhart.
According to the release, organizers for the 30-year-old festival were “surprised and disappointed” to receive a letter from Roberts on Aug. 8 regarding the cancellation at the Salt Lick.
Organizers had planned for one final celebratory festival at the Salt Lick Pavilion site in 2018. In June, organizers for OSMF purchased 145-acres near Dale as the future site of the festival, which was to be unveiled at a later date.
The final festival in Driftwood would have honored Roberts, the Salt Lick and “everyone involved.”
However, Roberts said in his letter that his decision was “based on changing use of the surrounding property and concern about alienating his new neighbors.”
Roberts is planning to develop a . The development is expected to house as many as 8,000 residential units that have a price tag of $1 million or more.
“We have enjoyed our 15-year association with the Salt Lick, throughout the years introducing over 220,000 people throughout Texas and the world to the Salt Lick’s delicious barbecue. They have been very generous over the years, as have the officials and people of Hays county,” said festival executive director Jean Spivey.
The new location in Dale is the third site for OSMF, which began at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock in 1987.
The new site doubles the festival’s space “and allows for numerous improvements, according to the release. Johnny Harvey, board president for OSMF, said board members concluded the festival had outgrown the space available at the Salt Lick Pavilion. That decision was made based on feedback over the last two years.
“Given the Salt Lick’s decision, we’re really glad we purchased this property when we did,” Harvey said. “The purchase will allow Old Settler’s to design and develop a festival site and camping-oriented facility that will soon be known as one of the premier event locations in Texas.”
The departure of the festival brings mixed emotions for Hudson, who has attended the OSMF for the past 29 years.
He feels the move could be a good thing “in the long run” if necessary infrastructure is put in place to accommodate RVs and campers. He hopes the new location in Dale could replicate a similar feel of isolation as at Camp Ben.
Hudson said he’s “staying tuned” on whether to attend next year’s festival or not.
But the days of putting folding chairs in Onion Creek and playing guitars and mandolins is something Hudson will continue to remember.
“This move could be a good thing. But I’ll be surprised if it turns out to be,” Hudson said.
