The Fine Arts Association of the Hill Country will host the First Annual Art Show on May 3 and 4. The public is invited to attend the show in Mason at the historic Lucia Holmes’ Guesthouse located on the southeast corner of the town square.

The guesthouse is located next to Sandstone Cellars Winery. The art show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. Parking is available on the Mason Square.

Mark your calendars for Fort Mason Day on Saturday, May 10 as well. As part of Mason County’s Sesquicentennial celebration, Fort Mason Day begins with a parade at 10 a.m. around the town square.

It will consist of a multiple color guard from Goodfellow Air Force Base and the First Cavalry Band and Mounted Cavalry Unit from Fort Hood.

Since Armed Forces Day falls on May 17, the Navy is bringing a Battleship of Texas float, there will be an Army Hum-V, and the Air Force is bringing a van with audio and video presentations.

There will also be cavalry re-enactor units from the various frontier forts in our area dressed in period clothing.

After the parade, all of the activities move to the Fort Mason City Park on Hwy. 87, south of the Mason Square.

Catered barbecue will be available to the public for $6 per plate. At 2 p.m. the Fort Hood Mounted Cavalry Unit will perform at the rodeo arena, free of charge.

They put on a great performance, with lots of pistol, rifle, and cannon firing.

There will be horses jumping hurdles, saber charges, and a whole lot of whooping and hollering. You will certainly be entertained.

On Saturday, June 14, Mason presents the Sesquicentennial Mason County School Days & Picnic. This is your opportunity to tour old country school houses of the past.

Thirteen Mason County Schoolhouses will open their doors one more time for a step back into days gone by from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

An “Old Fashion” School Closing Picnic begins at 12 noon at the historical school building grounds on Moody Street. Barbecue, ice-cream, and Sesquicentennial souvenirs will all be available at the picnic.

Pre-sale barbecue tickets are available at the Mason County Chamber of Commerce, Mason National Bank, Commercial Bank, and Donop Feed Store in Mason.

There will not be any ticket sales for the meal at the picnic. You must purchase your meal tickets before the picnic. Afternoon entertainment continues at 2 pm at the Mason High School with a “Day of the Notables.”

So come visit Grandma & Grandpa’s old schools and show the kids how it was many years ago.

Mason is located 112 miles north of San Antonio and 43 miles north of Fredericksburg.

There are more than 40 different lodging accommodations including motels, B&B’s, guesthouses, cabins, and RV Parks. Check out Mason’s Web site at www.masontxcoc.com for more information on lodging, restaurants, and shopping.

You may also contact the Mason County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at (325) 347-5758.