Published: October 01, 2009 10:49 am      

Old Time Gospel

Outdoor Wimberley festival celebrates its 30th year

Wimberley — From its humble beginnings 30 years ago at Blue Hole —one of the state's most popular swimming holes —to the 30th anniversary at a cowboy church, the Wimberley Gospel Music Festival has been a long-standing Wimberley tradition.

The 30th annual Wimberley Gospel Music Festival will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 9 and 11 a.. to 9 p.m. Oct. 10 at Cowboys For Jesus in Fischer.

Jimmy Snow, son of the legendary country singer Hank Snow, and his wife Dottie appeared at the first festival. Since then many well-known and not-so-well-known entertainers have performed. Over the years, crowds have heard Faye Yates, Bruce Carter, Clifton Jansky, The Original Bells of Joy, Jeff Gore, The Cutler Family, The Bailey Family, Dee Vickery, The Peacemakers and many other gospel singers.

Three years ago, the Cowboys for Jesus took over the reins as the festival's organizer. The lineup includes Gene and Lavada Triesch, The Bailey Family, The English Brothers, Hearts of Grace, Blanco Canyon Gospel Group, New Day, Redeemed, Southern Praise, Dee Vickery, New Direction, Southern Grace Quartet, Jim Henderson, Ron Spangenberg, Song of Glory, Of One Accord, White Dove and Cowboys for Jesus.

Ron Spangenberg, one of the original founders of the festival, will reflect on the history of the festival over the years at this 30th year anniversary celebration. 

The outdoor site at Cowboys for Jesus will allow guests to sit in chairs under a big tent, in their lawn chairs on the grounds or at the picnic tables under the trees.