Never underestimate a little Hill Country town! Sure, Burnet loves livestock shows and high school football, but this year the town of approximately 6,000 hosted a first-class literary arts festival, and the very positive response bodes well for an annual tradition.

The ringleader was local merchant Ina Cooper, but her idea had immediate and enthusiastic support around the town and the county. Taking more than a year to plan for every eventuality, the early signers-on were able to attract some nationally-known authors and a lot more writers, poets and storytellers from around Texas.

The weekend opened with “readings” at public schools and a reception at the Longhorn Cavern State Park on Friday, October 12, where legendary Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson was the keynote speaker. Activities were centered around the square in Burnet on Saturday, with presentations, book-signings and a poetry workshop at various locations. On Saturday afternoon, author John Erickson presented “Hank the Cowdog in Concert” at the Burnet High School auditorium, delighting an audience of several hundred. A dance was held at the community center Saturday night, featuring ‘40s music from The Flashbacks.

The event was co-ordinated with three other events: Fort Croghan Day (the annual celebration of Burnet’s early history, on the grounds of the old fort), a classic car show on the square, and a Genealogy Conference at the Burnet Community Center. For those who were able to attend all the events, it was a full weekend, indeed!

Despite the fame and prestige of those participating, this festival had very much a relaxed, down-home feel. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and visit with renowned authors, to hear a little of what goes into writing a best-seller, and to laugh with delight at the reminisces of a world-famous cowdog named Hank. All in the charming, smalltown atmosphere of Burnet, Texas. ...

Read the entirety of this article in the print edition.

Subscribe online — it's quick and easy