Still Waters site of spring festival
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
The threat of rain on Saturday night didn’t dampen the efforts of local vendors who came together for the inaugural Spring-a-ding-fling Springfest at Still Waters event pavilion and grounds located in Kempner on F.M. 2313.
The festival was the idea of Kimberly Hurley, owner and operator of Fiesta Fanny Event Planning, which has locations in Killeen, Kempner and Gatesville.
The free overnight event—which included spaces for overnight tent camping as well as trailers—featured lawn games, swimming and fishing with Lampasas River access, tree swings, a treehouse photo booth and free entertainment by local band Westbound, with special guest Tim Hopkins of the band, One Fine Burrito.
The afternoon also contained an appearance by the Central Texas Bellydance Association members under the pavilion.
Nearly two years ago, Still Waters took a direct hit from the EF-1 tornado which uprooted numerous oak trees on the property and affected others in the Kempner area. On Saturday, the evidence of the prior devastation was gone, save for a few barren treetops.
Deanna Thompson and her husband, Mike, owners of Still Waters, welcomed Hurley and the vendors to the property for the festival.
“Kimberly came up with the idea and we said, ‘Sure, we’ll have it here,’” said Thompson. Still Waters is advertised as an event location with a covered outdoor space that has a full kitchen and restrooms onsite for various events.
“We run up to 100 for events, regularly. Depending on what you want to do, there’s a whole lot of space for more than 100,” Thompson added.
Over by the tree house, Pattie Aponte-Lofton shot photo sessions with props available for children to dress up with.”
“(The event) kind of networked itself,” said Aponte-Lofton, who stepped in when another photographer couldn’t make it. “One of the family members asked me if I wanted to fill in, so I did.”
In addition to the musical entertainment, Kempner Inflatables had a water slide and a bounce house on hand, with all-day wristbands available for purchase. Sticky Fingaz BBQ was onsite, offering concessions for sale.
Darlene Zoggas with Sweets by Darlene, located in Copperas Cove, served up mini cupcake bites for donations, while another vendor provided face painting.
Hurley said she plans to hold the event again next year and has hopes for even more vendors and activities for families to enjoy.