Contest starts March 1. Deadline is May 31. The Texas Hill Country is a photographer’s paradise. Creeks are once again flowing, and the forecast calls for a green spring with plenty of wildflowers. Now is the time to dust off your camera and head outside to capture the beauty and mystique of this special region. Three top winners will receive $250 in cash! 13 winners will be featured in our popular 2011 Hill Country Calendar. Many photographers will be recognized with cameo shots throughout the Calendar. 512-560-3135. hillcountryalliance.org

10am-11:30am. Blanco State Park, Park Road 23. Early exposure to and good experiences in nature are key to a child's future relationship and stewardship of our natural resources. This class is a relaxed and inviting experience for parents and young children (age 1-5) to enjoy nature together (no more than three children per adult please). Activities will include walks, meeting plant and animal friends and hearing stories. Parents will remain with children for entire class and should dress themselves and their child for outside activities. Check at Park Headquarters for directions to class location. 830-833-4333. tpwd.state.tx.us/blanco

S.T.A.G.E., 1330 Bulverde Rd. Thrilling, tuneful, foot-stomping celebration of legendary man in black Johnny Cash, as told through the songs he composed, recorded and shared with the world. Thursday - Saturday show starts at 8pm. Sunday show starts at 2:30pm. 830-438-2330. stagebulverde.org

Exhibited by Lucky Bat Contemporary Art, 205 State Highway 27. Works of art abstract and non-figurative from Hill Country artists. 830-431-0769. luckybat1.wordpress.com

10am-4pm. Fredericksburg Art Guild, 308 E. Austin Street. 10 inch by 10 inch and smaller. 830-997-4949. fredericksburgartguild.org

Join us as we ride The Original Texas Star Trail through Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, Stonewall, Johnson City, Blanco, Fischer, Wimberley and Driftwood. Each year, about 300 people take part in the 107 mile ride. It's the experience of a lifetime, and one you will not forget. We cross 40 cattle guards through more than 20 Hill Country ranches, including LBJ Ranch-Ranch Road 1 of the State of Texas. texasstartrail.com

106 N Nugent Ave Dining Thu-Sat, 5pm-10pm. Hill Country pickers circle every Sun. from 6pm-11pm, open mic, everyone invited to play and/or sing, plus home style meal with beer and wine specials. Schedule at website. 830-868-2182. friendlybarbistro.com

7pm. The Badu House, 601 Bessemer Ave. Mike Blakely & WC Jameson. Featuring a special guest each week. 325-247-2238. mikeblakely.com

10am-5pm, Thursday through Saturday. 905 Third St. Group tours available by appointment. 830-798-2157. fallsmusueum.org

6pm-9pm. Reopens upon the return of the bats. 325-347-5970. 512-263-8878. nature.org/texas

10am-8pm. Main Plaza. nbcham.org

Join us for tacos every Wednesday night at the VFW Post 8800, 7755 FM 2673, 5pm-8:30pm. Karaoke from 6pm until 10pm. Shuffleboard tournament in our canteen every Wed. Bingo every Thur. night. Kitchen opens at 6pm, cards go on sale at 6:30pm. Hamburgers and hot dogs every Fri. night. 830-899-7774.

6:30pm-8pm. LBJ State Park & Historic Site, 199 State Park Road 52. Come learn the outdoor sport of archery. This event is open to all youth ages seven and up. It is held every Thursday evening during the months of July and August. Equipment will be supplied. 830-644-2252. tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lbj

7pm-9pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays. Hosted by Oda Lisa at Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies, 14200 Ranch Road 12. Features poetry, music, and open mic performances. Please bring a donation of canned food for Crisis Bread Basket for admission. 512-847-6215 smoothsipstogo.com