FYI Taylor County Texas

Thursday, December 12, 2024

There is never a shortage of things to celebrate in Williamson County and area communities do it up right year round with the following events:

July

Taylor’s 4th of July Festival
This event will be held in the afternoon and evening July 4 at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive. The patriotic event features games, food and craft vendors, swimming and other activities before the annual fireworks display. Visit www.taylorchamber.org or call (512) 365-8485 for details.

LibertyFest
Liberty Fest is Leander’s annual July Fourth celebration featuring live music, good food, fireworks and fun for the whole family. This year’s event will be held from 6-10 p.m. at the H-E-B on July 4. For details, visit www.leandertx.org or call (512) 528-9909.

Cedar Park Fourth of July
Celebrate the patriotic holiday in Cedar Park with the annual Cedar Park Fourth of July celebration that includes a dance, live music, food concessions, face painting, carnival games, sack races, a washer tournament and more. The day of family fun ends with a magnificent fireworks display at Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., For more, visit www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us or call (512) 401-5500. and area communities do it up right year round with the following events:

July 4 Frontier Days
The City of Round Rock’s July 4th Frontier Days Celebration will be held July 4 at Olde Settlers Park, 3300 East Palm Valley. Independence Day festivities will begin with free watermelon at the Lakeview Pavilion. Next, skydivers will fly into the festivities; then guests will enjoy music from the Austin Symphonic Band with the fireworks display beginning after dark. The festival also includes a parade, jalapeno pepper eating contest, children’s games, Sam Bass Shootout and more. Visit www.roundrocktexas.gov or contact the City of Round Rock at (512) 218-5400.

Taylor Rodeo
The Annual Taylor Rodeo celebrates the American cowboy and is chock full of rodeo action, dancing and performances. Take part in calf scrambles, mutton busting and wild steer saddling events. Now in it’s 63rd year, this year’s rodeo will be held July 20 and 21 at the East Williamson County Events Center, 210 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. Visit www.taylorrodeo.com for more.

August

The Taylor International Barbecue Cookoff
The 35th Annual Taylor International Barbeque cookoff will be held Aug. 17 and 18 at Murphy Park, 1600 Veterans Drive. Cookers compete in seven meat categories, including beef brisket, pork ribs, poultry, seafood, wild game, goat and lamb. Proceeds benefit several non-profit organizations. For more, visit www.taylorjaycees.org or call (512) 365-8485.

September

SPJST Barbecue CookoffSPJST Barbecue Cookoff
The Taylor SPJST Lodge #29’s 12th Annual Barbecue Cookoff will be held Sept. 28 and 29 this year. Barbecue cooks from across Central Texas submit entries in a variety of categories, including pork ribs, brisket, chicken, jackpot beans, cook’s choice, dessert and even best rig. The event features a silent auction and two days of live music and dancing. To find out more, visit www.taylorchamber.org or call (512) 365-8485.

Hairy Man Festival
Brushy Creek’s Annual Hairy Man Festival is held in late September in Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Road, in Round Rock. The family centered event is sponsored by The Brushy Creek Women’s Association and the Brushy Creek MUD to raise money for local charities and offers a full day of food, arts & crafts, children’s activities, special performances and live music all day. The pinnacle event is the Hairiest Man contest, which features a cash prize. Details available at www.
hairymanfestival.org

Leander Bluegrass Festival
The City of Leander and Suddenlink Communications sponsor the Annual Bluegrass Festival, part of Leander’s free live music series. This year’s festival will take place Sept. 28 and 29 in Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S. Bagdad. Enjoy live performances on the amphitheatre stage and bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic basket. For details, visit www.leandertx.gov or call (512) 528-9909.

October

Georgetown AirFest
The Annual Georgetown AirFest at the Georgetown Municipal Airport features dozens of World War II-era planes and a wide variety of other aircraft. Event includes flyovers, air rides (for a fee), and planes on static display. The next AirFest will be held the first weekend of October. Details available at www.airfestgeorgetown.org or by calling (512) 930-3666.

Hutto Olde Tyme Days
Go back in time at Hutto’s Olde Tyme Days, to be held Saturday, Oct. 20, downtown along historic East Street. Arts, crafts, games, a parade and musical performances have made this old-fashioned festival a family favorite for 26 years. For details, visit www.huttooldetymedays.com or contact the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, (512) 759-4400.

Up the Chisholm Trail Days and Chuckwagon Cook-off
Georgetown’s Chisholm Trail Days, slated for Oct. 19-20, captures the spirit of those who blazed the famous trail in the 1800s. Kicking off with a chuckwagon cookoff, the festival includes cowboy songs, western authors, rope tricks and a flag presentation by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse. Western-themed vendor booths and kids corral, live music and a barbecue contest make this a fun event for the whole family. To find out more, visit www.williamsonmuseum.org or call The Williamson Museum 716 S. Austin Ave. Georgetown, at (512) 943-1670.

Taylor Airport Fly-In
Airport fly-in events are scheduled several times a year at The Taylor Municipal Airport on U.S. Highway 79 west of downtown sponsors a community fly-in Oct. 13. The fly-in features aircraft from all over the region and is geared toward children and families. Previous fly-ins have featured helicopters, the largest bi-plane in the world, vendor booths and a ping pong ball drop. For information, call the Airport at (512) 352-5747.

November

Lighting of the Square
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Square, traditionally held at dusk on the Friday after Thanksgiving in Georgetown’s historic downtown square. This year’s event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, 2012. Sing along with the Austin Carolers to favorite holiday tunes and warm up with cookies and hot chocolate. For details, go to http://visit.georgetown.org or call (800) 436-8696.

December

Taylor Historic Homes Tour
Sponsored by the Taylor Heritage and Conservation Society, this tour of historic homes is held in early December and benefits a scholarship program for Taylor High School students planning to study history or architecture. Visit www.taylorheritagesociety.org or call (512) 365-4625 for details.

Georgetown Christmas Stroll
Bring the family and walk through a Bethlehem Village on the historic square in Georgetown in early December. A hometown holiday parade, live entertainment, tempting treats and more than 75 arts and crafts booths round out this holiday celebration. A winter wonderland, kid-friendly activities and a visit with Santa will keep the little ones busy. Have a chat with Santa! Fore details, visit www.thegeorgetownsquare.com or call the Downtown Georgetown Association at (512) 868-8675.

Round Rock Christmas Family Night
The City of Round Rock rings in the season with its annual Christmas Family Night celebration in early December in historic downtown. The event kicks off with a welcome from the mayor, followed by the illumination of the street and water tower. Then Santa makes his grand entrance in a horse-drawn sleigh along downtown streets decorated with small wooden houses. Activities include candlemaking, carriage rides, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Visit www.roundrocktexas.gov or contact the City of Round Rock at (512) 218-5400 for more.

Taylor Lighted Christmas Parade
Celebrate the Christmas season at Taylor’s annual Christmas Parade of Lights through downtown Dec. 1. Enjoy holiday shopping at the Taylor Christmas Bazaar and long Main Street. Sponsored by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce, this family friendly event is full of holiday spirit and sure to delight all ages. Visit www.taylorchamber.org or call (512) 365-8485 for details.

Candlelight Services
The Candlelight Services at Lois Perkins Chapel of Southwestern University are a long-standing December tradition celebrating the season
of Advent. This service of lessons and carols includes a special musical repertoire by the University Chorale. A holiday reception will follow the late service in the McCombs Campus Center. Information available at southwestern.edu, or by calling (512) 863-1527.

Cedar Park Holiday Tree Lighting
It’s a celebration as the more than 50,000 lights that illuminate the largest Live Oak Tree in Cedar Park are turned on in a traditional ceremony held at Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Dec. 7 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cedar Park’sTree Lighting/Santa’s Workshop. Enjoy live music, carriage rides, games & prizes, yule fire, food concessions, arts and crafts and, of course, Santa Claus. For more, visit www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us or call (512) 401-5500.

Lights of the Blacklands
Tour spectacular holiday lighting displays in communities throughout the Central Texas Blackland Prairie region, including Taylor. For more information, visit www.taylorchamber.org or call (512) 365-8485 for details.

March 2013

Leander Devine Lake Kite Festival
Go fly a kite at Leander’s Devine Lake Park, 1000 Maplecreek, during March at the Devine Lake Kite Festival. Demonstrations, kite team events and a public flying area. For more information, visit www.leandertx.org or call the Leander Parks and Recreation Dept. at (512) 528-9909.

April 2013

Rattlesnake ChampionshipNational Rattlesnake Sacking Championship
The Taylor Jaycees host the Annual National Rattlesnake Sacking Championship in April at Murphy Park in Taylor. The object of rattlesnake sacking is to get 10 live rattlesnakes, with fangs and venom intact, into a burlap sack in the least amount of time possible. Watch the live action and enjoy food, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and a carnival. For more, visit www.taylorjaycees.org or call (512) 803-5855.

Georgetown Red Poppy Festival
The whole family is sure to have fun on the weekend in April at the Red Poppy Festival in Georgetown’s historic downtown square. Featuring over 100 artisans from across the nation, the festival also includes an Open Car Show, a kids zone, live entertainment and a Saturday night concert and street dance! Find details at www.redpoppyfestival.com or call (800) 436-8696.

Cedar Park Heritage Festival
Celebrate Cedar Park’s history at this festival held April 13, 2013 at Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd. The family friendly event includes a parade, the Championship Hamburger Cookoff, pony rides, carnival games, train rides, historical displays and demonstrations, sack races, stick horse rodeo, corn on the cob eating contest and more. Get details by visiting www.ci.cedar-park.tx.us or calling (512) 401-5500.

May 2013

Taylor Zest FestTaylor Zestfest
The Taylor Zest Fest takes place the first weekend in May in Taylor’s historic downtown district. Sponsored by the Main Street program, festival activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts vendors, food and live music and entertainment. For details, visit www.ci.taylor.tx.us or call the Main Street Office at (512) 352-3675, ext 36.

Fiesta Amistad
Fiesta Amistad has grown into Central Texas’ largest Hispanic two-day event. Held on Memorial Day weekend at the Old Settlers Association, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd. on Hwy 79, east of Round Rock, the festival sponsored by Round Rock’s El Amistad Club features live music, plenty of food and family entertainment. Find out more at www.elamistadclub.com

Granger Lakefest
Held Mother’s Day weekend in May the park across from Granger City Hall, 214 E. Davilla Street, Granger Lakefest includes a kolache sale, parade, arts and crafts, a barbecue cookoff, children’s activities, an auction, a car/truck/tractor/motorcycle show and horseshoe tournament. Enjoy a variety of food and drink, live music during the day and a dance in the evening. Call Granger City Hall at (512) 859-2755.

June 2013

Williamson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo
Held in June and sanctioned by the Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Association, this rodeo includes some of the top cowboys from all over the US and is sure to entertain. The rodeo is held annually at the Show Barn in San Gabriel Park, 415 E. Morrow Street. Find out more at www.georgetownrodeo.com or by calling (512) 508-4684.

Taylor Tractor Pull
Hosted each June by the Taylor Rodeo Association at the East Williamson County Events Center, 210 Carlos G. Parker Blvd., this event features lots of action with truck and tractor pull events held over two nights. Divisions include pro Stock, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and money prizes are awarded. Find out more at www.taylorrodeo.com.

Stiles Farm Field Days
Field Day at Stiles Farm is held every June at the 3,000-acre farm located at 5700 FM 1063 in Thrall. New and innovative farm practices are demonstrated at the historic farm operated by the Stiles Farm Foundation. Field Days have been hosted there since 1963 and attract large groups to view demonstrations and education exhibits. For more, call (512) 898-2214.

Catch a Game

The Round Rock Express is the Triple A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, offering great baseball and family fun from April to September. The Dell Diamond seating capacity is 8,722 fixed seats with room for more than 3,000 more on the grass berm beyond the outfield wall that spreads from foul pole to foul pole. In addition to top-tier baseball talent, there is plenty of entertainment from a swimming pool to rent for parties, to a kids are complete with climbing wall, basketball and bounce houses. The Dell Diamond is located at 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 255-2255.

The Texas Stars are the developmental league affiliate of the Dallas Stars Hockey Club and play from September to April. The Cedar Park Center seats between 6,800 and 8,200 for events ranging from hockey games to rodeos to concerts. The Cedar Park Center is located at 2100 Avenue of the Stars in Cedar Park. For more information, call (512) 467-8277.

Golf

Golfing opportunities abound, ranging breathtaking, top of the line courses to quiet, inexpensive opportunities to get out and work on your game for a few holes. Below is a sampling of the opportunities to hit the fairways:

Golf Club at Star RanchMustang Creek Gold Course
Potomac Street and Gano - Loop 397 Taylor
512-365-1332
www.mustangcreektaylor.com

The Golf Club at Star Ranch
2500 FM 685, Hutto
(512) 252-4653
www.starranchgolf.com

Teravista Golf Club
4333 Teravista Club Dr., Round Rock
(512) 651-9850
www.teravistagolf.com

Forest Creek
99 Twin Ridge Parkway, Round Rock
(512) 388-2874
www.forestcreek.com

Legacy Hills Golf Club
301 Del Webb Boulevard Georgetown
(512) 864-1222
visit.georgetown.org/legacy-hills-golf-club/

White Wing Golf Club
151 Dove Hollow Trail, Georgetown
(512) 864-1243
visit.georgetown.org/white-wing-golf-club/

Southwestern Kurth-Landrum Golf Course
1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown
(512) 863-1333

Bowling

Slip on your bowling shoes and take to the lanes for a striking good time at one of the area’s air-conditioned alleys for a summer escape.

Interstate Lanes
3101 N. IH 35, Round Rock
(512) 255-8826

Mel’s Lone Star Lanes
1010 North Austin Ave., Georgetown
(512) 930-2200
www.melslonestarlanes.com

Outlaw 100 Cycling Tour

The 2011 Outlaw Trail Cycling Tour is held each October at Old Settlers Park at the Dell Diamond. The Outlaw Trail 100 bike tour features 10 mile, 25 mile, 40 mile, 50 mile, 63 mile, and 100 mile loop courses on county roads through historic Williamson County. There are 9 rest stops set up along the trail for cyclists to grab some snacks or a drink. For more information, call (512) 218-5540.

Texas Road Rash

Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department and Hill Country Speed hosted the first annual Texas Road Rash Inline Skate Marathon and 1/2 Marathon in Central Texas in 2004 and it has become an annual April event in Round Rock. The race starts and ends in Old Settlers Park. For more information, call (512) 218-5540.

Round Rock the Boat Regatta

Each May, Round Rock hosts the Boat Regatta, a race of survival among teams testing their skills at constructing boats made only of cardboard and tape. Early in the year the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department hosts boat building classes. The race is held at Old Settlers Park. For more information, call (512) 218-5540.

Bird Watching

Bring out the binoculars and set your sights on Hutto Lake where a brand new birdwatching blind allows you to observe numerous species of area birds that pass through the city’s 36-acre park on Lakeside Estates Boulevard. For more information, call the Hutto Parks and Recreation Dept. (512) 759-4000.

Fishing

Williamson County offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities from large lakes and rivers to smaller lakes and ponds in public parks. Some of the most notable fishing spots are:

Lake Granger
East of Hwy 95 near Circleville
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (512) 859-2668
www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger

Lake Georgetown
On Lake Overlook Drive, West of Georgetown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (512) 930-5253
www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/georgetown

Murphy Park
At the intersection of Hwy. 95 and Lake Drive in Taylor
Taylor Parks and Recreation Dept. (512) 365-7669
www.ci.taylor.tx.us

Bull Branch Park
At the corner of Lynn and Davis streets in Taylor
Taylor Parks and Recreation Dept. (512) 365-7669
www.ci.taylor.tx.us

Hutto Lake
Hutto Lake Park, Lakeside Estates Boulevard, Hutto
Hutto Parks and Recreation Dept. (512) 759-4000
www.huttotx.gov

Wilco Parks
Twin Lakes Park 2300 S Bell Blvd., Cedar Park
Champion Park 3830 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park
Berry Springs Park and Preserve 1801 C.R. 152 Georgetown
parks.wilco.org

Plenty to do at the Park
Walk along Cottonwood Trail, which reaches from north Hutto at Hutto Elementary School on Mager Lane, extending three miles to Nadine Johnson Elementary School along Carl Stern Boulevard, south of U.S. Highway 79. For details, contact the Hutto Parks and Recreation Dept. (512) 759-4000.

Georgetown's Creative PlayscapesEnjoy a stroll on Taylor’s three-mile hike and bike trail from Robinson Park in South Taylor up through Murphy and Bull Branch parks to Pasemann Elementary School. Stop to feed the ducks along the way or relax on one of the many benches along the trail.

The Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex has 10 lighted tournament quality ball fields complete with wireless scoreboards, shaded stadium style bleachers, moveable pitching mounds and base paths with three concession stands and restrooms and parking for 650 vehicles. The fully lighted park also includes additional athletic fields and amenities, including a full size football field, two soccer fields, two basketball courts, a covered pavilion, two modern playscapes, and a hike and bike trail. The park also features an innovative nature conservation project and a six-acre lake that are perfect for outdoor education. The park is located at 210 Carlos Parker Blvd. in Taylor.
For more information, call (512) 365-7669.

Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park is the primary city park in Round Rock that includes baseball and softball facilities, soccer fields, playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, tennis and volleyball, picnic areas and the Rock N’ River water park. The park is located at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 218-5540. Murphy Park, located near the intersection of Hwy. 95 and Lake Drive in Taylor, offers fishing, volleyball, basketball, miniature golf at the Lions Miniature Golf Course, tennis, a playground and a community pool. Enjoy a picnic in the shade and feed the ducks.

San Gabriel Park is home to 200-year-old oaks and the San Gabriel River. It offers picnic and athletic facilities, hiking trails, a dog park and playscapes. The park is located east of Austin Ave. in north Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 930-3595.

Blue Hole is bordered by limestone bluffs along the South Fork of the San Gabriel River, located five blocks north of downtown Georgetown along N. Austin Avenue. The entrance to Blue Hole Park is at W. Second and Rock streets. The park features picnic areas, restrooms, and wading areas and is open from dawn until dusk. For more information, call (512) 930-3595.

Taylor Lou Bell PavillionThere are four Williamson County parks that offer everything from athletic facilities, to walking trails, picnic tables, fishing, water features camping and playgrounds. The parks are Berry Springs Park in Georgetown, Champions Park and Twin Lakes Park in Cedar Park and Southwest Regional Park in Leander. More information can be found online at parks.wilco.org.

Round Rock’s Rock’N River Aquatic Center is located within Old Settlers Park in Round Rock and is equipped with a lazy river, crazy slides and a water playground, water cannon, tipping buckets, floor geysers and zero beach entry play area. For more information, call (512) 671-2737

Williamson County’s Quarry Splash Pad, located at the Southwest Regional Park, is a unique park that uses existing rock features from the quarry formerly located on the land to create an exciting water experience. Play areas include the Quarry, Rapids and the Sand Play Area on approximately two acres. Water features include water cannons, waterfalls, and water jets. More information can be found online at parks.wilco.org.

Disc Golf is available at two courses in Georgetown. There is a 9-hole course in San Gabriel Park and an 18-hole course in the Rivery Park. For more information, call (512) 930-3595.

Dining Delights

Hutto Texan CafeThe Texan Café in Hutto hosts a delectable “pie happy hour” from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, giving diners the chance to sample pies that have garnered attention across the country. Enjoy the blue plate special or select from a wide variety of home cooking options, but leave room for a slice of one of 20 or more different pies made fresh daily. The Texan Café is at 207 East St. in Hutto. For more information, call (512) 846-2885 or visit online at www.texancafe.net.

Louie Mueller Barbecue opened in Taylor in 1949 and has been gaining national attention ever since, bringing home state and national awards awards and being featured in magazines, newspapers, movies and television shows. Everything is made fresh daily so come early because when it is gone, it’s gone. Whether you want brisket, sausage, ribs, pork, chicken or turkey – plain, on a sandwich or baked potato – Louie Mueller’s can satisfy any barbecue appetite. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere while you savor the great barbecue. Louie Mueller is located at 206 W. Second Street in Taylor. For more information, call (512) 352-6206 or go online to www.louiemuellerbarbecue.com.

Vencil Mares has been making his signature barbecue at Taylor Café since 1949. He began with his specialty sausage, but he also serves brisket, turkey, chicken, ribs and sides. Taylor Café has won numerous awards and been included in many publications through the years as the legend continues to grow. The atmosphere in Taylor Café is much as it was more than 50 years ago and makes it a wonderful stop for great barbecue in Taylor, located at 101 North Main St. in Taylor. For more information, call (512) 352-8475

The Monument Café, true to its name, has become a landmark dining destination in Georgetown. It first opened in 1995 and has drawn visitors from all over ever since. The location is new, closer to downtown, but the breakfast, lunch and dinner variety made with the freshest ingredients is still the same. The menu is complete with something for every appetite and the 1920s to 1940s diner atmosphere makes it a memorable experience. The Monument Café is located at 500 South Austin Ave. in Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 930-9586 or visit online at www.themonumentcafe.com.

Locals and visitors alike have been lining up for some hot, fresh Round Rock Donuts since 1926. The bakery boats all kinds of donuts, cakes, cookies and treats, but it is the famous yellow Round Rock Donut that everyone must try. These donuts have been recognized statewide and nationally as some of the best around. The line begins forming each day at 4 a.m. at 106 W. Liberty in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 255-3629 or visit online at www.roundrockdonuts.com.

Shop Around

Downtown Taylor
Take an afternoon stroll around Taylor’s distinctive historic downtown that is home to a variety of retail shops and restaurants. Find everyday items and unique treasures at the antique, gift and resale shops located throughout the extensive downtown area. Follow U.S. Highway 79 into Taylor and turn on Main Street. More information and a list of shops are available at www.taylorchamber.org or by calling (512) 365-8485.

Downtown Hutto
Shop and dine along Hutto’s historic East Street. Shop for unique gift items and organic gourmet foods at shops before enjoying some of the best Mexican and American dishes and desserts in the area. Turn north off of U.S. Highway 79 on East Street in Hutto. For details, contact the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, (512) 759-4400.

Downtown GeorgetownGeorgetown Square
Bargain hunters, antique lovers and shoppers with discriminating taste will find an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty stores in Georgetown’s historic downtown square shopping district. Find treasures amid a plethora of artisan crafted wares and vintage treasures. For a list of shops or other details, go to http://visit.georgetown.org or call (800) 436-8696.

Wolf Ranch Town Center
Located at the southwest corner of I-35 and Highway 29 in Georgetown, Wolf Ranch is a 664,000 sq. ft. outdoor shopping complex with 10 anchor stores and more than 40 specialty retail shops and restaurants. Visit www.wolfranchmall.com or call (512) 930-8008 for details.

Round Rock Outlets
The Round Rock Premium Outlets shopping center offers 120 designer and name-brand outlet stores as well as a 14-screen movie theater. Hours for the mall are: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From I-35, Exit 257 Westinghouse Rd., Round Rock. For more information, visit www.premium outlets.com/roundrock or call (512) 863-6688.

La Frontera
More than 50 top stores and restaurants are conveniently located at the La Frontera Village shopping center located on the northwest corner of the I-35 and SH-45 intersection in Round Rock. Offering everything from best-selling books to chic fashion, La Frontera is a shopping paradise that includes nearby Vintage Plaza, a pedestrian-friendly beautifully landscaped retail experience. Details available at www.la-frontera.com.

IKEA
The popular Swedish company features modern, functional and environmentally friendly home furnishings. The IKEA in Round Rock presents 50 different room settings, three complete homes, a supervised children’s play area and a 250-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties and American dishes. Exit I-35 at Westinghouse Road to reach the store. Hours are: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find out more at www.ikea.com or by calling (512) 828-4532.

 

 

See the Hippos

Take a photo on Hutto’s seven-ton concrete hippo statue named Henrietta, which has been a downtown icon on East Street since 1982. The statue celebrates the early history of the town when a hippo escaped from a circus train and was later captured near Brushy Creek. Tour the town to see the wide variety of uniquely-decorated smaller hippo statues in front of local homes, businesses and civic buildings. The statues are painted with a variety of designs, such as the Dalmatian hippo at the city’s fire station on Exchange Boulevard or the hippo dedicated to American Troops donning camouflage at Hutto City Hall on Front Street. For more information, call the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce at (512) 759-4400.

Williamson County Museum
The Williamson Museum offers free and exciting handson educational programs to the public through innovative exhibits, tours and outreach. In addition to the museum and exhibits in Georgetown, events such as “Chisholm Trail Days” at San Gabriel Park, “Pioneer Day” at Old Settlers Park, and “Archeology Day” at Berry Springs Park & Preserve help share the story and history of Williamson County. The museum is located on the Georgetown Square at 716 S. Austin Ave. and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (512) 943-1670 or go online to www.williamsonmuseum.org.

Taylor's Moody MuseumMoody Museum
The Moody Museum shares the story of Texas Governor Dan Moody’s passion for justice, his family and the Taylor community that helped shape his legacy as Texas’ youngest governor and prosecutor of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. The home is a piece of history in Taylor that helps chronicle life at that time and tell the story of this influential Texan and his family. The museum is open Tuesdays and Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Sundays, but alternate tour times are available by appointment. The museum is located at 114 W. Ninth St. in Taylor.

Taylor Liberty Garden
Located at the entrance to Taylor’s Murphy Park, the Liberty Garden honors those who have served or who are currently serving in the armed forces, fire department, police department or emergency response services. It also serves as a memorial for loved ones lost in the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. The Garden provides a quiet place to remember and reflect on the sacrifices of these individuals.

Inner Space Caverns
These limestone caverns in Georgetown offer a look at nature’s wonders in a comfortably constant 72-degrees. With a variety of tour lengths there is something for every visitor. In addition to the cavern tour don’t miss the chance to mine for gems and minerals at the Innerspace Mining Co. Inner Space Caverns is located at exit 259 on I-35 in Georgetown. For more information call (512) 931-2283 or visit online at www.myinnerspacecavern.com.

The Round Rock - round rock
The round rock, protruding from the waters of Brushy Creek near the bridge on Chisholm Trail Road, was not the original namesake of the
community that sprung up around the natural crossing point for the creek. But in time the community was named for the recognizable landmark and makes a great location for photos.

Austin Steam Train
The Austin Steam Train takes riders back in time on a variety of train excursions through the Central Texas Hill Country. The locomotives and coaches in use on the line range from the 1920s to 1960s. The association also hosts special events for children, holidays and other excursions throughout the year. The depot is located at 401 E. Whitestone Blvd. in Cedar Park. For more information, call (512) 477-8468 or visit online at www.austinsteamtrain.org.

 Howard Theatre
The 80-year old Howard Theatre in Taylor shows first-run movies in a historic setting, making it an ideal movie destination in Williamson County. During the summer months the theater is open daily and the theater is also available for rental for special events. The Howard is located at 308 North Main St. in Taylor. For more information, call (512) 352-2995 or visit online at www.howardtheatre.com.

Sample Some Wine

A number of wineries in the area make it easy to sit back and try a variety of your favorite wines or even some new ones.

Georgetown Winery
715 South Main St., Georgetown
(512) 869-8600
www.georgetownwinery.com

The Vineyard at Florence
111 Via Francesco, Florence
(254) 793-3363
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dance Halls

Coupland Dance HallDo Some Dancing at one of Eastern Williamson Counties popular dance halls. From polka to country and others, these venues offer great atmosphere, good music and food from hamburgers to steaks and barbecue. All have live music and friendly faces.

SPJST Hall
5025 FM 619, Taylor
(512) 352-9139

Coupland Dance Hall
103 Hoxie, Coupland
(512) 856-2226

Granger Cotton Club
212 E. Davilla St., Granger
(512) 859-0700

Palace Theater
Palace TheaterThe theater just off the square in Georgetown opened for movies in 1925, but today is home to live shows throughout the year. The historic venue plays host to musicals and plays – about eight per year – with “Annie Get Your Gun” running through July 2012 and “A Chorus Line” in August. The Palace is located at 810 S. Austin Ave. in Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 869-7469 or visit online at www.georgetownpalace.com.

Williamson County Courthouse
The county courthouse nestled in the center of the Georgetown square was built in 1911 and is celebrating its centennial this year. A recent major refurbishment effort has restored its original look and feel, making it a great place to step back in time in the county’s history. Walk the grounds and read the historic plaques, sit in the shade of the many trees or take a tour inside the building. The courthouse is located at 710 Main St. in Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 943-1100.

Palm House
Built in the 1860s, the historic home now contains a two room museum and the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce. In the kitchen and parlor hang photos and artifacts from Round Rock’s early days, including items connected to legendary outlaw Sam Bass. The museum is located at 212 E. Main St. in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 255-5805.

Old Settlers Association
The Williamson County Old Settlers Association property features many exceptional amenities such as RV parking, historical pioneer sites, the Palm Mansion and the annual Old Settlers birthday celebration. It features nationally known artists as well as some great local talent. The grounds are located at 3300 East Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 388-1733 or visit online at www.wcosa.org.

Chisholm Trail Park
Chisholm Trail Park The Chisholm Trail Crossing Park provides visitors with a simulated scene of Round Rock’s historical role in the Chisholm Cattle Drive. Commemorative plaques in the park tell of the history of Round Rock. The bronze sculptures of four steers and pioneer woman, Hattie Cluck, and her son, Emmitt depict Round Rock’s history as a crossing location along the Chisholm Trail. The round rock is near the park in the Brushy Creek and the limestone crossing is marked with ruts from the wagons that crossed while on the cattle dive. The park is located at 500 Chisholm Trail Rd. in Round Rock.

Sam Bass Community Theatre
The Sam Bass Community Theatre has been offering quality live theater to the area for more than 25 years, with a wide variety of theater during each season. Six to seven productions are offered annually which includes four mainstage productions. The Old Depot Stage was actually the original Depot building for the railroad that ran through Round Rock. The theater is located at 600 North Lee St. in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 244-0440 or visit online at www.sambasstheatre.org.

Williamson County Symphony
The Williamson County Symphony Orchestra was formed under the name Hill Country Community Orchestra in early 2002. The orchestra usually performs three concerns in the spring and three in the fall at various venues throughout Williamson County and most performances are free. For more information, visit online at www.williamsoncountysymphonyorchestra.org.

Round Rock Memorial ParkRound Rock ArtSpace
ArtSpace hosts monthly exhibits representing Round Rock area artists and occasionally hosts demonstrations and artist lectures. The Round Rock Area Arts Council presents new art exhibits the beginning of each month and invites the public to attend First Thursday Artist Receptions from 5:30-7 p.m. These are come and go events to meet the artists and view their work. ArtSpace is located at 231 E. Main St. in Round Rock. For more information, call (512) 689-2450.

Cedar Rock Railroad
The Cedar Rock Railroad located in the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, is a quarter-scale train that takes passengers on a relaxing 1.3 mile ride through the nature-filled fields and forests of the park. The park is located at 3005 County Road 175 in Leander. For more information, or to reserve a train ride for a special event, call (512) 413-1705.

Dig for Dinosaurs
At Champion Park a unique playground provides children of all ages an opportunity to have fun and make new discoveries in its inland sea theme that features a covered children’s dinosaur dig area with concrete casts of dinosaur bones hidden beneath sand to uncover. A large blue whale spurts water to cool kids off on hot days, and specially designed boulders allow for climbing. The park is located at 350 Discovery Blvd. in Cedar Park.

Old Williamson County Jail
In 1888, the lawlessness of the frontier days prompted county fathers to commission a fortress-like jail, the county’s fourth. The limestone building with was designed by prominent Waco architects, Dodson and Dudley, in a style reminiscent of the French Bastille. This historic building no longer serves as a jail, but has become a landmark, housing offices in downtown Georgetown at 312 Main St.

Fountainwood Observatory
Southwestern’s large research-quality reflecting telescope, a Meade LX-200 with Schmidt-Cassegrain optics and a 16-inch primary mirror has a digital CCD camera for taking digital images that can be viewed and processed on a computer. This instrument is used by faculty and students for research, and programs of general interest to the public are conducted each month during the academic year. The observatory is located on the Southwestern Campus, 1001 E. University Ave. in Georgetown. For more information, call (512) 863-1242.

Southwestern University
Southwestern’s 700-acre, residential campus is built around grand buildings radiate from the heart of campus - an open-air academic mall. Walk the campus and admire the historic structures and enjoy the green space. The campus also offers a sixhole golf course and two live-performance theaters as well as a variety of Division III NCAA athletics. The campus is located at 1001 E. University Ave. in Georgetown. Form ore information, call (512) 863-6511 or visit online at www.southwestern.edu.

Taylor’s Main Gallery
The Main Gallery in Taylor features several group and private exhibitions each year. The Main Gallery, in association with the Taylor Artist Guild is open every Wednesday at 7 p.m. for Sketch Club. The gallery is at 200 N. Main St. in Taylor. For more information, contact Judy Blundell at (512) 269-8339 or Karen Burges at (512) 964-9608.

Coupland Depot
The Depot, which is Coupland’s original historic depot, was rescued by the Coupland Civic Organization for Coupland’s Bicenntenial Project in 1976. The Depot was recently renovated and is used for small meetings and contains exhibits of community artifacts and railroad memorabilia. The Depot is open by appointment. To visit the Depot, call Barbara Piper, 856-2635, or Susan Garry, 856-2564.

Assembly Of God

First Assembly Of God
Address: 1400 W. Seventh St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352.6133
Services: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Tuesday Prayer Meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7 p.m.
Pastor: Shane Allen

Baptist

Faith Baptist
Address: 605 W. Sixth St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2434
Pastor: Michael Herms
Services: Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday Evening service, 7 p.m.

First Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist
Address: 701 Davis St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-3144
Pastor: Dr. Matt Hudson
Services: Sunday Service, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.

Primera Iglesia Bautista
Address: 1699 West 2nd St.
Phone: 512-352-5590
Services: Sunday Services, 11 a.m., 6 p.m.; Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.

First Baptist (Granger)
Address: 301 E. Mesquite, Granger
Phone: 512-859-1389
Services: Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Bible Study, 7 p.m.

God’s Way Christian Baptist Church
Address: 1101 West 2nd St., Taylor
Phone: 512-365-3832
Pastor: Dr. B.R. Reese
Services: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Service, 11:30 a.m.; Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7:30 p.m.

Hutto Baptist
Address: 6655 Hwy 79, Hutto
Phone: 512- 759-2395
Pastor: Rev. Tommy Ham
Services: Sunday Service, 11 a.m., Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday Evening Services will begin during the Fall of 2012.

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist
Address: 602 Symes St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-3838

Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist
Address: 512 E. Walnut St., Taylor
Phone: 512-365.5618
Pastor: Johnny R. Spence
Services: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Service, 11 a.m.; Wednesday Prayer Service, 6 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7 p.m.

Thorndale First Baptist
Address: 100 Sydney Blvd., Thorndale
Phone: 512-898-2529
Pastor: Jeremy Sheppard
Services: Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service, 11 a.m., Sunday Adult Prayer Meeting. 6 p.m.; Wednesday Service. 6:30 p.m.

San Gabriel Baptist
Address: 263 CR 421A, Thorndale
Phone: 512-862-3248
Pastor: Tim Cheatham
Services: Sunday Service, 11 a.m.; Sunday School, 10 a.m., Sunday Bible Study, 6 pm., Wednesday Bible Study, 7 p.m.

Catholic

Our Lady of Guadalupe
Address: 113 Dickey St., Taylor
Phone: 512-365-2380
Pastor: Rev. Efrain Villanueva
Services: In Spanish: Tuesday-Friday Services, 8a.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.;
In English: Saturday Mass, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday at 10:30a.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic
Address: 301 E. Fourth St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2175
Pastor: Msgr. Lonnie Urban
Services: Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Tuesday 8 a.m.; Wednesday 6:15 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 8 a.m.

SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic
Address: 100 N. Brazos, Granger
Phone: 512-859-2333
Pastor: Rev. Joseph Nisari
Services: Sunday Services, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; Saturday Services, 6 p.m.; Tuesday Service, 8 a.m.; Wednesday Service, 5:30 p.m.; Thursday Service, 8 a.m.; Friday Service, 8:15 a.m.

Christian

New Hope Christian Church
Address: 206 Farley St., Hutto
Phone: 512-759-2665
Pastor: Michael Roepke
Services: Sunday Service, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

United Christian Church
Address: 603 Talbot St., Taylor
Phone: 512- 352-2753
Pastor: Clarence Hodrick and Beth Graham
Services: Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m., Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

Northview Christian
Address: 2900 North Main St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-5611
Pastor: Rev. Bill Ward

Church of Christ
Address: 2702 N. Main St. (Hwy 95 N.), Taylor
Phone: 512-352-6444
Preacher: Royce Williamson
Services: Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m; Wednesday Bible Class, 7 p.m.

Town West Church of Christ
Address: 16161 Old Granger Rd., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2423
Pastor: Matthew Pitrucha
Services: Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible Class, 7 p.m.

Church of God
Taylor Church of God in Christ
Address: 515 Simon St. - Phone: 512-352-1333

Episcopal

St. James Episcopal
Address: 612 Davis St. Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2330
Pastor: Rev. Kelly K. Jennings
Services: Sunday, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 9 a.m.

Jehovah’s Witness

Jehovah’s Witness
Address: 2703 Medical Pkwy., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-5954

Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran
Address:401 W. Seventh St. Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2327
Pastor: Rev. Gary Veit
Services: Sunday 9:15 a.m.

Immanuel Lutheran
Address: 411 CR 401, Taylor
Phone: 512-365-9494
Pastor: Jack Bohls
Services: Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:15

Prince of Peace Lutheran
Address: 3101 CR 417, Taylor
Mailing Address: PO Box 1182, Taylor, TX 76574
Phone: 512-365-6155
Pastor: Kerri Veit
Services: Sunday Service, 9 a.m., Sunday School, 10:15 a.m.

Trinity Lutheran
Address: 3505 N. Main St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-6958
Rev. B.G. Niemtschk
Services: Sunday 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.

St. John Lutheran
Address: 300 S. Main St., Thrall
Phone: 512-898-2136
Rev: Jon Bielfeldt
Services: Sunday Service, 10:15 a.m.; Sunday School, 9 a.m.

Zion Lutheran
Address: 611 CR 425, Sandoval
Phone: 512-352-6574
Pastor: Rev. Walter J. Miller
Services: Sunday Service, 8 a.m.

St. Paul Lutheran (Missouri Synod)
Address: 101 N. Third St., Thorndale
Phone: 512-898.5455
Pastor: Rev. James Mann
Services: Sunday Service, 10 a.m. Sunday School 9 a.m.

Methodist

First United Methodist
Address: 907 W. Lake Dr. Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2593
Pastor: Rev. Cliff Egner
Services: Sunday Service, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

Tenth St Methodist ChurchTenth Street United Methodist
Address: 410 W. Tenth St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-2244
Services: Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.

Hutto Discovery United Methodist
Address: 350 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto
Phone: 512-846-1707
Pastor: Rev. Alan McGrath
Services: 9 a.m. traditional, 11 a.m. contemporary, 10 a.m. Sunday school

Trinity Methodist Church
Address: N. Main, Thorndale
Pastor: Nita Newman
Services: Sunday Service, 11 a.m.

Pentecostal

Jerusalem Pentecostal
Address: 908 E. Walnut St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-6934
Pastor: Daniel Alderete
Services: Sunday Services, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Services, 7 p.m.

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian
Address: 114 W. Sixth St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-3570
Pastor: Rev. Ronald E. Stevenson
Services: Sunday Services, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.

United Church of Christ

St. Peter’s United Church of Coupland
Address: 108 Wathen St., Coupland
Phone: 512-856-2433
Pastor: Dr. John Sumner
Services: Sunday Service, 10:15 a.m.; Sunday School, 9 a.m.

Unity of the Brethren

Brethren Church
Address: 700 Sloan St., Taylor
Phone: 512- 352-6423
Pastor: Rev. James D. Hejl
Services: Sunday 10:15 a.m., Sunday School 9 a.m.

Other

Christ Fellowship
Address: 1517 McLain St., Taylor
Phone: 512-352-7531
Pastor: Jeff Ripple
Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.; Sunday Bible Study at 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m.; Wednesday Service, 7 p.m.

Rock of Salvation Center
Address: 215 S. Doak St., Taylor
Phone: 512-466-9089
Pastor: Marcus Herrera III
Services: Sunday Service, 11 a.m.; Sunday School 9: 45 a.m.; Wednesday Service, 7:30 p.m.

True Vine Church
Address: 204 Washburn St., Taylor
Phone: 512-569-1138
Pastor: Nathaniel Davis
Services: Sunday Service, 11:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 10 a.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7:30 p.m.

Yegua Creek Evangelical Free Church
Address: 1200 CR 466, Elgin
Phone: 512-258-3844
Pastor: Mark Nygard
Services: Sunday Services, 10 a.m.; Sunday School, 9 a.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7:30 p.m.

CrossPointe Community Church
Address: 3705 County Road 366
Phone: 512-565-0857
Pastor: David Steele
Services: Sunday 11 a.m.

 

Demographics

Population: 426,645 (2010)
Land Area: 1,124.3 sq. miles
Altitude: 454 to 1,265 ft.
Average Rainfall: 34.2 inches/year
January Temperature: 35 degrees F average minimum
July Temperature: 97 degrees F average maximum
Growing season: 258 days

Williamson County Courthouse InteriorGovernment

Williamson County, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, is governed by an elected, five-member commissioners’ court. The court is responsible for all budgetary decisions and setting the county tax rate each year. Other duties of the court include administration of all the business of the county, including the building and maintenance of county roads and bridges.

Additional information about Williamson County government and departments may be found on the county’s Web site, www.williamson-county.org.

Commissioners Court

Most of Eastern Williamson County sits in Precinct 4, which is represented on commissioners’ court by Republican Ron Morrison. Commissioners’ court is the overall governing and management body of Williamson County, responsible for all budgetary decisions and setting the tax rate each year. Among the duties of the commissioners court is administration of all the business of the county, including the building and maintenance of county roads and bridges.

There are five members of the commissioners’ court. Dan Gattis Sr. presides as the County Judge, a position elected by county voters every four years. The four commissioners are elected by the voters within their precinct every four years. The commissioners meet each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Williamson County Courthouse, 710 Main St. in Georgetown. The main county switchboard can be reached at (512) 943-1100.

Precinct 4

Commissioner: Ron Morrison
Annex Address: 350 Exchange Blvd., Suite 100, Hutto
Office Specialist: Linda Wipff
Assistant: Pete Correa
Phone: (512) 846-1190 or (512) 943-3761
Fax: (512) 846-1140
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

District Attorney

Address: 405 Martin Luther King Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1234
Fax: (512) 943-1255
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Williamson County District Attorney is John Bradley. Bradley and assistant district attorneys prosecute felony crimes committed in the county. The District Attorney’s office is located on the second floor of the Williamson County Justice Center at 405 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Georgetown.

County Attorney

Address: 405 Martin Luther King Blvd., Suite 240,
Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1111
Fax: (512) 943-1120
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Front
desk closed from noon to 1 p.m. daily)
Jana Duty serves as the Williamson County attorney and prosecutes criminal and juvenile cases, intervenes in cases of domestic violence, administers victims’ compensation claims and serves as legal counsel to the Williamson County Commissioners’ Court.

Williamson County JailJustice Court, Precinct 4

Address: 211 W. Sixth Street, Taylor, TX 76574
Phone: (512) 352-4155
Judy Hobbs serves as Justice of the Peace for Williamson County Precinct 4.
Justices of the peace serve both as judges and magistrates.
As judges, they preside over justice criminal court, justice civil court and small claims court.
Criminal cases include but are not limited to traffic cases, school attendance cases, minor alcohol violation cases and minor tobacco violation cases. Law enforcement agencies, including but not limited to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department, Department of Public Safety, Parks & Wildlife, Health Department and the Texas Alcohol & Beverage Commission, file complaints in justice criminal court. Civil cases include but are not limited to evictions and other suits with amount in controversy up to $5,000.

As magistrate, Hobbs issues warrants, conducts criminal examining trials, admonishes prisoners and sets bonds. She also conducts juvenile detention hearings and admonishes juveniles for statements. Additionally, justices of the peace perform marriage ceremonies and perform coroner duties on deaths that occur when not attended by a physician.

Sheriff’s Office

Address: 508 S. Rock Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1300 Fax: (512) 943-1444
Eastside Division address: 412 Vance Street, Taylor, TX 76574
Phone: (512) 352-4123, (512) 238-2123

James Wilson is the sheriff of Williamson County. He worked for DPS for more than 30 years, beginning as a state trooper, then becoming an investigator, a highway patrolman and spending eight years in administration, retiring as director.

The sheriff’s office is charged with providing public safety services to the residents of Williamson County. The sheriff’s office patrols the county, investigates crimes, maintains the county jail and provides other support services such as criminal records, crime victim assistance, traffic control and animal control.

In addition to enforcing the law, the sheriff’s office also keeps order in the district and county courts and actively promotes programs aimed at crime prevention, drug education and senior citizen safety. The Eastside Division is composed of patrol, investigations, animal control and livestock units, along with an administrative staff.

Precinct 4 Constable

Address: 2501 Mallard Drive, Taylor, TX 76574
Phone: (512) 352-4181
Precinct 4 Constable Marty Ruble was first elected in 1996. His office, which includes five deputies and three clerks, provides service of civil process, misdemeanor and felony warrants, child support papers and child support warrants. The constable’s office provides free security services for special community events as they arise. Deputies also can provide close patrol and bicycle patrol services upon request. The constable’s office also teaches bicycle safety and provides certificates upon completion.

Emergency Medical Services

Address: 303 Martin Luther King Blvd., Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1264
Williamson County Emergency Medical Services serves all the unincorporated areas and cities of Williamson County. The department responds to all emergency medical calls and non-emergency patient transfers between hospitals. EMS also provides continuing emergency medical training for affiliated first-responder organizations and its own staff. The department has 14 stations handling more than 22,000 calls per year. The newest station is located in Hutto and will assist the two stations in Taylor in serving eastern Williamson County residents. The organization consists of nearly 110 full-time and six part-time personnel. All full-time field and administrative personnel are paramedics certified or licensed by the Texas Department of Health.

Williamson County EMS is active in public health and safety education, especially of school-age children. Programs are available for schools, child care agencies, shelters, juvenile probation and new mothers. Kenny Schnell serves as director of Williamson County EMS, as well as the emergency management coordinator for the county.

Williamson County and Cities Health District

On the SquareAddress: 100 W. Third St., Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-3600
Web: www.publichealthwilliamson.org
W.S. Riggins Jr., MD, MPH is executive director of the WCCHD. As the director, he oversees programs provided by six health district divisions: Community Health Promotion, Environmental Health Services, Public Health Nursing, Social Services, WIC Nutrition and Administrative Services. The Personal Health Services Division offers clinic services such as immunizations, prenatal care, well child care, WIC nutrition program, adult health screening program, tuberculosis treatment, sexually transmitted disease treatment, and HIV testing and counseling.

The Medical Assistance and Social Services Division performs eligibility determination for several programs and referrals to health and social services resources. The Environmental Services Division provides food handler sanitation training, food service sanitation inspections, septic system inspections and installer licensing, flood plain management, subdivision review, daycare inspections and environmental complaint investigations.

The Board of Health, appointed by county commissioners and member cities, oversees the activities of the Health District. District offices are located in Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock and Taylor. The Taylor clinic provides preventive care services but does not provide sick care.

Tax Assessor and Collector

Address: 904 S. Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1602 (motor vehicles), (512) 943-1603 (property tax)
Taylor office: 412 Vance Street, Taylor, TX 76574
Phone: (512) 238-2140, (512) 352-4140
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deborah Hunt was elected Williamson County Tax Assessor/Collector and took office in 1997. She currently serves on the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts and the Tax Assessor Collectors Association of Texas Legislative Committees. The tax assessor/collector is elected countywide. The statutory responsibilities of the office include the assessment of property and collection of ad valorem taxes for the county, as well as contracting with other entities to collect their jurisdictions’ taxes.

The office is also responsible for registration and titling of all vehicles in the county, collection of the state tax on all automobiles sold, and issuance of beer and liquor renewal permits.

Property Taxes

Williamson County CourthouseProperty taxes are the primary source of government revenue in Texas. These are local taxes based on the value of the property that help to pay for public schools, city streets, county roads, police, fire protection and many other services. The Williamson County Tax Assessor Collector’s office currently collects property taxes for Williamson County and other taxing jurisdictions, including the following (Taxes listed do not include entities such as Municipal Utility Districts, Higher Education taxes and Emergency Service Districts):
* City of Granger (0.888817)
* City of Hutto (0.516545)
* City of Taylor (0.813893)
* City of Thrall (0.504140)
* City of Weir (0.265234)
* Coupland ISD (1.04005)
* Granger ISD (1.105)
* Hutto ISD (1.540050)
* Taylor ISD (1.450000)
* Thrall ISD (1.210000)
* Williamson County (0.457687)

State

Representing Eastern Williamson County in the Texas
Legislature are District 5 Sen. Steve Ogden and District 52 Rep. Larry Gonzales. Ogden, a Republican, is an oil and gas producer from Bryan. He was originally elected to the Texas Senate in 1997 after serving in the state House from 1990 to 1997. He currently chairs the Senate Finance Committee and is a member of the Education, Administration, Government Organization and Partnership Advisory committees.

Offices
Capitol address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711
Toll: 1-888-694-2609
Phone: (512) 463-0105
Fax: (512) 463-5713
Gonzales, a Republican was elected to the Texas House in 2010. Gonzales serves on the Border and Intergovernmental Affairs and County Affairs committees.
Capitol office: Room E2.412, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768
Phone: (512) 463-0670
Representing District 10, which includes Eastern Williamson County, on the Texas Board of Education is Marsha Farney.
She was elected to the State Board of Education in 2010.
Address: PO Box 99, Georgetown, TX 78627
Phone: (512) 966-6771

Nation

Taylor sits in the 31st Congressional District, represented in Congress by John Carter. Carter, who practiced law in Round Rock during the 1970s, was appointed district court judge in Williamson County in 1981. He was elected district judge in 1982, the first Republican to win a countywide election. He was elected to Congress in 2002.
Capital address: 408 CHOB, Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3864
District address: One Financial Center, 1717 North IH 35,
Suite 303, Round Rock, TX 78664
Phone: (512) 246-1600
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. John Cornyn represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.
Kay Bailey Hutchison was first elected in 1993, becoming the first woman to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Hutchison is the Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and serves on the Committee on Appropriations.
Capital address: 284 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-4304
Phone: (202) 224-5922 - Fax: (202) 224-0776
Austin address: 961 Federal Building, 300 East 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 916-5834 - Fax: (512) 916-5839
Cornyn, of San Antonio, was sworn in to the U.S. Senate in 2002.
Sen. Cornyn currently sits on the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Armed Services, and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee.
Capital address: 517 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2934 - Fax: (202) 228-2856
Austin address: Chase Tower, 221 West Sixth Street, Suite 1530, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 469-6034 - Fax: (512) 469-6020

Williamson County remains one of the fastest growing counties in the state and the nation. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, its population has now topped 425,000 and the county continues to flourish. Williamson County occupies more than 1,100 square miles of Hill Country and Blackland Prairie to the north, east and west of Austin.

The county was carved out of Milam County (now adjacent to the east) and established March 13, 1848. It was named for prominent judge and soldier Robert M. Williamson, also known as “Three-Legged Willie” because of a birth defect that deformed one leg, which he accommodated with a wooden prosthesis.

Williamson County was probably first explored by Europeans in the late 17th Century, when Capt. Alonso De Leon sought a route between San Antonio and the Spanish missions in East Texas that would serve as a drier alternative to the more southerly Camino Real. Anglo settlement began during the Texas Revolution and the early days of the Republic of Texas, when the area was part of Milam County.

Williamson County was one of only 19 Texas counties to vote against secession from the Union during the Civil War. Post-war years were marked by bloodshed and banditry at the hands of outlaws like Sam Bass. With the coming of the railroads to the county in the 1870s, Taylor became an important rail center for the cattle trade. Cotton, the second boom industry in Williamson County, developed about the same time as the cattle industry. In 1900-01, Williamson County ginned more cotton than any county in Texas except Ellis County.

Both the cattle and the cotton booms were aided by the improved communications available in the county in the late 19th Century. The International-Great Northern Railroad, which later was consolidated with the Missouri Pacific, was built across the eastern part of the county in 1876 and led to the founding of Taylor and Hutto and to the relocation of Round Rock. It also opened up large areas in eastern Williamson County to commercial farming.

The county also became more ethnically diverse in the later 19th and early 20th centuries. Significant numbers of Scandinavians, Germans, Czechs, Wends and Austrians moved to the county in the 1880s and 1890s. The proportion of foreign-born in the county population remained at about 10 percent from 1890 to the 1930s. Mexican immigration reached a significant level about 1910, just as Europeans stopped arriving in the county. There were 294 Hispanics in 1900, 732 in 1910, and 4,967 – or 11 percent of the population – in 1930.

Between 1930 and 1940, cotton continued to be an important crop in Eastern Williamson County but farmers increasingly turned to other crops, like sorghum and wheat, and to raising livestock.

Williamson County CourthouseThe agricultural diversification of the middle decades of the 20th Century was followed by significant social and economic changes in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The black population, which had remained at between 15 percent and 18 percent of the total in the early and mid-20th Century, began to decline, both proportionately and in real numbers, from the 1940s on and had fallen to 4,111, or about 5 percent, by 1980.

As in other areas of Texas, blacks were relegated to segregated and inferior housing and educational facilities until the 1960s, when some improvements were brought about by federal desegregation policies.

Along with changes in racial composition, Williamson County experienced a dramatic increase in population in this period, growing from 37,305 inhabitants in 1970 to an estimated 85,700 inhabitants in 1982. Much of the growth in population was related to the development of new housing communities in the area of the county bordering Austin.

Urbanization, or rather ‘suburbanization,’ increased the population of Round Rock from 2,811 in 1970 to 11,812 in 1980. Cedar Park went from 125 to 3,474 inhabitants over the same period, and even Georgetown’s development was affected by the growth of Austin’s area of influence. In 1980, almost 60 percent of the county’s inhabitants lived in urban areas. In 1990, the population reached 139,551, an increase of more than 60 percent during the 1980s. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded a population of 249,967 in 2000. The most recent estimate approaches 330,000.

In 2001, Williamson County was the fifth fastest-growing county in the United States by percentage change and the 20th by numeric change.

The 2000 Census showed Williamson County to be, by and large, both prosperous and relatively youthful with a median household income of $60,642 and a median age of 32.3 years. Ten percent of the population was 60 years old or older. In 2000, there were 90,325 housing units in the county with a median home value of $125,800.

Sources: The Handbook of Texas Online; Texas State Data Center; U.S. Census Bureau

Round Rock ISD
www.roundrockisd.org
Address: 1311 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock, TX 78681
The Round Rock Independent School District is headed by Superintendent Jesus Chavez. A seven-member board of trustees, led by President Charles Chadwell, is elected to lead the district and meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Round Rock High School lecture room at 300 Lake Creek Dr. The district has 25 exemplary campuses, 16 recognized and three acceptable with an overall rating of Recognized.

Round Rock Higher Education Center
www.rrhec.txstate.edu
Address: 1555 University Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665
Phone: (512) 716-4000
Round Rock All Abilities Park The Round Rock Higher Education Center combines the efforts of Texas State University-San Marcos, Austin Community College, and Temple College at Taylor to offer educational programs and workforce training in the Williamson County and Austin area. These colleges and university also offer some certificate programs. You can earn a Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree or an Associate degree by attending classes in Round Rock.

Austin Community College-Round Rock
www.austincc.edu/rrc
Address: 4400 College Park Dr., Round Rock, TX 78665
Phone: (512) 223-0000
The campus provides comprehensive higher education programs and services to more than 5,000 students. Plans call for future construction to expand the campus to accommodate 11,500 students.

ACC Round Rock offers university transfer degrees and core curriculum courses, workforce/technical degrees and certificates, and comprehensive student support services, such as advising and counseling, financial aid, library facilities and media services, as well as computer centers and a learning lab with free tutoring.

The campus is home to a variety of workforce programs including Accounting, Associate Degree (RN) Nursing, Automotive Technology, Biotechnology, Building Construction Technology, Computer/IT, Electronics, Management, Marketing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology, Sonography, Surgical Technology, and Welding. The Continuing Education Division also has classrooms and offices on campus to expand noncredit classes and Customized Training options for residents and local employers.

Round Rock Higher Education Center

Roundrockchamber.org
Address: 212 E. Main St., Round Rock, TX 78664
Phone: (512) 255-5805
The Round Rock Chamber of Commerce is led by President Doug Kurkul and directed by a 28-member board, chaired by Writ Baese. The Chamber hosts monthly business luncheons, networking events, ribbon cuttings and special events throughout the year.

Visitors Bureau
www.sportscapitaloftexas.com
Address: 231 E. Main St., Ste. 150, Round Rock, TX 78664
Phone: (512) 218-7023
The Round Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau provides information on local attractions, events, dining and lodging in and around Round Rock.

 

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