Wurstfest is a Texas sized German festival that is held for 10 days in early November in New Braunfels, Texas. The first festival was in 1961, and over the years it has provided a great deal of fun for generations of New Braunfels residents as well as raising money for community organizations from the local community. Great food, beer, wonderful music, carnival rides and camaraderie delight the Wurstfest attendees every fall. The history of Wurstfest reminds us what a small town can accomplish when community leaders work together for a common goal.

As a documentary event photographer I visited Wurstfest for the first time in 2015 to photograph a photo essay for an editorial project. I went back to the fest this year for an assignment covering the Texas Hill Country in the fall. The spirit and energy of Wurstfest is contagious.

I lived a total of 10 years in Germany during my years as a military child and a military spouse. When I was 18 I moved to Munich, Germany to study at the University of Maryland, Munich Campus. I was able to study abroad in one of the greatest European cities. Oktoberfest is held every year in Munich. It is actually held in September, in 2017 it will be September 16, 2017 to September 26, 2017. In 2016 there were 5.6 million visitors to the world's biggest fair. When I walk onto the Wurstfest grounds I can really feel that same festive anticipation. Wurstfest is the real thing!

The Texas Hill Country is full of unique festivals such as Wurstfest that are worth attending and equally as fun to photograph. The places that you can visit provide and wealth of photography opportunities. The fall is a beautiful time to visit the hill county. It is a great place to learn travel or event photography. Last week I wrote a blog about my recent visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool, Texas.