In Memoriam

Former Austin Mayor Carole Keeton Strayhorn dies at 85

Carole Keeton Strayhorn was Austin's first female mayor.

Former Austin mayor, Texas railroad commissioner, and Texas comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn died on Wednesday, March 26 at the age of 85.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the news of Strayhorn's passing to KVUE senior reporter Tony Plohetski on Wednesday evening. In a statement, Watson referred to Strayhorn as "a powerful personality that filled a room," and someone who "pushed people to think about the future but also made you laugh at the drop of a hat."

Strayhorn served as Austin's mayor from 1977 until 1993. She served on the Texas Railroad Commission in the 1990s before being elected as Texas Comptroller in 1998.

A statement by Strayhorn's family in the care of Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services says that she "died peacefully at her home in Austin, Texas, surrounded by family." It anticipates a public memorial "within a couple of months;" in the short-term, only a private family service is planned.

"Mom accomplished so much in life on behalf of others because she cared deeply about making a difference and improving the lives of families and individuals from all walks," the statement says. "Her tireless dedication and ability to get things done were unmatched. ... Above all, she was a loving mother and grandmother who always put her family first."

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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Medieval Magic

Faire near Austin wins a most wondrous award for Best Medieval Festival

Photo courtesy of Sherwood Forest Faire Facebook.

Festival goers in an early Sherwood Forest Faire Parade.

Hear ye, hear ye! Texas' beloved Sherwood Forest Faire has just been named the Best Medieval Festival in the Renaissance Festival Awards.

For those who aren't in the Ren faire world, the awards are organized by The Renaissance Festival Podcast. Listeners from all over the country were asked to vote for their favorite Ren faire in several categories, and Sherwood Forest Faire won Best Medieval Festival overall. The results were announced earlier this month.

“We are thrilled and honored to be voted Best Medieval Festival by The Renaissance Festival Podcast! A huge thank you to everyone who cast their vote for Sherwood Forest Faire. Your support means the world to us," says Sherwood Forest Faire co-founder George Appling in a press release.

"To our patrons, cast, staff, merchants, artisans, and every single person who has been part of our Sherwood family, this award is as much yours as it is ours. Your dedication, talent, and enthusiasm bring Sherwood to life year after year, and we couldn’t do it without you," he adds.

Sherwood Forest Faire started in 2010 and roughly follows the story and theme of Robin Hood and his Merry Men across a 25-acre plot of land east of Austin. Unlike the larger Texas Renaissance Festival which takes place in the fall near Houston, Sherwood Forest Faire happens each weekend between March 1 and April 20. Also unlike its bigger Ren Faire sister, the smaller Sherwood Forest Faire is just about an hour drive from Austin in McDade, Texas, making it an easier day tip for locals.

Every weekend, rain or shine, Sherwood Forest Faire features 150 shows, from jousting and falconry to underwater escape artists. There are artisans and markets galore; turkey legs to feast upon; live music; traditional crafts; storytellers and jesters; campgrounds for overnighters, and even "castle accommodations" for the lords and ladies who can swing such luxuries. (Though the Sherwood Forest Faire website indicates the castle is fully booked for this year.)

This annual event has come a long way from when Appling started things in 2010. At the time, this small endeavor was a way for the then 40-year-old to swap his high-flying corporate career for a life more focused on his passions. These days, Appling's little passion project attracts over 150,000 annually, according to the release.

“I get to apply my business skills to the building of the company," Applying says in the press release, "but my passion for it hasn't diminished at all–what I love to do most is go to the fair.”

The Sherwood Forest Faire is located in a medieval-style village in McDade Texas. Tickets are still available for weekends through April 20 at sherwoodforestfaire.com.

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