With the upcoming Labor Day weekend, I thought it prudent to remind everyone of the new ordinances enacted for public safety and to protect our rivers. They do not apply within Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, the Texas Ski Ranch or outside the New Braunfels city limits (above Gruene Bridge.) Have a safe and fun time on the river!

New safety measures are in place this year for the Comal River and the portion of the Guadalupe River within the city limits below Gruene Bridge.

New Braunfels welcomes guests to enjoy the Comal and Guadalupe rivers with the following guidelines designed to ensure public safety, enhance visitor experience and protect the natural environment of the rivers:

Alcoholic beverages:

Open containers are not allowed in Prince Solms Park, at the last public exit on the Comal River, Cypress Bend Park, and Hinman Island Park.

Containers/Coolers:

Glass or foam containers are not allowed on any waterway in Texas.

Volume drinking devices or containers under 5 fluid oz. are not allowed.

Coolers up to a 16 quart size are welcome on the rivers. Please note that all coolers must have a locking mechanism to prevent spillage (a zipper, Velcro fastener, latch, or cord to keep cooler lids on.)

Flotation Devices:

It shall be unlawful for any person, regardless of age, to enter, be on, or in the public waters of the portion of the Guadalupe River that lies within the city limits in an inner tube or other flotation device, other than a six-man raft, when the flow of the river is above 1,000 cfs.

Vessels over 18 feet are not allowed on the Guadalupe River within the city limits (below Gruene Bridge.).

Rafts are not allowed on the Comal River and all flotation devices used on the Comal River must be 5 feet or less in diameter or width at the widest point.

There is a limit of two tubes per person on the Comal River only.

Reasonable accommodations will be allowed for those with special needs and for those wishing to swim.

Hard body kayaks and canoes using the Comal River may not use the public exit on weekends or anytime during the summer.

Other equipment:

Noise devices (boom boxes) may not be audible beyond 50 ft.

Other regulations/recommendations to be aware of for river recreation activity:

Jumping from bridges, dams, and trees into the rivers is illegal.

Littering is illegal. Receptacles for disposal of litter are available.

Personal flotation devices, such as life vests, for children and weak swimmers on both the Comal and Guadalupe rivers are recommended at all times.

Tubing and swimming when the river flow is above 500 cfs is not recommended for the general public.

Only rafts navigated only by experienced paddlers are recommended when river flows are above 1000 cfs.

Carol Wilhelm, an award-winning local artist, captured 1st Prize Friday night at the Sattler Artisan’s Alley August Art Show and landed the cover of the upcoming East Hill Country Discovery Map. Her striking watercolor portrait of Canyon Lake, entitled “Sunset Sails,” will be displayed in front of as many as a quarter of a million tourists next year.

Wilhelm, whose artistic accomplishments include winning awards over the past three consecutive years at the Canyon Lake Art Show, won the $100 top prize out of 20 entries in this community-wide art exhibit entitled, “Making Canyon Lake Memories.” The August Show was sponsored by Sattler Artisans’ Alley and East Hill Country Discovery Map.

Left to Right: Pam & Barry Dorfman; Carol Wilhelm; Michelle & Paul Deere with twins, Nicole & James

“I am delighted to have my painting chosen first place in the Discovery Map contest,” said Wilhelm, a retiree in Canyon Lake since 2002. “I am sure all the area artists are as grateful as I am to Sattler Artisans’ Alley for sponsoring this art show that features the beautiful Canyon Lake area.”

This impressive array of artwork was submitted through Aug. 1st, and was evaluated by a panel comprised of three judges: Fred Zinkgraf, Richard Caniglia, and Pat Deltz. The final decision for the 1st place winner was made by Michelle Deere, the owner and publisher of East Hill Country Discovery Map.

“It was wonderful to see the community shine like this,” said Deere, who is scheduled to publish her Discovery Map next winter, and who conceived of the idea of holding this art competition. “I look forward to seeing Carol Wilhelm’s watercolor ‘Sunset Sails’ on the 3rd edition of Discovery Map in 2008. It is a wonderful representation of the spirit of Canyon Lake.”

This Art Show yielded additional award-winning artists. The 2nd Place Winner was Barbara Hines, for “Devil’s Playground at Lazy L on the Guadalupe,” while two local artists tied for 3rd Place—Linda Jacobson with “Vereda Real,” and Bonnie Williams with “Catfish.”

All artwork from the August Art Show will remain on display at Sattler Artisans’ Alley through Labor Day, with the “People’s Choice Award” scheduled to be announced over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The August Art Show was created with the intent to artistically showcase the unique and special qualities that make Canyon Lake—combined with the greater East Hill Country—such a popular tourist destination. The interest and turnout surpassed all expectations.

“Canyon Lake has so much to brag about, and this show represents three of them—Canyon Lake Artists, Canyon Lake Blue Star Moms, and The New Life Children’s Treatment Center,” said Pam Dorfman, owner of Sattler Artisans’ Alley, listing the three organizations who benefited from the proceeds generated at the Art Show. The participating artists “are a caring and knowledgeable group of men and women who have a passion for nurturing art and seeing it bloom.”

Press release written by Michael Hughes, Discovery Map International.