1886
FREDERICKSBURG CASINO SOCIETY
was formed with the stated purpose of “cultivation of the fine arts, especially dramatic and musical arts, and the intellectual stimulation of its members.”
Thus, were the seeds planted for what was to flower as the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance.
Here is a summary of our gifts back to Gillespie County.
We continue to award grants and scholarships yearly.
1970’s
Over 25 artisans and craftspeople met to discuss the formation of the Gillespie County Arts Alliance. “To encourage, promote and support the work of all creative artists and artisans in Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.” Later changed to Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance.
The first gallery show included many local artists displaying their talents: clay works, folk art, watercolors and acrylics, silversmithing, iron art, pen and ink, woodcrafts, Bauermalerei, pastels, pottery, art quilts, sculpture, pottery, off-loom weaving, Navajo silversmithing, furniture designer/craftsman… And so, the art shows began.
October 3, 1981 – The first Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, sponsored by P.C.A.A., is held from 10a to 9p on Marktplatz, proceeds fund all PCAA projects.
PCAA begins awarding scholarships to Gillespie County students majoring in the arts.
PCAA Summer Concert series begins. They were first held at the Gazebo Park on the grounds of the County. Today these are known as Musical Evenings on Marktplatz.
1980’s
Artist Lee Ethel designs first poster.
1990’s
Fredericksburg is officially designated by the Texas Legislature as the Polka Capital of Texas.
PCAA donates Oktoberfest Halle, the center pavilion on Marktplatz.
PCAA begins research to create and build the Maibaum on Marktplatz. The Maibaum depicts the culture, industry and interest in this unique German community nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. It welcomes each and every one with a hearty “Willkommen”!
PCAA purchases twenty Texas flags for the American Legion to place along Main Street on appropriate days.
An Art Exhibit of original paintings by Lee Ethel, who designed Oktoberfest’s first poster and logo in 1981.
PCAA Summer Concerts moved from Gazebo Park to the Adelsverein Halle on Marktplatz.
PCAA designates funds to go toward the new Fest Zimmer (fest office) being built on Marktplatz.
2000’s
Oktoberfest rents more storage units to facilitate growth and materials needed.
2010’s
Edwina Hall estate funds are used for various grants, scholarships and towards a Glockenspiel.
PCAA provides funds to help in the re-sodding of Marktplatz
Proposals begin for a Glockenspiel or Bell Tower.
Oktoberfest adds Park & Ride.
Oktoberfest partners with The Rotary Club's Kraut Run on Saturday mornings.
Oktoberfest requests the closing of Adams Street to create Strassen Zelt (street tent).
Oktoberfest enters floats in the July 4th and Gillespie County Fair parades.
PCAA funds new picnic tables for Marktplatz.
PCAA contributes to the Fest Zimmer remodel.
PCAA contributes to the remodel of public restrooms.
PCAA gives a grant to the City of Fredericksburg for the new events room on the northwest corner of Marktplatz for tables and chairs
PCAA provides funds to repaint the Maibaum
2025 - PCAA begins fund-raising efforts for a world-class Glockenspiel on Marktplatz. The Glockenspiel will celebrate Fredericksburg's German culture and provide a gathering space for generations to come.
2020’s
PEDERNALES CREATIVE ARTS ALLIANCE
TODAY
2026 Grants
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Admiral Nimitz Foundation
Ambleside School
Bethany Preschool
Community Ed Summer Theater
County School Program
Die Künstler
Fredericksburg Art Guild
Friends of the Written Word
Fredericksburg Community Orchestra
Fredericksburg Music Club
Friends of Pioneer Library
FHS Art
FHS Band
FMS Band
FHS Jazz Band
Fredericksburg Theater Company
Fredericksburg United Methodist
German Choirs of Fredericksburg
Gillespie County Fair
Gillespie County Historical Society
Harper HS Band
Harper Elementary School
Heritage Grammar School
Living Well Learning Center
St. Mary's Elementary School
Vereins Quilt Guild
Zonta Club of Fredericksburg
2025 Scholarships
Lilli Bray
Texas A&M University
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Kaylee Brown
Texas State University
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Cameron Clements
Texas A&M University
Ronan Elliott
Texas State University​
Austin Merrill
Texas State University
Jorja Simpson-Hahn
Savannah College of Art & Design
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Bevyn O’Connor
Texas State University
Whitney Phillips
University of Texas – San Antonio
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Grayson Spraggins
Ringling College of Art & Design
2026 PCAA Musical Evenings
All events are free
6:30pm until 8:15pm
Adelsverein Halle, Marktplatz
April 26
Fredericksburg High School
Jazz Ensemble
May 17
Fingerpistol
Honky Tonk Country
June 21
3 Chord Rodeo
Country & Western
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July 19
Mitch Webb & The Swindles
Americana
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August 23
Joe King
Modern Country
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September 20
Sister Golden Hair
60’s & 70’s Favorites