But, actually, kids are fluttering and laughing all over the 12-acre grounds as well – chasing butterflies with nets and plastic cases, playing on the castle stage or in the life size musical garden; digging up “dinosaur bones” in the the sand pit or eating hot dogs at picnic tables under the oaks.

The magic is in the butterflies though. Everywhere, butterflies learning to fly. Butterflies hovering in the trees and landing on the purple, yellow and pink flowers located throughout the grounds. Butterflies who have never tasted the joy of a juicy piece of fruit!

The Festival began as a fundraiser for the theatre, but also as sort of nature experiment for local Wimberley kids. Since all three of mine went through school here we experienced the life cycle of a butterfly during kindergarten, fifth grade and in girl scouts – twice!

Each year, local classrooms, day cares, businesses, churches and organizations take on the responsibility of caring for the caterpillars and cocoons. Then, on release day, volunteers release the cases of thousands upon thousands of butterflies.

Every half hour, little ones line up with their $1 slice of cantaloupe or watermelon and watch the tiny translucent wings of the butterflies as they crawl around and explore their temporary juicy home – and finally take the leap and join their brothers and sisters up in the trees.

There is also entertainment during the day – elementary school children performing their spring play and other performances by local musicians.