Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet includes the Confederate Air Force, classic cars, food, and entertainment, Apr. 9-11. 512/756-4297.

Roughneck Chili and Barbecue Cookoff in Luling salutes the days of the oil boom with a day of fun, Apr. 10. 830/875-3214.

Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas brings the country fair to Chappell Hill, Apr. 10-11. 888/BRENHAM.

Viva Botanica at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens combines music with the lush spring foliage, Apr. 10-11. 210/207-3255.

Coming up …

Gen. Sam Folklife in Huntsville pays tribute to Sam Houston with a weekend of fun and education, Apr. 16-18. 800/289-0389.

Songbird Migration peaks on Galveston Island during April with more than 250 species passing through. To receive a guide to birding locations on the island call 888/GAL-ISLE or http://www.galvestontourism.com.

Art Car Parade begins at 1pm in downtown Houston, Apr. 17. Also look for other Art Car events and the International Festival during the weekend. 713/926-CARS or http://www.orangeshow.org.

Day Trips, Vol.2, a book of Day Trips 101-200, is now available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, P.O. Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704. 411th in a Series. Collect them all.

This article appears in April 9 • 1999 and April 9 • 1999 (Cover).

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.