On a perfectly sizzling day on the picturesque swim lawn at Blue Hole Regional Park last weekend, the City of Wimberley marked the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 Memorial Day Flood Speakers at the event remembered the eleven members of the two families who perished, honored those who rescued the stricken and paid tribute to town leaders and townspeople who organized the recovery. Some spoke about the community’s resilience, reminding listeners how far Wimberley had come in a decade. Each of them expressed their deep gratitude to the hearts and hands who aided victims and helped the town recover.
To celebrate Wimberley’s ability to respond to difficulties by becoming stronger, the Jesse Stratton Band performed, playing, among other selections, “Hill Country Rain,” the song of Stratton’s near plunge into the Blanco River from the washed out Fischer Store bridge. Crowning the festivities was a performance by Texas legendary musician, Gary P. Nunn.
As Master of Ceremonies, Ken Strange, then and current director of Wimberley Emergency Medical Services introduced Mayor Jim Chiles and together they presented speakers from the community: former Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember, Steve Thurber; former Director of Barnabas Connection, Vicki Mc-Cuiston; former Director of the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce, Cathy Moreman; and Assistant Fire Chief of Wimberley Fire and Rescue, Christopher Robbins.
Emotions ran high as speakers recalled the harrowing night of May 24, 2015.
Especially moving were the remarks by Cristin and Alan Daniel of Austin. Cristen lost her parents Ralph and Sue Carey, sister Michelle Charba, brotherin- law Randy Charba, and nephew William in the flood.
Following their remarks was Jonathan McComb’s powerful testimony of losing his wife Laura, son Andrew and daughter Leighton, and his own physical, mental and emotional recovery. Both Mc-Comb and the Daniels leaned on their faith and offered uplifting counsel and gratitude to the first responders and the Wimberley community for their selflessness.
Following the performance by Gary P. Nunn, the winners of a raffle of two signed guitars, one by Ray Wylie Hubbard and Gary P. Nunn, were announced.
