Volunteers are the machinery that makes the Karnes County Lonesome Dove Fest run like a fine-tuned race car, but the fuel for the engine comes from generous donations courtesy of a variety of sponsors.

From providing funding for the spacious air-conditioned tent filled with exhibitors, to arranging for musical entertainment at the Saturday evening activities, sponsors are the life-blood of what is the annual two-day, family-oriented festival that is the largest event of its kind in the Lone Star State.

Through the efforts of volunteers with the Karnes City Rotary Club, the list of sponsors for the event is growing every year, and this year’s festivities on September 17 and 18 will be bigger and better because of a new influx of funding.

Among the key contributors this year are a variety of private corporations and government entities that are helping the festival continue its reign as the premier celebration of the opening of the South Zone dove season.