Staff report

Downtown Dripping Springs will be the hub for a variety of local, national and international songwriting talents as the 2016 Songwriters Festival hits Mercer Street Oct.14-16.

Pam Owens, director of tourism in Dripping Springs who also attends the event, said the festival provides exposure to the area.

“It showcases our downtown and community as a whole,” Owens said. “Visitors are spending the night and they go into shops and restaurants. They aren’t enjoying ...