Joy returns to Kerrville’s river this Easter as families gather again, while dive teams continue searching for two victims still missing.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Families are returning to the Guadalupe River in Kerrville this Easter weekend, bringing back one of the community’s most cherished traditions nearly nine months after the devastating July Fourth floods.
At Flat Rock Park, the sounds of celebration have returned — barbecue pits firing up, children playing and families gathering along the riverbanks.
“We’re doing brisket, ribs and chicken,” said Aaron Lesley of Texas Oil Dust BBQ, who is participating in an Easter weekend barbecue cookoff.
For many, the event — known as EasterFest — represents more than just a holiday gathering. It’s a sign of healing after tragedy.
“The community, the way they came together… it just shows you how strong the community of Kerrville really is,” Lesley said.
Lesley said he was in Kerrville in the immediate aftermath of the floods and has since watched the community rebound.
Others echoed that sentiment, saying the event is helping restore a sense of normalcy.
“This is something that’s come up after this last tragedy we had. Now we’re all here together,” said Michael Joe Miller, another cookoff participant.
“Glad to be back,” said Miller’s sister, Ronni Ead.
“Keep on keepin’ on,” added Timothy Daniel Grier, supporting Miller on the barbecue pit. “Great fun, we have the Easter egg hunt for our children.”
Organizers say they made intentional adjustments this year out of respect for those still grieving — including moving campers along the river out of public view to avoid triggering painful memories.
“Hoping to celebrate, bring back some good memories from things that happened back in July,” Miller said. “Have some fun for the kids, everybody eats some good food, have fun and be safe.”
For families, the return of traditions also includes simple moments — like Easter egg hunts and time along the water.
But even as the riverbanks fill with celebration again, a quieter effort continues beneath the surface.
On July 4, 2025, more than 20 inches of rain fell across Central Texas, sending the Guadalupe River surging 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The flooding killed 137 people, including 119 in Kerr County. Two victims remain missing.
Dive teams continue searching for them while also working to clear dangerous debris from the river.
Eric Herr, a certified diver with Search & Support San Antonio and vice president of the organization, said the effort began at the request of Kerr Together and is focused on making the river safer as people return to the water.
“There’s very little to no visibility in the water, so while down below the water we’re feeling around with our hands,” Herr said.
Herr said crews are focusing their work around Louise Hays Park and have already cleared debris from one section of the river, continuing farther downstream as the effort expands.
Search & Support San Antonio is one of several organizations working to clear the Guadalupe River, where crews have found twisted metal, trees, benches and even crumpled deer feeders hidden below the surface.
Officials say the work is part of a broader recovery operation. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. has said crews are actively working at Nimitz Lake, where hundreds of potential search areas have been mapped out. The process could take months, as teams first remove debris and then work through layers of silt.
With more people expected to return to the water this weekend, divers are urging caution.
“My caution to anybody that’s going out there right now is to be very careful. There’s still debris in the river,” Herr said. “If you’re going out… make sure where you’re swimming or diving that you’ve checked it first to make sure there’s nothing underneath that could hurt you.”
Despite the dangers, crews say their work is about more than safety.
They are also continuing the search for the final two victims of the floods — 63-year-old Jeff Ramsey and 8-year-old Cile Steward — a mission that remains deeply meaningful for the community.
As Kerrville welcomes families back to the river this Easter, that work continues — focused on safer days ahead, and hope for the families still waiting.