"Ballinger was created in 1886. Lying nestled along the Colorado River in the very heart of Texas with over 4,000 friendly people, beautifully restored historical homes and buildings, antique stores, active civic organizations, thriving downtown district, industrial plants and with an average daily temperature of 78 degrees, she proudly serves the surrounding Agri-Plex and Runnels County as county seat, with fertile farm and ranch lands producing primarily cotton, grain, sheep, cattle, and oil.

Ballinger is the perfect "host" city for the new 25,000 surface acre O.H. Ivie Reservoir. Lake Ivie is only 20 miles southeast of Ballinger on FM 1929, east of Hwy 83. Ballinger is proud of her beautiful, well kept 20 acre, tree shaded City Park that is located along historical Elm Creek. The park features an extra large public swimming pool, outstanding playground equipment, picnic area with outdoor cooking facilities, hiking and bike trails and R.V. hookups. Ballinger has two "City Lakes" with recreational areas, R.V. hookups, and some of the best fishing in Texas.

The authentically restored Andrew Carnegie Library is worth a trip to Ballinger...and the last weekend of each April should always be set aside to attend the "Texas State Festival of Ethnic Cultures and Arts & Crafts Show", which is held on the largest landscaped courthouse lawn in the State!Town in Texas"!"

With 3 albums and 4 Compilation albums since 2005, Mark Powell & Lariat has become one of the top dancehall bands in the state and was labeled "Top Texas Swing Band" by I.D.A in 2008.  Mark Powell, songwriter and entertainer of 17 years makes original music embodying the spirit of Texas and has been a part of the Nashville and Texas Music Industry during this time. 

Both Mark and John Powell were taught versatility of musicianship from their father, and well-respected fiddler, Bishop Powell.  Today, the three still share the stage and play a variety of instruments.  They have headlined and supported countless large music events in the southern U.S. such as Texas Motor Speedway, Coors Corporate Fest, The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Royal Caribbean Country Music Cruise, Tommy Alverson's Family Gathering, Grapefest, Ruidoso Cowboy Symposium, Cowboy Christmas Ball, and Powell's own Outlaws & Legends Music Fest.  Notable regional radio singles include "I Don't Wanna Go Home" (2010), "Mexican Honeymoon" (2005), "What's News" (2011), and "Homegrown" (2011).  However, they are currently witnessing the success of their newest regional single "Dublin Dr. Pepper", a song written one year prior to the collapse of Dublin Dr. Pepper as we know it.  This is just one example of many from Mark Powell & Lariat that accurately portrays humble, Texas life in a manner that translates to boots sliding on hardwood floors!