The annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest returns this weekend, marking the event's 40th year of raising money for the United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties.

Since its inception, the festival has raised $2. 9 million for United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties, with the goal of bringing that total to $3 million after this year's event concludes.

"Being able to celebrate 40 years of an event that was created and has been kept alive by the shared mission of giving back to those in need truly speaks to the character and heart of Gruene," Momentous Concepts Director of Special Events and Marketing Crystal Kinman said.