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Ecofest Arlington 2011

12 Sep




Who says North Texas can’t be “green”? We may not have the rain, but at least we’re working on the whole ‘being more environmentally friendly’ aspect. On September 17th ECOFEST Arlington will take place at Levitt Pavilion where the Free Fall Concerts have been taking place. This family oriented event not only helps to build a sense of community but it also stimulates environment awareness across North Texas. Local business have been invited to showcase their green products as well as do-it-yourself home solutions, and if you have a business and would like to participate please feel free to come. The business will be positioned along the festival streets surrounding Founder’s Plaza. There is NO COST to attend!!

Ecofest 2011 begins at 10 am on Saturday 9/17 and will last until 10pm that night. Of course we’ve got local musical artists performing also in the Pavilion like: Velvet Love Box and Spoonfed Tribe. Ecofest Arlington is presented by Naturally Fun (Arlington Parks & Recreation) and the concerts are presented by Safe Harbor Insurance Solutions.

All day Saturday Ecofest will be going strong where you can expect:

Demonstrations by vendors
Educational Classes for Kids
Live Music
Games
Giveaways
Food & Drinks

**For a map of the festival, click here.

Let’s reduce consumption of our natural resources and shoot to help reduce, repair and prevent environmental problems in the future. Start with simple things like turning off the lights if you’re not using a room or if you can use the sunlight from the window; Not running the water when brushing your teeth; Carrying your own reusable grocery bags or choosing paper over plastic; Carpooling with neighbors; Unplug seldom used appliances (and chargers when not in use) that contain only a few items which may also save on your utility bill; Set your computer to sleep or hibernate when you’re done using it; Reuse office print-outs as notepads; Recycle your aluminum cans, plastic bottles & newspapers.

These are just a few tips on being a little “greener” or eco-friendly. For more information, resources and some fun check out the 2011 Ecofest in Arlington at Levitt Pavilion and Founder’s Plaza, Saturday Sept. 17th (10am – 10pm)!

10:00AM – ECOFEST open for business!
6:30PM – Velvet Love Box performs
8:00PM – Spoonfed Tribe performs
10:00PM – Ecofest Ends

Presented by

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2011 Plano Balloon Festival

8 Sep

Float on over to Oak Point Park in Plano for a beautiful display of hot air balloons. InTouch Credit Union is sponsoring the 2011 Balloon Festival of Plano. The festival will go on for 3 days as North Texans of all ages stand in awe at the kaleidoscope of colors filling the sky. Not only will there be hot air balloons, but also skydivers, fireworks, concerts, a kid’s fun zone, vendors, corporate exhibitors, a balloon glow and food of course! Fly up, up and away on the weekend of September 16-18.

Although this event isn’t Free, the cost for admission isn’t high at all. If you go between 9am and 3pm, you can pay the discounted admission of $4 but general 1-time admission is $5. Seniors 65 and older get $1 off admission while children under 36 inches are allowed in Free! If you’re interested in becoming a “Freind of the Festival” you can enjoy VIP Treatment and a more exclusive experience of the Balloon Festival with the following packages.

As far as parking goes it is $10 for Prime Parking (at Collin College Spring Creek Campus, Oak Point Rec Center & First United Methodist Church) and off-site parking is $5 (at Collin Creek Church & Plano Centre).

The Plano Balloon Festival Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to educating people about hot air ballooning and producing a family oriented, high quality event that offers other local non-profits the opportunity to assist in the operations of the Festival. This year 36 non-profits and 10 corporate groups will be supporting the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival! It is the objective of the Plano Balloon Festival to offer these participating non-profit agencies the chance to raise funds as well as awareness for their programs and service, and as a result enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Skydivers

This year we’re taking the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival to new heights with balloon rides for the attendees at about $250 per person, but you must be over 10 years old and have made arrangements by the 9th. If you didn’t catch it this year, be sure you do next year!

The State Fair may not be for another couple of weeks, but the list of food that will be sold at the festival is pretty long and will leave you salivating! From turkey legs and spiral cut potatoes to frito pie, fresh squeezed lemonade, roasted corn and snow cones you’ll have no excuse to have left the Balloon Festival hungry. Check out the list of vendors that will be there.

Festival Hours

Friday, Sept 16: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, Sept 17: 6:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday, Sept 18: 6:00am – 7:00pm

Just when you thought the festival couldn’t get any bigger, it does! On the final day of the Balloon Fesitval there will be the Inaugural Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk. Race day is Sunday, 9/18 and you can click here to register! Each registered runner receives up to 2 tickets to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival along with VIP Parking! Some snacks will also be provided from Central Market.

Let's leave all the skydiving to the Pros


Plano Balloon Festival Location
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Plano 75074

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Grand Opening of Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill

6 Sep

Classic

Welcome to the Great Outdoors! If you like hiking, nature activities, animals and roaming the forest then you’ll be excited to hear of the GRAND OPENING of the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill!! On the weekend of September 10th and 11th the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center officially opens its doors as well as trails to the public.

Bring the family and some friends to explore this wild, adventurous place. The Grand Opening will run from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday. It’s a FREE 2-day event that includes family fun festivities like guided hikes, arts & crafts, building tours, guest speakers and nature play activities for kids.

GRAND OPENING 9/10 & 9/11

The New Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is located about 16 miles south of Dallas off 1382 between Joe Pool Lake and Hwy 67. You can also get there from I-20 traveling to 1382. There will be parking and shuttle service provided. In fact, the shuttle is strongly recommended as there is limited parking and lots of other wild 4-limb creatures are expected to attend. You can park for Free at Uptown Village shopping center just a few miles away) in the Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kirklands parking lots which face FM 1382. The shuttles will run during the Grand Opening Hours on both Saturday and Sunday. If you need to see a map click here.

Audubon offers education programs, tours, facility rentals, and a nature store.

No more peeking...Just come in!

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The 8th Annual Kiwanis Butterfly Festival – Southlake

6 Sep

Have you ever met someone that instantly gave you butterflies? What about someone or something that gave you an entire 600 square foot tent full? Well during the second weekend of September Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis will do just that, and you won’t even have to worry about a kiss at the end of the night. Check out their yearly Butterfly Festival in Southlake!

The 8th annual Butterfly Festival presented by Kiwanis is taking place September 9th through 11th at Southlake Town Square! It will be open come rain or shine (ha, as if we’ll have rain anytime soon) as the tent is underneath a covered pavilion.

The Festival ends Sunday with a Butterfly Release at 5pm

The Butterfly Festival benefits Childrens’ Miracle Network and Kiwanis Children Charities and projects. Hundreds of butterflies are contained in this 600 square foot tent along with local flowering plants which are provided by Mike’s Garden Centers. The kids can feed the butterflies watermelon which is provided so they’ll get to interact with the butterflies. Both adults and children get to learn more about butterflies, their habitat, as well as their influence on our ecosystem from experts on location and participating on this yearly festival. At the end of the weekend event (Sunday) the butterflies are released at 5:00pm.

The Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis (NETC) Club serves as an active member of the local community providing hands-on service, much needed funds, and even youth leadership training. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers that are dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. As partners with the Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis Foundation, the NETC Kiwanis Club continues to provide needed service and funds to the local area. For more club information click here.

The cost for attending the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival is $7.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Kids and children ages 3 and under are Free. It all starts on Friday at 9am! Each day the first 100 kids receive a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A kids meal at Southlake with paid admission.

FUN for all ages! lol

If you’d like to participate in the raffle drawing for 2 Southwest Airlines tickets you can buy a raffle ticket for $1 here. There are also a number of silent auction items one can bid on, some which include: Fighter Jet Ride, Hot Air Balloon Rides, an African Safari and other great baskets. Check out the full list of silent auction items here featured at the 2011 Butterfly Festival.

Join Northeast Tarrant County Kiwanis for their 8th Annual Butterfly Festival This Friday through Sunday at the Southlake Town Center located next door to Corner Bakery. If you make it on the final day, watch the beautiful array of butterflies as they are released into the sky at 5:00pm!

Sept 9 – Friday
9am to 6pm

Sept 10 – Saturday
9am to 6pm

Sept 11 – Sunday
9am to 5pm
(5:00 – Release of the Butterflies)

Location:
Southlake Town Square
100 State Street

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Uptown Village’s Back-To-School Kid’s Fest & Concert

17 Aug

It’s that time of year again! Time to find new backpacks, lunchbags, wide ruled paper and take advantage of the annual Tax Free weekend! In Cedar Hill, it’s time to celebrate Uptown Village’s first ever Back-To-School Kid’s Fest & Concert August 20th! It’s still pretty hot outside in Texas so this Back-To-School Fest will only last about 4 hours. Throughout the entire Saturday event Two-Wins Foundation will be accepting $25 donations to help provide local underprivileged children with school supplies.

Expect exciting Drumline performances

During the first two hours (4-6pm) of Back-to-School KID’S FEST Stacia’s School of Dance, the Duncanville Cheerleaders and DeSoto High School’s Drill Team will give dance performances. Attendees will also get the opportunity to meet the 2011 Cedar Hill High School football team.

Meet this year's CHHS Fball team

Face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, crafts and other fun activities will keep attendees engaged.

The Back-to-School Concert will take place from 6:00 – 8:00pm. The concert will feature local party and dance band Top with drumline performances during intermission. Between JAM to Give, Wine Walks, Family Movie Nights and great shopping, Uptown Village is quickly becoming the place to go! Now as the summer comes to an end, the Village Green events don’t stop. Support Two-Wins Foundation August 20th as we come together to make the schoolyear a little better for those who have less than what’s needed.

Donations will go towards school supplies for local underprivileged students

So as some of us gear up for school again let the rhythms of Soul II Soul get you back in the mode of homework, sack lunches & good ole’ PTA meetings!

Back to Life…Back to Reality…

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Half Price Books presents Movie in the Parking Lot

12 Aug

On Saturday, August 13th & 27th Half Price Books will have their Free movie showings in the parking lot. They’ve been showing flicks in the parking lot since June and it’s their 3rd annual Movies in the Parking Lot event. Come out to the Half Price Books located at 5803 E. Northwest Highway in Dallas at 8:45pm to see “The Incredibles”. If you can’t make it that weekend join us the 27th for “The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe”. Feel fee to bring your favorite lawn chair and even some snacks or cold drinks as we close out the month with Movies in the Parking Lot. There’s plenty room for you and the fam in the “outdoor movie theatre”! You may even find a great book to buy before the show! Half Price Books is open every day from 9am to 11pm. The only thing that’ll stop this event is bad weather (rain) and we all know that’s been far from the forecast nowadays. Enjoy a Free movie Saturday nights under the stars with Half Price Books of Dallas. (only one block east of Central Expressway)

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Viva Dallas! Hispanic Expo 2011

4 Aug

This weekend Dallas Market Hall will be hosting the 9th annual Viva Dallas!, a two-day expo geared towards the Latino/Hispanic consumers. Over 30,000 attendees are expected and the community event will take place on August 6th & 7th. Viva Dallas, is the largest culturally consumer-business exposition designed specifically to educate and inform Latino consumers about health/educational opportunities and corporate products and services. It will provide a glimpse of the nation’s fastest growing consumer group. The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber brings Viva Dallas back on Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. The yearly event traditionally takes place on the first weekend of August. One can expect free health screenings, live entertainment like cultural dancing and music, food court with Latin American favorites, over 200 exhibitors, a Quiceneras y Novias pavilion and even an education pavilion. Hispanics now account for nearly one-quarter of children under the age of 18 and the best thing we can do for our kids is get them to further their education with college degrees so a number of schools and universities will be present at Viva Dallas with more info on programs and opportunities available. With sponsors like Chase, State Farm Insurance, Texas Rangers, Children’s Medical Center, ECO Latino, El Heraldo, Ford, Verizon, AT&T, Al Dia and more, 2011 Viva Dallas is sure to be as successful as it has been in the past.

With the Hispanic population exceeding 50 million this year, standing firmly at the nation’s #2 spot, it’s only fitting that such an event occur on a consistent basis in North Texas as we continue to educate, cultivate and advance our Latino community. Check out the flagship event of the GDHCC at Market Hall and give your family a taste of everything – health, business and culture. Remember Admission is Free too! See you on the weekend! And remember

“Donde hay gana, hay mana”!!*

Here’s a little something to get you ready for the weekend. My favorite song/dance from “Dance with Me” compliments of Vanessa Williams and Mr. Sergio Mendes…



~EXPO HOURS~

SATURDAY 9:00AM – 5:OOPM

SUNDAY 10:00AM – 4:00PM


Viva Dallas Address:
Market Hall
2200 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas 75207

(*Translation: Where there is the desire there is the ability.)

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Hawaiian Falls Splash Out Hunger Food Drive

2 Aug

August 1st kicks off the “Help Hawaiian Falls Splash Out Hunger” Food Drive that will benefit the North Texas Food Bank and the Tarrant Area Food Bank. This food drive will be running from August 1st thru Labor Day Weekend, September 5th. North Texans are encouraged to bring a can of food or nonperishable food item and you’ll receive $5 off a Big Kahuna ticket! A regular Big Kahuna ticket it basically just a ticket for people above 48 inches in height costing $23.99. Lil Kahuna’s (under 48 inches) are only $16.99 for admission and Keiki’s (kids years old and under) are free! The discount on your ticket will be applied at the ticket window.

It’s one thing for low-income families, unemployed workers, senior citizens, victims of domestic abuse or family violence and people with chronic illnesses or disabilities to get by during the school year or regular months, but it can be even worse during the summer time when school-aged kids to not have access to free or reduced-cost school lunch programs. Imagine how you can affect a person’s life right here in our own area by donating food items to a great cause. It’s not just about your Hawaiian Falls discounted pass, but that’s just an added bonus.

While we all may be familiar with North Texas Food Bank, but if you weren’t aware TAFB (Tarrant Area Food Bank) covers Tarrant county as well as 12 neighboring counties on the west side of DFW. TAFB distributes donated foods from their Ft. Worth warehouse to 300 partner agencies that serve Texans in need. A $1 donation helps TAFB provide enough for 3 donated meals so imagine what you’re doing for a small $5.00!

Remember, Hawaiian Falls Splash Out Hunger is going on now through September 5th!! The $5.00 discount on Big Kahuna ticket will only be available during this time period also but there are always deals going on. Hawaiian Falls has water parks in Garland, The Colony, Mansfield and Roanoke. For more information on Splash Out Hunger and other Hawaiian Falls events or discounts click here.

**Find your nearest Hawaiian Falls water park here.
There are locations in The Colony, Garland, Roanoke & Mansfield.**

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UniverSOUL Circus Returns to Dallas

29 Jul

What’s the only circus where you’ll hear “Walk It Out” played over the loud speakers?? You got it! The UniverSOOOOOUUULL Circus! This highly interactive show is the third featured in “Circus Season” here in North Texas. From August 2nd to August 7th the UniverSoul Circus will be in Dallas at Southwest Center Mall located at Highway 67 & I-20.

My first Soulful circus experience took place in Maryland a few years ago, (the summer of 2007 to be exact) and we had a great time! A majority of the circus performers were African American or West Indian. There was hip hop music and R&B music that played throughout, but what really distinguished this show from the rest was the level of interaction with the audience. Of course you’re in a smaller tent also, but I could literally smell the elephants as they came and went. (eww, Thanks Babar.) No, but it’s not that bad. You just feel like you’re a part of everything that’s going on.

Universoul Circus was founded about 17 years ago. Cedric Walker envisioned a show that presented all the various talents African Americans had to offer, besides the typical singing and dancing. It was 1994 when Walker’s dream of “Hip Hop under the Big Top” came into reality in the parking lot of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium and the UniverSOUL Circus has remained in operation ever since. Year after year the circus visited more and more cities. In ’99 they toured 19 cities, and by 2005, 32! Their first international destination was South Africa.

It is a full-on party under the big top for the whole family. You’ll enjoy tigers turn tricks, acrobats, high wire, break dancing, Caribbean limbo, comedy, magical illusions, Trinidad and Tobago showgirls, a Chinese aerial dance like you’ve never seen before and more! Ringmaster Tony Tone will keep you laughing, dancing and wondering why you never tried this out before. Walker’s full-blown big top circus has been touring across the States for over a decade now. They come every year around the same time to Dallas and they’re back again so get your tickets if you’re ready for a show you’re sure not to forget.

Begin the month of August with a Bang and head over to Southwest Center Mall where you’ll spot the blue and yellow big top. If you don’t see it right away just follow the bass coming from outside of Sears. If you missed out on tickets to Dralion, just consider this your own Cirque du SOUL-ayyyeee!!

Til the next DFWH post……..we wish you…
Love,
Peace,
and SOOOOUUULLLLL!!!

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The Greatest Show On Earth Hits the Hottest State in the South

26 Jul


Each year around the hottest part of the summer Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey, pack up their trucks and come down to North Texas to put on what has been long since deemed “The Greatest Show on Earth”. If you’re under 4 ft tall it’s highly recommended that you attend, although some of the circus people will be around your height. The Barnum 200, aka Blue Tour, is scheduled to be at the American Airlines Center Wednesday, July 27th!

Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey are in North Texas July 27 - Aug 14


For you adults who have never been to the circus and don’t have some kind of related fear of clowns, this is a good starting place; and the good news is that this is also an Air Conditioned Event! Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey has been around forever! About 100 years! Created by James Anthony Bailey and P.T. Barnum, it merged with the Ringling Brothers Circus who purchased them in 1907, and ran the shows separately until 1917. If you thought the show’s name is long now, check out its past names it went under as new investors joined.

All kinds of Excitement under the Big Top

So what makes “The Greatest Show on Earth” so great? Well for one, the amazing animals! For some reason little kids are fascinated with wildlife, and they bring all kinds with them. You’ll see awesome elephants, various breeds of horses, big cats, llamas, goats and more! What’s important is that this circus takes care of their furry coworkers which you can read about here. I know, cause I’ve always wondered “Did they really choose this lifestyle?” and I know they probably didn’t. What elephant raises his trunk and says “Hey let me jump in your truck, sleep in a cage, and tour all year being forced to train and do tricks for screaming kids I’ve never met.” Unless he’s cool with Dr. DoLittle; But enough with the sarcasm, ……the family will love it! Just rest assured that Verbal or physical abuse and the withholding of food or water are strictly prohibited and you can read more on Animal Care at the site.

See the Human Canon!

When I was a lot shorter (around that “too short to ride” age) with a chipmunk pitched voice, I got the chance to go see “The Greatest Show On Earth” and I’m guessing it was at Reunion Arena (now a pile of dust and Maverick memories). There’s just something about the circus you don’t forget. All the things you’re told not to do at home, these people are getting paid to do in front of you but with higher heights, smaller ropes and a net to catch them at the bottom. Kids, don’t try this at home, unless you have a safety net, which I’m almost positive most of you don’t.

Some of the special offers going on now for Ringling Brothers Circus is Babys First Circus, Preferred Customer Offers and Free Commemorative Certificate. Also see your local grocer for possible coupons. Now that Sade & John Legend are gone we can turn the AAC into an indoor zoo that fills the arena & Mavs locker room with a mixture of aromas even Dirk Nowitzki & Cuban could stand for ONLY so long. Check out the schedule below for the Blue Tour. That’s it after August 7th! If you miss them that week drive over to Ft. Worth where they’ll be performing for only 4 days (8/10 – 8/14). Then the gang heads down to Austin! Don’t miss The Greatest Show on Earth! But if you must miss it this year, and you’re a circus fiend you’ve got other options: Cirque du Soleil & UniverSOUL Circus.

Click here for tickets to see the Ringling Brothers and their entourage!

AAC, home of the NBA Champs, hosts the Circus

TOUR DATES FOR BARNUM 200 (BLUE TOUR)

DALLAS – American Airlines Center

Wed, July 27……………………..7:30pm
Thur, July 28..………10:30am, 7:30pm
Fri, July 29………..10:30am, 7:30pm
Sat, July 30…….11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sun, July 31…….10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm
Tues, Aug 2………………………7:30pm
Wed, Aug 3…………………….…7:30pm
Thur, Aug 4…………………….…7:30pm
Fri, Aug 5……………………..….7:30pm
Sat, Aug 6………11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sun, Aug 7………10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm

FT. WORTH – Ft. Worth Convention Center

Wed, Aug 10……7:30pm
Thur, Aug 11……7:30pm
Fri, Aug 12…….10:30am, 7:30pm
Sat, Aug 13…….11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sun, Aug 14……..2:30pm

Whew! Talk about a tour! See you under the “big top”.

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