Kick off spring with a colorful celebration of spirituality and Indian culture at the fifth annual Festival of Joy. The festival willtake place at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas) on Saturday April 27, beginning at 11 a.m. and culminating with a live headline stage performance from 7 p.m. on. Presented by acclaimed East Dallas restaurant Kalachandji’s,the Festival of Joy brings togetherthousands of families, young adults and dignitaries for a fun-filled day of bright colors, beautiful flowers and a free vegetarian feast, along with riveting music, dance, and interactive holistic living and cultural exhibits. A variety of ethnic vegetarian foods will also be available for purchase.

New this year is an evening stage performance by popular Indian artist Gaura Vani, an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist fluent in music, film and the visual arts. Vani performs a genre of traditional Indian kirtan music with Western elements such as 12-string guitar, gospel choruses and hip-hop rhythms.

“Dallas is a diverse, forward-thinking city, and the Festival of Joy has become a much-anticipated tradition that brings thousands of people together every year,” said Dallas City Council Member Jesse Moreno, who represents the district where Kalachandji’s and the Radha Kalachandji Temple are located. “The festival is a great way to fully immerse yourself in a holistic experience focusing on mindfulness, fun and harmony.”

The Festival of Joy, also celebrated as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, has its roots in the ancient Indian bhakti tradition. It has been observed annually for more than 3,000 years in the holy city of Jagannatha Puri in the South Indian state of Orissa, making it the world’s longest-running street festival. It is now held in major city centers worldwide, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

“The energy and joy felt by the thousands who attend reminds us that hope and faith can conquer all. Our lives can be filled with anxiety and fear, or with love and wholesomeness. We strive to build the consciousness of love and oneness with the universe. The Festival of Joy spreads this inner consciousness to inspire others, and we hope more people will come and experience this special celebration of spiritual culture,” said Nityananda Das Adhikari of the Radha Kalachandji Temple.

The festival will start at 11 a.m. with a welcome ceremony at Klyde Warren Park, followed by a parade at 11:30 a.m. through the Dallas Arts District and back to the park at 1:30 p.m. Hundreds of festivalgoers, pilgrims and faith leaders will pull the colorful chariot carrying the sacred deities of Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balarama along the route. Hundreds more will dance, sing sacred mantras and play traditional musical instruments. Devotees believe that if they get the opportunity to pull the ropes of the giant chariot carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannatha or the Lord of the Universe, they can obtain eternal service to the Lord in the spiritual world.

After the procession returns to Klyde Warren Park, families and guests can enjoy a free vegetarian feast and live stage entertainment, sample regional Indian street food favorites, visit an ethnic clothing bazaar, and explore holistic living exhibits revealing the spiritual heart of India, featuring Ayurveda, yoga, traditional crafts, mehndi, try-a-sari, ask-a-monk, vegetarian cooking and more.

At 7 p.m., Vani will be featured in a concert performance on the main stage with kirtan (musical mantra meditation) and bharat-natyam (classical Indian dance).

“The Festival of Joy has been a wonderful addition to Dallas’ spring traditions, showcasing our growing diversity and the cultural enrichment that the Indian community brings to the city and our community,” said Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, VISIT DALLAS’ director of cultural tourism.

Note: Although the free feast and some activities will close at 5 p.m., the Indian street food concessions will remain open during the evening concert.

Festivalgoers who would like to experience more can get info on the Kalachandji Konnect program of daily philosophy classes and kirtan, and continuing education programs in meditation, yoga, Ayurveda and vegetarian cooking.

Go to festivalofjoydallas.com for updates on entertainment and activities.

The Highland Park Education Foundation (HPEF) celebrated successfully raising $1.7M
through its annual Mad for Plaid campaign. This amount was pledged by HPEF to the District going
into the 2023-24 school year, upon a request from HPISD to help fund 1% of a 5% raise for teacher
and staff salaries. To celebrate a successful campaign and thank patron donors who made this
possible, the Foundation hosted an evening of gratitude on Wednesday, February 28, at the home of
Joanna and David Iliff on Beverly Drive, with Vista Bank as the event sponsor.

During the reception, guests mixed and mingled while enjoying drinks and appetizers catered by Nick
and Sam’s. Attendees included Bryce Benson, Maryjane and Chris Bonfield, Liza and Jae Ellis, Ellen
and Paul Lee, Kelly and John Diehl, Frances Mitchell, Laurie and Mark Aldredge, Judy and Jim Gibbs,
Catherine Seals, Beth and Nick Peters, Christopher McGuire, Vista Bank President and CEO John
Steinmetz and Sr. Vice President Adam Hefton, HPISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood and wife
Jené, and HPEF’s Board President Bill Ogle and wife Lisa.

HPEF Executive Director Meg Boyd provided opening remarks and thanked everyone for their
generosity, and then introduced the guest speaker for the evening, HPISD Superintendent Dr. Mike
Rockwood, who joined the District in April 2023. “The Mad for Plaid campaign epitomizes the
incredible community support we have for Highland Park schools,” said Dr. Rockwood. “This
initiative is not only appreciated, but it is vital to ensure our teachers and staff are more
competitively compensated. A sincere thank you to each and every individual who contributed to this
worthy cause.”

The Foundation would like to thank this year’s Mad for Plaid Co-Chairs Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie,
Claire and Andy Baker, Mary Katharine and Martin Gill, and Chris Palmer and Terry Steger. It would
also like to thank our Mad for Plaid Campus Reps, Grandparent Committee, Patron donors ($1,000+)
and MFP Leadership Society donors ($10,000+). We are all “Mad for Plaid!”

2023-2024 Mad for Plaid Leadership Society as of March 6:

Visionary ($50,000+)
Clements Foundation
Judy Jackson Gray, in memory of C.D. Bowlby
La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas
Park Cities Dads Club Teachers Cup

Legacy ($25,000-$49,999)
Kamela & Kenneth Aboussie
Robin & Bernay Box
Simon and Louise Henderson Foundation
Maleiah & Ryan Rogers
The Trinity Family Foundation - Elisa & Stephen Summers

Luminary ($10,000-$24,999)
Anonymous (4)
Lori & Jon Altschuler
Carol & Taylor Armstrong
Heather & Ray Balestri
Stacy & Tyler Burke
MacKenzie & Benjamin Carpenter
Sylvie & Gary Crum
The Dreyfuss Family
The Gwinn Family
Judy & Jim Gibbs
Kim & Chuck Giglio
The Hankins Foundation
The Hegi Family
Jean & Jason Signor
Joanna & David Iliff
Ellen & Clayton Kershaw
Catherine & Chuck Lundberg
Luther King Capital Management
Carolyn & David Miller
Origin Bank
Nancy Poole
Gail & Dan Settle
Catherine & Tom Sharpe
Ann & Jeff Swope
The Trammell Foundation
Vista Bank
The Bill and Katie Weaver Charitable Trust
The Gil and Dody Weaver Foundation
Kathy & John Yeaman

One hundred and ten Shelton students, parents, teachers, coaches and staff worked with the Dallas Sports Commission and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) to take part in the pregame banner ceremonies at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals on Sunday, March 24, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Shelton was the only school selected to assist on the field during the Final Center Banner Ceremony. Shelton participants were involved in the flag ceremony before the third-place match on Sunday, March 24, at 5:00 p.m. and before the final game at 8:15 p.m.  Thanks to Shelton parent Stacey Segal, Director of Operations for the Dallas Sports Commission, and Shelton Athletics Director Alan Burt for making this opportunity happen for Shelton students, parents and teachers. Leading up to the final ceremony, participants took time to participate in two rehearsals at Shelton. People traveled from all over the world to help run the practices with our Shelton community.  

Hop to Open Palette in Downtown Dallas for Easter Brunch. The Easter Bunny is bringing together a delectable meal to enjoy for the holiday with $1 mimosas on Easter, Sunday, March 31.

Open Palette, inside Sheraton Dallas, is hosting an Easter’s Brunch Buffet from 11am to 2pm. The price is $70 plus tax and gratuity for adults, $29 for kids under 12 years old.  

The buffet features different stations including:

• Starters including peel ‘n eat shrimp, local cheese table, charcuterie table, and pasta primavera

• Salads

• Traditional breakfast items 

• Made-to-order omelet station

• Butcher station featuring Mesquite Smoked Prime Rib, Honey Lavender Chicken and Mustard Dill Crusted Salmon

• Dessert station with carrot cupcakes, milk chocolate cream puffs, blackberry white chocolate tarts, lavender macarons, and pink guava cheesecake

• Drinks include $1 Mimosas, and $10 Bloody Marys and Peach Bellinis 

Reservations can be made by calling Open Palette at 469-371-1486, or by booking via OpenTable - https://www.opentable.com/r/open-palette-dallas.

Open Palette is located inside Sheraton Dallas in downtown and offers fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by its Dallas roots. 

Sheraton Dallas’ parking garage offers up to four hours of complimentary parking for those dining at the hotel. On-site valet service is also available.

Embarking on another thrilling chapter, Taste Addison continues to redefine the boundaries of culinary and musical excellence. From its modest inception as the region's pioneer food festival in 1993, the event has flourished into an unrivaled celebration of taste and sound. As we anticipate the forthcoming three-day spectacle from May 31 to June 2, 2024, prepare to immerse yourself in an unparalleled sensory adventure. Taste Addison beckons with a symphony of flavors, beats, and artistic marvels, promising an experience that resonates with every palate and passion!

 Home to more than 200 eateries, Addison has more restaurants per capita than any city in the United States. It’s no surprise that the culinary arts play a major role at Taste Addison. This year, there are brand new ways to experience the Addison food scene during the festival. The Chow Hall is the event’s outdoor food hall where more than a dozen food stalls will showcase a signature item AND a Taste Bite of that item. The Tasty Truck Stop will highlight food truck fun with a variety of offerings, picnic tables, lawn games and more. Addison offers a diverse lineup of culinary delights from dozens of countries, and many of those will be featured on the WorldEats Street, a global food village for a taste around the world. The Tasting Hut offers just that --- a complimentary taste from establishments looking to provide samples of what you could find in their brick-and-mortar restaurant. Additionally, guests will enjoy several pop-up and unique restaurant experiences throughout Addison Circle Park, to include a Sunday Brunch onsite. A complete list of restaurant experiences will be announced on or about May 6.

A natural complement to those eats are the ever popular drinks.  This year, Taste Addison offers a few drink experiences to round out the culinary arts. The Corkyard, the festival’s first ever wine garden, makes its debut on the grounds. Tasting cards and wine by the glass will be available for purchase in this shaded area where you can relax and unwind. Guests who prefer spirits can enjoy the Speakeasy with tasting cards and full-size cocktails available for purchase.  Password for entry is located on your receipt. The Main Stage area will also feature an expanded Beer Lawn for those interested in grabbing a beverage and gearing up for the music.

Taste Addison also offers a beat for every listener and continues to lean into the performing arts. Guests can experience national headliners all weekend long on the Main Stage. The full lineup, to include headliners, is slated for release on March 27^th. The beats go on beyond the Main Stage too.  There are entertainment areas throughout the 12-acre Addison Circle Park, with an astonishing array of talent. Guests can travel the world as they experience live entertainment from the WorldBeats Stage and be surprised and delighted as musical acts appear on the new WorldBeats Balcony. The Blue Dot Spot located in the heart of the festival grounds will feature a mix of acts to enhance the overall experience.

The visual arts are bringing a whole new vibe to this year’s event. The Sip & Stroll Art Walk showcases over a dozen juried artisans and a few pop-up opportunities for a glass of vino to enhance the shopping experience. A cadre of chalk artists will create temporary masterpieces outside of the Addison Conference Centre, and inside the Conference Centre, the Hall of Art will pop-up with a dozen creative artisans selling their work, to include an incredibly talented culinary artist too.  The Addison Theatre Centre will transform into the event’s first immersive experience and a pop-up sensory experience can be found in the Stone Cottage.

“Food, music and art are all designed to heighten our senses and create delight and joy,” explained Addison Director of Special Events Abby Morales. “Taste Addison promises to be a celebration of all of those senses and literally have an experience for EVERY vibe right here in in North Texas.”

Additional family entertainment this year includes a Bite-Sized Backyard kids’ area with family activities and the return of the Taste Addison Carnival.

Tickets for Taste Addison will be available for sale beginning Monday, April 1.

TASTE ADDISON EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT:               Taste Addison, the iconic festival that dates back to 1993, is leaning into the arts. The culinary arts include top-notch Addison restaurants, the performing arts feature national headliners and the visual arts are both creative and immersive. Eats, beats and artistic treats combine to make for a family friendly weekend that includes an experience for every vibe.

WHEN:              Friday, May 31, 6 p.m. to midnight

Saturday, June 1, 12 p.m. to midnight

Sunday, June 2, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE:            Addison Circle Park

4970 Addison Circle, Addison, TX 75001

The event entrance is located at the corner of Quorum Drive and Addison Circle.

TICKETS:           Purchase at www.TasteAddisonTexas.com.

• General admission: $10 ages 13+, $5 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and younger. Please purchase tickets in advance; onsite purchase is via card only.
• VIP: $50/$45 presale - includes single day admission, two beverage tokens (valid at Festival Beverage Tents), scheduled Tastings throughout the weekend in the VIP area, private bar and restrooms. VIP tickets are required for all ages to access reserved areas (except for infants 12 months and younger). Limited quantity available. A $75 value.
• Hotel packages: Book a Taste Addison hotel package and enjoy special rates on quality accommodations, four general admission tickets and two Chow Hall passes good for 5 tastings each. Guests should request a hotel package voucher at check-in at participating hotels to present at the event.

FREE PARKING:             Colonnade Garage (15305 N. Dallas Parkway)

Addison Circle One Garage (15601 N. Dallas Parkway)

Addison Circle Two Garage (15725 N. Dallas Parkway)

Accessible parking available at DART Transit Center (4925 Arapaho Road)

Rideshare pick-up available at Beckert Park, 5000 Addison Circle.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO:           www.TasteAddisonTexas.com