Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 

Gowns and curtseys were all the rage as 44 Symphony Debutantes took their bows at the 38th Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball on Saturday, February 10 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. In a symphony of elegance and festive jubilation, the 2024 Debutantes took center stage and the spotlight was on the debs, their families, and dapper members of the Honor Guard. 

Gracious Presentation Ball Chairman Kristin Cordiak welcomed the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families.

“To the debutantes and Honor Guard being presented tonight, my greatest wish is you remember and carry these moments this evening and from the past season as the precious memories of family, friendship and music that they are, always,” said Kristin. “Please continue as the philanthropic leaders of tomorrow as we celebrate you and your families tonight. Keep the music in your hearts as that is the stuff of dreams.”

In welcoming those attending to the Meyerson, DSOL President Nancy Labadie reminded all of their shared mission, “I am tremendously proud to be a part of the greatest symphony orchestra in the country. Through the leadership of our innovative CEO Kim Noltemy and under the musical direction of Maestro Fabio Luisi, our Dallas Symphony delivers unparalleled musical experiences for all ages and engaging educational programs to the children of our city. These programs are not just adding to our cultural future, they are changing lives every day in everyday ways.”

The DSOL has been integral to Honorary Chairs Margaret and Barry Hancock, who wereasked to stand and be recognized. They had met when Margaret made her debut in 1992 and Barry was her Honor Guard escort. All of their children have participated

in the Presentation Ball. Daughter Mary Margaret was presented in 2016, son James was an Honor Guard escort in 2020 and daughter Katherine was presented in 2022. 

Tradition runs deep and there were many families returning with a second debutante  including the Clay Smiths, the Scott Wheelers, the Adam Stiles, the Eric Gambrells, the Thomas LeVoyers, the Max Swangos, the David Harts, and the Glenn Thurmans.  Laura and Jason Downing witnessed their third daughter's debut, exemplifying the enduring allure of the Presentation Ball.

For the Honor Guard, tradition also runs deep with Vance Miller and Robert Peacock representing a third generation of dedication.

Emcee Stan Gardner formally introduced each debutante, and they were joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation.


There were many brother escorts for the debutantes, truly making it a family affair: Carson Hart, Bennett Handler, Mujin Kwun, Luke Gambrell, William Greening and Max Swango.

Celebrating their debutante Electra Wallace Ford were Kelli and Gerald J. Ford. Daffan and Doug Nettle along with Gayle Sands were parents of twin daughters presented. Other proud parents were Kristina and John Hallam, and Dena and Vaughn Miller. 

Under the direction of Densil Adams and assisted by Mia Davis, the debutantes had perfected the Texas Dip bow which isan impressive, all-the-way-to-the floor full court bow.  

After the presentation, music and dancing were followed by a formal seated dinner. 

The Dallas Symphony Presentation Ball is an annual tradition that transforms each passing year into a symphony of unforgettable moments. This elegant evening not only showcases the city's cultural richness, but also lasting friendships are formed among its attendees with the bonds created during this special time lasting a lifetime for many families.  

The 2024 Debutantes are: Helena Breland Bach; Erika Mae Batson; Mia Lane Blanton; Claire Elise Cahoon; Ripley Elizabeth Cooley; Kennedy Claire Downing; Electra Wallace Ford; Sarah Rose Gambrell; Ellie McClain Gidden; Catherine Lee Grayson; Camille Anne Greening; Meredith Elizabeth Hallam; Grace Soleil Handler; Caroline Parker Hart; Catherine Bradford Hunt; Isabella Ann Jackson; Ashley Elizabeth Jaynes; Ellen Taylor Jones; Minje Kwun; Emannuelle Grace LeVoyer; Claire Michael Levy; Riya Kaur Luthra; Elizabeth Myers Madison; Avery Pilar Moore; Finley Elizabeth Nelson; Day Gilmire Nettle; Lillian Susan Nettle; Mina Hiranmayee Raj; Bailey Erin Robirds; Courtenay Christianson Sands, Kathryn Bunker Sands; Caroline Robertson Smith; Sheridan Michelle Spencer; Caroline Story Stiles; Leslie Katherine Swango; Caroline Parker Teegarden; Payton Grace Thurman; Megan McKamy Dyer Underwood; Lauren Alexis Watkins; Charlotte Nicole Webb; Kelley Caroline Wheeler; Abigail Archer Willingham; Claire Anh Wooley; and Sophia Corina Yung. 

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the Dallas Symphony. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission. 

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $22 million to outreach and education programs. 

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2024 DSOL Presentation Ball was a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

 

Photos by James French Photography

Gravatar

Sports enthusiasts can watch their favorite football players get drafted starting Thursday, April 25, at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, located in downtown Dallas at 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201.

Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is a 4,000 square-foot world of sports nirvana with 25 HDTVs (the most TVs of a sports bar downtown), local draft beer, innovative cocktails, tasty dishes, and a lively atmosphere, an ideal venue to watch any type of sporting event. 

Happy Hour is available from 5-6pm with $6 draught beer, seasonal sangria, old fashioned, house red and white wine, and house spirits. You can view the menu here.. 

Enjoy a Hail Mary Mule cocktail, local beer recruits, hall of fame beers, one of the “Heisman Winner” sandwiches like the Smash Burger or Smoked Sausage Sandwich, and many more tasty dishes, unique cocktails, and wine and beer options.  

The bar also features a private karaoke room with an Xbox gaming system for guests to enjoy.

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

For 40 years, one of the nation’s most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations has been held in the North Texas town of Addison, Texas. While 4.4 square-mile Addison is only home to 17,000 residents, more than a half-million guests from across the nation come each year to celebrate Addison Kaboom Town!® on July 3.

 

The celebration is citywide, with watch parties at many of Addison’s 200+ restaurants (the Town has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the U.S.!), 22 hotels, and at a fantastic, limited-capacity party in the 12-acre Addison Circle Park. The world-renowned fireworks and the incredible Addison Airport Airshow can be seen from anywhere in town.

 

 

 

The Addison Kaboom Town! ® 25-minute-long fireworks show is among the best in the nation, and it is simulcast on both Star 102.1 FM and on the town’s social media channels. Before the fireworks, there’ll be high-energy music at Addison Circle Park from one of the hottest country dance bands in Texas, Big City Outlaws and Texas’ most popular party band, Emerald City, who will also perform after the fireworks. Families viewing the fireworks from Addison Circle Park will enjoy festival food, beverages and a fun zone area for the kids!  

 

Tickets to the watch party in Addison Circle Park, $10 for ages 10 and older, $5 for kids 2-9 and free for kids 2 and younger, will be available at addisonkaboomtown.com on June 5. Tickets are required for every guest attending.

 

Each year, Addison Kaboom Town!®  is named among the top fireworks shows in the country. The spectacular, 4,000-shell show has been ranked as one of the top fireworks displays in the country by People.com, the American Pyrotechnics Association, Yahoo, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and Travel + Leisure Magazine.

 

WHEN:                Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 5-11 p.m.

 

                             5 p.m. – Addison Circle Park gates open

6:30 p.m. – Big City Outlaws

8 p.m. – Presentation of the Colors & National Anthem

8:30 p.m. – Emerald City Band

9:30 p.m. – Addison Kaboom Town! Fireworks

10 p.m. – Emerald City Band

 

WHERE:              Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, Addison, Texas 75001

Memorable views can be found from anywhere in Addison, but special watch parties hosted by many of Addison’s more than 200+ restaurants and 22 hotels offer spectators a unique viewing experience. A list of watch parties will be available on the website closer to the event.

 

TRAFFIC

NOTES:               The popularity of the Addison Kaboom Town!®  fireworks show may cause some traffic delays, specifically following the fireworks show.  Book your hotel rooms now!  Addison hotels quickly fill up for this annual event.  Spectators are encouraged to spend the night in Addison at any of our hotels or remain at their favorite restaurant till traffic subsides.

 

EVENT

NOTES:               Concessions are available in the park.  Guests are not permitted to bring coolers into the park.  Absolutely no alcohol can be brought into or out of Addison Circle Park.  Beer and wine will be available for sale within the park.

   

COST:                  $10 for all ages 10 and older

                             $5 for ages 2-9

                             Free for those under 2, although a ticket is required.

 

Tickets are required for each person attending the limited-capacity party in Addison Circle Park. Tickets will be available online to the general public at 12 noon June 5. Book an Addison Kaboom Town! hotel package and enjoy quality accommodations, a cooling neck towel and guaranteed admission for up to 6.

 

WEBSITE:           AddisonKaboomTown.com

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Since the Kentucky Derby first ran in 1875, the traditional beverage associated with the 10-furlong race has been the mint julep. And there is no better place in North Texas to sip that bourbon-infused libation than Barrel & Bones, the North Texas craft barbecue specialists with an exceptional bourbon collection.

 

In honor of the Run for the Roses, all four Barrel & Bones locations will be offering mint juleps for only $5 all day long on Saturday, May 4. Of course, you can stay and watch the race, but the outlandish hats associated with the event are purely optional.

For more information on Barrel & Bones, visit barrelandbonestx.com.

LOCATIONS

Dallas

12300 Inwood Road, Suite 130

Dallas, TX 75244

469-324-4862

 

Carrollton

1011 S. Main, Suite 110

Carrollton, TX 75006

 469-848-8333

The Colony

2801 Plano Parkway, Suite 140

The Colony, TX, 75056

469-353-8810

 

Farmers Branch

1980 LBJ Freeway

Farmers Branch, TX 75234

214-778-3769

 

About Barrel & Bones

Barrel & Bones Craft Bar & Smokehouse celebrates the art of in-house smoked barbecue. The restaurant, with locations in Dallas, The Colony, Carrollton and Farmers Branch, is renowned for its mouthwatering smoked brisket, tender turkey, savory sausages and more. Barrel & Bones’ menu extends beyond the classics to feature chef-driven interpretations of classics that better appeal to today’s discerning diner. In addition to its extraordinary menu, Barrel & Bones offers one of the largest selections of bourbon and whiskey in Dallas/Fort Worth, along with a wide range of craft beers and cocktails.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

The Shelton School beehive installation occurred on Tuesday, March 25, introducing a colony of 10,000 bees to the campus.  

In order to enrich students' learning experiences and promote environmental awareness, Shelton is partnering with Alvéole to get a fully operational beehive nestled on its campus. This initiative aims to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the critical role bees play in our ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts. 

Under the guidance of experienced beekeepers, students will have the opportunity to observe the bees up close, learn about their behavior and understand the intricate processes involved in honey production. Additionally, teachers plan to incorporate bee-related topics into various subjects, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to learning throughout the divisions. Students will also be involved in creating the design on Shelton-branded honey jar labels. In addition, there will be beeswax candle-making. Lower School students collaborated on the construction of bee hotels made of bamboo and metal wire.

On March 26, Shelton second-grader Nora Grace Farmer proudly announced the chosen name for the Shelton Queen Bee: ElizaBee of the Shelton Bee Farm. The naming of the Queen Bee is sponsored by the Farmer family, including David, Barb, Justin, Ashley, Nora Grace, Emmerson and Holland. Thanks to the Shelton Parents' Association for making the beehive educational initiative happen.

Teachers Joe Mallick, Hunter Duesing and film students Brooks Hart and Payton Rudisill produced a video about the Shelton bee colony. Fifth-grader Yuval Tsaroya narrated the story

Kathy Beazley
Pin on Pinterest
Photo courtesy of Peterson Management Group

Get ready to shake your maracas and join the ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration at Blue Goose Cantina, complete with a day filled with delicious drinks, lively entertainment, and irresistible Mexican cuisine. The Sunday, May 5th fiesta will take place at all seven Blue Goose Cantina locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie.

To mark the occasion, sip on Blue Goose’s signature Bloody Marias or enjoy refreshing frozen and on-the-rocks house margaritas and mimosas for just $5 all day long. In addition to delectable drinks, indulge your taste buds with Blue Goose's famous fajitas, top shelf queso, homemade tortillas, enchiladas, tacos, and more. And for the little ones – and the young at heart – all locations will feature paletero carts offering fruity popsicles for the kids and boozy popsicles for the adults, adding an extra touch of sweetness to the festivities. Blue Goose Cantina even puts a spin – literally – on the holiday with blender bikes at the McKinney, Grand Prairie, Frisco, and Fort Worth locations. Margarita lovers who want to keep in shape while having fun will be able to pedal their way to making a great Goose margarita and then quench their thirst afterwards. Whether you're craving savory, spicy or sweet, Blue Goose’s menu has something to satisfy every craving.

But that's not all – prepare to unleash your inner piñata master as Blue Goose Cantina hosts piñata smashing sessions at all seven locations! Swing for sweet victory as custom-made piñatas burst with candy, gum, and even gift cards. Piñata sessions will be held at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, ensuring plenty of chances to join in on the fun.

Experience the vibrant sounds of Cinco de Mayo with live mariachi bands performing at Blue Goose locations throughout the day. From Grapevine to Grand Prairie, immerse yourself in the rhythmic melodies of mariachi music while savoring mouthwatering Mexican fare. Mariachi bands will be playing at the Grapevine restaurant during 12:30 - 1:30 PM and 5:30 – 8:30 PM, and at Frisco from 12:00 – 2:00 PM and 4:30 – 6:30 PM. Mariachis will be at Highland Village from 2:00 – 6:00 PM while Grand Prairie will have bands at 12:00 – 3:00 PM. Mariachis will also be at the Fort Worth location from 12:00 – 3:00 PM, at McKinney  from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, and at the Plano restaurant from 2:00 – 6:00 PM.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere, and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #bluegoosecantina

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and  tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO. For more information, visit PetersonManagementGroup.net.

Gravatar
everything under $100 spring fashion piecesHappy Friday! Do you have any fun weekend plans? Let's talk spring fashion. On an even better note, today’s post is all about affordable and quality pieces. Everything is under $100 and perfect for spring and summer. I’ve included clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. [show_shopthepost_widget id="5173505"]
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
The Winnsboro Center for the Arts Festival of Books is a celebration of literature, creativity and community.

ROAD TRIP! Book it to Winnsboro for the town’s Annual Festival of Books

Only 2 hours from DFW, it’s literally the best weekend get-away!

Winnsboro Center for the Arts is excited to announce its 6th Annual Festival of Books on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event allows guests to meet and chat with a number of authors from all over Texas, partake in a novel array of literary activities for all ages and leisurely stroll the picturesque streets of Winnsboro’s downtown Cultural Arts District. The event, on The Bowery in downtown Winnsboro, is FREE for guests and just a quick two-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth.

This year’s event features emcee Michael Guinn, a talented Texas poet, author and actor. Mr. Guinn will lead a captivating workshop on instant poetry followed by an open mic poetry slam where participants can showcase their talents. Guinn, an East Texas native, is a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist, a five-time Austin Poetry Slam winner, six-time Fort Worth Poetry Slam winner and a winner at the Toronto Poetry Slam.

Attendees at the festival will have the chance to peruse and purchase books from a selection of published authors from all over Texas who will be available for signings.

For younger guests, there will be a variety of engaging children’s literacy events to enjoy throughout the day. Activities include arts & crafts, story time and an enrollment station for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Throughout the event, book festival guests can meander in and out of downtown Winnsboro’s nine blocks of unique galleries, delightful restaurants and eclectic shops. Stop in for a morning latte at Backstage Coffee or a full breakfast at Haven’s Café. Do lunch at Barrel House Bar & Grill, Maria’s Taqueria, Sinclair Market or Z’s Main Street. Try one of Winnsboro’s barbeque joints recently featured in Texas Monthly, or if you feel like a cold beer, walk over to Cypress Creek Southern Ales brewery, “just behind the old train depot on the south side of the tracks.”

Pick up some handmade soaps and Texas teas at Elm Street Apothecary and admire stunning estate jewelry at The Edison Exchange. Find incredible art, unique gifts and women’s and men’s apparel for the modern country lifestyle at Modern Country Living. Check out one-of-a-kind treasures at Wood County Antique Mall or stop by the Farmer’s Market for locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh jams and jellies.

“We are excited to bring writers and readers to Winnsboro for a day that will have imaginations soaring and words coming to life,” said Tona Blizzard, Winnsboro Center for the Arts festival chair. “This event is a celebration of literature, creativity and community, and a delight for all ages.”

In 2009, Winnsboro was one of the first Texas towns chosen by the Texas Commission for the Arts (TCA) for its Cultural Arts District pilot program, making it the ideal setting for this annual event. The TCA program supports communities with thriving cultural and artistic resources.

Winnsboro’s Cultural Arts District is anchored by Winnsboro Center for the Arts, whose goal is to bring educational programming, cultural experiences and entertainment to the people of Winnsboro and surrounding East Texas communities. The center is a vibrant venue that hosts concerts, theater productions, art exhibits, classes and workshops, and literary events. Its Bowery Stage has attracted well-known performers such as Michael Martin Murphey and Sara Hickman. Winnsboro is also part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street Texas program which supports the preservation of the town’s unique characteristics.

For more information about the Festival of Books event, visit the website.

ABOUT WINNSBORO CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Winnsboro Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Winnsboro, Texas. As a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas, engaging people in educational programming, cultural experiences, and entertainment.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
white-glossy-mug-white-11-oz-handle-on-right-660fe

Each year, tens of thousands of visitors make the trek to Collin County to visit Southfork Ranch, the iconic Ewing home from the acclaimed Dallas television series. The series is still a global phenomenon having been translated into 55 languages and aired in more than 90 countries. Throughout the year visitors from those counties flock to tour the iconic Ewing mansion.

 

But now, Southfork Ranch has created an on-line store to complement the visitor center’s gift shop, so that guests can get or gift a collection of Southfork and Dallas licensed merchandise.

 

 

 

Shoppers who visit the Ranch Round-up at southforkranch.com/store will find a curated collection of apparel, gifts and housewares starting at just $5. The ranch’s ownership hopes this makes Southfork Ranch accessible to all fans around the world.

 

“Nearly half of the fans who visit Southfork Ranch each year come from other countries,” explains Sean Terry, VP of Entitlements for Centurion American Development Group which owns the iconic destination. “We wanted to make it easy for enthusiasts across the country and around the globe to take a piece of Southfork Ranch home.”

The Southfork Ranch team hopes to add additional merchandise to the store’s collection over time.

 

Visitors to North Texas can tour the mansion made famous by the TV series Dallas. Tours are available beginning at 9:15 each day at 15 minutes past each hour and begin inside the gift shop. Admission for the tour is $20 adults, $16 for seniors 60 or older, $12 for kids 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. Military and first responders receive a 10% discount.

 

 

 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. And while it's not really a popular holiday in Mexico, across Texas and much of the U.S. it has become a massive celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. North Texas’ most acclaimed new Mexican-inspired restaurant, Black Agave at Mercer Boardwalk in Farmers Branch, will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a two-day fiesta on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5.

Throughout the weekend bash, Black Agave will offer a full array of cocktail and beer specials. The restaurant’s Frozen Margarita Flight, regularly $15.99, offers servings of Key Lime, Mango, Strawberry and Guava margaritas. For Cinco de Mayo, this flight will be offered for $9.99. Plus, the restaurant’s popular House Margarita will be $5 all weekend, along with Mexican beers Tecate, Victoria and El Jalisco. Guests will enjoy sounds by DJ Leo Mix from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4.

On Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Black Agave will serve a Cinco de Mayo brunch featuring live mariachi music from Mariachi Arraigo de America from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tunes from DJ Leo Mix from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Brunch favorites include chilaquiles, guisada sopes benedict and torrejas.

 

Black Agave’s smoking sister restaurant Barrel & Bones is joining the party from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday with a food truck full of fun Tex Mex snacks for sale. Featured treats include:

$5 Elotes - tres chiles, cilantro, cotija cheese and Takis, drizzled with crema and chamoy and served on a stick.

$5 Sandia Fria - chilled watermelon on a stick served with Tajin, cotija cheese and mint.

$2 each or 3 for $5 Suadero Street Tacos - –served with onion, cilantro, queso fresco, avocado cream and on a corn tortilla.

The newly remodeled patio at Black Agave is the perfect place to celebrate a fiesta with a few amigos, and the restaurant has recently opened a new patio bar with fun specialty cocktails perfect for Dallas’ patio season.

Black Agave gives guests an elevated, contemporary Mexican dining experience. Black Agave serves beloved heritage recipes with bold flavors created by Chef Thomas Archer, who uses only the highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant also prides itself on its unique cocktail program, with flavors that complement the restaurant’s food.

For more information on and to RSVP, visit https://www.mercerboardwalk.com/cinco-de-mayo.

 

Location

Black Agave Cocina y Cantina

1980 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway

Farmers Branch, Texas 75234

469-850-6501

blackagavetx.com

 

 

About Black Agave

 

Black Agave Cocina y Cantina celebrates a taste of Mexican tradition. Guests will indulge in the vibrant flavors and festive ambience at Black Agave, where every moment becomes a reason to celebrate. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere that captures the essence of Mexican culture, while our authentic and delicious meals take your taste buds on a journey of pure delight. Whether you’re savoring a good day, reconnecting with friends, or bidding farewell to the work week, your perfect celebration starts at our table.