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Registration for our 2026 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp is open - sign your kiddos up now so they don't miss out on all the fun!!!!

2026 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp
June 1st - 4th
@ Mansfield High School
Session I: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Incoming K-6th Graders)
Session II: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Incoming 7th Graders)
Session III: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Incoming 8th & 9th Graders)
 
2026 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp - Online Registration: https://tinyurl.com/mhsvbtigercamp2026

Contact Head Volleyball Coach Julie Price @ julieprice@misdmail.org if you have any questions!
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If you’re looking for something a little bolder than your typical night out in Dallas, this might be it.

The Turtle Creek Chorale is kicking off its 46th season with a one-night-only performance that leans fully into the unexpected. Songs We Can’t Sing on Stage arrives Saturday, May 2, offering an adults-only cabaret-style evening that trades formality for fun, edge, and a healthy dose of irreverence.

Hosted by the always-unforgettable Helen Holy, with special guest Denise Lee, this show pulls back the curtain on the kinds of songs that don’t typically make it into a traditional chorale program. Think crowd favorites, hidden gems, and performances that are a little cheeky, a little provocative, and completely entertaining.

This is a chance to see Chorale members in a different light, stepping outside the structure of a formal concert and into something more intimate and expressive. It’s also a nod to the group’s roots, bringing cabaret back to the stage for the first time in more than a decade.

A quick note before you go: this is strictly an adults-only event, with explicit language, partial nudity, and plenty of playful innuendo throughout.

Performances will take place at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Oak Cliff Assembly (919 Morell Avenue). Tickets are $40 and available now at TurtleCreekChorale.com.

For longtime supporters, it’s a fresh take on a beloved Dallas institution. For newcomers, it’s an easy entry point, just expect a little more sparkle, and a lot fewer rules.

 
 
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EMPOWER

Every year, children in our communities are placed in foster care due to unsafe or unstable home environments. While foster care provides temporary, safe homes, there are not enough foster parents to support every child who needs one.

Foster care is often seen as a response to crisis, but it is also part of a larger system focused on early intervention and prevention. When families have access to support such as counseling, financial resources, and community guidance, many challenges can be addressed before they reach a breaking point. Strong community networks can help keep families together when it is safe to do so.

For children who do enter foster care, stability is critical. A consistent, supportive home can help a child continue school, maintain routines, and feel a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. Foster parents play an essential role not just by providing shelter, but by offering care, patience, and advocacy.

Supporting foster care does not always mean becoming a foster parent. It can also look like mentoring families, volunteering with local organizations, or simply raising awareness about the need. Small, consistent actions across a community can make a meaningful difference.

At its core, foster care is about ensuring that every child has a safe place to land. When communities invest in early support and step in when it is needed most, they help create stronger, more stable futures for children and families alike.

To learn more about fostering a child or how to get involved, click here!

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Open Palette, Sheraton Dallas’ signature restaurant, presents a vibrant Mother’s Day Brunch, blending expertly prepared seasonal flavors and ingredients in a bright, contemporary atmosphere.

On Sunday, May 10, from 11 AM to 2 PM, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated experience featuring chef-attended stations, fresh pastries, seafood displays, and more. To make the day even more special, Open Palette will also offer $7 mimosas, live music, and an on-site permanent bracelet experience.

Mother’s Day brunch is $69+ per person. Reservations are now available on OpenTable.

Located in the Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 North Olive Street, Open Palette is the ideal destination for locals and travelers to celebrate Mom in the heart of the city. Images are available here.

 

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH MENU

 

Carving Station

  • Beef Wellington, with red wine demi-glace and silver dollar roll.

Breakfast Station

  • Country Potato

  • Crispy Bacon

  • Biscuit & Gravy

  • Blintz, with berry compote.

  • House Waffle and Syrups.

  • Chicken and Pork Sausage.

Hot Side Station

  • Chicken Cordon Bleu, with roasted red pepper sauce.

  • Blackened Red Fish, with Creole sauce.

  • Shrimp Scampi, with lemon butter sauce.

  • Sautéed Orzo in garlic butter.

  • Seasonal Roasted Vegetables.

Seafood Station

  • Shrimp Cocktail.

  • Smoked Salmon.

Salad Station

  • Caesar Salad.

  • House Salad.

  • Fresh Sliced Fruit Platter.

Cold Cuts. Sliced Turkey Galantine, Sliced Ham, Spanish Chorizo, Salami, Assorted Local Cheese.

Dessert Station, with fresh house-made desserts.

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Breakthrough T1D Fort Worth Kelly Poorter, Dabney Poorter (gala chairs), David Muckleroy (Fort Worth Breakthrough T1D board chair), Amy Camp (Breakthrough T1D territorial executive director) Photo credit: George Fiala

The Fort Worth community came together on Saturday, April 18, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Gala, “A Night of Hope,” raising $925,000 to accelerate life-changing research for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Chaired by Dabney and Kelly Poorter, the event welcomed more than 400 supporters, community leaders, and families impacted by T1D for a powerful program that blended personal storytelling with philanthropy. “My brother was diagnosed at the age of 6, and I began experiencing the same symptoms at the age of 26 while caring for my 7-month-old,” said Dabney Poorter. “This experience deepened my appreciation for Breakthrough T1D and its life-changing work in early detection, prevention, and treatment.”

CBS Texas anchor Karen Borta served as emcee, sharing her family’s personal connection to T1D, while auctioneer Wes Poole energized the room throughout the evening’s live auction.

Throughout the evening, Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but it also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.

The program featured heartfelt remarks from Fort Worth board president David Muckleroy and Breakthrough T1D leaders Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Kristen Pool, Fort Worth chapter director, who highlighted the momentum in research and the tangible progress being made toward improved treatments and cures. “We must continue to fund the research until we can turn type 1 into type none,” concluded Amy Camp.

A highlight of the evening came from the Honoree Family – Gloria Moncrief, Erich Holmsten, and Monty Holmsten – who shared their personal journey with T1D. With no prior family history, Monty was diagnosed at age 11 after experiencing extreme thirst. Her diabetic alert dog, Holly, stole the show as she stood proudly beside Monty on stage while Monty shared a heartfelt letter she had prepared as an application to a new school —a powerful reminder of the daily realities of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of continued support.

Guests also heard from the Fund A Cure Family, the Shuman family – Brooke and Kris Shuman along with their son Tyler – whose story underscored the impact of early screening and advancements like teplizumab, which can delay the onset of T1D. Kris was diagnosed at age 24, and when the family decided to test their children, they discovered their 12-year-old, Tyler, had antibodies linked to T1D. Their experience illustrated how donor support is directly changing lives and creating new possibilities for families.

Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with American Airlines contributing miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”

The evening featured an exciting silent auction, chaired by Adelaide and Charlie Royer, and a high-energy live auction, chaired by Kate and Sonny Dykes, which offered one-of-a-kind experiences ranging from luxury travel and exclusive entertainment packages to private dining experiences. The live auction was followed by a Fund A Cure paddle raise, where 100 percent of donations go directly to research.

A highlight of the auction featured a one-of-a-kind canvas created by Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors. In a powerful moment, 30 Youth Ambassadors gathered at the front of the stage alongside the artwork – created using their individual fingerprints to form a beta cell, the insulin-producing cell destroyed in type 1 diabetes.

“This is why we are here tonight,” said auctioneer Wes Poole. “This is more than art. It represents the lives we are fighting for and the future we are working to change.”

Throughout the night, sponsors were recognized for their vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the strong community commitment behind Breakthrough T1D’s mission.

The gala concluded with a celebration on the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, but the impact of the evening will extend far beyond, helping to fund critical research, advance breakthroughs, and bring hope to the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Key sponsors included The Moncrief Family, Bonnie & Alan Petsche, GM Financial, TTI, Inc., Raider Express, Stacy Yates, Vista Bank, Sendera Title, Restore + Revive, Klein Tools, AquaRock, Lise & Tom Bessant, Higginbotham, Danielle & Josh McNamara, Type 1 Telehealth, and D&M Leasing.

# # #

About Breakthrough T1D:
Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters that host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/ and email dallasfortworth@breakthrought1d.org or call 214-373-9808.

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Breakthrough T1D Fort Worth Kelly Poorter, Dabney Poorter (gala chairs), David Muckleroy (Fort Worth Breakthrough T1D board chair), Amy Camp (Breakthrough T1D territorial executive director) Photo credit: George Fiala

The Fort Worth community came together on Saturday, April 18, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Gala, “A Night of Hope,” raising $925,000 to accelerate life-changing research for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Chaired by Dabney and Kelly Poorter, the event welcomed more than 400 supporters, community leaders, and families impacted by T1D for a powerful program that blended personal storytelling with philanthropy. “My brother was diagnosed at the age of 6, and I began experiencing the same symptoms at the age of 26 while caring for my 7-month-old,” said Dabney Poorter. “This experience deepened my appreciation for Breakthrough T1D and its life-changing work in early detection, prevention, and treatment.”

CBS Texas anchor Karen Borta served as emcee, sharing her family’s personal connection to T1D, while auctioneer Wes Poole energized the room throughout the evening’s live auction.

Throughout the evening, Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but it also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.

The program featured heartfelt remarks from Fort Worth board president David Muckleroy and Breakthrough T1D leaders Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Kristen Pool, Fort Worth chapter director, who highlighted the momentum in research and the tangible progress being made toward improved treatments and cures. “We must continue to fund the research until we can turn type 1 into type none,” concluded Amy Camp.

A highlight of the evening came from the Honoree Family – Gloria Moncrief, Erich Holmsten, and Monty Holmsten – who shared their personal journey with T1D. With no prior family history, Monty was diagnosed at age 11 after experiencing extreme thirst. Her diabetic alert dog, Holly, stole the show as she stood proudly beside Monty on stage while Monty shared a heartfelt letter she had prepared as an application to a new school —a powerful reminder of the daily realities of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of continued support.

Guests also heard from the Fund A Cure Family, the Shuman family – Brooke and Kris Shuman along with their son Tyler – whose story underscored the impact of early screening and advancements like teplizumab, which can delay the onset of T1D. Kris was diagnosed at age 24, and when the family decided to test their children, they discovered their 12-year-old, Tyler, had antibodies linked to T1D. Their experience illustrated how donor support is directly changing lives and creating new possibilities for families.

Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with American Airlines contributing miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”

The evening featured an exciting silent auction, chaired by Adelaide and Charlie Royer, and a high-energy live auction, chaired by Kate and Sonny Dykes, which offered one-of-a-kind experiences ranging from luxury travel and exclusive entertainment packages to private dining experiences. The live auction was followed by a Fund A Cure paddle raise, where 100 percent of donations go directly to research.

A highlight of the auction featured a one-of-a-kind canvas created by Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors. In a powerful moment, 30 Youth Ambassadors gathered at the front of the stage alongside the artwork – created using their individual fingerprints to form a beta cell, the insulin-producing cell destroyed in type 1 diabetes.

“This is why we are here tonight,” said auctioneer Wes Poole. “This is more than art. It represents the lives we are fighting for and the future we are working to change.”

Throughout the night, sponsors were recognized for their vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the strong community commitment behind Breakthrough T1D’s mission.

The gala concluded with a celebration on the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, but the impact of the evening will extend far beyond, helping to fund critical research, advance breakthroughs, and bring hope to the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Key sponsors included The Moncrief Family, Bonnie & Alan Petsche, GM Financial, TTI, Inc., Raider Express, Stacy Yates, Vista Bank, Sendera Title, Restore + Revive, Klein Tools, AquaRock, Lise & Tom Bessant, Higginbotham, Danielle & Josh McNamara, Type 1 Telehealth, and D&M Leasing.

# # #

About Breakthrough T1D:
Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters that host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit https://www.breakthrought1d.org/dallasfortworth/ and email dallasfortworth@breakthrought1d.org or call 214-373-9808.

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Visiting Nurse Association's Meals on Wheels Kids Camp June 8-12, 2026
 
This summer, the 3rd Annual VNA Meals on Wheels Kids Camp (June 8–12) is giving children ages 8–11 a hands-on opportunity to step into the role of volunteers—learning about senior hunger, nutrition, and connection, while helping deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Oak Cliff area.
What makes this unique is the direct interaction: kids aren’t just learning in a classroom—they’re actively participating in meal delivery routes and seeing firsthand the impact of service in their own community.  Campers also take part in hands-on activities that foster empathy and understanding, a fruit and vegetable tasting, and structured physical activity.
 
Through engaging activities, campers will learn about:
  • The reality of senior hunger in our community
  • The importance of good nutrition
  • Ways to combat social isolation
  • The value of volunteerism
New this year, we’re offering flexible scheduling options to better fit families’ needs:
✔️ 5-day option
✔️ 3-day option
✔️ 2-day option
Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information: Ryan Jackson ryan.jackson@vnatexas.org
 
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Visiting Nurse Association's Meals on Wheels Kids Camp June 8-12, 2026
 
This summer, the 3rd Annual VNA Meals on Wheels Kids Camp (June 8–12) is giving children ages 8–11 a hands-on opportunity to step into the role of volunteers—learning about senior hunger, nutrition, and connection, while helping deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Oak Cliff area.
What makes this unique is the direct interaction: kids aren’t just learning in a classroom—they’re actively participating in meal delivery routes and seeing firsthand the impact of service in their own community.  Campers also take part in hands-on activities that foster empathy and understanding, a fruit and vegetable tasting, and structured physical activity.
 
Through engaging activities, campers will learn about:
  • The reality of senior hunger in our community
  • The importance of good nutrition
  • Ways to combat social isolation
  • The value of volunteerism
New this year, we’re offering flexible scheduling options to better fit families’ needs:
✔️ 5-day option
✔️ 3-day option
✔️ 2-day option
Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information: Ryan Jackson ryan.jackson@vnatexas.org
 
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Visiting Nurse Association's Meals on Wheels Kids Camp June 8-12, 2026
 
This summer, the 3rd Annual VNA Meals on Wheels Kids Camp (June 8–12) is giving children ages 8–11 a hands-on opportunity to step into the role of volunteers—learning about senior hunger, nutrition, and connection, while helping deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Oak Cliff area.
What makes this unique is the direct interaction: kids aren’t just learning in a classroom—they’re actively participating in meal delivery routes and seeing firsthand the impact of service in their own community.  Campers also take part in hands-on activities that foster empathy and understanding, a fruit and vegetable tasting, and structured physical activity.
 
Through engaging activities, campers will learn about:
  • The reality of senior hunger in our community
  • The importance of good nutrition
  • Ways to combat social isolation
  • The value of volunteerism
New this year, we’re offering flexible scheduling options to better fit families’ needs:
✔️ 5-day option
✔️ 3-day option
✔️ 2-day option
Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information: Ryan Jackson ryan.jackson@vnatexas.org
 
Kathy Beazley
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Photo courtesy of Scarborough Renaissance Festival

Fortune tellers are reading the cards, mythical monsters are lurking in the village and daring performers are cracking fiery whips as Scarborough Renaissance Festival celebrates the halfway point to Halloween.

April 30 marks the midpoint between now and Oct. 31. Known in parts of Europe as Walpurgis Night, the date has long been associated with folklore, mystery and supernatural legends.

Guests can celebrate Halfway to Halloween during Scarborough Renaissance Festival’s 45th season May 2-3, when the 16th-century village comes alive with mystical readings, dungeon adventures and fantastical characters.

Across the country, Halloween enthusiasts increasingly celebrate the halfway point to Oct. 31 with springtime events, costumes and spooky fun. For fans of fantasy, folklore and cosplay, Scarborough Renaissance Festival offers the perfect setting to embrace the spirit of the season months before Halloween arrives.

Set across 25 acres in Waxahachie and celebrating the 1545 visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katheryn Parr, the Festival recreates a bustling English village filled with live entertainment, artisan shoppes, human-powered rides and thrilling tournaments in the newly enhanced Joust Arena.

Monsters, Mysteries and the Macabre

Guests looking for darker thrills will find plenty of mysterious encounters throughout the village.

Scarborough Castle: Hauntings of Yore invites curious travelers to explore the underbelly of the Lord Mayor’s castle, where legends whisper of restless spirits, creatures of myth and ancient mysteries that refuse to rest.

The King’s Dungeon transports visitors into the shadowy world of Renaissance justice. This immersive walk-through experience features recreations of historical torture devices, atmospheric dungeon staging and educational storytelling that explores the darker side of history.

Inside the Mythical Monster Museum of Raptus and Krane, visitors encounter vampires, trolls, mermaids, dragons and other legendary creatures. Guests can learn the stories of fearless monster hunters while viewing artifacts, preserved remains and fantastical displays that bring myth and legend to life.

Strange Performances and Curious Characters

The spirit of mystery and spectacle continues throughout the village with unusual performances and unforgettable characters.

Adam Crack’s Fire Whip Show thrills audiences with daring whip-cracking stunts including balloon popping, candle snuffing and fiery routines.

Cirqa Brava captivates crowds with high-flying aerial acrobatics that blend comedy, beauty and circus spectacle.

Cy the Sword Swallower astonishes audiences as he swallows swords of varying shapes and sizes in a thrilling and comedic performance.

Digger Plotz, the Grave Singer, roams the village singing humorously dark songs about life, death and the strange things in between while strumming his shovel guitar.

Guests can also experience the action and romance of the Festival’s iconic joust tournament, where armored knights clash in a spectacular display of horsemanship and skill.

Mystics, Fortune Tellers and Whispers of the Future

Halfway to Halloween is also the perfect time to ask the age-old question: what does the future hold?

Throughout the village, visitors can step into the mystical world of tarot and palmistry as skilled fortune tellers offer playful glimpses into destiny and possibility.

At Mystic Tarot, guests can explore the ancient art of tarot card reading, where symbolic imagery and intuition combine to reveal potential paths and hidden opportunities.

Visitors can also meet Kolisha, who reads tarot cards and palms to interpret personality, life journeys and what fate may have waiting just beyond the horizon.

At Palmistry by Stermer, the future unfolds through the fascinating study of the palm, offering insights into character, destiny and the twists and turns that may lie ahead.

Whether seeking guidance, curiosity or simply a bit of magical fun, these mystical readings invite guests to embrace the mysterious spirit of Halfway to Halloween and discover what secrets the universe might reveal.

Dress for Adventure

Halfway to Halloween is the perfect excuse to arrive in costume. Guests are encouraged to dress as pirates, princesses, rogues, dragons, wenches and other imaginative characters.

Many Festival guests already arrive in costume each weekend, making Halfway to Halloween the perfect time to fully embrace the fun of cosplay.

Those who arrive without a costume can find plenty of options throughout the Festival village.

Suit Your Fancie Costume Rental offers a variety of Renaissance attire for guests wishing to indulge in dress up during their visit.

Boss Wench features clothing inspired by adventurous pirates and the noble lords and ladies of the Renaissance.

Pendragon Costumes showcases handcrafted historical garments with Renaissance and Neo-Victorian influences.

Silverleaf Leather offers handcrafted leather goods ideal for Renaissance festivals, cosplay and fantasy costuming.

Midnight Orchid Design creates handmade Viking clothing located in Crown Meadow.

Accessories can be found throughout the village, including handcrafted hats at Blonde Swan Hat Co., vibrant apparel at Belly Dance Treasures, and handcrafted festival masks featured in the Mask Parade by Vincent Ur.

Visitors can also explore more than 200 artisan shoppes featuring handcrafted goods including jewelry, pottery, glasswork, sculpture, leatherwork, woodworking and metalwork. Face painting, hair braiding, henna artistry, floral crowns, massages and other festive touches add to the immersive experience.

A Festival Tradition

Now celebrating its 45th season, Scarborough Renaissance Festival remains one of Texas’ most beloved spring traditions. With artisan craftsmanship, immersive entertainment and unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, the Festival offers the perfect place to celebrate the magical midpoint to Halloween.

Whether discovering mythical monsters, consulting a fortune teller or stepping into costume for the day, visitors will find that Halfway to Halloween at Scarborough Renaissance Festival is filled with mystery, merriment and a touch of Renaissance magic.

Tickets and Visitor Information

Tickets are available at SRFestival.com. Admission is $34 for Adults (ages 13+) and $15 for Kids (ages 5–12) plus taxes and fees. Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Some activities, games and rides require an additional fee. Parking is free.

Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again. Advance discounts will be available at North Texas Tom Thumb and Albertsons. Military and Senior discounts are available at the gate with valid ID.