News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Western Extrusions Employee Luncheon Bennett McEvoy, Tracy Eubanks and Daniel Campos

 

Carrollton company helping fund construction of new Metrocrest Services facility. 

As employees of Western Extrusions gathered in person again for the quarterly luncheon, they had a few reasons to smile: Beautiful weather, a chance to gather in person again, fajitas served to them by leadership – and a special donation to an organization that means a lot to company employees. Western Extrusions presented Metrocrest Services with a check for $250,000, important support for the Metrocrest Services Building Our Future capital campaign that will build a stronger community by increasing the number of clients served and improve the quality and reach of Metrocrest’s services and programs.

“We are grateful for the work that Metrocrest Services does in this community and are honored to be able to support the building of their new headquarters,” said Bennett McEvoy, CEO of Western Extrusions.

Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services, accepted the large check and expressed the organization’s appreciation for support from corporate partners like Western Extrusions.

“Western Extrusions has been a long-time supporter of the work of Metrocrest Services,” Eubanks noted. “Their employees have been here helping us in our food pantry, creating meals for our Sack Summer Hunger program, conducting toy and coat drives, and a multitude of other assistance. To have this company as a significant part of our capital campaign as we look to the future of Metrocrest Services is both fitting and heart-warming. Western Extrusions is a company that truly cares about its community and the people here.”

“I am very honored to work for a company that gives to an important organization such as Metrocrest Services,” said Edgar Melchor, lead recruiter at Western Extrusions. “I’ve volunteered at Metrocrest Services so I understand how important this donation is. It’s wonderful to work for a company that cares.”

Western Extrusions Corporation is a national leader in the manufacturing of extruded aluminum products.  Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas Western Extrusions manufactures quality products used in America’s critical infrastructure industries including but not limited to class 8 trucks, electric vehicles, truck trailers, utility scale solar power, electrical transmission, and numerous commercial construction products.

Metrocrest Services, a non-profit social services agency serving Carrollton, promotes well-being and independence through programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. Expected to open in the spring of 2023, the new home for Metrocrest Services will bring all of the organization’s services under one roof, creating convenient access for clients and volunteers alike with the largest expansion the non-profit has had in its 50-year history.

Thanks to donors including Western Extrusions, the new campus of Metrocrest Services will be located on 4.6 acres of property near the intersection of Josey Lane and Belt Line Road in Carrollton. A 48,000-square-foot facility will become a welcoming hub for all of the agency’s daily operations, including providing access to nutritious food, workforce development and financial literacy, rent and utility assistance, senior services and other programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. The campus will also include shared space for complementary service providers to support clients from one central location and a volunteer center for greater opportunities for community engagement. Bringing all Metrocrest Services programs under one roof, the new campus will allow for improved efficiency in all operations, and will house the expanded programs that the non-profit has launched to meet today’s elevated need while planning for the future.

Members of the community are encouraged to visit msbuildingourfuture.org to pledge their own support for the capital campaign and help Metrocrest Services meet the challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation by July 2022.  Every gift makes a difference and helps to create a place that serves Metrocrest neighbors in need with dignity and respect.

Metrocrest Services, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. Programs include rent and utility bill assistance, financial and budgeting assistance, food pantry, employment coaching and transportation, minor home repairs and home-delivered meals to benefit seniors. Additionally, Metrocrest provides programs focused on children including holiday gifts and summer food. For more information, visit www.metrocrestservices.org

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Does a gold coin fall from your Chocolate Piñata? Then it’s on the house!

 

Looking for a smashing way to celebrate National Piñata Day? The party starts as soon as you crack open the Chocolate Piñata, a made-from-scratch dessert found only at Uncle Julio’s. Made by hand, a delicious chocolate globe is filled with homemade mini churros, fresh pineapple and strawberries, all bursting with flavor and ready to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

In honor of National Piñata Day on Monday, April 18th, 10 percent of all Chocolate Piñatas ordered at Dallas-Fort Worth-area Uncle Julio’s restaurants April 18 through May 3, 2022, will be filled with something extra-special – a gold-wrapped chocolate coin. If that lucky gold coin falls from your Chocolate Piñata, that piñata is on the house! 

“At Uncle Julio’s, we’re all about taking every opportunity to make memories with friends and family,” said Dan Wheeler, chief marketing officer of Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group. “Whether it’s National Piñata Day or a celebration of your own making, we hope this fun promotion makes the experience at Uncle Julio’s even more special.”

After bursting onto the menu at Uncle Julio’s, the Chocolate Piñata has become a fan favorite. Guests crack open the chocolate delicacy with a wooden mallett and then dip its delicious contents -- homemade mini churros, fresh pineapple and strawberries -- in Uncle Julio's house-made chocolate ganache and fresh whipped cream. The Chocolate Piñata serves 4-8 people.

The Chocolate Piñata is available now in Uncle Julio’s restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, including Allen, Alliance, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine and North Dallas/Keller Springs. 

Uncle Julio’sserves made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to create its signature taste in everything from mesquite-grilled meats to hand-crafted margaritas. Guests find memorable dining experiences through a welcoming atmosphere and interactive menu, looking into the open kitchen to see dishes being prepared, or cracking open a Chocolate Piñata. Headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, the first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 and continues to expand to define the polished casual Mexican industry. To find a location near you or to peruse the mouth-watering menu, visit UncleJulios.com, or connect with Uncle Julio’s on Facebook @UncleJulios and Instagram @UncleJuliosMexican.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Does a gold coin fall from your Chocolate Piñata? Then it’s on the house!

 

Looking for a smashing way to celebrate National Piñata Day? The party starts as soon as you crack open the Chocolate Piñata, a made-from-scratch dessert found only at Uncle Julio’s. Made by hand, a delicious chocolate globe is filled with homemade mini churros, fresh pineapple and strawberries, all bursting with flavor and ready to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

In honor of National Piñata Day, 10 percent of all Chocolate Piñatas ordered at Dallas-Fort Worth-area Uncle Julio’s restaurants April 18 through May 3, 2022, will be filled with something extra-special – a gold-wrapped chocolate coin. If that lucky gold coin falls from your Chocolate Piñata, that piñata is on the house!

“At Uncle Julio’s, we’re all about taking every opportunity to make memories with friends and family,” said Dan Wheeler, chief marketing officer of Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group. “Whether it’s National Piñata Day or a celebration of your own making, we hope this fun promotion makes the experience at Uncle Julio’s even more special.”

After bursting onto the menu at Uncle Julio’s, the Chocolate Piñata has become a fan favorite. Guests crack open the chocolate delicacy with a wooden mallett and then dip its delicious contents -- homemade mini churros, fresh pineapple and strawberries -- in Uncle Julio's house-made chocolate ganache and fresh whipped cream. The Chocolate Piñata serves 4-8 people.

The Chocolate Piñata is available now in Uncle Julio’s restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, including Allen, Alliance, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine and North Dallas/Keller Springs. 

Uncle Julio’sserves made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to create its signature taste in everything from mesquite-grilled meats to hand-crafted margaritas. Guests find memorable dining experiences through a welcoming atmosphere and interactive menu, looking into the open kitchen to see dishes being prepared, or cracking open a Chocolate Piñata. Headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, the first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 and continues to expand to define the polished casual Mexican industry. To find a location near you or to peruse the mouth-watering menu, visit UncleJulios.com, or connect with Uncle Julio’s on Facebook @UncleJulios and Instagram @UncleJuliosMexican.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

The right ingredients have been selected to make memorable dining experiences in Frisco.

Uncle Julio’s is pleased to announce it has chosen the site for its newest location in Frisco, where area residents and visitors will soon be treated to the beloved North Texas brand’s signature Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is expected to open in the second half of 2022, bringing to Frisco its signature “from scratch” menu, attentive service, and polished dining atmosphere.                                                            

“We offer upscale Tex Mex dining with made-from-scratch food, hand-crafted drinks, and a unique experience our guests can’t get anywhere else,” John Johnson, vice president of operations with Uncle Julio’s and a resident of Frisco. “We have wanted to open in Frisco for years, and now with the perfect location, we have all the ingredients we need to create something truly special here.”

Uncle Julio’s is well-known for using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to create its signature taste throughout its expansive menu. Guests of Uncle Julio’s can enjoy favorites like made-to-order guacamole, margaritas muddled with fresh fruit, mesquite-grilled meats, and the Chocolate Piñata -- a dessert experience found only at Uncle Julio’s. Cracking open a Chocolate Piñata, a handmade chocolate globe filled to the brim with homemade churros and berries, complemented with homemade whipped cream and sauces – is perfect for any kind of gathering (and your Instagram feed).

From family celebrations to casual lunches, date nights and more, the atmosphere of Uncle Julio’s – a comfortable and modern take on classic Mexican décor – is welcoming for a variety of occasions. Private group dining, catering, Happy Hour, take-out and delivery are also offered. 

Uncle Julio’s will be located near the intersection of Highway 121 and Preston Road, near Stonebriar Centre. The site will allow for a restaurant that is more than 8,500 square feet, and a large, 2,500-square-foot patio that will overlook a pond.  The open area will be the perfect setting for outdoor celebrations, live music, game-watching parties and more.

Headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, the first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 and continues to expand to define the polished casual Mexican industry. To find a location near you or to peruse the mouth-watering menu, visit UncleJulios.com, or connect with Uncle Julio’s on Facebook @UncleJulios and Instagram @UncleJuliosMexican.

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
 
Event is first in what cemetery hopes are many that help to bring history alive as McCree’s preservation continues.
 
In its mission to preserve and honor the history and legacy found in McCree Cemetery, the cemetery is pleased to host a grave marking ceremony for two Dallas men who were veterans of the War of 1812, Henry Kyle and John Jackson, on March 6. The program will include a brief history of the War of 1812, memorial wreath laying, and a salute by volley, and is produced by the Craig Austin Rowley Chapter of the Society of the War of 1812 and the John Cavet Chapter of the United States Daughters of 1812. 
 
The public is invited to attend the event, which will be held on Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at McCree Cemetery, located just south of Audelia Road and Estate Lane, where attendees can follow McCree Cemetery signs. Seating will be limited, but attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs. 
 
“It’s wonderful to welcome people back to the cemetery to learn about the history of some of Dallas’ earliest settlers,” said Robin Moss Norcross, president of the McCree Cemetery Association Board of Directors. “Honoring these families’ service to their country is an important piece of our history.” 
 
War of 1812 Veterans Honored
 
The two veterans being honored in this grave marking ceremony are men who brought their legacies with them to Texas, and were among early settlers in Dallas. Many of their descendants still live in the area today. 
 
Veteran Henry Kyle was born in North Carolina in 1796 anddied in 1881 in Dallas County. Cpl. Kyle served in the War of 1812 at Fort Nelson, Virginia, in the 5th Regiment of the VA Militia (Artillery). He married Elizabeth Pirkey in 1817 and the couple had four children: James W., Sarah Margaret, George R. and Elizabeth A. Kyle accompanied daughters Sarah Dougherty and Elizabeth Foree and their families to Texas in 1860. 
 
Veteran John Jackson was born in Tennessee in 1798 anddied in 1875 in Dallas County. Private Jackson served in the War of 1812 in the Tennessee Militia under Captain Craig. He married Elizabeth Brown in 1822 and the couple had eight children: Andrew, William, James, Mary Jane, Lucy, John, Thomas and Hannah.Jackson and his family came to Texas in 1846 and settled near present-day Garland on a Peters Colony grant. 
 
History Lives at McCree Cemetery
 
The March 6 event to mark the graves of War of McCree Cemetery’s 1812 veterans is one of the many important events that will be held at the cemetery as the preservation and revitalization of this important landmark continues. 
 
McCree Cemetery was once situated on the hilltop of a vast prairie in a farming community 10 miles from the limits of early Dallas, southeast of the intersection of what is now Audelia Road and Estate Lane in Dallas. 
 
The cemetery was founded in 1866 when Mahulda Bonner McCree granted roughly 1.5 acres to William McCullough and James E. Jackson for its establishment. Another one acre of land was added to the cemetery in 1896 when Jeff Hill (the founder of Egypt, also known as “Little Egypt,” an African-American community), George John and Monroe Parker purchased land from J.E. Griffin to create a beautiful burial area for Black residents. McCree Cemetery today comprises 2.6 acres of native species of prairie vegetation and its beautiful hilltop location in the middle of what is now a modern mix of residential homes and commercial properties. 
 
Preservation and restoration work on McCree Cemetery included a 2015 inventory of grave markers, which located 158 markers and monuments on the site bearing the names of Peters Colonists, early settlers, freedmen and war veterans. For nearly 100 years, McCree Cemetery served as a burial site for the surrounding hamlets of Audelia, Rodgers, and Egypt. Listed in 2018 as a City of Dallas landmark, the property is recognized under seven of ten possible historic designation criteria, including the historical development, ethnic heritage and cultural characteristics of the city. There are two distinct sides to the cemetery, one for Anglo burials and one for African American burials. 
 
The western side of McCree Cemetery includes the oldest known burial in the cemetery, which belongs to John Henry Jones, who died in 1862 from wounds received during the Civil War. The last burial was Margaret Elizabeth Dockins, who passed away in 1982. Family names of the Anglo settlers buried at the cemetery include Jackson, Prigmore, McCullough, Griffin, Crosby and Goforth. Many veterans are also buried in McCree Cemetery, including those that fought in the Battle of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, the World Wars and other conflicts. McCree’s eastern tract was one of two used by the Egypt community. Jeff Hill, the son of two of Egypt’s founders John (Jeff) and Hanna Hill, is buried here. The property once included a church, the Cemetery Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church South and later the Rogers Baptist Church (1931-1939). 
 
Heavily vandalized in the 1950s and in subsequent years, the cemetery is now protected by a tall fence. Nearby development beginning in the 1960s marked the end of McCree Cemetery’s rural location along with the razing of the nearby Egypt community. 
 
Preserving the Legacy of McCree Cemetery
 
The continued vandalism of the cemetery led concerned Lake Highlands resident Robin Moss Norcross and cemetery descendants to approach Preservation Dallas in 2013 to help. Since then, Preservation Dallas has been actively engaged in preservation work at McCree, using grant funds received from the B.B. Owen Foundation and others to support those efforts. 
 
With the assistance of the archaeologists, historians and cultural resources experts at Versar, Preservation Dallas initiated a multi-year survey, documentation, and restoration program at the cemetery. This included historical research to learn more about McCree’s history to give names to those whose markers have disappeared over time and to secure City of Dallas Landmark designation. 
 
In 2018, McCree Cemetery was listed as a City of Dallas historic landmark and, in 2019, documentation of the cemetery was done by drone and a landscape clean-up. In 2021, the headstone cleaning commenced. 
 
Norcross, along with fellow board members Joan Walne and Ted Campbell, hopes to hold future events at the cemetery to celebrate its vast and diverse history. 
 
“This is one of the most historically significant cemeteries in all of North Texas,” Norcross said. “Members of many of the founding families, Peters colonists, are buried there, as well as residents of the Little Egypt Freedmen’s community,” Norcross said. “I just think it’s important for any community to understand their past. It’s a great story. There are wonderful people that made significant contributions we enjoy today in Lake Highlands.” 
 
In the 1800s, Benjamin Prigmore, an early settler of Dallas, explained that this small rise of land was chosen as a burial ground because it was the prettiest spot in the area. He was right then, and he is right now. 
 
Visit McCreeCemetery.orgto learn more, or to contribute your own memories of McCree, or information about family members buried there. 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Event is first in what cemetery hopes are many that help to bring history alive 

as McCree’s preservation continues. 

In its mission to preserve and honor the history and legacy found in McCree Cemetery, the cemetery is pleased to host a grave marking ceremony for two Dallas men who were veterans of the War of 1812, Henry Kyle and John Jackson, on March 6. The program will include a brief history of the War of 1812, memorial wreath laying, and a salute by volley, and is produced by the Craig Austin Rowley Chapter of the Society of the War of 1812 and the John Cavet Chapter of the United States Daughters of 1812. 

The public is invited to attend the event, which will be held on Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at McCree Cemetery, located just south of Audelia Road and Estate Lane, where attendees can follow McCree Cemetery signs. Seating will be limited, but attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.  

“It’s wonderful to welcome people back to the cemetery to learn about the history of some of Dallas’ earliest settlers,” said Robin Moss Norcross, president of the McCree Cemetery Association Board of Directors. “Honoring these families’ service to their country is an important piece of our history.”

War of 1812 Veterans Honored

The two veterans being honored in this grave marking ceremony are men who brought their legacies with them to Texas, and were among early settlers in Dallas. Many of their descendants still live in the area today.

Veteran Henry Kyle was born in North Carolina in 1796 anddied in 1881 in Dallas County. Cpl. Kyle served in the War of 1812 at Fort Nelson, Virginia, in the 5th Regiment of the VA Militia (Artillery). He married Elizabeth Pirkey in 1817 and the couple had four children: James W., Sarah Margaret, George R. and Elizabeth A. Kyle accompanied daughters Sarah Dougherty and Elizabeth Foree and their families to Texas in 1860. 

Veteran John Jackson was born in Tennessee in 1798 anddied in 1875 in Dallas County. Private Jackson served in the War of 1812 in the Tennessee Militia under Captain Craig. He married Elizabeth Brown in 1822 and the couple had eight children: Andrew, William, James, Mary Jane, Lucy, John, Thomas and Hannah.  Jackson and his family came to Texas in 1846 and settled near present-day Garland on a Peters Colony grant.   

History Lives at McCree Cemetery

The March 6 event to mark the graves of War of McCree Cemetery’s 1812 veterans is one of the many important events that will be held at the cemetery as the preservation and revitalization of this important landmark continues.

McCree Cemetery was once situated on the hilltop of a vast prairie in a farming community 10 miles from the limits of early Dallas, southeast of the intersection of what is now Audelia Road and Estate Lane in Dallas. 

The cemetery was founded in 1866 when Mahulda Bonner McCree granted roughly 1.5 acres to William McCullough and James E. Jackson for its establishment. Another one acre of land was added to the cemetery in 1896 when Jeff Hill (the founder of Egypt, also known as “Little Egypt,” an African-American community), George John and Monroe Parker purchased land from J.E. Griffin to create a beautiful burial area for Black residents. McCree Cemetery today comprises 2.6 acres of native species of prairie vegetation and its beautiful hilltop location in the middle of what is now a modern mix of residential homes and commercial properties.

Preservation and restoration work on McCree Cemetery included a 2015 inventory of grave markers, which located 158 markers and monuments on the site bearing the names of Peters Colonists, early settlers, freedmen and war veterans. For nearly 100 years, McCree Cemetery served as a burial site for the surrounding hamlets of Audelia, Rodgers, and Egypt. Listed in 2018 as a City of Dallas landmark, the property is recognized under seven of ten possible historic designation criteria, including the historical development, ethnic heritage and cultural characteristics of the city. There are two distinct sides to the cemetery, one for Anglo burials and one for African American burials. 

The western side of McCree Cemetery includes the oldest known burial in the cemetery, which belongs to John Henry Jones, who died in 1862 from wounds received during the Civil War. The last burial was Margaret Elizabeth Dockins, who passed away in 1982. Family names of the Anglo settlers buried at the cemetery include Jackson, Prigmore, McCullough, Griffin, Crosby and Goforth. Many veterans are also buried in McCree Cemetery, including those that fought in the Battle of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, the World Wars and other conflicts. McCree’s eastern tract was one of two used by the Egypt community. Jeff Hill, the son of two of Egypt’s founders John (Jeff) and Hanna Hill, is buried here. The property once included a church, the Cemetery Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church South and later the Rogers Baptist Church (1931-1939).

Heavily vandalized in the 1950s and in subsequent years, the cemetery is now protected by a tall fence. Nearby development beginning in the 1960s marked the end of McCree Cemetery’s rural location along with the razing of the nearby Egypt community.

Preserving the Legacy of McCree Cemetery

The continued vandalism of the cemetery led concerned Lake Highlands resident Robin Moss Norcross and cemetery descendants to approach Preservation Dallas in 2013 to help. Since then, Preservation Dallas has been actively engaged in preservation work at McCree, using grant funds received from the B.B. Owen Foundation and others to support those efforts. 

With the assistance of the archaeologists, historians and cultural resources experts at Versar, Preservation Dallas initiated a multi-year survey, documentation, and restoration program at the cemetery. This included historical research to learn more about McCree’s history to give names to those whose markers have disappeared over time and to secure City of Dallas Landmark designation. 

In 2018, McCree Cemetery was listed as a City of Dallas historic landmark and, in 2019, documentation of the cemetery was done by drone and a landscape clean-up. In 2021, the headstone cleaning commenced.

Norcross, along with fellow board members Joan Walne and Ted Campbell, hopes to hold future events at the cemetery to celebrate its vast and diverse history.

“This is one of the most historically significant cemeteries in all of North Texas,” Norcross said. “Members of many of the founding families, Peters colonists, are buried there, as well as residents of the Little Egypt Freedmen’s community,” Norcross said. “I just think it’s important for any community to understand their past. It’s a great story. There are wonderful people that made significant contributions we enjoy today in Lake Highlands.”

In the 1800s, Benjamin Prigmore, an early settler of Dallas, explained that this small rise of land was chosen as a burial ground because it was the prettiest spot in the area. He was right then, and he is right now.

Visit McCreeCemetery.org to learn more, or to contribute your own memories of McCree, or information about family members buried there.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 

Tickets on sale now for one of North Texas’s most-loved cultural festivals, a family-friendly event that is back in person to celebrate all the music, family and fun of 40 years!

The North Texas Irish Festival makes its triumphant return to Dallas’s Fair Park March 4-6, bringing with it all the music, dance, culture and excitement that this well-loved, family-friendly event creates to celebrate the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture. In celebration of this 40thfestival, the event’s theme, “40 Shades of Green,” recognizes the rich culture of Irish music and the organic growth of this Irish tradition in North Texas, made possible by 40 years of volunteers dedicated to keeping traditions alive to share with all. Tickets are on sale now at www.NTIF.org.

Tens of thousands of people will come from across Texas and other parts of the country to visit the North Texas Irish Festival, one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S. This family-friendly event features live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations and more on multiple stages, both indoors and outdoors, throughout Fair Park. Attendees will also enjoy horse shows, fencing demonstrations, sheepherding demonstrations, beer and whiskey tastings, genealogy research opportunities, shopping, animal rescue groups, child-friendly entertainment, and free arts and crafts for the kids.  

“We are elated to be back in person, sharing our love of Irish music and tradition with everyone,” said Sheri Bush, president of the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc., the organization that produces the North Texas Irish Festival and provides music and dance scholarships to local students. “The heart of our festival is our volunteers who take this opportunity every year to create a truly Irish experience for everyone.” Unique as the largest cultural celebration in DFW, the North Texas Irish Festival is produced annually by almost 1,000 volunteers, some of whom have volunteered for decades, often alongside generations of their families.  

The indoor-outdoor festival takes place rain or shine. Masks are strongly recommended but not required when visiting indoor spaces, and all festival volunteers will be masked. Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the festival. 

Also returning this year is the North Texas Irish Festival Fun Run, a jaunt through the beautiful grounds of Fair Park on Saturday, March 5, at 8 a.m.  This family-friendly fun run is perfect for runners or walkers of any age or ability, and also for dogs! All registered participants will receive a T-shirt, a “bottle opener” medal, one ticket to the North Texas Irish Festival, and two beers after the run if you are of legal drinking age. This non-timed 5K fun run will benefit Friends of Fair Park and the Southwest Celtic Music Association. More information and a link to registration is available here.

Music, dancing, whiskey tastings, fencing demonstrations, horse displays, Celtic storytelling, animal rescue groups, Shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, dozens of activities for kids and child-friendly entertainment, and chef demonstrations are all found at this family-friendly festival.

Music

While the North Texas Irish Festival today is a full weekend of cultural delights, it has never forgotten its roots as a music festival. The Southwest Celtic Music Association is proud to welcome national headlining performers for this 40thNorth Texas Irish Festival: Tommy and Saundra O’Sullivan, Ed Miller, Piper Jones Band, Skerryvore, and Úlla. Featured regional performers at the festival will include: 5 Second Rule, BEHAN, Beyond The Pale, Don Gabbert, Emerald Accent, GoldRing, Jiggernaut, KinFolk, LessMore & Too Much Time, Plunk Murray, Reel Treble, Slugger's Rule, The Irish Rogues, The Selkie Girls, Threadneedle St, Tullamore, Wolf Loescher & Friends, and Vintage Wildflowers.

Dance 

Watch the music come alive and get in step with the rhythmic magic of Irish step dancing as dancers’ unbelievably quick toes create a show unlike any other. Clap along as dancers of all ages – many of whom compete and win at the world championship level – delight audiences. Irish step dancers perform on a dedicated dance stage and with performers throughout the festival.

Chef Stage

Pick up a few culinary tricks for modern Irish cuisine (and sample it!) at the North Texas Irish Festival Chef Stage. North Texas’s most exciting chefs will perform their own modern takes on traditional Celtic fare, and then pass out samples for attendees to enjoy. Also, don’t miss special mixology demonstrations on Friday night.

Kids & Animals

There is so much for kids to do at the North Texas Irish Festival! Urchin Street is a special place inside the festival where kids can find entertainment, education, play and fun, including crafts, music, dance, storytelling, magic and mystery. Storytellers -- or “Shanachie” – will perform traditional Irish stories in the way that the Irish learned of their history for hundreds of years.  

Love animals? The North Texas Irish Festival hosts animal rescue groups where you can find your new best friend – or, if you already have one, bring your pet into the festival to enjoy it with you for a $1 donation that will go to the SPCA. Equestrian shows, sheep herding, fencing and other demonstrations will be performed outdoors in Fair Park.

Hours, Admission and Location 

Gates open on Friday evening, March 4, at 6 p.m. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 6.

Tickets for the North Texas Irish Festival are available online at www.ntif.org. Admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $10 after. A one-day ticket is $25 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday at the gate, while a weekend pass is $40. Discount tickets are available at area Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores for $15 for a one-day ticket. Children 11 and under are FREE when accompanied by adult family member. Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices. Dogs are allowed in on a short leash with a $1 requested donation to animal rescue groups supported by the festival. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE.

Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or attendees can take the DART (take the Green Line!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available at www.ntif.org. The public can call (214) 821-4173, or visit www.ntif.orgfor more information or to volunteer to work at the festival. 

Social

Connect with the North Texas Irish Festival at:

Sponsors

In addition to almost 1,000 volunteers who support the festival by volunteering their time, other local civic and corporate partners make this festival possible. The North Texas Irish Festival is presented by the Southwest Celtic Music Association.  Additionally, the festival is sponsored by Albertsons, Tom Thumb, 98.7 KLUV, NBC 5, Statewide Remodeling, Dallas Tourism Improvement District, Glendalough Distillery, West Cork Distillers, Teelings, Tullamore D.E.W., Aberfeldy, Breaking Brew Meadery, Leaf Filter, Trinity Cider and ZYN.

 

About the Southwest Celtic Music AssociationInc.

The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. (SCMA) is the producing organization for the North Texas Irish Festival. Almost 1,000 volunteers will help in organization, promotion and execution of this year's festival. The first such festival was held on March 5, 1983, at the legendary Nick Farrelly’s Lounge on Oak Lawn and was billed as the First Texas Céilí. This event was so popular that it has continued every year since on the first weekend in March as the North Texas Irish Festival. Shortly after the first festival, the all-volunteer Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. was formed to promote the study, performance and preservation of traditional Celtic music, dance and culture. In 1984, the event was moved to Fair Park and its name changed to the North Texas Irish Festival. The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cultural corporation headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serves a five-state regional area. The organization maintains a web site at www.scmatx.org. 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 

$5 Frozen Margaritas and Swirls available for to-go orders

On 2/22/22, the place to be is Uncle Julio’s, where National Margarita Day will be celebrated with the delicious taste of fresh-squeezed juice meets premium tequilas in hand-made margaritas that are as refreshing as they are authentic. 

Each month, Uncle Julio’s features a different hand-made margarita, squeezed and muddled into a refreshing margarita. February’s featured flavor is the Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita, made from muddled strawberries, hibiscus and freshly squeezed lime juice paired with 100% agave Lunazul Tequila and St-Germain. For an even more elevated experience, guests may choose to add a Premium Tequila Floater (in a fresh lime cup!) of either Lunazul Silver or Exotico Reposado to their Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita or any other Uncle Julio’s Margarita. The Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita is available for $12.50 and, where permitted by law, the Premium Tequila Floater can be added for just $2. And go ahead and put a visit to Uncle Julio’s in March on your calendar, as well: The Margarita of the Month for March will be the Cucumber Jalapeno!

Guests can also enjoy the Julio’s Gold Margarita or the Swirl, a frozen margarita swirled with homemade sangria, for just $5 during happy hour when dining in at Uncle Julio’s Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.

No matter where you are holding your National Margarita Day celebration, Uncle Julio’s is your resource. Guests placing to-go orders at UncleJulios.com can get $5 Frozen Margaritas and $5 Frozen Swirls (where available) to enjoy at home or wherever their own National Margarita Day celebrations take them. 

Uncle Julio’s serves made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to bring its signature taste to life in everything from mesquite-grilled meats to hand-crafted margaritas. Guests find memorable dining experiences and delicious flavor whether they are dining in-restaurant, on the patio, or ordering to-go.

Headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, the first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 and continues to expand to define the polished casual Mexican industry. To find a location near you or to peruse the mouth-watering menu, visit UncleJulios.com, or connect with Uncle Julio’s on Facebook @UncleJulios and Instagram @UncleJuliosMexican.

 

 

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

 

Free family-friendly event is back in person.

Plano’s favorite holiday tradition is back in person to light up the season. Lights at Legacy, the signature holiday event of The Shops at Legacy, is back to offer fun for the whole family this Sunday, November 21, 4 to 7 p.m. Free to attend, the event is presented by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and is located at Plano’s original lifestyle destination, The Shops at Legacy.

Attendees of Lights at Legacy can enjoy a full schedule of entertainment, culminating in the official lighting of the Christmas Tree, presented by T-Mobile, at 6:30 p.m.

Starting at 4 p.m., attendees can enjoy taking selfies with live reindeer, being entertained by balloon artists and magicians, watching a marionette show, taking rides on the Marriott Dallas/Plano Train Rides, listening to live music, meeting real-life queens (Miss Plano, Miss Frisco and Miss Plano’s Outstanding Teen), and writing letters or coloring pages for Santa. 

As attendees stroll the tree-lined walkways of The Shops at Legacy, decked in festive décor, they may see Toy Soldiers on stilts, the Sugarplum Fairy, Drumming Toy Soldiers and other holiday characters. Stores and restaurants will be offering hot cocoa and sweet treats, so this is the perfect way to get a jump on your holiday shopping.

“There really is something for kids of all ages here,” said Liz Barth, marketing director for The Shops at Legacy. “It’s fun to see these traditions return in person. This will be a landmark year for Lights at Legacy!”

Attendees can also swing by the Visit Plano photo booth to share a little #LovePlano with the Grinch himself. By posting a photo on social media and tagging The Shops at Legacy, anyone can be entered to win a $500 gift card to The Shops at Legacy!

To get that perfect photo, attendees can find Santa in his workshop (located next to Mi Cocina, from 1 to 3 p.m. on November 21), along with Mrs. Claus. Every photo purchased benefits the NICU Family Center at Texas Health Plano.

Lights at Legacy attendees should make sure to post pictures using #ShopsatLegacy on Instagram and Facebook. Visit ShopsatLegacy.comto stay up on all the latest news on store openings, specials, and events.

About The Shops at Legacy

Located in the heart of Collin County in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex suburb of Plano, Texas, The Shops at Legacy is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Retail Properties of America, Inc. (RPAI). This open-air, mixed-use development boasts 90 specialty retail shops and restaurants, including brands such as Kendra Scott, Urban Outfitters, bluemercury, Benefit Cosmetics, Del Frisco's Grille, Bob's Steak and Chop House, Mi Cocina, and the Angelika Film Center, a five-screen boutique cinema featuring independent specialty films. To learn more, please visit ShopsatLegacy.com or call 469.467.9995. Connect socially with Shops at Legacy via its Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Uncle Julio’s encourages North Texans to support work of non-profit dedicated to bringing joy to children experiencing homelessness as restaurant celebrates its own 35th birthday

The Chocolate Piñata has made its smashing return to Uncle Julio’s locations in DFW – and brought with it an entirely new reason to celebrate. To celebrate its 35th birthday, Uncle Julio's is donating $5,000 to The Birthday Party Project, and everyone is invited to get involved: During the week of November 1-7, $1 from the sale of every Chocolate Piñata sold at Uncle Julio’s DFW locations will benefit The Birthday Party Project, a Dallas-based non-profit that brings joy to children experiencing homelessness through the magic of a birthday celebration.

“We know, first-hand, the sparkle in someone’s eyes when they are enjoying a celebration with friends and family, because we see it in our restaurants every time a Chocolate Piñata is brought to a table,” said Dan Wheeler, chief marketing officer for Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group. “We’re excited to share that celebration with children whose families are going through a tough time by supporting the work of The Birthday Party Project. Every child deserves to feel special on their birthday – which makes this the perfect way to celebrate our own 35thbirthday.”

During the first week of November, your celebration becomes their celebration when you order a Chocolate Piñata at any DFW-area Uncle Julio’s restaurant. Combined with the $5,000 donation from Uncle Julio’s, these funds will support The Birthday Party Project’s Birthday in a Bag program, which gives kids everything they need to feel celebrated, from decorations, games and activities to a special birthday gift. Born of necessity during the pandemic, the Birthday in a Bag initiative has helped to not only keep The Birthday Party Project partying, but also to increase the number of children served.

“This year alone, 2.5 million children experiencing homelessness might miss out on a birthday celebration,” Paige Chenault, founder and CEO of The Birthday Party Project, said. “We’ve made it our mission to change that, because we believe every child deserves to feel special – especially on their birthday – and we are grateful to companies like Uncle Julio’s and our many wonderful supporters nationwide for helping us make those celebrations a reality.”

On November 1 at 10:30 a.m., Uncle Julio’s and The Birthday Party Project will officially kick off the collaboration with a commemorative Chocolate Piñata smash. This event will take place at the Uncle Julio’s at 4125 Lemmon Avenue in Dallas, the first Uncle Julio’s restaurant, and where it all started 35 years ago!

Everyday celebration is in the very nature of Uncle Julio’s, which creates memorable dining experiences through fresh food and attentive service. The Chocolate Piñata has been a part of many celebrations big and small -- anniversaries, proposals, reunions and birthdays -- since it debuted as a custom creation on the Uncle Julio’s menu. It was on pause during the pandemic but has returned as yet another reason to celebrate life.

The party starts as soon as you crack open the Chocolate Piñata, a made-from-scratch dessert found only at Uncle Julio’s. Made by hand, a delicious chocolate globe is filled with homemade mini churros, fresh pineapple and strawberries. Guests can crack open the chocolate delicacy with a wooden mallett and dip the contents in Uncle Julio's house-made chocolate ganache and fresh whipped cream. The Chocolate Piñata serves 4-8 people.

The Birthday Party Project brings JOY to children experiencing homelessness through the magic of a birthday celebration!  With the support of birthday enthusiasts, also known as volunteers, the non-profit organization partners with homeless shelters to celebrate the lives of children living there. During COVID, the organization has shifted from in-person parties to Birthday in a Bag, which gives kids everything they need to feel celebrated on their birthday, gift included! Since its inception, The Birthday Party Project has celebrated with more than 65,000 kids in 20 cities across the country. For more information about The Birthday Party Project, please visit thebirthdaypartyproject.org.

Uncle Julio’s serves made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to create its signature taste in everything from mesquite-grilled meats to hand-crafted margaritas. Headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area, the first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 and continues to expand to define the polished casual Mexican industry. To find a location near you or to peruse the mouth-watering menu, visit UncleJulios.com, or connect with Uncle Julio’s on Facebook @UncleJulios and Instagram @UncleJuliosMexican.