Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.—the leading producer of larger-than-life lantern festivals in North America and the trailblazers who introduced authentic Chinese lantern traditions to the U.S. and Europe—will make their North Texas debut this winter at the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre, located at 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

This enchanting event invites visitors to embark on a nighttime adventure following the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy, as he explores the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. The festival features vibrant displays of plants and animals, infused with elements of magic, inspired by Koda’s dreams and imagination. As guests wander through the dazzling light show, they can piece together Koda’s adventure, capture stunning photographs, uncover clues, and win prizes. The experience includes 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures crafted from metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans.

 “We are thrilled to debut in Dallas this holiday season,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager at Tianyu Arts & Culture. “The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with its rich cultural diversity, is the perfect setting for us to showcase our lantern festival in a new, technologically advanced, and visually stunning way.”

This family-friendly event features exquisite artistry and provides the most immersive lantern experience in the metroplex this holiday season. In addition to the spectacular lantern displays, nightly stage performances will feature acrobats and folk performers. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverages and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. The festival will run from November 8, 2024, to January 19, 2025, every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., covering all major winter holidays. Tickets for the Tianyu Lights Festival range from $16 to $35. From 09/03 to 10/01, enjoy $5 off General Admission tickets with code TIANYU at checkout. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit https://tianyuculture.us/dallas.

This Labor Day, Puttshack Addison is inviting everyone to celebrate with an exciting Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) mini golf deal. On Monday, September 2, guests can enjoy twice the fun by purchasing one round of mini golf and getting another round completely free.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, visitors simply need to use the promo code MAXEDOUT at checkout. This deal provides a perfect opportunity for groups of friends, families, or couples to enjoy a playful day out without breaking the bank.

Puttshack Addison, known for its tech-infused mini golf experience, offers a modern twist on the traditional mini golf course. With high-tech features, vibrant visuals, and engaging challenges, players of all ages can look forward to an immersive adventure that goes beyond the usual putting green.

For a Labor Day filled with fun, Puttshack Addison’s BOGO mini golf offer is a can’t-miss event. By using the promo code MAXEDOUT, guests can make the most of this special deal and enjoy a fun-filled day of mini golf.

North Texas’s Beloved Bar-B-Que Brand Opens Doors in Cedar Creek Lake Area

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is open for business at its 21^st North Texas location at 101 S 3rd St, Mabank, TX 75147, where North Texas’ favorite bar-b-que is now serving up its award-winning smoked meats and sides.

"Mabank is one of the fastest-growing North Texas towns, and Soulman's prides itself on serving the close-knit community and ensuring they are thoroughly satisfied with some of the region’s best barbeque," said Brett Randle, the CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. As a family-owned and operated establishment for 50 years, Soulman’s has undeniably established itself as a regional leader, renowned for its unwavering commitment to service, community engagement, and exceptional quality standards.”

In celebration of the newest location, on Saturday, August 10^th, competitors in the Soulman’s signature rib-eating contest vied for both bragging rights and a charity donation.  Participants included the Fire Chief of Mabank Ricky Myrick and Brian Crull, the Mayor of Gun Barrel City. The winner of the rib-eating contest was John Holcomb, who represented the office of the Mabank, earning a $1000 donation to the Tri-County Library.

Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for community and business leaders on July 16th at the newest Soulmans’s location where guests were treated to lunch and learned more about the five-decade-long history of Soulman’s in North Texas.

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que originally opened its doors in Pleasant Grove, a Dallas suburb, on October 19, 1974. Since then, they have remained steadfast in their timeless BBQ techniques and treasured family recipes—ones that continue to be used today. Rapidly gaining popularity among local residents, Soulman’s set itself apart as an extraordinary establishment among the ordinary "run-of-the-mill" Bar-B-Que joints.

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s array of BBQ meats is cooked "low and slow" over hickory wood, adhering to their time-honored tradition. This unwavering dedication has rightfully earned Soulman’s acclaim as one of the premier barbecue destinations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“Our decades-long legacy underscores our deep pride in what we do, both in and out of the kitchen. We hold unwavering belief in the North Texas communities we serve and have made it our mission to provide support to local schools, sports & recreation, faith & family organizations, and the business community that supports the success of our neighbors and friends,” affirmed Randle.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest-to-please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018) and Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Hurst Grapevine Highway,  Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

Balekian Hayes, PLLC is proud to announce that partners Kris Balekian Hayes and John Withers, Jr., have been honored in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® peer review guide. This prestigious recognition celebrates Hayes for her expertise in family law and family law mediation and acknowledges Withers for his exceptional work in family law. Their inclusion in this distinguished list highlights their continued dedication and exceptional contributions to the field.

The Best Lawyers® guide, renowned for its thorough peer-review process, highlights exceptional legal professionals across 150 practice areas based on feedback from fellow attorneys. This esteemed recognition is a testament to the dedication and high regard in which the partners at Balekian Hayes, PLLC are held by their peers.

“I am immensely grateful to be included along with my partner John in the list of top family lawyers by Best Lawyers®  in America,” said Hayes. “This acknowledgment by Best Lawyers® is particularly meaningful because it comes from the feedback of our peers in the legal community. Our firm takes great pride in our integrity and dedication to our clients, and this continued recognition is a testament to our steadfast commitment and the trust we have built with both our clients and colleagues.”

Hayes, who earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University School of Business. With over two decades of experience in family law, Hayes is distinguished by dual certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law and child welfare—an honor held by only 47 family lawyers in Texas. She is also a credentialed mediator in all civil, family, and CPS matters and is licensed by the Supreme Court of the United States, highlighting her exceptional qualifications and expertise.

Withers, a dual board-certified attorney, has earned recognition as a Super Lawyer and a nominee for Best Lawyers due to his commitment to excellence and advocacy for his clients. A Dallas native, he holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as part of the U.S. Army Reserve. He later earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University. Withers' extensive legal background includes serving as an assistant district attorney and co-founding a successful law firm. His dedication extends beyond the courtroom through his military service and involvement in the State Bar College and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists.

At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, based in Dallas, the leadership and commitment to clients are central to the firm's reputation. The repeated recognition by Best Lawyers® not only underscores the individual excellence of each partner but also reflects the high standards maintained by the firm. For additional information about Kris Balekian Hayes and John Withers, Jr. and the services offered at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, please visit Balekian Hayes, PLLC.

North Texas’ Favorite Bar-B-Que Serves up a New Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner! 

The flavor geniuses at Soulman’s Bar-B-Que have been working around the cluck to bring North Texans their next favorite meaty meal.  Now, they are introducing the world to The Cluckwagon. This family meal consists of one whole hickory-smoked chicken, two delicious 16 oz. homemade sides, 4 pieces of Texas toast, and bar-b-que sauce for only $29.99. The Cluck Wagon is available now at any of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s 21 North Texas Locations.

“We are constantly evolving our menu and listening to customer feedback. The Cluck Wagon is answering the perennial question that families face, ‘What’s for dinner?’” says Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que.  “In the Soulman’s tradition, the mouthwatering meat is cooked low and slow over hickory heat and served with a choice of Soulman’s signature sides. Whether the Cluck Wagon is enjoyed at one of our locations or on your own dinner table, it’s sure to satisfy North Texans, giving them something to cluck about!”

This year, family-owned and operated Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is celebrating five decades of serving customers what is often hailed as the Best Bar-b-que in North Texas.  “We are honored to have fifty years under our belts of bringing North Texans our tried-and-true bar-b-que. We are always excited to unveil new limited-time soon-to-be-favorites on our menu and the Chuck Wagon is no different!!” Randle says.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  Soulman’s original family recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Forney, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank,  Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell and  Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at http://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.