KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Word from the CVBs

Texas Frontier Forts Muster
By Douglas Harman, President and CEO, Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Fort Worth once again celebrates its frontier fort heritage on April 28 & 29, 2006. The sixth annual Texas Frontier Forts Muster will take place in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, along with the Quanah Parker Comanche Pow Wow, and the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition. Visitors, as well as local families, will have a great opportunity to become acquainted with the sights, sounds and excitement of an era when forts were critical to the westward movement. This event started several years ago as a way to reacquaint the community with its fort heritage. The original Fort Worth was located in the area of the Tarrant County Courthouse, and time has erased most all of the features related to the 1849 fort which gave birth to our community. Only historic markers and a reconstruction of the old fort flag pole remind us of the original fort days.

The Forts Muster brings into our city many persons from great living history sites. Bob Bluthardt, head of the beautifully restored Fort Concho in San Angelo, coordinates with key people from other historic fort sites across Texas to put on a unique event which allows visitors to see the uniforms and guns, and to experience the military traditions of the frontier period. One of the most colorful aspects of the weekend is the Pow Wow which involves Native Americans who compete for significant prize money. A third major element, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition, will also give everyone a taste of rugged frontier days. Come help us celebrate the frontier era at the Frontier Forts Muster on April 28th and 29th in the Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth. For more information, call the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-336-8791.

The Stars are Bright in FUN CENTRAL™ Arlington, Texas!
By Diane Brandon, Vice President Communications, Marketing & Research, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Take a journey through the sky and see the planets as never before at the new Planetarium at the University of Texas at Arlington. The dazzling premiere show, “The Stars at Night are Big & Bright,” will take you on a fantastic space voyage. You'll see the planets up close, venture into the Milky Way and see our universe being born.

The Planetarium, the biggest and best in the state of Texas, features a state-of-the-art 60 foot theater that seats 170 stargazers. The Digistar 3-D projection system will awe audiences of all ages. The Planetarium promises an experience of astronomical proportions. Public and private shows are available. For more information about prices and show times, call 817-272-1183 or www.uta.edu/planetarium.

Looking for stars of a different sort? Visit Six Flags Over Texas April 14th and 15th for Christian Family Weekend, spotlighting some of today's most popular Christian music acts including Audio Adrenaline, Kutless and Mercy Me. Six Flags Season Passes are now available. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com or call 817-530-6000.

FUN CENTRAL vacation packages are now available. Our packages are a great value and have terrific add-on options like the new Planetarium. To purchase your FUNtastic Family Package today, visit www.arlington.org and click on the green box in the upper right hand corner or call 1-866-656-FUNN (3866).

An Outdoor Adventure Awaits You! Grapevine’s 22nd Annual Main Street Days Festival
By Nicole Alley, Media Relations Manager, Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

There’s no telling how high the temperature will rise during the month of May in Texas, but one thing is for certain, Grapevine will be the coolest place in the state, at least during the third weekend in May. The forecast is calling for a 100 percent chance of SNOW in Grapevine during the 22nd Annual Main Street Days Festival on May 19, 20, & 21, 2006.

Grapevine is the perfect spot for active lifestyles and outdoor enthusiasts, and the 22nd Annual Main Street Days will showcase Grapevine’s adventurous side and natural resources through various outdoor and recreational activities. Festivities include an outdoor exhibition featuring demonstrations, education, and interactive activities. Festival guests will have the chance to watch and/or participate in a snow tubing hill and snow play area, scuba diving, BMX stunts, rock climbing, quad bungee jumping, and a whole lot more.

Traditional Main Street Days fun will delight all festival guests throughout the weekend including the thrilling handcar races, gunfighters, and nonstop entertainment on six stages featuring a variety of music from rock and R&B to bluegrass and country. Enjoy arts and crafts, thrilling carnival rides, and short sampler runs on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Main Street Days will open at 10 a.m. on May 19, and as an added bonus, admission is free to everyone until 5 p.m. on Friday! For more information visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com or call (817) 410-3185.

Spring is Getaway Time in Granbury
By Carolyn Kagy, Marketing Manager, Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau

I know what you’re thinking. I’m there too. Just a hint of spring in the air and you’re tired of being cooped up in the house.

Well, get the Spring cleaning done, throw the dog back out in the yard, gather up your cookie jar money and let’s go on a ROAD TRIP!

Just 35 minutes from Fort Worth, Granbury is the place to start and end a great weekend.

Pack up the family or plan that girl’s weekend get away from the kids. Let’s get started!

You’ll need a place to stay because once you get here you’ll want to stay the whole weekend. Try one of the more than thirty charming Bed & Breakfasts. You can choose from a full service breakfast, or do your own thing at a charming guest house, if you prefer to sleep in. Traditional lodging is also available at one of our seven hotels.

Any good road trip has to involve shopping. Shop ‘til you drop in the Granbury historic district. Pick out that perfect spring outfit at The Clothes Horse, a treasured book or novel from Books on the Square, or that special gift for Mom at Whimsey. Check out St. Helen’s or Almost Heaven for antiques and unique gifts or the Panhandle for gourmet tool needs. These are just a few of more than forty great shops you can browse through.

Gotta stop for lunch and dinner right? Try the Nutshell Eatery & Bakery, Rinky-tink’s, or Merry Heart Tearoom on the downtown square or stop by our Visitor Center at 116 W. Bridge for a complete listing for dining. How about entertainment? A performance at Granbury Live or the 1886 Opera House is sure to revive you from the all day shopping. If lakes are more to your liking, try a Dinner or Murder Mystery cruise on the sparkling water of Lake Granbury aboard the Granbury Riverboat.

Call us here at the Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-950-2212, for more information on accommodations, attractions and events. Also, check out our web site at www.granburytx.com

Happy Road Trip!

Music Is In The Air In Glen Rose
By Billy Huckaby, Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau

Music will be in the air throughout spring in Glen Rose with several festivals and concerts scheduled. Glen Rose is well known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” but could also lay a legitimate claim to being the “Bluegrass Capital” as well.

The 35th annual Bluegrass Jamboree at Oakdale Park ends April 1. Oakdale Park has a rich tradition hosting some of the premier bluegrass events and bluegrass music can be heard at Oakdale on a regular basis. Bluegrass music moves to Tres Rios, April 20 through 23 with its Spring Bluegrass Festival. Bands such as Star Canyon, the Martin Family and Midnight Flight are slated to perform throughout the weekend. For more information on Tres Rios call 254-897-7613 or go to www.tresrioscamping.com.

The Lone Star State Dulcimer Festival will take place at Oakdale Park, May 12, 13 and 14. A fun-filled family weekend with vendors and free concerts will provide a relaxing getaway. There will also be free workshops covering a number of instruments and styles of play including guitar, banjo and naturally dulcimer.

Visitors can enjoy music every Friday and Saturday in Glen Rose at the Warm Country Heart Theatre. Performances pay tribute to Floyd Cramer, Boots Randolph, and Chet Atkins with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday night and 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. For more information on Warm Country Heart call 254-898-2065 or go to www.warmcountryhearttheatre.com. Oakdale Park will host another unique event in April that will not involve music but should provide plenty of fun. A woodcarver rally will take place April 10 through 14 featuring woodcarvers from across the country. There will be an Early Bird Woodcarving at Oakdale Park April 3 through 7, followed by a Woodcarver Show and Sale April 8 and 9. For more information on all of the events at Oakdale Park call 254-897-2321 or go to www.oakdalepark.com. For more information on Glen Rose and the surrounding area, contact the Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-346-6282 or check out their web site at www.glenrosetexas.net. Come see why Glen Rose was named America’s Dream Town in 2004.

Grand Prairie April 2006 Events
by Cheri Pattillo, Public Information Officer, Grand Prairie Convention & Visitors Bureau

April 1-30 Simulcast Racing, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Simulcast racing is available seven days a week in the Post Time Pavilion, the Las Vegas-style racebook and sportsbar. Smoke-free simulcast available on Saturdays and Sundays on the second level of the Grand Stand. (Call for exact dates) Admission fee. Call 972-263-7223.

April 1-30 Annual Crappie Marathon, Grand Prairie. An entry fee of $10 must be paid before you begin fishing but is good for the whole marathon. The live fish are weighed in at the Marina and prizes are awarded $25 per day, $100 per week and $200 per month for the largest fish caught. Call 817-640-4200.

April 1 31st Annual Prairie Dog Chili Cookoff & World Championship Pickled Quail Egg Eating Contest, Traders Village, Grand Prairie. Traders Village hosts this cookoff that features showmanship, entertainment, fun, food and festivities for the whole family to have a "spicy" good time. Times: 8 a.m. to dusk. Cost: $2 parking fee. Call 972-647-2331.

April 1 Cheerleaders of America Competition, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 7, 14, 21, 28 Concert in the Park, Grand Prairie. Free concert series beginning at 7 p.m. for the entire family featuring at Turner Park Gazebo. Call Grand Prairie Arts Council at 972-642-2787 or 972-237-8100.

April 8 Jamarama, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 13-July 23 Premier Thoroughbred Season, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Experience world-class live Thoroughbred horse racing at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Wednesday through Sunday. Wed.-Fri. first race at 6:35 p.m. Sat. & Sun. first race at 1:35 p.m. Simulcast racing continues year-round at the Post Time Pavilion. Post Time Pavilion Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Post Time Pavilion Prices (non-live racing days): Admission - $2, General Parking - $2. Valet Parking - $4. Lone Star Park prices (live racing days): General Admission - $3, General Parking - $2. Valet Parking - $7. Call: 972-263-7223 Fax 972-262-5622

April 13 Premiere Stakes, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Tenth running of Texas-bred three-year-olds racing a distance of one mile for a $50,000 purse. Call 972-263-7223.

April 14 Chris Cagle, Lone Star Part at Grand Prairie. Lone Star Park features Chris Cagle following live racing on opening night. General admission tickets, $3, are available before 9:00 p.m. After 9 p.m. they increase to $15. Call 972-263-7223.

April 15 Lee Ann Womack, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Lone Star Park features Lee Ann Womack following live racing on opening night. General admission tickets, $3, are available before 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. they increase to $15. Call 972-263-7223.

April 15 The Bob Dylan Show with Merle Haggard, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 15 Eggstravaganza Traveling Easter Egg Hunt, Grand Prairie. The City of Grand Prairie will host a traveling Easter Egg Hunt at Bowles Park -9 a.m., Waggoner Park - 10 a.m., Tyre Park - 11 a.m., McFalls Park - noon, Mountain Creek Soccer Complex - 1 p.m. and Freedom Park - 2 p.m. Call 972-237-8100.

April 15 Family Fun Day, Traders Village, Grand Prairie. Open weekends 8 a.m. - Dusk. Parking fee $2. Call 972-647-2331.

April 15 Irving Distaff, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Tenth running of older fillies, mares race 7 furlongs on turf for a $75,000 purse. Call 972-263-7223.

April 16 Anthony Hamilton with Heather Headley, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 16 Easter Egg Hunt and Senior Citizen's Day, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Bring the kids ages 10 and younger to hunt for eggs and a chance to win a free iPod Shuffle. Call 972-263-7223.

April 19 Avenged Sevenfold/Coheed and Cambria, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 21 Party at the Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Enjoy imported beer drink specials from 7 to 11 on Friday nights plus great live music on the Heineken Stage, every Friday through July 15. Contact 972-263-7223.

April 22 Littlebitlively Stakes, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Second running of three-year-olds and up, a distance of 5 Furlongs for a $40,000 purse. This is also Budweiser "True Music" Saturday featuring live music in the Courtyard of Champions stage plus drink specials during the day. Call 972-263-7223.

April 22-23 Country Music Weekend, Traders Village, Grand Prairie. Open weekends 8 a.m. to dusk. Cost: $2 parking fee. Call 972-647-2331

April 23 Senior Citizens' Day, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Seniors 62 and better receive free general admission at the Grandstand. Call 972-263-7223.

April 24 Andre Rieu, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 27 Joe Satriani with Eric Johnson, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 28 Party at the Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Enjoy imported beer drink specials from 7 to 11 on Friday nights plus great live music on the Heineken Stage, every Friday through July 15. Contact 972-263-7223.

April 29 George Lopez, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

April 29 Dollar Day Returns to Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Enjoy $1 general parking, general admission, beginner's programs, hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks and draft beer during live racing. Call 972-263-7223.

April 29 Texas Mile (Gr. III) and Grand Prairie Turf Challenge, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie. Texas Mile is the $300,000 featured race of one mile for older horses. Grand Prairie Turf Challenge is a $75,000 one mile (turf) race for three-year-olds. Call 972-263-RACE

April 29 JEH Stallion Station Stakes, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Texas-bred fillies and mares will race a distance of 6 furlongs for a purse of $50,000. Call 972-263-7223.

April 29 Health Fair, Traders Village, Grand Prairie. Open weekends 8 a.m. to dusk. Cost: $2 parking fee. Call 972-647-2331.

Please note: All dates, times and events are subject to change.

World-renown jazz artist Joshua Redman headlines for Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, April 28, 2005. by Kim Phillips, Vice President, Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau

Jazz up your schedule on April 28, 29 & 30 by attending the annual Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. Great music, good food, beautiful art and many activities are planned for the whole family in Denton, Texas, where FUN IS THE THING and JAZZ IS KING! The Denton Civic Center Park, in the heart of downtown Denton, on 20 acres with adjacent facilities, provides the perfect setting for the 2 Ω day event that is free to the public. The Denton Festival Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with the City of Denton and the Dallas/Fort Worth American Federation of Musicians, produces the festival with support from individual and corporate sponsorships. Over 2,000 musicians, artists and performers attract over 200,000 annually to enjoy the culturally diverse music and art. Headliners include internationally renowned Joshua Redman, Robert Cray Band, and Brave Combo.

Move to the beat at one of 6 stages with jazz, blues and cross cultural music. Get in the groove and buy a special piece of art from 160 juried artists and crafters. The 12 and under set can mold, draw, sculpt and create at the Children's Art Tent. Treat yourself to delicious offerings at one of 5 food courts and don't miss the games and activities for the young and young at heart. Get inspired with festival rhythms around every corner. Come visit the music capital of North Texas. Join in the pride and celebration of our music and arts tradition, all showcased for a weekend of enjoyment for the whole family at the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. (Funded in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts)

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