Arlington, TX

Two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee will be making an appearance to discuss his life and career in “Reel to Real” on February 9 at Texas Hall.

Lee’s films include He Got Game, Inside Man, Malcolm X, Mo Better Blues, Do the Right Thing and 4 Little Girls. He also directed the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries about the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina called When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.

The drum arrangements for that documentary were created and played by Adonis Rose, a former New Orleans resident, and jazz artist in residence at UT Arlington. He also serves as artistic director of the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra. As part of Spike Lee’s appearance, Rose will lead the UTA Jazz Band in a free concert, “Music from the Films of Spike Lee.”

The events taking place to celebrate Lee’s visit will include:

A panel discussion and screening of When the Levees Broke
Monday, February 4 - Thursday, February 7 at 7 pm 
Room 148 of the Fine Arts Building
700 Greek Row Drive
Open to the public on a space-available basis

Adonis Rose leads the UTA Jazz Band in “Music from the Films of Spike Lee”
Friday, February 8 at 6:30 pm
Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center
300 W. First Street

Reception and Screening of Lee’s film Inside Man starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen and Jodie Foster
Friday, February 8 at 8:00 pm
Rosebud Theatre in the E.H. Hereford University Center
300 W. First Street

A full day of free film screenings - Malcom X, 4 Little Girls & Do the Right Thing
Saturday, February 9 beginning at 10:00 am
Room 148 of the Fine Arts Building
700 Greek Row Drive.

Spike Lee speaks “Reel to Real” 
Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 pm
Texas Hall
701 W. Nedderman Drive

Tickets for Lee’s lecture are $15 for the public, $10 for faculty, staff and UT Arlington Alumni Association members and $5 for UT Arlington students. A $50 ticket, which includes a reception with Lee, is available in limited supply. Call (817) 272-2963 or visit utatickets@uta.edu to purchase tickets.

It’s been a while since I’ve published a Calendar of Events but I’m going to try to get you one every Friday like I did in the past.

This weekend you can attend the Texas Fishing, Hunting and Outdoors show at the Arlington Convention Center,  enjoy the play Moonlight & Magnolias at Theatre Arlington, or catch one of your favorite bands at a local club. Here’s a list of what’s happening:

What: The FNG’s
When: Friday, Jan. 11 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: The Walton Stout Band
When: Friday, Jan. 11 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Texas Fishing, Hunting & Outdoors Show 
When: Friday, Jan. 11 - Sunday, Jan. 13 - Fri. & Sat. 10-8; Sun. 10-5
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, 817-459-5000

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What: Moonlight & Magnolias
When: Friday, Jan. 11 - Sunday, Jan.13,  Fri. & Sat. 8:00 pm; Sun. 2:00 pm
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St., 817-275-7661

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What: SPCA Pet Adoptions
When: Saturday, Jan. 12, Noon - 4pm
Where: The Parks at Arlington, 3811 S. Cooper Street, 817-467-0200

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What: Brighton’s “Go Red for Women” Breakfast
When: Saturday, Jan. 12, 9-10am
Where: The Parks at Arlington, 3811 S. Cooper Street, 817-467-0200

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What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

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What: Just N Tyme
When: Saturday, Jan. 12 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Hearsay
When: Saturday, Jan. 12 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

The Lights of Interlochen are glowing again. If you haven’t had a chance to see this display, I highly recommend it. Over 200 homeowners in the Interlochen neighborhood of northwest Arlington decorate their homes in displays that rival Clark Griswold. The Lights of Interlochen is one of the largest holiday light displays in north Texas. It runs daily until 11:30 pm from Saturday, December 15 through Christmas Day.  

Motorists are being asked to enter the neighborhood from Randol Mill Road at Westwood Drive. The Arlington Police Department will be on hand with traffic control posts to help things moving smoothly.  All other streets to the Interlochen neighborhood will be closed. Left turns are prohibited from northbound Bowen at Westwood and at Westwood and Crowley. No U-turns are allowed at Westwood and Findlay. 

Traffic is very congested during peak times. For the most pleasant viewing experience, try to visit during the week. Here are a few more tips to help make your trip through Interlochen a little more enjoyable:

• Be Patient! Traffic is heavy and moves slowly. 
• Adults and children must be properly secured by safety belts and child safety seats. 
• Traffic must keep right at all times, leaving the left lane open for emergency vehicles and Interlochen homeowners. 
• Pedestrian traffic is permitted. Roller skating in the street is prohibited by the Arlington Municipal Code.

Directions:

From I-30, take the Fielder Road exit and go south to Randol Mill Road. Turn right on Randol Mill Road and follow it to Westwood Drive; or you can take the Eastchase Parkway exit from I-30, turn east on Meadowbrook Boulevard to Randol Mill Road, then right on Randol Mill Road to Westwood Drive.

For a printable map of the area, visit the City’s website.

To signal the arrival of the holiday season, a 51-foot blue spruce was hoisted up in front of City Hall on Abram Street this morning. The $6,000 tree (paid for by private donations) was hauled in from Manton, Michigan.

The official lighting of the Christmas tree will immediately follow the annual Holiday Lights Parade which will take place on December 8 at 6 p.m. The parade is sponsored by the Arlington Star-Telegram and the Arlington Christmas Parade, Inc. It will feature antique cars, bands, drill teams, lighted floats, mounted units, and a visit from Santa. In addition, spectators can enjoy the old-fashioned feel of the decorated businesses on Main Street while drinking hot chocolate and snacking on roasted nuts. I encourage you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping to enjoy a night out with the family and enjoy the parade.

For more information on the upcoming Holiday Lights Parade, visit http://www.arlingtonparadeoflights.com/.

Fashion designer and television personality Tim Gunn will be making an appearance at the Dillard’s in the Parks at Arlington Mall this Saturday, November 17 at 1:00 p.m.

Gunn, a native of Washington, D.C., has appeared as a mentor and judge on Bravo’s show Project Runway since its first season in 2004. Project Runway is a reality competition show in which contestants compete to create the best clothes within the limitations of time, materials, and theme. Their designs are judged and one or more are eliminated each week. Gunn is known to Project Runway viewers for catchphrases like “Make it work” and “Carry on.” He also has another series, Tim Gunn’s Guide To Style, which debuted this season on Bravo. It it, he gives advice to fashion-challenged individuals. If you’re not familiar with his Bravo shows, you may remember him from a couple of Ugly Betty episodes he appeared in, as himself, last season.

In addition to his television credits, Gunn served Chair of Fashion Design at Parsons, The New School for Design until earlier this year. He is currently the chief creative officer for Liz Claiborne and the author of the book Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style.

The event this Saturday at Dillard’s will feature a holiday fashion show, along with giveaways, music, refreshments and prizes! Shoppers who spend at least $100 on regular-priced merchandise will be professionally photographed with Tim Gunn and receive a personalized signed copy of his new book, Tim Gunn:A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style. If you’d like to be a part of Saturday’s festivities, call 817-465-0718 for more information or to R.S.V.P.

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday,  November 4. That means you will need to “fall back” one hour.

The change takes place a week later than in the past due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This act changed the dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. beginning in 2007. DST began on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, extending DST by several weeks.

This is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors. Instead of waiting for the batteries to die, go ahead and change them now. It’ll help keep your family safe and save you from listening to that dreaded beeping that only ever happens in the middle of the night.

Free smoke detectors, installation and replacement batteries are available for elderly and low income residents by calling the Arlington Fire Department at 817-459-5500.

Happy Halloween everyone! I’m sure you all have big plans for this evening, especially if you have kids. Whether you’re going to a family festival, a haunted house, a real haunted place, or just doing some good old fashioned trick-or-treating, make sure you stay safe. Yesterday we gave you tips for keeping your pet safe and today we’ll share a few tips to help keep the kiddos safe as well:

• Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Cross the street only at corners.
• Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars.
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so you are more visible. We always add a little to our pumpkin and wear a glow stick too!
• Plan your route and share it with your family. Adults should accompany the little ones.
• Carry a flashlight to light your way.
• Watch out for those jack-o-lanterns! (Costumes can be extremely flamable.)
• Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
• Never go into a stranger’s house. Take candy at the door only.
• Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes.
• Be cautious of animals and strangers.
• Grown-ups should inspect treats. Don’t eat candy if the package is already opened. Remember small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

My kids haven’t decided if they’d rather go the festival route or just trick-or-treat. They’ll probably change their minds ten times between now and tonight. Whatever you choose to do tonight, have a great time and be safe!

Halloween can be fun for our kids, but our fur babies don’t always fare so well. It can be a stressful time for pets with trick-or-treaters ringing the doorbell and walking by the yard dressed in scary costumes. There are always a few pranksters out there who steal or kill pets on Halloween night. The ASPCA has a few tips to help us keep our pets safe and make Halloween less stressful on our furry friends.

• Don’t leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween. Pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, or even kill pets.
• Trick-or-Treat candy is not a treat for pets. Remember, chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals and wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
• Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin. It could be knocked over and cause a fire.
• Don’t dress your pet in a costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal.
• If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn’t constricting, annoying or unsafe.
• Be careful not to obstruct your pet’s vision. Even the sweetest pet can get snappy when they can’t see what’s going on around them.
• All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours. Strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog.
• Be careful your cat or dog doesn’t dart out through the open door while you hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Remember, it’s up to us to make sure our pets feel safe on Halloween and every other day of the year. Following these tips can help.

Photo via LinkStink.com

Many local churches and other organizations are offering alternatives to the traditional door-to-door trick or treating. This Halloween night, you are sure to find something in your part of town. Here are a few going on Wednesday night:

Festival 31, 6 - 10 p.m., is a family-friendly Halloween-alternative at Fielder Road Baptist Church, 1323 W Pioneer Parkway. This is one of the biggest festivals in the area, featuring food, costumes, inflateables, games and prizes (including an X-box 360, Ipods and more). Free. 817-460-2234.

Shreek on the Creek, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Princesses, superheroes, and other costumed guest are invited. So get ready for tasty candy, delicious snack foods and tons of fun! The Church on Rush Creek, 2300 SW Green Oaks Blvd. 817-468-7729.

Fall-A-Ween, 6 p.m., Northeast Branch Library, 1905 Brown Blvd. Booths, games, candy and story time presented by the Teen Library Council. Costumes encouraged. 817-277-5573.

Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church Fall Festival, 6-8:30 p.m., 126 E. Park Row Drive. Games, nonscary costumes, food, candy and prizes. Free. 817-860-0363.

Lamar Baptist Church Family Fun Festival, 6-8:30 p.m., 1000 W. Lamar Blvd. Crafts, games, carnival food, bounce houses, candy and prizes. Free. 817-860-2957.

Overcoming Faith Christian Center annual festival, 6-8:30 p.m., 6900 U.S. 287 at Eden Road. Hayrides, music, food, bounce houses, giant slide, prizes and more. Free.

Fellowship of the Metroplex free fall festival, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7000 U.S. 287 S. Hayrides, games, bounce houses, candy and prizes, concessions, silent auction, bingo, costume contest and more.

Greek Halloween Carnival, 6:30-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center, University of Texas at Arlington, 300 W. First St. Booths, games, candy and prizes. 817-272-2963.

Halloween Safe House, 7-8 p.m., Fox Run Estates, 2315 Little Road. Residents host the free event for local children. Wear costumes. 817-492-8600.

Halloween Carnival and Pumpkin Path, 6-8 p.m., Pantego Fire Station, 1614 S. Bowen Road. Pumpkin-carving contest starts at 7 p.m. Free. 817-548-5858.

I know I can’t have everything listed here so if you know of another carnival or festival, drop us a comment and we’ll add you to the list.

If you prefer the spookier haunted houses, check our post about ongoing Halloween events.

Source

It’s the weekend before Halloween and there is much to be done! Many of the local clubs are having their Halloween parties. My friend Dave (The Catman) and his band, the Kiss tribute Destroyer, will be headlining Hod Rods and Hoggs big bash. Check them out if you get a chance. The Fall Festival, which includes trick or treating and roller skating, will take place at Elzie Odom Rec Center on Saturday night. If you don’t want to head out at night, check out Batty at the Ballpark on Saturday afternoon. Have fun and be safe!

What: Pump Jack Mary
When: Friday, Oct. 26 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Inflateable Love Boys
When: Friday, Oct. 26 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Drive 
When: Friday, Oct. 26, 9:30 pm
Where: Hot Rods & Hoggs, 706 N. Watson Road, 817-649-5220

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What: Batty at the Ballpark
When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 10am to 2pm
Where: The Ballpark in Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way, 817-273-5097

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What: Fall Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Elzie Odom Recreation Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd, 817-462-3700

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What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 27 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

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What: Velvet Love Box
When: Sat., Oct. 27 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Incognito
When: Saturday, Oct. 27 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Destroyer (Kiss Tribute) 
When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 9:30 pm
Where: Hot Rods & Hoggs, 706 N. Watson Road, 817-649-5220

For a list of all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun check out this post!

There are plenty of Fall-related events around town this weekend. Many churches are having their fall carnivals and the haunted houses are in full-swing. You can have your picture made in the Pumpkin Patch or attend the Texas Guitar Show. And, as always, there is lots of great music to choose from. I bet you can find something fun for your family to do.

Have a great weekend everyone!

What: The Nosmo Kings
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Metal Shop
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Little Legends Storytime & Ballpark After Dark Sleepover
When: Friday, Oct. 19 (call for times)
Where: Legends of the Game Museum, 1000 Ballpark Way, ste. 400, 817-273-5600

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What: Family Fun Campout
When: Friday, Oct. 19 @ 8 pm
Where: Lake Arlington

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What: Texas Guitar Show
When: Fri. - Sun., Oct. 19-21
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, 817-459-5000

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What: Pumpkin Patch Pictures
When: Sat., Oct. 20, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: Arlington Animal Services, 5920 W. Pioneer Pkwy., 817-451-3436

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What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 20 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

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What: Clear Fork
When: Sat., Oct. 20 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Uptown
When: Saturday, Oct. 20 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What:  The Party Crashers
When: Saturday, Oct. 20, 9:30 pm
Where: Reflections (Inside the Admiral Hotel), 1507 N. Watson rd., 817-640-7712

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For a list of all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun check out this post! And don’t forget about Julius Jones at the Parks on Monday night!

Julius Jones, starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys, will be making an appearance at the Parks Mall from 6 pm to 8pm on Monday, October 22. He will sign autographs and pose for photos. Fans can bring their own memorabilia to be signed, or may purchase the following that night:

• 8×10 photos
• Mini-helmet
• Replica full size helmet
• Authentic NFL helmet
• Authentic NFL football
• Three panel white football

Jones was the Cowboys’ first round draft pick in 2004. So far in his 37 career games and 35 career starts, he has rushed for 2,896 yards (78.3 yards-per-game), including 2,864 in the 35 starts (81.8 yards-per game). In those 35 career starts he has rushed for over 70 yards 23 times. His 2,896 yards through three seasons put him in eighth place on the club’s all-time rushing list.

My friend KC at Signature Collectables also tells me that 3 young fans from the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be at the event to make their wish come true by meeting their football hero. How great of Julius to do this for these extra special fans. He must be quite a guy. Kudos to all who helped put this together!

If you’d like to meet Julius Jones, come on out. The Parks at Arlington Mall is located at 3811 South Cooper Street (Cooper and I-20) in Arlington. Jones’ appearance will take place on the Lower Level in Center Court. For information call The Parks at 817-467-0200 or email Signature Collectables.

We have lots of great music around town, as usual. It’s also the last weekend to catch Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre Arlington. After Dark in the Park is going on for the kids at River Legacy Park.  And the SPCA will be set up for pet adoptions in the lower level of the Parks Mall, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Have a great weekend everyone!

What: Holland K. Smith
When: Friday, Oct. 12 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: Rat Ranch
When: Fri. - Sat., Oct. 12-13 @ 9:45 pm
Where: Sherlock’s Baker Street Pub, 245 Lincoln Square Center, 817-226-2300

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What: Arlington Master Chorale
When: Fri. - Sat., Oct. 12-13 @ 8:00 pm
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2024 S Collins St, 817-277-6871

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What: Little Shop of Horrors (final weekend!)
When: Fri.-Sun., Oct. 12-14 @ 8 pm
Where: Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St., 817-275-7661

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What: After Dark in the Park (ages 2 to 10)
When: Fri. - Sun., Oct. 12-14 (see website for times)
Where: River Legacy Park, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd at Cooper St, 817-861-2576

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What: Johnnie High’s Country Revue
When: Sat., Oct. 13 at 7:30 pm
Where: Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center Street, 817-226-4400

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What: Swan Song Tributes
When: Sat., Oct. 13 @ 9:30 pm
Where: Stumpy’s Blues Bar, 2811 W. Division St., 817-275-3231

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What: SPCA Pet Adoptions 
When: Saturday, Oct. 13, Noon to 4:00 pm
Where: The Parks at Arlington, 3811 S. Cooper Street, 817-467-0200

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And don’t forget all of the Haunted Houses and other Halloween fun. You can find a listing of all of the spooky fun by clicking here!

Looking for something spooky to do this Halloween season? Or maybe you’d like a family-friendly event? Look no further! Here is your list of all the Arlington Halloween haunts.

After Dark in the Park
Oct 12-14
Cost: $6
River Legacy Parks
A great alternative to the “spooky” that is the norm of the season, this family-friendly fall festival features professional storytelling, a starlight stroll through the woods, karaoke, pumpkin patch, a unique children’s craft and activities area, concessions and much more. Enjoy live raptor shows on Friday and Saturday evenings by the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center. Ages 2-10. For more information call 817-861-2576 or visit http://www.riverlegacy.org/. (more…)

I’m a few days late, but the October Calendar of Events is finally here! If you’re looking for Halloween events, click here to see what’s on the schedule around town.

EVENTS FOR OCTOBER

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