Dear Friends,
This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by the Mrs. Texas United States Pageant, the official state preliminary to the Mrs. United States Pageant, the premiere competition for married women. See how you could become the next Mrs. Frisco…or Mrs. Texas. Also check out the spotlight on Frisco Ducks Unlimited and their upcoming banquet. They have an incredible deal for newsletter readers to attend the banquet this year. I’ve been attending for a number of years now and it is a great time so take advantage of this unbelievable offer. A lot of work goes into putting this newsletter together and I greatly appreciate the support of our sponsors so please patronize them wherever possible.
If you would like to advertise in this newsletter and reach more than 33,000 captive residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding communities, many different opportunities are available to you. It’s the most efficient and cost effective form of advertising in this area so please email sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more information.
Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up to receive it themselves. They will greatly appreciate you for it as no citizen should be without this important information at their fingertips.
One of the comments/questions I hear a lot these days is why does the City Council continue to allow new houses to be constructed while we are in these drought conditions. Quite frankly, permits issued this month, or last month, won’t result in occupied homes until after the first of the year, at the earliest. The current drought conditions, the worst in over 100 years, are temporary and are certainly expected to pass. In my opinion, it would not make good business sense, never mind the legal and liability issues that could arise, to stop issuing building permits. It would put a greater tax burden on existing citizens and the growth would simply move to surrounding communities, providing them with the tax benefits while still drawing from the same water source.
Thank you to all the citizens who participated in National Night Out this week. It’s a great way to visit with and meet new neighbors. I tried to get to as many parties as I could and enjoyed visiting with many of you.
Don’t forget that this Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the sales tax holiday weekend.
Congratulations to Frisco resident Jennifer Hayden, Mrs. Texas United States 2006, who was named a top ten finalist at the Mrs. United States competition held last week in Las Vegas. The competition will be televised on PAX television network in early September. Frisco has had quite the success in pageantry lately...Miss Texas Teen America, Ilsa Levine, a student at Frisco High School, recently was named 1st runner up at Miss Teen America. Shilah Phillips, who represented Frisco in the Miss Texas competition last month will be competing at Miss America in the early part of 2007. Congrats to all of these accomplished women!
Lots of great information in this newsletter as always including information on Monte Carlo Night, the Gene Autry Festival, baseball tryouts, Arts Gala Annual Event, Great Steak of Texas, information on the Texas Tornado 2006-2007 hockey schedule, Alaina Thompson fundraiser, upcoming Frisco Fire Department classes for citizens, community events, charity events, and so much more. As a result of so much going on, this newsletter is long, so sit back, relax and enjoy.
If you have questions or have any community events, people or groups you want to recognize, fundraising events, or any newsworthy items you would like to see added and shared with more than thirty-three thousand residents and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please send them to me at matt@mattlafata.com so I may include them. The newsletter goes out each Thursday and I need materials by the end of the day on the preceding Wednesday if you want something to be included.
Newsletter Sponsor – Mrs. Texas United States Pageant:
The Mrs. Texas United States Pageant is the official state preliminary to the Mrs. United States Pageant, the premiere competition for married women. The state event will be held May 11-13 at the Westin Stonebriar Resort. This is the third consecutive year Frisco has been chosen as the host city.
Contestants must be 21 by July 23, 2007 and married. Children, age and height are not considering factors. (The reigning Mrs. Texas, Jennifer Hayden, is 28 years-old and 5’3”.) Last year’s winner was 45 with 3 biological and 23 foster children. No experience is necessary. This is a fun, low-stress girls’ weekend with an opportunity to make new friends from all over the state. An outing with husbands is planned; last year, the couples were treated to a wine tasting at Crossroads Winery in Frisco, complete with dinner and music.
Due to the number of married women who have expressed interest in the Mrs. Frisco title, interviews will be held on October 22 at Lenz Boutique to choose a new Mrs. Frisco for the 2007 event. At this local level, candidates will only have to undergo a 5 minute private panel-style interview based on a one page bio. The winner gets her entry fee paid to the state competition. To get an application, email info@mrstexasunitedstates.com or call 972.987.5398. Deadline to apply is October 1 and more information can be found on the website at www.mrstexasunitedstates.com
If you have a business, restaurant or a service and are interested in advertising and reaching more than 33,000 individuals and businesses in Frisco and the surrounding areas, please email us at sales@mattlafatamarketing.com for more details. The newsletter is also included on the web site www.mattlafatamarketing.com and www.frisco-online.com for additional exposure. It’s a great way to promote your business, promote an event at your place of business and is the most cost effective way to reach a large segment of the Frisco population. You may want to also consider providing a special offer to newsletter readers only.
Spotlight on…The 9th Annual Frisco Ducks Unlimited Banquet:
Purchase a dinner ticket for $40. ($35 off the $75 ticket price at door), by mentioning Matt Lafata’s Newsletter, call 972-743-5230.
The Frisco DU Chapter has raised over $600,000 the past 8 years. Proceeds help fund many of the wetland conservation projects by Ducks Unlimited (DU).
DU conserves, restores and manage wetlands/habitats for North Americas waterfowl. These habitats also benefit a wide range of wildlife and people. DU is able to accomplish this through it grassroots fund-raising events.
Over the past year DU has converted 87% of their proceeds directly to conservation work. DU has worked to conserve over 155,000 acres of waterfowl habitat throughout Texas since 1985. DU’s Texas CARE Initiative seeks to protect and restore an additional 62,500 acres in Texas.
Date: Thursday, August 17, 2006, 5:30 pm
Location: Embassy Suites Conference Center, 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr., Frisco
Contact: Ron Geels, 972-743-5230, ron.geels@eds.com
How does DU compare to other conservation groups?
DU is the world's largest private, non-profit, waterfowl and wetland conservation organization. By any measure, DU is one of the largest conservation/environmental groups in the world, with more than 1 million supporters in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
What are wetlands?
Wetlands are areas inundated, or saturated, by surface water or groundwater that support hydric, or water-loving vegetation. Wetlands are also known as swamps, marshes, bogs, and many other localized names. Wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems on earth, and continue to be destroyed at an alarming rate.
How does DU conserve wetlands and habitat?
DU has various ways to conserve, restore and enhance habitat.
Restoring Grasslands
DU and its partners help to secure and restore these grasslands to reduce predation rates and improve nest success.
Replanting Forests
Forests that flood regularly due to overflowing riverbanks, such as the bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, make for ideal wintering habitat for ducks, and provide essential breeding and foraging habitat for wildlife species.
Restoring Watersheds
A watershed is the area surrounding a wetland, and has a great effect on the water quality and general health of a wetland. When watersheds are disturbed, silt, nutrients and contaminants can be washed into downstream wetlands, impacting the flora and fauna that inhabit these systems
Working With Landowners
Nearly 3/4 of America's remaining wetlands are on private lands. All over North America, DU works with farmers, ranchers and landowners to improve the agricultural and recreational value of their land, making it more wildlife-friendly.
Working With Partners
Virtually all of DU's projects are done in cooperation with partners, including state and federal agencies, private corporations and foundations, and individuals.
Acquiring Land
DU will purchase property then restore it to improve its value to wildlife. Once the habitat work is complete, DU will then sell or donate the property, usually to a government agency that will manage it for wildlife.
How do I start a DU project on my land?
First step is to assure that the proposed project fits the DU mission and objectives of DU’s Priority Areas and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Next, DU staff will determine whether it is viable from biological and engineering standpoints. The project is then placed in priority order for funding.
For more information on DU http://www.ducks.org/Aboutdu/
Population of Frisco:
The estimated residential population is 89,071 people as of August 1, 2006
Water Restrictions and Drought Update:
Please remember that we are still in Stage 3 water restrictions and continued compliance can make the difference in whether we go to Stage 4 or not. So far we are doing well as a community and I would like to thank all of the citizens for doing their part.
Lots of rumors continue to circulate about Stage 4. The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTWMD) wants to further evaluate the effects that the Stage 3 restrictions are having on the water conservation efforts before a decision is made to go to Stage 4. The NTMWD will meet later this month and if we do go to Stage 4 it would be at least 60 to 90 days. That would put us into October, or later, and hopefully we would be having some rain and cooler weather by then. However, it seems probable that we will remain in Stage 3 restrictions at least well into next year.
Also, our Parks department continues to monitor field conditions and it does appear that Fall recreation leagues will not be affected by the drought conditions.
Pledge of Allegiance:
If you know of a deserving individual or group you would like to recognize by having them lead the Pledge at one of our City Council meetings, please let me know. If you have any kind of youth group, kids who have done something special, adult veterans, volunteers, or just anybody who would like to lead us in the Pledge at one of our meetings, please let me know. Our regular meetings are the first and third Tuesday of each month and the Pledge is at 6:30 p.m.
Monte Carlo Night 2006 is this Saturday, August 5 - Do you have your tickets yet?:
Tickets are now on sale at Classique Jewelers, on-line at www.mcn-frisco.org, or at the St. Francis Church office. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Enter the special Texas Hold’em tournament. Buy-in now at www.mcn-frisco.org.
Gaming casino tables and professional dealers provided by Blackjack with Class, the Casino Party Professionals. The gaming tables and a portion of the dealer services have been donated for the evening by Blackjack with Class, Inc.
Entertainment: Frisco musician Ryan Michael Galloway will be performing live . . . come and enjoy his distinct and unique sound!
Auctions: Our silent and live auctions feature exceptional and distinctive items, and there are also terrific gaming raffle prizes.
Food and Drink: Delicious hors d’oeuvres, desserts and libations (beer and wine). All included in the price of your ticket!
Ticket Sales are limited, so please don’t delay in purchasing yours today. Don’t miss the ‘Evening on the Texas Riviera’.
All proceeds from this event benefit the St. Francis of Assisi building fund.
Parks and Recreation Events to put on your Calendar:
The sixth annual Mother Son Dance will take place on Saturday, September 16 at Centennial High School. The theme this year is “Dynamic Duo” and tickets will go on sale August 16.
Merry Main Street will take place Saturday, December 2, and the location is still being discussed.
The 2007 Daddy Daughter Dance will take place on Saturday, February 17 at the Frisco Conference Center. Tickets will go on sale most likely in January but watch this newsletter for details.
First Annual Labor Day Party – Looking For Donations:
Westfall Village HOA is proud to announce our 1st Annual Labor Day Neighborhood Party on September 4, 2006. We are looking for companies or organizations in Frisco who would like to donate items for our raffle. Any company who makes a contribution will be given recognition in our HOA newsletter.
Please contact Stacy Herrington at 972) 987-5174 if you are able to provide a donation. We appreciate your support of our community!
The Saint Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary 5th annual holiday bazaar is October 28th this year:
Crafters and home-based businesses, we are now taking booth reservations for our 5th annual bazaar.
The front room prices are:
$50.00 for one 6x8 space
$95.00 for two
All other rooms are:
$45.00 for one 6x8 space
$85.00 for two
Tables are $5.00 apiece for any room
Please call: Mary Lamanno @ 972-712-8941 for reservations and/or information
Frisco Ranch 3rd Annual Community Yard Sale:
Saturday, August 5th 7am-Noon Over 30 homes participating. Directions: West on El Dorado to FM423 North. Make right onto FM 423 go 2 miles, Frisco Ranch will be on the Left. This community regularly makes donations to Frisco Family Services Food Bank and Frisco Resale Shop.
Vendors Wanted for Holiday Bazaar at Grace Avenue UMC:
The 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2006. Sixty booths are available inside two buildings on the Grace Avenue campus. The Bazaar will be held in conjunction with the last weekend of our pumpkin patch, Pumpkins on the Prairie, and will be well-advertised in the month of October through this newsletter, signage around Frisco, the Frisco Enterprise and other outlets.
If you sell hand-crafted items or have a home-based business and would like to participate, please contact Lisa McDonald at barryandlisamcdonald@comcast.net and you will receive a contract and all the details about the Holiday Bazaar.
(Sorry, we have already accepted vendors selling Mary Kay, Arbonne, Cookie Lee, Homemade Gourmet, Stampin' UP!, Tastefully Simple and Southern Living for this year's Bazaar.)
St Philip's Episcopal Church is in Need of Donated Lawn Care Equipment:
The 10 acre church campus is maintained solely by volunteers using generously donated equipment. The church needs riding and push mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, hand tools such as shovels and rakes, and a storage building to store the equipment. Commercial grade equipment is preferred, but all donations are welcome and appreciated. Frisco Lawn and Power will service and restore all donated gasoline powered equipment prior to use. Please contact Geoffrey Davis regarding any donations at gdavis@FriscoMortgageGuy.com or 972-712-2004.
Upcoming Fundraising Event for Alaina Thompson:
The Scotty P's Fundraiser Night for Alaina Thompson will take place on Monday, August 7 from 5:00 pm-8:30 pm with 10% of sales and all staff tips going to Alaina. Frisco Gymnastics will provide a bounce house for this event. Scotty P’s is located on the SE corner of Preston & Lebanon in Frisco—hope to see you there!
Alaina Thompson is a 5-year-old resident of Grayhawk in Frisco. Alaina was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a form of cancer, in May. She is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and preparing for a bone marrow transplant in September. Alaina's family has set up a website to update family and friends on her progress and they appreciate comments of encouragement. Here is the site if you would like to visit it: www.caringbridge.org/visit/alaina.
Frisco RoughRiders 10u Tryouts:
The North Texas Baseball Alliance/FBSA 9U regular season champion Select Frisco Roughriders are moving up to 10U this Fall! We will be holding tryouts the first week of August. Tryouts will be on Saturday August 5th and Sunday August 6th. Games will be held on Sundays only over a 9 week period (there will be 6 doubleheaders over the 9 week season with an end-of-season tournament). Please contact coach Joe Hockaday at jhockadaycpa@yahoo.com or coach Billy Heath at bheath@moodynational.com for more information.
Texas Senators 11U:
The Texas Senators 11U select baseball team is now looking for new players for the fall 2006 season. Prefer select experience Catcher & Pitchers. Tryouts are set for August 6th. Please visit our website for more information at http://eteamz.active.com/texassenators/ or contact Tim 214-546-4723
Texas Tornados 11U:
The Texas Tornados Select baseball club (Fall 2006 11U) is now looking to fill positions. Based out of Frisco. Please contact: Dan Travis for team and tryout information. ttbaseball@comcast.net (469)-855-0244
Frisco Express 10U Looking For Players:
The Frisco Express Baseball Club is currently seeking players for the 2006 Fall Season in the Select 10U age division, we will play USSSA AA league and tournaments in Frisco or surrounding area. Previous experience with a select team and tournament play as a pitcher is a plus. For the Fall 2006 season, all players cannot be older than 10 years old on April 30, 2007. Please contact Coach Jay Acosta at 972-983-6363 or tryouts@friscoexpress.org. Visit our team website at www.friscoexpress.org
North Texas Athletics 11U Baseball Looking For Players:
The North Texas Athletics Baseball Club is currently seeking players for the 2006 Fall Season in the Select 11U age division, we will play USSSA AA league and tournaments in Frisco or surrounding area. Previous experience with a select team and tournament play as a pitcher is a plus. For the Fall 2006 season, all players cannot be older than 11 years old on April 30, 2007. Please contact Coach Rod Thorburn at 817-538-8326 or rthorburn@clearchannel.com Visit our website at www.ntathletics.org
Frisco Lobos 13U Baseball Tryouts:
The Frisco Lobos, a 13U select baseball club, will be holding tryouts on Saturday, August 5 and 12 from 9 am to noon at Warren Sports Complex. For more information, contact Ray Lara at (972) 358-6670 or Jim Lowery at (214) 939-4983.
Frisco Force 10U Girls Select Fastpitch:
New Frisco Force
Girls Select Fastpitch 10U will be holding open tryouts on Saturday, August
5th and August 12th at the Frisco High School Softball field. Workouts will
begin at 4:00pm until 6:30pm.
We are looking to build two teams consisting of 96 & 97 birthdays. All
positions are open. These two teams will be headed up by Ricardo Cantu and
Emilio Villa.
If you have any question, please contact Ricardo Cantu @ 214-498-4134 or email
ricardocantu@sbcglobal.net.
Sem Elementary PTA Meet and Greet:
Sem Elementary will be celebrating the opening of our new school.
PTA Meet and Greet will be held on Friday August 4th at 7:00 p.m.
This will take place at Mourning Dove Park inside Panther Creek Estates.
Please bring a picnic dinner.
Cookies and punch will be provided.
Come out and make some new friends.
Curtsinger Elementary is holding an Ice Cream Social:
The Curtsinger Elementary PTA is inviting you and your family to attend an Old Fashioned, Ice Cream Social to meet our NEW PRINCIPAL, J'Lynn Anderson.
Saturday, August 5th from 6-8pm at the Curtsinger Cafeteria
Bring your favorite Ice Cream to share. We will supply the toppings and bowls.
If you know any incoming Kindergarten families who do not already have students at Curtsinger....please pass the word! We hope to see everyone there!
Questions: Contact Cheri Russell mypinkrose@sbcglobal.net
Frisco Chapter of the ABWA Upcoming Meeting:
The Frisco Charter Chapter of American Business Women (ABWA) meets the second Monday of each month. Our new meeting location will be The Cypress Grill at Embassy Suites Hotel as of Monday August 14. Networking begins at 6:00 p.m. Please contact Sandie Chance at chances@ix.netcom.com or call 214.543.5413 for more information.
Local Author Pens First Novel:
Preconceived Notions, the first
novel from local author Patrick Lacaille, was recently released from publisher
Author House. Preconceived Notions
is a fictional tale that chronicles the lives of four friends living in north
Texas and the struggles of balancing friendship and family in a modern world.
A free preview and synopsis of the book is available at the publishers web
site at
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~39643.aspx
The novel may be purchased via the Internet at
www.BarnesandNoble.com or directly from the publisher’s web site.
Frisco Youth are Invited to a Youth Math Challenge Focusing on Water Use in the Home:
The Texas nonprofit, Onebranch.org makes it debut in Frisco by offering a Youth Math Challenge on Water Use in the Home to Frisco Youth.
The Texas nonprofit Onebranch.org has a working hypothesis for Frisco – “Fresh Ideas Flourish in Frisco”
Why Now, Why Frisco? –
For the last five years, Onebranch has been researching science and math resources and looking for ways to encourage youth participation in community issues. With Board members in various Texas towns, Onebranch spends their time visiting libraries, creating supplemental learning materials and offering their research and materials to cities in Texas.
Several of the board members live near Frisco, and the founder moved here a few months ago from Austin, TX. “Everywhere we go, we try to share our resources and encourage events that involve people in community issues,” said a spokesperson for Onebranch.org
Two prizes will be award in the Youth Math Challenge, which is ongoing until August 15, 2006, with a deadline for responses set at August 20, 2006.
Math Challenge Cards have been being handed out around town and details are also available in the e-science room at www.onebranch.org. The Challenge questions include starting with a gallon of water, carrying it to get a sense of its weight, then solving equations to determine how much a 30 gallon bath would weigh and how much a ten gallon bath would weigh. From there, participating Youth are asked to look at ways their family can save water in the home and share their insights, including interviewing older family members like grandpa and grandma.
The goals of the challenge are to reduce water consumption, encourage youth ideas, and encourage families to collectively find creative solutions to issues that affect the whole community.
“We have a hunch that Frisco Youth has great ideas, and we want them to have a opportunity to express those ideas,” said Lisa Westbrook, Onebranch Event Coordinator and facilitator of community participation. Several Frisco volunteers have been handing out cards, and helping get the word out about the challenge.
For more information, please contact onebranch.org at 214 705-8220
Frisco Special Olympics:
Frisco Special Olympics is seeking resourceful volunteers to form a fundraising committee for our 2007 Golf Tournament. This committee will seek local business sponsorship, as well as player acquisition throughout the year. If you are interested in joining an organization committed to our athletes' success, please contact Tony Deyoe via email txtiger1@comcast.net or phone 214-551-1057.
IKEA Events for the Month of August:
*Stop by IKEA where it's always a fun day out for the entire family!
*Our new 2007 Catalog is here! The first week of August residents will receive their new catalog in the paper or by mail. It's larger than last year, so get ready for great new products and incredible prices!
*We've got face painters, balloon artists and live music every weekend in August to celebrate our new catalog. So come shop, dance, sing and enjoy a fun day out for the entire family at IKEA.
*TAX FREE WEEKEND! It's gonna be busy and FUN! We've got entertainment scheduled for adults and children, so stop by the store and enjoy!
*Plant a tree, Clean the Air, Cool the Globe. IKEA is partnering with American Forests to reduce CO2 emissions in our country. Donate $1 today to help us in this program.
Visit the IKEA Frisco store's webpage at www.ikea-usa.com for more information on our savings and events calendar.
There's always something happening at IKEA Frisco, so be sure to check out our monthly event calendar on our Frisco store link on www.ikea-usa.com for more great buys and fun events!
Eagle Scout Project to Collect Food:
My name is Alex Cottam and I am a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 51. I am currently working on my Eagle Project which consists of:
Step 1: I am building 3 permanent food collection boxes that can be placed throughout the city of Frisco so that donations can be collected year round.
Step 2: I am organizing a citywide food drive to benefit Frisco Family Services Center. In order to collect food, I am holding food drives at Brookshire’s and Kroger’s on Saturday, August 5th & August 12th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. I am also running a food drive at First United Methodist Church on August 12th.
Finally, I am putting out baskets at local churches to collect food on Sunday, August 6th and Sunday August 13th. I have sent a message to every Church in Frisco requesting a food drive for Sunday, August 6th or Sunday, August 13th. So far, I have received positive responses from several churches but would like to add as many as possible. If you think you can help organize a food drive at your church, please let me know. I will work with you to make sure everything runs smoothly. I can be reached at: alex_cottam@hotmail.com.
Thanks for any help that you can give,
Alex Cottam - alex_cottam@hotmail.com
Firefighters Collecting for the MDA this Weekend:
Firefighters will be on various streets for the next couple of days collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
They will be at
the intersections of Preston/Warren, Lebanon/Legacy and Main/Teel from 7:30am
till approx 10:00am and then again from 4:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday.
Saturday they will be out from 7:30am until it gets too hot. Saturday Night
they will be outside the gates at the Dr Pepper Ballpark before the
Roughriders Game.
The International Association of Firefighters is the biggest contributor to
the Muscular Dystrophy Association every year. So come out and support them,
as they support all the kids from MDA.
The Gene Autry 99th Birthday Festival:
2006 will mark the 99th Birthday of America's favorite singing Cowboy, Gene Autry. Traditionally, this festival has been held in his hometown of Tioga, Texas. This year the celebration, with an expected attendance of over 30,000, has gotten "too big for Tioga". It will be held October 6, 7, 8, 2006 at the “world famous” Southfork Ranch in Plano, TX, the site of the TV series "Dallas". The festivities will feature a broad spectrum of western entertainment.
The Festival opens Friday, October 6th, at 9 A.M. with the start of the National Finals of PoloCrosse with over 80 teams from all over the USA competing. At 6 P.M. there will be a $100 per person Opening Gala Dinner and Auction with a concert by Country Music Hall of Fame member, Mr. RAY PRICE, followed by a dance featuring Texas Music Hall of Fame member, Gary P Nunn.
Saturday, the festivities continue with more of the PoloCrosse Finals, a Carnival, a beautiful village setting of hand painted tipis from Reese Tipis of Colorado, which will provide a background for Indian singers and dancers representing 4 different tribes and a demonstration of military maneuvers of the period, by the 1870's Horse Cavalry Unit from Fort Hood, Texas. The Tioga Bulldog Band will perform the National Anthem in preparation for the flag raising at 12:00 Noon.
The Cowboys of Color, the largest multicultural Rodeo tour in the country, highlights the important contributions of African American, Asians, Hispanic and Native Americans to the sport of rodeo and the settling of the American west. They will present The Buffalo Soldiers and highlights of western rodeos, featuring Timmy Brooks, a Bill Picket style bulldogger. The San Antonio Charro Association, the oldest of its kind in the US, will present highlights of a Mexican rodeo, featuring Sergio Avila, champion fancy roper from Mexico City.
Horse Whisperers Jody Cunningham and Oscar Barrales will work their magic with horses. There will be team roping, reining and cutting horse demonstrations and dog agility competitions, There will be games of washers, Gunfighters and trick riders from the Cowgirl Chicks and Mexican side-saddle riding escaramouse young ladies in traditional "Adelita" costumes.
100 Juried Artists and Craftsmen from the Texas Arts and Crafts Foundation (recognized as one of the finest in the nation) and Artists from the Tulsa Indian Market, will offer their unique creations for sale.
There will be continuous music from 4 stages with true Country - Legends including; Gary P Nunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Hank Thompson and the Brazos River Boys, Darryl McCall, Justin Trevino, Johnny Bush, The Lone Star Bluegrass Band, The Texas Trail Hands, KR Woods chuck wagon review, Paul Ballinger, DON EDWARDS, the SONS OF SAN JOAQUIN, Mariachi Aguilar, Pake McIntyre, Yancy Stevens, and three other entertainers who are getting rave reviews, Pauline Reese, a wonderful young singer discovered by Willie Nelson, and James Hand, who will just be returning from his European tour, and, fresh from the Grand Ole Opry and the Lincoln Center, “The Bells of Burleson, Texas”, the Quebe Sisters, with a sound described as a cross between Bob Wills and the Andrew’s Sisters. Also, the AGGIE WRANGLERS, a hot dance group from Texas A&M and international folkloric dancers from North Texas University and TWU.
A Chuck Wagon Cook-off representing 10 Ranches will prepare a meal fit for a king that will allow festivalgoers to experience a true Taste of Texas.
The children's area will feature agricultural educational exhibits, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses and a birthday party with cup cakes to decorate, party hats and balloons and of course singing "Happy Birthday" to Gene Autry.
Sunday’s festivities will begin with an authentic “Cowboy” Church Service at 9:00 A.M. until noon with great Gospel music. In addition, there will be a limited number of commercial exhibits, displays of Horses, Longhorns, Angus and Hereford Cattle. Southfork will abound with photo opportunities and visitors will even be able to have their picture taken on a gentle longhorn steer named "Buckwheat".
I hope that you will be able to join us at Southfork Ranch October 6th, 7th, 8th 2006 to help honor a True American Hero and to celebrate our Great Western Heritage. Festival admission is $10 and children 12 and under are free!
Special room rates available ($69/night) at the Southfork Hotel – call (972) 578-8555 (Be sure and mention Gene Autry Festival) (Shuttle Service Provided to Festival for Hotel Guests)
For Hotel info go to www.southforkhotel.com or call toll free (866) 665-2680. For more info, call the Tioga Museum & Heritage Association – (940) 437-1110
Guich Koock, Festival Coordinator – (210) 601-5964 or guichntex@yahoo.com
Tickets to the Gala on October 6 are $100 each and include a meal, concert by Ray Price and dance featuring the Gary P. Nunn Band. There is also booth space available to showcase your items and/or company. Call Hoot Gibson at 214-538-3910 to purchase tickets or booth space, or if you are interested in advertising in the program.
Once Upon a Time…A Magical Evening Celebrating Arts in Frisco – Frisco Association for the Arts Annual Gala:
WHAT: Frisco Association of the Arts presents its annual fundraising gala, “Once Upon a Time…A Magical Evening Celebrating Arts in Frisco” on Saturday, September 16, 2006. The black tie event is a dinner, auction and entertainment with a showcase of local arts at The Embassy Suites Frisco. The Frisco Association for the Arts supports more than 15 local arts organizations in Frisco and Collin County. Individual tickets are $125 per person. Advance reservations are required. You can reserve your tickets now by calling 972-668-5180. Sponsorship opportunities for this Magical Evening are also still available by contacting our Gala Chair Tracie Reveal Shipman at: tshipman@friscoarts.org
WHEN: Saturday, September 16, 2006
WHERE: Embassy Suites Grand Ballroom, Frisco
TICKETS: $125 per person
BACKGROUND: FRISCO ASSOCIATION FOR THE ARTS is a community-based organization formed by citizens and business leaders of Frisco, Texas who believe that the arts play a vital role in the life and well-being of the community. The organization’s goal is to encourage the development and growth of the arts and arts groups in our community including Frisco Area Children’s Theater, Frisco Chorale, Frisco Community Band, Frisco Community Theatre, The Frisco Ballet, Visual Arts Guild of Frisco, Word of Mouth Productions, Collin County Ballet Theatre, Frisco Story Telling Festival, Frisco Grooves Concerts in the Park, Great Steak of Texas Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, Cross Timbers Youth Orchestra, Frisco Education Foundation, Collin County Community College and Frisco Elementary String. Memberships are available. For more information, visit www.friscoarts.org or call 972-668-5180.
Cattle. Concerts, Art and Kids in Frisco:
The Great Steak of Texas at Frisco Square announces festival entertainment
WHAT: 3rd Annual Great Steak of Texas at Frisco Square, a 2-day festival celebrating Frisco’s heritage on the Shawnee Trail features a steak cook-off, 5K ‘Running with the Bulls,’ daily cattle drives, Sunday Cowboy Brunch, stage coach rides, beer garden, family area with pony rides and games, “Great Art of Frisco” featuring Artists from around the nation, Rising Star of Texas art display and interactive arts activities for kids. Main stage artists include Uncle Kracker, Bleu Edmondson, and Ray Wylie Hubbard!
WHEN: Saturday, September 30th (10 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
8 a.m. Running with the Bulls 5K by the Frisco Rotary
10 a.m. Cattle Drive followed by a Cowboy Breakfast
1 – 4 p.m. Steak Cook-off (professionals and corporate)
1 – 6 p.m. Community Stage with Collin County Songwriters, Frisco Band and Word of Mouth Productions
2:30 p.m. Cattle Drive
2:30 p.m. Main Stage – Mother Truckers
5:00 p.m. Main Stage – Mike Mancy
7:30 p.m. Main Stage – Uncle Kracker
Sunday, October 1st (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
10 a.m. Cattle Drive
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cowboy Brunch
11 a.m. 6 p.m. Kids stage entertainment
2 p.m. Steak Cook-off (amateur)
2:30 p.m. Main Stage - Bleu Edmondson
4:30 p.m. Main Stage - Ray Wylie Hubbard
TICKETS: $5 per person (children 5 and under FREE). Free Parking
EXPECTED ATTENDANCE: 25,000
WHERE: Frisco Square, Dallas North Tollway at Main Street/FM 720)
STEAKHOLDERS: Hall Office Park, Dave & Busters, Blue Star Land and HNTB Corporation
SPONSORS: Frisco Square, City of Frisco, Visual Arts Guild of Frisco, 1310 The Dallas Morning News, The Ticket, Volvo of Dallas, 99.5 The Wolf, and The 500, Inc.
BACKGROUND: The Great Steak of Texas Festival at Frisco Square is produced by The Great Steak of Texas, Inc., a 501-C(4) non-profit corporation, in partnership with Frisco Square and the City of Frisco. Proceeds from the event will benefit Visual Arts Guild of Frisco. For more information, visit www.greatsteakoftexas.com
ABOUT FRISCO SQUARE: Under new ownership and financing, Frisco Square is a multi-generational, master planned development consisting of 147 acres and as much as 4.4 million square feet of office, retail, multi-family and municipal facilities. When complete, the pedestrian-friendly urban environment will include approximately 1.5 million square feet of office space, 500,000 square feet of retail space, 1400 apartments, 500 town homes/stacked-flats/condominiums, and 144,000 square feet of municipal facilities. Originally designed by renowned architect, David M. Schwarz, and recently re-designed by RTKL, Frisco Square is also home to Frisco’s new city hall and library which are currently under construction and scheduled for occupancy in the summer of 2006. The property is located at the southeast corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Main Street/FM 720, directly across from Pizza Hut Park, new home of FC Dallas (formerly Dallas Burn) and the world’s largest soccer complex. Additional information on Frisco Square is available at www.friscosquare.com or through the Frisco Square information center at 469-633-1721.
School Days, school days…
Small World With Love will be hosting its 8th annual “Back To School” shopping spree for clothing and shoes on August 12th.
Small World has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of needy children in Frisco, Texas and surrounding towns for over 10 years through their Christmas Angel Trees, Scholarships, and Back to School Programs. This North Texas charity gives 100% of every dollar donated back to the children of our community.
How Does the “Back To School” Program Work?
We are asking you to open your heart and your wallet. A donation of $ 75.00 can give one child the opportunity to feel good about going back to school.
We would like to extend a really big “thank you” to our sponsors and volunteers for making this a very special day for so many.
With Love it is indeed a Small World.
To volunteer or to make a donation please call Denise Wharton at 972-743-0433 or visit www.smallworldwithlove.org
Blood Drive:
Faithbridge Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Carter Blood Care blood drive Sunday Sept. 3rd from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. We would like to invite anyone who wants to donate to attend the drive. Appointments are encouraged for quicker service, but walk-ins are welcome. Please e-mail dannah.walter@comcast.net to reserve a time.
Frisco Area Republican Women 5th Annual Luncheon & Style Show:
Fashions by Stein Mart
August 16th, 2006 (Wednesday), from 11:30am to 1pm at the Stonebriar Country Club
Mayor Mike Simpson and The Frisco Area Republican Women invite you to share in the awarding of the fourth annual Shirley Johnson Education Scholarship.
You’re invited to attend the Style show and Luncheon and get on track with the latest from our Collin and Denton County representatives.
The Frisco Area Republican Women invite you to join us for any or all our fall meetings. They will be held at noon on 2nd Tuesday for September through November at The Abbey Texas Café in Frisco (7185 W. Main Street). Dates available on our web site at www.farw.org as well as information on membership.
Our mission here in Frisco is to raise voter participation and awareness. It is your right to vote!!!
If you plan to attend our luncheon on August 16th, please RSVP by mailing your check to:
Emily Mitchell
C/O Prosper State Bank
7700 West Main Street
Frisco Texas 75034
Checks should be made payable to FARW in the amount of $30.00 per plate.
Please RSVP immediately if you are planning on attending as the deadline is August 9. You may call Emily Mitchell at 469.633.7614 or 469.865.6220 with any questions. This is an open event.
"Back to School Youth Bash" - August 20, 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.:
First United Methodist Church Youth Group is hosting the "Back to School Youth Bash" on Sunday, August 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Activities include: 70 foot obstacle course, dunk tank, inflatable Twister, and live Christian music. Cost is $5 for all activities, all day. Food will also be available for purchase at $1 a ticket and includes hot dogs, sausage on a stick, and drinks. The church is located at 7659 Preston Road, corner of Preston Road and John Wesley Dr. For information, please call the church office at 972-335-4380.