LOVE AT THE FAIR

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Big Tex, corny dogs, the Texas Star ferris wheel, cows, fried Snickers: for most of us, these are the sights, sounds and flavors of the State Fair of Texas. But for some East Dallas residents, the fair carries romantic significance, bringing to mind hearts aflutter, stolen kisses and memories of young love.

Bill and Cheri Flynn, Lakewood neighbors, know a thing or two about it. Let’s travel back to 1970. Cheri is a teenager in braces. Bill is brand new to Dallas, having moved here from Atlanta. Both attend a luncheon in the Creative Arts Building on the fair grounds. “By dessert, I was totally smitten,” Cheri smiles. Bill remembers Cheri as “really cute and outgoing.”

The two explored the Midway after lunch, checking out rides, exhibits and snacks. Bill became an Official Fairgoer with his initiation into the wonderful world of corny dogs: “I remember my first Fletcher’s corny dog as being heaven-sent. Unbelievably good.”

They recall riding the haunted house rollercoaster and tackling the Crazy House of Mirrors. But Bill, a typical high school boy at the time, remembers most vividly the auto exhibit. “I think we spent most of our time in the automobile building, sitting in all the cars we dreamed of driving.” Cheri adds, “There was an orange Corvette that we all oohed and ahhed over.”

The couple married on Dec. 17, 1977 and had their reception at what was then known as State Fair Music Hall (now Music Hall at Fair Park). And the State Fair of Texas tradition continues: “We haven’t missed a fair in 45 years,” says Cheri. “We start looking forward to it about August as we dream about corny dogs and Jack’s tacos.” The Flynns, along with their children and now grandchildren, have a “planned itinerary” which includes cows, corny dogs and creative arts. “We are especially looking forward to this year’s fair because we have a 2-year-old granddaughter who needs exposure to the Flynn family traditions at the State Fair of Texas.”

Finding love at the fair seems to be an East Dallas staple. Forest Hills neighbors Rick and Margaret Sorrells were freshmen at UNT in 1974 when they became acquainted after Rick casually dated Margaret’s roommate. In those pre-cellphone days, Rick called on the dorm phone, asked Margaret for a date, and she hesitantly agreed. “It ended up being a stressful year between roommates,” she laughs.

Rick suggested they go to the State Fair: “It’s so magical. In the evening everything is lit up! It’s a fun place where you can look at exhibits, grab something to eat and enjoy some rides. There is so much going on it makes for great conversation.”

Margaret, an East Dallas native, had at- tended the fair throughout her childhood but found it a “different experience” with Rick. As a youth, her parents would drop her off or she would ride the bus, and she would take in the sights and sounds before dark. Attending in the evening left an impression. “It made the fair more exciting as things were lit up,” she remembers, then adds, “I also think it was exciting because it was a date.”

Rick remembers “a light breeze which made the night perfect for being outside.” The couple dined on corny dogs (of course), checked out the automobile building, then stood at the giant feet of Big Tex until he offered up his “Howdy, Folks!” Then it’s off to the midway. “It felt very crowded, and there were lots of young couples at the fair. You had to push your way to get through,” Margaret recalls.

The siren song of the carnies lured the couple to the games. Margaret smiles at the memory of Rick trying to win something for her. Alas, they walked away $30 later with only a “consolation prize.”

They rode the wooden rollercoaster a few times, the bumper cars, the Swiss Skyride (precursor of the Texas Skyway) and, oh my, the Tunnel of Love.

The State Fair must have worked its magic. “When I got home that night,” says Margaret, “I told my mother that I was going to marry that boy.”

They did indeed marry a few years later, coincidentally the same date as Bill and Cheri, Dec. 17. And, yes, they attend the fair every year to celebrate that date. “This year’s fair will be our 41st anniversary of our first date. We toast that anniversary every year with a corny dog and a kiss!”

The tradition of love at the State Fair of Texas continues. Neighbors Amanda Mayfield and Danny Hampton had their first date at the music venue on the grounds (ZZTop), and their second date watching fireworks at the Cotton Bowl. They will wed on Oct. 3, with a reception following in the foyer of the coliseum on the fairgrounds. “It seemed fitting to celebrate the beginning of our marriage at the place where memorable first moments took place.”

Amanda adds, “Since the reception will take place during the fair, we will spend most of the time riding rides, playing games and eating fried food with our friends and family.”

Patti Vinson is a guest writer who has lived in East Dallas for 15 years. She’s written for the Advocate and Real Simple magazine, and has taught college writing. She is a frequent flier at Lakewood branch library and enjoys haunting neighborhood estate sales with husband Jonathan and children, Claire (13) and Will (10). The family often can be found hanging out at White Rock Lake Dog Park with Dexter, a probable JackWeenie.

CLAIRE’S CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

8202 Boedeker Dr., / (214) 368-4047 / clairesdayschool.com At CCDS, we encourage a child’s sense of exploration and discovery in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. We offer a parent’s day out program with a play-based curriculum fostering socialization, motor skill development, and an introduction to academics for children aged 4mo – 3yrs. Our preschool for children aged 3-5 further develops these skills, along with a more focused approach to pre-math and prereading. At CCDS, we have developed our own science, math, and reading enrichment classes to ensure kindergarten preparedness for every child. We make learning fun!

Highlander School

9120 Plano Rd. Dallas / 214.348.3220 / www.highlanderschool.com

Founded in 1966, Highlander offers an enriched curriculum in a positive, Christian-based environment. Limiting class size affords the teachers the opportunity to develop the individual learning styles of each student. Our goal is to insure knowledge and self-confidence in academics, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. Highlander offers a “classic” education which cannot be equaled.

Kessler School

Pre K – 6th Grade / 1215 Turner Ave, Dallas TX 75208 / 214-942-2220 / www. thekesserschool.com The Kessler School offers an innovative academic environment that gives students a solid foundation, confidence, and a love of learning. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas; The Kessler School’s mission is to “educate the whole child,” and provides an individualized approach to teaching – meeting the student where their needs are. Students are educated socially through community time, physically through daily PE, academically through a wellrounded curriculum, and spiritually through a fostering of awareness and individual growth.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep. org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

69% of our readers say they want to know more about private schools. to advertise call 214.560.4203

The Lamplighter School

11611 Inwood Road Dallas TX 75229/ 214-369-9201/ thelamplighterschool.org

Lamplighter delivers serious education wrapped in the wonder of childhood. The Pre-K through fourth grade years are fleeting, but filled with pure potential. What we, as parents and educators, ignite in these primary years establishes the trajectory of a child’s future. Lamplighter helps set children on a path toward rewarding lives as forever learners. The independent, co-educational school promotes academic excellence through innovative curriculum that merges fine arts with language arts, math, environmental science, social studies, physical education, and Spanish

Spanish House

4411 Skillman 214-826-4410 / 5740 Prospect 214-826-6350 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

Spanish Immersion School serving ages 3 month - Adults. We offer nursery, preschool, elementary and adult programs at two Lakewood locations. Degreed, nativeSpanish speaking teachers in an “all-Spanish” immersion environment. Call for a tour today!

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131

Education

At least three neighborhood schools have new principals. Chandra Barnett, who was formerly assistant principal at J.L. Long, will replace the school’s outgoing principal, Danielle Petters Former principal Michele Hill left Stonewall Jackson Elementary School and is being replaced by Melanie Schiff, who has nine years of experience as a principal in Dallas ISD and in Nashville, Tenn. public schools. Victor H. Hexter Elementary School lost its former principal Tonya Clark Jennifer Jackson, who was an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, is taking her place.

/ stjohnsschool.org

Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410

Harold W. Lang Sr. Middle School in Far East Dallas was chosen to be part of a national pilot program, Imagine Science Dallas summer camp. Imagine Science has been implemented in three cities in an effort to inspire millions of under-served youth to engage in science, technology, engineering and mechanical learning opportunities that might not otherwise be offered.

Brenda Avila, a 2015 Bryan Adams High School graduate, received the White Rock Kiwanis Club’s 2015-16 scholarship award. Avila was a member in the Bryan Adams High School Key Club and will attend El Centro College to major in nursing.

People

/ WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

Uplift Luna Preparatory student Fausta Twizerimana, 12, spent three weeks at the Dance Theater of Harlem this past summer after receiving an invitation to the summer intensive workshop. Twizerimana came to Dallas eight years ago from a refugee camp in Tanzania with her parents, Jean and Francine, and five siblings. She says she had auditioned for the spot just to practice auditioning, but then three weeks later, she received a letter saying she had been accepted from hundreds of applicants.

Recently retired City of Dallas employee Jill Beam this past summer won the title of Ms. Texas Senior America. The pageant, for women age 60 plus, aims to champion healthy aging, wellness, and mental well-being. Beam beat out 22 competitors for the crown. Beam’s mother — the locally renowned actor, humorist, historian, tour guide and public speaker Rosemary Rumbley — was the longtime emcee of the Ms. Senior Texas event. “I attended the pageants all those years, and I always wanted to be a contestant,” Beam says.

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Baptist

LAKESIDE BAPTIST / 9150 Garland Rd / 214.324.1425

Sunday School 9:15am & Worship 10:30am

Pastor Jeff Donnell / www.lbcdallas.com

PARK CITIES BAPTIST CHURCH / 3933 Northwest Pky / pcbc.org

Worship & Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45 Traditional, Contemporary, Spanish Speaking / 214.860.1500

WILSHIRE BAPTIST / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

Catholic

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS MINISTRY CONFERENCE / udallas.edu/udmc

October 22-24, 2015 / Sponsored by Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Sessions on Faith, Scripture, & Ministry / Exhibitors / Music / Mass

Disciples Of Christ

EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel 10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org

Lutheran

CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA / 1000 Easton Road

Sunday School for all ages 9:00 am / Worship Service 10:30 am

Pastor Rich Pounds / CentralLutheran.org / 214.327.2222

FIRST UNITED LUTHERAN CHURCH / 6202 E Mockingbird Lane

Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am / Call for class schedule.

214.821.5929 / www.dallaslutheran.org

Methodist

LAKE HIGHLANDS UMC / 9015 Plano Rd. / 214.348.6600 / lhumc.com

Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School / 10:30 am Coffee

Worship: 8:30 am & 10:50 am Traditional / 10:50 am Contemporary

RIDGEWOOD PARK UMC / 6445 E. Lovers Lane / 214.369.9259

Sunday Worship: 9:30 am Traditional and 11:35 am Contemporary

Sunday School: 10:30 am / Rev. Ann Willet / ridgewoodparkchurch.org

WHITE ROCK UNITED METHODIST / www.wrumc.org

1450 Oldgate Lane / 214.324.3661

Sunday Worship 10:50 am / Rev. Mitchell Boone

Presbyterian

NORTHRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH / 6920 Bob-O-Link Dr.

214.827.5521 / www.northridgepc.org / Welcomes you to Worship

8:30 & 11:00 am / Church School 9:35 am / Childcare provided.

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN / Skillman & Monticello

Rev. Rob Leischner. / www.standrewsdallas.org

214.821.9989 / Sunday School 9:30 am, Worship 10:45 am

Unity

UNITY OF DALLAS / A Positive Path for Spiritual Living

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230 / 972.233.7106 / UnityDallas.org

10:30 am Sunday - Celebration Worship Service

UNITY ON GREENVILLE / Your soul is welcome here!

3425 Greenville Ave. / 214.826.5683 / www.dallasunity.org

Sunday Service 11:00 am and Book Study 9:30 am