On the Horizon
14th Annual Festival at the Switchyard
An exciting day awaits music lovers, fried food fans, shopaholics, and kids of all ages on Saturday, November 2 in Historic Downtown Carrollton.
Enjoy FREE family-friendly concerts, shop Festival booths, take a break in the beer garden, and grab a bite to eat from food vendors or local restaurants while the kids enjoy free rides and games, a craft area, face painting, bungee trampolines, arcade games in the Plaza Arts Center, and more!
Main Stage
11 a.m. The Newman Smith High School “Troy Singers” will open the Festival with the National Anthem.
12 p.m. School of Rock (Dallas) students will begin the day with rock & roll favorites.
1 p.m. Two-step to the country music of Jason Kyle Wickens and his five-piece band.
2 p.m. Havana NRG brings more than 20 years of experience and Cuban-style music that will have festivalgoers dancing.
3:10 p.m. Enjoy a nostalgic ‘90s throwback when Pearl Gem takes the stage to shred guitar and pay tribute to rock band Pearl Jam.
4:20 p.m. Mock Lobster’s B-52’s tribute will have everybody groovin’ with hit songs such as “Rock Lobster” and “Love Shack.”
5:50 p.m. Party band Downtown Fever will get the crowd up and on its feet with classic pop tunes as well as radio faves of today.
7:20 p.m. Jam out with alt rock band, Texas natives Deep Blue Something and their hit single “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
8:50 p.m. Grammy-award winning rockers the Wallflowers will belt out bangers like “One Headlight” and “The Difference.”
Plaza Arts Center
11 a.m. Arcade games & pinball through 5 p.m.
In Front of Stage
11:15 a.m. Perry Middle School Dance Ensemble will trip the light fantastic for the Festival’s opening performance.
11:30 a.m. Premier Martial Arts will give flipping, flying demonstrations showcasing athleticism and coordination.
11:45 a.m. Experience award-winning dance numbers from the local students of Carrollton’s Danzarte Academy
12:40 p.m. Sidekicks Martial Arts offers an energetic spectacle of routines featuring skills from karate and Brazilian jiujitsu.
1:40 p.m. The lovely ladies of Class Act Tap Company will provide sparkling entertainment with dazzling tap numbers.
2:50 p.m. Blalack Middle School Dance Department will feature students trained in a variety of dance styles.
4 p.m. AEON returns with a lively K-pop dance show all audiences are sure to love, turning everyone into K-pop fans.
Strolling Entertainment
Cosplay group Cause to Play • Hula hoop artist Amanda Slick • Juggler David Slick • Long Middle School Cheer Team • Magician Robert John • Cast members from Pocket Sandwich Theatre The official signature event of the City of Carrollton.
Turkey Fryer Safety
Carrollton Fire Rescue asks residents to think safety first and avoid unintentionally inviting on-duty firefighters to Thanksgiving feasts by following the safety tips below for a successful turkey frying experience:
• Position the fryer on a stable, level surface.
• Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from any structures, and avoid placing it under any eaves.
• Determine the appropriate amount of oil by filling the fryer with water and then placing the turkey in the pot to mark the oil level.
• Avoid splattering by ensuring the turkey is fully thawed before frying.
• Always use protective gloves when handling the pot or lid.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
Have a safe cooking experience and a wonderful holiday!
cityofcarrollton.com/fire
Trash Rate Increase
The Carrollton City Council approved a rate increase for solid waste services on Tuesday, September 10 for residential utility accounts.
An increase of 85 cents went into effect Tuesday, October 1. Charges for an extra trash cart will increase 28 cents per month. Additional recycling carts will remain free to residents upon request.
cityofcarrollton.com/solidwaste
Where Imagination Comes to Life
Want to scout for knowledge, upgrade a skill, or connect with other readers? In addition to books, a Library card gives residents access to tons of physical and online resources, computers, programs and events, and more. Visit the Carrollton Public Library today and sign up for a Library card, or visit the link below.
cityofcarrollton.com/library
Make a Splash in Storm Drain Art Contest
Show how to protect Carrollton waterways through art by painting a storm drain inlet in Downtown Carrollton.
Following the success of the first storm drain art contest, Carrollton is again seeking artists to submit their designs for a second installation of art on storm drains located in Pioneer Park. Applications are now open to submit designs that fit themes of preventing stormwater pollution, maintaining safe drinking water sources or water conservation, and protecting natural habitats. Submissions are open to all Carrollton residents and organizations, as well as those in the DFW area. Artists must be at least 12 years old to enter. Minors will need a parent or guardian to sign a permission waiver. When applying, artists must submit photos of their design concept as they would like
to paint it. The artwork must be original and appropriate for all ages. The project aims to deter graffiti vandalism, so designs should not mimic graffiti style. The art also may not be used for advertisement or promotion.
A committee will select up to five winning entries based on the design criteria. Artists will be notified if their design is selected, and installation will take place in March 2025. Winning artists will be able to sign their artwork and have their biographies featured on the City’s website.
The storm drain art program raises awareness about stormwater pollution. Water that collects in storm drains may pick up pollutants like trash or vehicle fluids from the street and then flow directly into creeks and surface water throughout the City. Painting the storm drains serves as both a colorful art installation for the community to enjoy and a reminder for everyone to help protect the water supply and the environment.
The deadline to submit is Wednesday, January 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, find the Storm Drain Art Contest on the Stormwater webpage.
cityofcarrollton.com/stormwater
Playground Communication Boards
Carrollton enhances inclusive play and communication accessibility in playgrounds around the community.
Carrollton remains innovative in its efforts to create a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors. In its commitment to inclusivity, the City installed communication boards at Mary Heads Carter Park, Holman D. Rhoton Park, W.J. Thomas Park, Jimmy Porter Park, Rosemeade Park, and inside the dugout at Josey Ranch Sports Complex Field #6 to provide an alternative communication tool to ensure all residents can engage and participate.
Each features images, symbols, and words in multiple languages to accommodate the diverse communication styles and needs of the community.
cityofcarrollton.com/parks
Know Where Your Tax Dollars Go
City Council approved a new budget and set a reduced property tax rate for the 11th year in a row.
On Tuesday, September 10, City Council adopted the budget and property tax rate for the fiscal year October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025, which lowers the property tax rate from the prior year’s rate of $0.553750 to $0.538750 per $100 assessed value. While some residents may see a higher tax bill due to increased property values in Carrollton and the overall DFW area, the City’s reduced tax rate aims to help offset taxpayer costs as much as possible. The City strives to continue to use taxpayer funds efficiently and effectively and has policies to keep the rates as low as it can. Homestead exemptions have also been maintained at 20 percent, the max allowed by state law.
For Every Dollar You Pay
*Based on an average of participating districts. Property Tax costs will change based on
cityofcarrollton.com/finance
Leaves – The Pesky Pollutant
Fall brings a more colorful world with cooler weather. The downfall is endless piles of leaves filling yards, clogging drains.
Residents often use leaf blowers to quickly remove fallen foliage from yards by sending it all into the streets. It may seem like a quick and harmless fix, but in urban and suburban areas such as Carrollton, rainwater gushes down the gutters, transporting leaves, grass clippings, dirt, oil, fertilizers, and garbage into the storm drainage system before flowing untreated back into the City’s ponds, creeks, and rivers.
When working on the yard this fall, consider these simple, water-friendly practices.
• Till: Tilling leaves directly into the soil in a garden contributes valuable organic matter.
• Compost: Adding leaves to a compost pile creates an inexpensive and nutrient-rich fertilizer for vegetable and flower gardens.
• Mulch: Chopping leaves into small particles and covering the soil allows them to decompose directly into the lawn, flowerbeds, and/or shrubs.
• Rake: Raking leaves into a bag allows them to be collected for curbside pickup.
• Blow or Sweep: Leaves and grass clippings should be left on the lawn, not in the street or down a storm drain inlet.
If using a landscaping company, make sure these practices are followed.
Individually, people contribute little to pollution. Collectively, urban and suburban households have a damaging effect. National Stormwater Day is Saturday, November 16 and a reminder to protect the City’s ground water by working together and building a healthier environment.
Car Theft Prevention Tips
Lock the doors! Unlocked vehicles accounted for 41 percent of reported burglarized vehicles in Carrollton in 2023 and 31 percent so far this year. When leaving a vehicle, take a moment to:
1. HIDE valuables
2. TAKE key
3. LOCK the vehicle
Taking backpacks, purses, briefcases, and other bags discourages criminals from breaking in, thinking they contain something more valuable.
Additionally, if a vehicle has an alarm, use it. Alarms continue to be an effective deterrent to burglars; remember, criminals are looking for easy targets. cityofcarrollton.com/police
Community Camera Sign-Up Program
Have a security camera at home or business? Turn it into a powerful crimefighting tool by letting the Carrollton Police Department (CPD) know about it.
Video surveillance is one of the most effective ways to catch and help convict criminals. Often, one of the first steps in a criminal investigation is to canvas the area for security cameras. Knowing their location ahead of time can help police save time during an investigation.
The program is strictly voluntary, and the information will only be accessible by CPD personnel. Participants will only be contacted if a camera may have captured a crime or can provide clues helpful to an investigation. Personal information will remain confidential except as required by law.
Partner with the CPD and make Carrollton an even more undesirable place for criminals by filling out the form at the link below.
cityofcarrollton.com/ communitycam 972-466-3060
cityofcarrollton.com/stormwater
Cease the Grease: Free Cooking Oil Disposal
Thanksgiving meals with fried turkeys, buttery foods, and yummy gravy can be hard on the diet — and the sewer systems.
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) come from meats, butter, margarine, lard, food scraps, sauces, dressings, gravy, dairy products, and cooking oil. When FOG is poured down the drain, it sticks to the inside of pipes. Over time, FOG can build up and block the entire pipe. This can result in raw sewage overflowing into homes, yards, neighborhood, and streets and cause expensive plumbing repairs for everyone.
Instead of pouring holiday grease down the drain this season — recycle it! Stop by the Central Service Center (2711 Nimitz Lane) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday or Tuesday, December 2 or 3, to properly dispose of grease and cooking oil for free. Below are tips for disposing of FOG after that big holiday meal.
• Wipe or scrape excess food scraps into trash cans or garbage bags.
• Put strainers in the sink drains to collect solids and empty into the trash.
• After cooling, put used cooking oil or grease into a container and throw it away.
• Remove excess oil from pots and pans with a paper towel and throw it in a trash can.
• Avoid using the garbage disposal.
• Don’t pour oil and grease down sink drains or into toilets.
• Don’t use cloth towels or rags to scrape plates or clean oily or greasy dishes. When washed, the grease will still end up in the sewer.
Did you know? Running hot water along with the FOG will not keep it from congealing. Eventually, the water will cool, and the grease will begin to solidify and coat the pipes, trapping other food particles and creating an expensive and messy problem.
972-466-3425
cityofcarrollton.com/envservices
A Colorful Dream - Photography Exhibit
A family-friendly, interactive exhibition by contemporary fine art and commercial photographer, Adrien Broom.
Designed to evoke and capture a sense of childhood fantasy, A Colorful Dream tells a simple coming-of-age story in rich symbolic language that takes the viewer on a journey through the entire spectrum of the rainbow. This 40-piece photography exhibit, which features large-scale photographs detailing a young girl’s journey, will be on display at the Josey Ranch Lake Library from Sunday, November 10 to Tuesday, January 7. The exhibition also includes a time-lapse video showing the creative process and production required to bring these images to life (a program of ExhibitsUSA, a national division of MidAmerica Arts Alliance and The National Endowment for the Arts).
cityofcarrollton.com/library
Upcoming Events
Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Senior Center – Enjoy a patriotic concert by The New Horizons Band Dallas. Due to limited seating, registration is limited to veterans and a guest or widow(er)s of a veteran and a guest. Registration is required by Nov. 7.
Cocoa for Coats @ Sounds on the Square, Nov. 22, 5-7 p.m., Downtown Carrollton – Swap gently worn coats and winter garments for a warm cup of cocoa, then stay for the music (in partnership with Metrocrest Services).
Enchanted Library, Nov. 22, 5-8 p.m., Josey Ranch Lake Library – Unlock the wonder of fantasy with crafts, activities, trivia, photo ops, and more. Snacks and activity materials will be provided while supplies last. Costumes are encouraged on this magical journey.
Thanksgiving Break Movie Matinee, Nov. 25, 2-4 p.m., Josey Ranch Lake Library – Take a break before the big feast and enjoy a screening of Wish (2023), PG. Don’t forget to BYOBlanket.
Winter Reading Challenge, Dec. 1Feb. 1, Carrollton Public Library –Engage in a reading challenge during those slow winter months when a good book can mean taking part in an adventure without leaving the comfort of a cozy chair. Register at carrollton.beanstack.org.
Christmas at the Perry, Perry Museum – Take a stroll through Gravley Park to enjoy the holiday lights. The Perry Homestead will be open after hours on Dec. 5 and 12 from 5:30-8 p.m., so guests can self-tour and see a traditional turn of the 20th century style Christmas with a modern twist (registration is encouraged). Park decorations will be on display throughout December.
For more information and a complete list of upcoming events and programs, visit the link below.
cityofcarrollton.com/calendar
