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MESQUITE GUIDE 2 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
“‘THIS CITY HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF HEART AND PASSION”
A LETTER FROM THE
mayor I want to thank you for considering Mesquite as your new home. Mesquite’s accomplishments, big and small, have always been driven by the people who call it home. The passion Mesquite’s residents share for its betterment and ultimate success are why Mesquite can boast of generations of Texas legacy. The city’s progressive vision is one that is cultivated by its civic and community leaders and by its everyday citizens. I am truly proud of the quality of Mesquite’s business, education and entertainment options as well as the quality of life the citizens enjoy. This faith-based community is full of many different denominations and houses of worship. Mesquite Independent School District is a leading district in the North Texas region. Mesquite’s unique offering of parks and schools within walking distance of almost every home and business make it ideal for families who value its small-town feel and great outdoor amenities. With a crime rate significantly lower than both the state and national averages, Mesquite is considerably safer and more affordable for its residents than other Metroplex communities. This city has an abundance of heart and passion. With affection and commitment to the city I call home, our citizens, business owners and community leaders are part of a diverse and rich community fabric that is woven from Mesquite’s time-honored traditions. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Enjoy Mesquite, known for its Real. Texas. Flavor. Sincerely, John Monaco Mayor
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thehistory
Agent A.R. Alcott, an engineer for the Texas & Pacific Railroad, filed the first plat for the township of Mesquite with Dallas County on May 22, 1873. Less than two months later, the first train to pass through the area came through the community. The train was traveling from Shreveport to Dallas and it caused quite a stir among the new citizens, for without the trains, they might never have come to Mesquite. No one really knows why the town was named “Mesquite.” Speculation, however, is that it was named from the abundant
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amount of Mesquite trees that dotted the landscape. In the 1870s, the town proper consisted mainly of a saloon, a blacksmith shop, a confectionery, the post office and depot, and four homes. The businesses, which were wooden, faced Front Street, the first street in the central area. It would be 14 years before the town would seek incorporation. On Dec. 3, 1887, an election was held in which 25 votes were cast for the move and 14 against it. Mesquite was the second community to incorporate (Lancaster was the first) outside of Dallas proper. The first official leadership election of the newly incorporated town was held in April 1888, and J.E. Russell was elected mayor. Others, such as R.S. Kimbrough, J.C. Rugel, T.L. Paschall and G.B. Gross, were all involved in the early days of the city. As commerce expanded, citizens’ rumblings about the creation of an official town square grew louder. Those having business in the town had already begun tying their horses up to hitching posts at the rear of the buildings to shield the creatures from the loud trains. Plus, a new brick plant opening caused many of the business leaders to want to replace older, wooden structures with more “modern” brick buildings. Nearly 30 years after the town’s beginning, a public square became the center point of Mesquite. Such a move opened more space for business and the town grew. Mesquite grew slowly in population. In the first U.S. Census, which was taken in 1890, Mesquite had a population of 135. Ten years later, it had only grown by 270 people. By 1960, about 27,345 people called Mesquite home. The estimated 2010 population provided by nctcog.org is 139,550.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
citydata Total population: 139,824 (2010 US Census) Total households: 43,926 Total families: 32,900 Density 2,868.1 people/mi2 (1,107.3/km2) Housing density 1,065.2/mi2 (411.2/mi2)
Per capita income: $20,890 Median household income: $50,424 Median family income: $56,357 Median income (males): $37,756 Median income (females): $29,905
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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF MESQUITE
Union Pacific V.P. of Public Affairs Joe Adams and Director of Public Affairs Clint Schelbitzki present Mesquite Mayor John Monaco with the Train Town USA designation on Oct. 30, 2012.
allaboard
The city of Mesquite was recently awarded membership in Union Pacific’s Train Town USA Registry. The program is part of the company’s 2012 year-long 150th anniversary celebration. Mesquite is just the 66th community out of the more than 7,300 that Union Pacific serves to receive this recognition. Mesquite is home to two Union Pacific operations. One is an intermodal terminal for trains carrying containers and the other is a facility that supports automobile manufacturers. More than 261,000 vehicles were transported through the site by November 2012. Union Pacific has a $5.6 million expansion under way for their automotive facility. “We are honored to get this prestigious designation and proud to have Union Pacific call Mesquite home,” said Mesquite Mayor John Monaco. “They have been an outstanding corporate citizen through their support of so many endeavors which enhance this community.” Mesquite was developed after the Texas and Pacific Railway completed a rail line between Texarkana and Fort Worth. The company acquired 50 acres for commercial buildings and homes that were built south of the railroad tracks. In the 1870s, Mesquite consisted of a train depot and its accompanying platforms and livestock pens, a blacksmith shop, the post office, a confectionery and two saloons, all in wooden structures. Mesquite’s historical connection with Union Pacific is featured at www.up150.com/towns.
MESQUITE RECEIVES OFFICIAL TRAIN TOWN USA DESIGNATION
■ Zach Markovic, zmarkovic@starlocalnews.com
MESQUITE GUIDE 6 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
PARKS DEPARTMENT OFFERS WIDE ARRAY OF PROGRAMS
The Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department is always looking to get the community involved in its many programs. A sampling of activities include: • Spring Break Camp in March, for kids ages 6-12. The camp is held at Camp Rorie Galloway and Dunford
Recreation Center. • A “Bluegrass Jam Session” every Monday evening at Evans Recreation Center. Bluegrass musicians from all over the area come to play, sing and socialize. “Everyone is given an opportunity to share their talent for an appreciative audience,” said Alyssa Smith, parks and recreation department marketing specialist. • “Movies in the Park,” where patrons are encouraged to bring their picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets to City Lake Park and enjoy a movie on the evenings of May 10, June 14, July 12 and Aug. 23. • July’s Parks and Recreation Month, an opportunity to get out and benefit from the city’s trails, pools, parks and much more. • The Haunted Family Campout in October at Camp Rorie Galloway. “There will be prizes for the spookiest campsite, not-so-scary stories around the campfire, and s’mores for all,” Smith said. “Dinner will be served Saturday night and a light breakfast will be served Sunday morning – for those who survive.” For information on parks and recreation activities or programs, visit www.cityofmesquite.com or call 972-216-6260.
Discover Mesquite Church Directory
allfun MIMOSA LANE BAPTIST CHURCH 1233 N. Belt Line Rd
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■ Monique Oaks, moaks@starlocalnews.com
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• Used Books, Movies & Music • Trade-ins Welcome • Cash Paid More Selectively
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national recognition The Mesquite ISD was named one of the Top 150 places in the nation to work by Workplace Dynamics. The selection makes MISD one of only three school districts listed. “In mid-January we were notified that we were on the list. We were asked to keep it quiet until they were ready to release the complete list,” said Laura Jobe, MISD spokeswoman. “We were really pleasantly surprised to be on the list.” According to their website, Workplace Dynamics compiled the national list based on its top workplaces programs that it has with 30 major publishers across the United States. Companies were also allowed to apply directly to the national program. The company evaluated approximately 5,000 organizations before compiling its Top 150. Jobe added that one of the MISD’s goals is to hire, develop and retain standout employees. “Hopefully this will allow us to attract the very best out there and to keep them,” Jobe said. Workplace Dynamics used a survey with 22 questions answered by employees to rank the companies. The survey was sent to employees of various companies by email and completed. The survey is the sole basis for the rankings, which means the employees are directly responsible for their company being named one of the top places to work. “They sent out the questionnaire and they had to have 350 responses to be considered,” Jobe said. “It really is a good feeling when employees give anonymous responses and the results turn out in your favor. This really reiterates how much we value our employees and try to develop the workplace for their benefit as much as we can. It makes me feel really proud to be named one of the top places to work. It’s not so much the competition part of it but the fact we are recognized for what we do here and I really appreciate that.”
MISD TABBED AS A TOP PLACE TO WORK
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
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MESQUITE GUIDE 8 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
schooldirectory E L E M E N TA R Y SCHOOLS Achziger Elementary 3300 Ridge Ranch Road Mesquite, TX 75181 972- 290-4180 Austin Elementary 3020 Poteet Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-7220 Beasley Elementary 919 Green Canyon Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5160 Black Elementary 328 E. Newsome Road Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7240 Cannaday Elementary 2701 Chisolm Trail Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5060 Florence Elementary 4621 Gleneagle Mesquite, TX 75150 972-290-4080 Floyd Elementary 3025 Hickory Tree Road Balch Springs, TX 75180 972-882-7100 Galloway Elementary 200 Clary Drive Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-5101 Gentry Elementary 1901 Twin Oaks Drive Mesquite, TX 75181 972-290-4140 Gray Elementary 3500 Pioneer Road Balch Springs, TX 75180 972-882-7280 Hanby Elementary 912 Cascade St. Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-5040
Hodges Elementary 14401 Spring Oaks Drive Mesquite, TX 75180 972-290-4040 Kimball Elementary 4010 Coryell Way Mesquite, TX 75150 972-290-4120 Lawrence Elementary 3811 Richman Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-7000 Deaf Education: 972882-8710 Mackey Elementary 14900 N. Spring Ridge Circle Balch Springs, TX 75180 972-290-4160 McKenzie Elementary 3535 Stephens Green Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5140 McWhorter Elementary 1700 Hickory Tree Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7020 Moss Elementary 1208 New Market Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7130 Motley Elementary 3719 Moon Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5080 Pirrung Elementary 1500 Creek Valley Mesquite, TX 75181 972-882-7170
Rugel Elementary 2701 Sybil Drive Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7260 Rutherford Elementary 1607 Sierra Mesquite, TX 75149 972-290-4060 Seabourn Elementary 2300 Sandy Lane Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7040 Shands Elementary 4836 Shands Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 972-290-4020 Shaw Elementary 707 Purple Sage Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7060
Kimbrough Middle School 3900 North Galloway Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5900 McDonald Middle School 2930 Town East Blvd. Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5700
Wilkinson Middle School 2100 Crest Park Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-5950
HIGH SCHOOLS
A.C. New Middle School 3700 S. Beltline Road Mesquite, TX 75181 972-882-5600
John Horn High School 3300 E. Cartwright Road Mesquite, TX 75181 972-882-5200
Terry Middle School 2351 Edwards Church Road Mesquite, Texas 75181 972- 882-5650
Mesquite High School 300 East Davis St. Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7800
Vanston Middle School 3230 Karla Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5801
North Mesquite High School 18201 LBJ Freeway Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-7900
Poteet High School 3300 Poteet Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5300 West Mesquite High School 2500 Memorial Parkway Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7600 Mesquite Academy: AEC of Choice 2704 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-7570
Smith Elementary 2300 Mesquite Valley Road Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-7080 Thompson Elementary 2525 Helen Lane Mesquite, TX 75181 972-882-7190
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WHOLESALE TO THE TRADE
Tisinger Elementary 1701 Hillcrest St. Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-5120
Open: Mon.-Sat. 10-8 Closed Sun.
Tosch Elementary 2424 Larchmont Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5000
Porter Elementary 517 Via Avenida Mesquite, TX 75150 972-290-4000
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Price Elementary 630 Stroud Lane Garland, TX 75043 972-290-4100
Agnew Middle School 729 Wilkinson Mesquite, TX 75149 972-882-5750
Range Elementary 2600 Bamboo Mesquite, TX 75150 972-882-5180
Berry Middle School 2675 Bear Drive Mesquite, TX 75181 972-882-5850
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real.texas. festival. Each year thousands of people from across the Metroplex flock to Mesquite’s Real.Texas.Festival. The festival, now in its seventh year and a Mesquite staple at the rodeo center, features a sampling
ANNUAL EVENT TO FEATURE PAT GREEN, KEVIN FOWLER THIS YEAR
MESQUITE GUIDE 10 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
of some of the finest things Texas has to offer including music, food and other entertainment. “We expect people to experience anything they want to experience,” said Daren Watkins, festival coordinator. “If people want to just set up a spot in the concert area and listen to great, live music, they can. If they want to treat the kids to a day of carnival fun, they can. If they want to buy a unique gift for a friend, they can do that too. If they want to do all of the above, plus see worldclass rodeo action, it’s all available.” The festival’s music entertainment at this year’s April event will feature Pat Green on opening night, with Kevin Fowler closing out the festival. The festival also will feature the Cowboys and Chrome Car Show, a battle of the bands competition, the La Plaza marketplace, a carnival, various food vendors and the Mesquite ProRodeo. “We have more than 60 vendors and displays,” Watkins said. “There will be a number of types of vendors, ranging from jewelry to candles to clothing and even financial services.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF MESQUITE
Attendees of the Cowboys and Chrome Car Show will get the opportunity to see several classic cars from various time periods. The car show is held annually as part of the Real.Texas.Festival.
The regular price for tickets to the festival is $20. Watkins said the best ways to obtain tickets are to buy them in person at the city administration offices at 1515 Galloway Ave. or from any Resource One Credit Union branch. “We will use every possible parking option available,” Watkins said. “That includes the shuttle lots and all of the grass areas between the festival venue and Scyene Road. If it rains, it will be a game-time decision as to whether or not we go to all-shuttle. If there is any threat of rain, we will more than likely go to all-shuttle lot parking.” The city has continued to look to improve the event each year and expects another record attendance at this year’s event. “This event has raised the profile of the city of Mesquite and has just continued to grow in attendance and notoriety ever since it started,” Watkins said. “As long as it continues to do so, it will continue to be a great thing for Mesquite and the DFW area.” The Mesquite rodeo center is at 1818 Rodeo Drive. For information on the festival, visit www.realtexasfestival.com. ■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
carshow
The Real.Texas.Festival. seeks to provide entertainment for the entire family. One of the staples of the festival has become the Cowboys and Chrome Car Show, which features vehicles from several decades with many body styles that have been restored or customized. “It’s like stepping back in time 30, 40 or even 50 years. These are serious car enthusiasts. It’s not about parking their restored vehicle in a space and walking away. Many of these displays take half a day to set up as they pull out trophies won at prior shows, displays with histories of the cars and before and after photos. There’s classic music playing and some of the owners of the cars even dress in period costume,” said Daren Watkins, festival coordinator. The show, which takes place inside the Mesquite Exhibit Hall, 1818 Rodeo Drive, includes cars of all types from Model Ts and Edsels to Corvettes and Mustangs. The show is produced by car show producers Gasoline Alley. The car show has continued to evolve and expand as much as possible since it began. In fact, the car show may have to turn away applicants due to a lack of space this year. “The biggest difference is in the amount of displays and participants we get. It went from having plenty of space at the front of the facility to quite possibly having to turn away applicants this year,” Watkins said. All entrants will be judged separately by class, either by decade, make or specialty group by three independent judges with the highest total score in each class being the class winner. Cars of any vintage or model can be entered. The entry fee for car show exhibitors includes admission to the festival. For information, contact Marvin at 214-673-2711 or Jeff at 972-8243037 or email gasoline_alley@hotmail.com or jeff@gasolinealleycarshows.com.
COWBOYS AND CHROME CAR SHOW ROLLS INTO THE REAL. TEXAS. FESTIVAL.
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com DISCOVER MESQUITE GUIDE FEBRUARY 2013
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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MESQUITE PRORODEO
The Real.Texas.Festival. will feature a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, which will include all events and the competitors will be competing for points towards the PRCA world championships.The festival is scheduled for April 26-27 at the city’s rodeo center, 1818 Rodeo Drive.
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let’srodeo
The Real.Texas.Festival. is designed to be a family-friendly event that showcases the best of Texas. The festival features lots of music, food and other entertainment from across the state. One often-overlooked attraction at the festival is the Mesquite ProRodeo. The rodeo operates inside the Mesquite Arena, which is located in the heart of the festival in the city’s rodeo center, 1818 Rodeo Drive. “This will be one of our biggest rodeos in terms of contestants because of the time of year,” said Steve Gander, Mesquite Arena general manager. “There really aren’t many places for them to compete and earn points this time of the year.” He said that the timing of the sanctioned event will also improve the quality of the rodeo during the festival. “It will be more competitive because there will be more contestants and better-quality contestants. We always have quality competitors, but when these guys are competing for points it’s all business,” Gander said. Gander said the involvement with the festival gives the rodeo and the arena some added exposure it would not receive otherwise. “Whether they are 2 years old or 82 years old, we have something they will enjoy,” Gander said. “Mesquite is the rodeo capitol of Texas, so the festival is a perfect fit for us.” Gander said the arena underwent upgrades to its lighting and sound system that allows for a completely different experience than in the past. “We have all-new lighting in the arena. It is all set up for instant on and instant off. The old lights could not do that. When we turned them on we really couldn’t shut them off again,” Gander said. “We also improved the sound with new speakers.” The arena also installed a new video sign that faces I-635. For information on events at the Mesquite Arena, visit mesquiterodeo.com. For information on the Real.Texas.Festival., visit realtexasfestival.com.
RODEO REMAINS A CENTERPIECE OF COMMUNITY
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
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Abundant Life Church “Life Unleashed" John:10:10 Weekly Schedule Sunday Services 8:30 & 10:30 am 9:30 am – Adult & Children’s Classes 5:30 pm – Prayer Meeting Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 pm Youth Service • Faith Friends For Children Watch our telecast
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MESQUITE GUIDE 14 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
Glynn & Carolyn Davis, Senior Pastors
badboys The ownership of the Resistol Arena MOTOCROSS continues on their path to make the arena EVENT ROARS a multiuse facility with the addition of an event. Attendees can expect to INTO MESQUITE arenacross see approximately 200 motorcycles soar-
ing into the air as the Bad Boys of Arenacross Series rolls into Resistol Arena in January. “This event continues us on our goal to have the arena known as a multipurpose event center,” said Steve Gander, Resistol Arena general manager. “Arenacross is one of the most exciting events around, and you can see it right here in Mesquite. Anything can happen at any time, and watching these skilled riders fly off huge dirt jumps in elbow-to-elbow racing is unparalleled. Resistol Arena is the perfect venue for this growing, indoor motorsport.” Gander said the event is the result of a relationship he formed with the event’s promoter, Ed Beckley of Checkered Flag Productions, while working in other arenas throughout the country. The arena brings in thousands of yards of dirt to shape a giant indoor supercross-style track. The track includes jumps that will send riders 70 feet into the air while in close proximity to other riders. The Bad Boys Pro Nationals event allows spectators up and close with their favorite arenacross stars, such as multiple-time National Champion Josh “the Sheriff” Demuth, Team Yamaha’s Steve Roman, and Team Honda rider Brad Ripple. These riders and more compete for the richest purse ever for an arenacross in Texas. “This really attracts a whole new demographic for us. It draws in fathers and sons, who are two of our main targets,” Gander said. He said that the due to the uniqueness of the event, the arena is using avenues for promotion that it has not previously used, including several advertising strategies implored by motocross events throughout the country. “This is another way of getting the Mesquite name out there,” Gander said. “We plan on offering this event once a year from here on out.” For information, visit www.mesquiteprorodeo.com or www.bad boysofracing.com. ■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
KENNY GREEN / STAFF PHOTOS
The city of Mesquite’s annual rodeo parade marches through the streets of downtown and features horses, clowns and several floats. Last year the parade honored the city’s 125-year anniversary, the 100 year anniversary of the fire department and the 100 year anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America.
annualparade Mesquite’s annual rodeo parade, a long-standing community tradition, marches through downtown Mesquite as a celebration of the city’s history. Cliff Keheley, last year’s parade chair, said the parade has celebrated many of the city’s milestones, like the 125th anniver-
PARADE CELEBRATES CITY’S HERITAGE
sary of the city and the Mesquite Fire Department’s 100th celebration. Last year the department displayed various pieces of firefighting equipment the department would have used over its 100 years. “The kids love the fire trucks and the department gets a chance to show off the equipment they once used, from the old to the most modern fire apparatus,” Keheley said. The parade follows its traditional route
starting on Belt Line Road at Newsom Road, proceeding through downtown Mesquite and ending on Galloway Avenue at New Market. The parade is sponsored by the Exchange Club of Mesquite, a local service club dedicated to community service, child abuse prevention and American pride. For information, call 972-216-6260 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com.
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
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summerfun For the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department, the summer is a busy time of the year. The parks department operates three pools and several camps throughout the season. “The attendance at our pools is holding up pretty well. At City Lake Aquatics Center we have had several days where we were at capacity,” said Alyssa Smith, parks and recreation marketing specialist.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT KEEPS BUSY THIS SUMMER
MESQUITE GUIDE 16 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
Smith said the parks department hopes that more people will try out the Town East Pool, which is the only one of the city’s pools with a diving board. “None of our other pools have one, so it’s a unique feature,” Smith said. The department also has several camps running during the summer, with the largest being Camp Rorie Galloway, which features boating and a ropes course. Smith said that each camp does its own thing with the theme, and there is a different theme each week. The department also hosts a series of therapeutic programs for those with special needs.
“We currently have Special Olympics golf and aquatics going on. The aquatics take place on Saturdays at Town East Pool,” Smith said. “We are really excited to see our theuraptic activities to continue to grow.” For information on the parks department’s summer activities or information on the pools, visit www.cityofmesquite.com or call the parks department at 972-216-6260.
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
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New Hope Memorial Gardens, located next to the funeral home offers both traditional burial plans and cremation burial options. Contact us for pricing on predeveloped cemetery spaces. Have an existing funeral preneed plan? New Hope Funeral Home will honor all preneed insurance plans from other funeral homes. Contact us and we can easily handle transferring your arrangements today.
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The city of Mesquite will host its annual Doggie Splash Day in August at Vanston Pool. Dogs and their owners will have the chance to frolic in the water and participate in contests.
WHO LET THE
dogsout There will be plenty of four-legged visitors frolicking in the Vanston Pool, 2913 Oates Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, when the city hosts its annual Doggie Splash Day as the city’s pools close for the summer. “This is a day after the pool is closed, so we allow the dogs to play and enjoy swimming in the water. We have a lot of pet owners in Mesquite, and this is part of our efforts to cater to our citizens that are dog lovers,” said Alyssa Smith, marketing specialist for the parks and recreation department. “The event creates a setting that dog owners rarely see. It’s really rewarding for dog owners and their pets.” The city hosts the event at the Vanston Pool because its design and configuration allows dogs of all sizes a place to play in the water. “This pool has a kiddie pool for the smaller dogs that cannot swim. They can still have an opportunity to enjoy the water.” Smith said. Besides allowing access to the wading pool, a small slide and 1meter diving board, the parks and recreation department will also hold a swimsuit contest, a dog paddle race and a diving contest. “We will divide the diving contest into small dogs and large dogs,” Smith said. “There will be T-shirts and other prizes given away to the contest winners.” The cost to attend the event is $5 for one owner and one pet, with $2.50 for each additional pet. There is a $1 charge for all other spectators. All dogs will be required to show proof of current vaccinations and must be accompanied by a responsible person at least 16 years of age. Aggressive or socially awkward dogs will be asked to leave. Lifeguards will be on duty, so dog owners are invited to swim with their pets, if desired. For information on Doggie Splash Day visit www.cityofmesquite.com/pard or call 972-216-6260. ■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
SPLASH DAY LETS PETS ENJOY THE POOL
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KENNY GREEN / STAFF PHOTOS
The Mesquite Symphonic Band performs at Westlake Park as part of their summer concert series every Monday in June. The band plays at the Mesquite Arts Center in the event of rain.
jazznotes
The sounds of jazz music will fill the lawn of the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway, as the annual JazzBreaks concert series will begin on June 4. All concerts are scheduled for a Tuesday in June and are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. JazzBreaks is designed to allow attendees to experience jazz music and some family fun. Among the music featured in the concert is Latin jazz, country swing and funk jazz. “This is another outdoor concert series that gives the community an additional event with a variety of music,” said Christina Flores, assistant managing director of the Mesquite Arts Center. Scheduled to perform on June 4 and June 25 is the Mesquite Jazz Repertory Ensemble with Curt Bradshaw. The ensemble consists of a 16-piece band of professional musicians. On June 11, Carolyn Lee Jones will perform. The Henry Munoz Octet is scheduled to perform on June 18. “We always contract the musicians out with Curt Bradshaw, who gives us some of the best ensembles to come and entertain the audience,” Flores said. Families are invited to pack a picnic dinner and blanket and claim a spot on the plaza for the summer outdoor concerts. There are on-site picnic dinners available for purchase from GoDiva Catering. “There are so many events offered for the community to choose but this one has such a good following that we have built a great audience. It really has become a tradition,” Flores said. For information on JazzBreaks, visit www.mesquiteartscenter.org or contact the Mesquite Arts Center at 972-216-6444. All concerts will be held rain or shine. In the event of rain the concert will be moved into the rehearsal hall inside the Mesquite Arts Center.
JAZZBREAKS TAKES OVER ARTS CENTER LAWN ON TUESDAYS
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com MESQUITE GUIDE 18 DISCOVER FEBRUARY 2013
kidfish EVENT PROMOTES OUTDOOR RECREATION, FAMILY FUN
Children will have the chance to take part in a unique outdoor experience courtesy of the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department, Old Town Mesquite and KIDFISH Foundation Inc. The group is hosting its annual KIDFISH event from 9 a.m. to noon on May 18 at City Lake Park, 403 S. Galloway Ave. The event is open to children ages 16 and under. “This is a hands-on fishing experience for young kids to enjoy,” said Alyssa Smith, parks and recreation marketing specialist. “It is something where families can come out and enjoy some time together.” The fishing will begin at 9 a.m., with registration to begin at 8 a.m. All fishing participants must register prior to the start of the fishing. Poles and bait will be provided or participants may use their own fishing gear. “We will have fishing supplies available for those who want to borrow them,” Smith said. “We will also have a bunch of event sponsors that will be able to assist those that don’t understand the concept of how to fish.” Prizes and trophies will be awarded immediately following the final measuring and weigh-in of the fish. The event usually draws several hundred people to the park. “We want the event to give families a chance to create a tradition, one where they will come back each year,” Smith said. “We really hope this event brings awareness to the sport of fishing.” Founded in 1994, the KIDFISH Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Little River, between Temple and Austin. KIDFISH is a youth outreach program dedicated to facilitating and educating a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. For information on the Mesquite event, call 972-216-6260 or visit cityofmesquite.com.
■ Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
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