Chimps, giraffes, impalas, piglets, pit vipers, oh my!

Ladies and gentlemen: there has been a baby boom at the Dallas Zoo. From baby chimpanzees, to warthog piglets, the Dallas Zoo is making room for lots of new life this fall.

“We have never seen anything like this before. All of the animals must have really been feeling the love!” said Susan Eckert, the zoo’s public relations director, as she drove her zebra-themed golf cart around the 106-acre zoo recently.

The zoo is extra busy these days taking care of two new chimpanzees, two warthog piglets, five impalas, two pit vipers, two turtles, a llama, flamingos, and a giraffe.

The “Giants of the Savanna” is going to be the new home to baby giraffe Jamie, who was born on July 23. Her mother, Katie, went into labor that morning and Jamie was up and running just minutes after her birth.

The $30 million dollar “Giants of Savanna” exhibit, completed in May 2011, is the newest attraction at the zoo. The 11-acre land is home to many different species, including giraffes, lions, cheetahs, impalas, and elephants.

A New Mommy

“Katie was a first-time mom, so we were anxious to see how she would handle the birth process,” zookeeper Jeremy Dillon said.

Sure enough, Katie’s motherly instincts came naturally after her daughter was born. She was nursing very soon after she gave birth and will continue to nurse Jamie for at least another 5 to 7 months.

Jamie, light tan in color, stood 5-feet 10-inches tall and weighed 105 pounds at birth. She is considered petite in size, since the average weight for a newborn calf is between 125-140 pounds.

The zoo’s last baby giraffe, Kibo, was born in 1988. Kibo is now the oldest giraffe in the herd.

Visitors will not be able to feed Jamie in the zoo’s daily giraffe public feeding area, but they can see her playing out in the savanna with her mother.

Busy in the Savanna

In the same exhibit, five baby impalas were born between October 2010 and May 2011.

“We only had one male impala, and he made sure he got the job done,” zookeeper Heather Seymour joked. “He must have been really happy in his new surroundings in the savanna.”

Most of the baby impalas are named after pasta; “Orzo”, “Corxetti,” “Manicotti,” and “Ramen”. The fifth is named after his father, “L.J.”, also known as Lloyd Junior.

Elsewhere at the zoo: This little piggy went to the market, this little piggy went to the store, and this little piggy had two babies. On June 13, Akoko the warthog gave birth to two piglet warthogs, Toby and Teddy.

“They’ve been so cute to watch grow up,” Seymour said. “They are both boys, and are super high energy. The play constantly.”

Warthogs are known to be difficult to handle, and trainers have a hard time getting in close contact with them. While Akoko was pregnant with her boys, she allowed the zookeepers to perform ultrasound tests without any problem.

“She completely had mother instincts,” Seymour said. “Even after giving birth she has been a great mom. She is extremely protective and the three of them barely leave each other’s sight.”

Monkeys on the go

Gigi is the newest addition to the chimpanzee family. Her mother Gari gave birth on April 17. Gigi is just detaching from her mother and climbing on her own.

Across the park and in the trees, two baby chimpanzees are latched onto their mothers and just starting to climb by themselves. Although they are both babies, one is an aunt to another.

Gerri and her daughter, Gari, both gave birth to two healthy girls within four months of each other.

Gari and her daughter Gerri came to the Dallas Zoo from the Albuquerque Zoo in 2010. They became pregnant at the Dallas Zoo in 2011. Gari gave birth to daughter Gigi on April 17. Gerri gave birth to daughter Genie on August 25. The chimpanzees are given names that start with the letter “G” in honor of the famous anthropologist Jane Gooddall, who is known for her remarkable chimpanzee research.

The chimps are still nursing, but are slowly detaching from their mothers. The mothers are extremely protective and rarely take their eyes off their babies.

“I can’t wait for the babies to get a little older,” zookeeper and SMU professor John Fried said of the chimps. “We already have a two-year-old, Kona, so it will be exciting to see all the kids playing around.”

More to see

Even in the reptile room, babies are being hatched. Two new pit vipers join the display, both born this summer.

New flamingos are learning how to swim, and turtles are officially coming out of their shells.

“More people are coming to the zoo and we recently hit an all-time record of attendees. 742,000 guests have been to the Dallas zoo in the last year,” Eckert said. “I don’t know if it is the babies, or the new ‘Giant’s of the Savanna’, but who wouldn’t want to come see all the cute babes?”

The Dallas Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The DART transit system can take passengers to the zoo on the red line for just $3 per person. Log on to dallaszoo.com for more upcoming events, including a new “Snowfari” day camp for the little ones, running from Dec. 19 to Dec. 29.

Anna Merlan of the Dallas Observer does a nice job laying out the Black Police Association’s grievances with the Dallas Morning News. Their grievance is more specifically with Tanya Eiserer, who used the words “cocksucker” and “asshole” when an interview she though she had with Chief David Brown didn’t happen.  The BPA feels race is a factor in the incident.  Are they right?

I’ve looked at the comments to the post and racial claims are generally misunderstood in an incident like this.  The question is not whether or not the words ”cocksucker” or “asshole” are racist.  The question is whether or not Eiserer would have used the same language at Chief Kunkle’s office if she felt wronged.

The question is how likely are Mike Rawlings and Pete Sessions to have a reporter use the words “cocksucker” or “asshole” at their offices in the presence of their staff.

How many quotes have you seen in the Dallas Morning News lately from Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, or Chief David Brown or District Attorney Craig Watkins?  Not many.  Hit and run articles that play loose with the facts are being couched under the heading of “investigations.” Good reporters are being penalized by others who aren’t checking their work.

It’s the chicken and egg here. Black officials don’t feel like they’re being treated fairly.  Are they being treated unfairly because of their race?  Or do they assume it’s racism because they’re being treated unfairly?

And be clear, Black officials are receiving unfair media treatment. But that treatment extends to Parkland, which is also being reported on unfairly.  As Tim Rogers pointed out on Frontburner a few weeks back (Parkland’s Woes Not As Bad As Morning News Wants You To Believe), there’s a problem with how story’s are being couched.

A number of reporter are frustrated by the lack of access to African-American officials right now. I know because I’ve heard it from both reporters and elected officials. It makes it harder for writers to do their job. But when there seems to be more interest breaking a story at all cost, these things can happen.

On September 10th, hundreds of volunteers engaged in a collaborative effort to enhance the aesthetics of parks throughout the city of Dallas. Volunteers spanned 23 park sites and arrived ready to weed, paint, pick up debris, plant and make special contributions to the beauty of the parks.

With Dallas having the fifth largest park system in the country, the Parks and Recreation Department saw an opportunity for citizens to unite in support of caring for their neighborhood park. The vision for “It’s My Park Day” was born.  ”Through ‘It’s My Park Day,’ the goal is to encourage as many volunteers as possible to give back to their community parks to make them cleaner and greener,” said Joan Walne, Dallas Park Board president.
The “It’s My Park Day” initiative launched in March of this year with great success. Nearly 200 volunteers registered through 36 different organizations to complete clean-up and beautification projects that approached a monetary value of $60,000. “We know from all of the experts, and from our own experience, that well-maintained parks contribute to the economic, social health and environmental vitality of Dallas,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.

During the fall edition of this semi-annual event, the volunteer count increased to nearly 300. Dallas residents confirmed their commitment to their neighborhood, community and city. Dallas Park and Recreation Public Relations Manager Andrea Hawkins stated that the goal is to get more youth involved with taking pride and ownership of their parks. 

With two successful “It’s My Park Day” event under their belt, Dallas Park and Recreation is gaining a substantial amount of visibility in the community and hopes that more citizens and organizations will become involved.  ”In the midst of various city projects and activities, we never want to lose sight of the significance of our parks and their contribution to the growth, the advancement, and the allure of our city,” said Paul Dyer, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

The department is seeking community sponsors to promote the program. For additional information on getting involved with the next “It’s My Park Day” festivities please visit www.dallasparks.org

Tamisha Minnifee is a freelance writer who is passionate about spotlighting locally owned businesses in Southern Dallas. She is a Realtor by trade and can be reached at info@DFWRealEstateMate.com

Nestled within the flora and fauna of one of Dallas County’s most picturesque areas, the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at Cedar Hill officially opened its doors September 9, 2011, with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

“The project has been 12 years in the making,” said Center Director Patty McGill.  The idea for the center began when amateur naturist David Hurt discovered flowering dogwoods -which are rare to the area- in the canyon while hiking.
“He had planned to build his dream home and live there after purchasing some of the land, but realized the land was too special and that it needed to be shared,” explained T Hanson, a nature director at the Audubon.

The land is special indeed, containing endangered birds, unique plant life and animals that all co-exist within the 300 acres and located south of downtown Dallas in Cedar Hill. “What makes it so unique is the combination of the black prairie land and Austin chalk that meet in this area,” said Hanson.

Hurt’s discovery was the first of many rare trees and plants that were found, including: orchids, Western Ashe Juniper and Shimmering Oaks.  Audubon centers, which are located throughout the country, are places where young and old can visit to learn, explore and contribute to protecting the native plant and animal life of Texas.

The opening of the Cedar Hill center makes Dallas County the only place in the country to have two Audubon facilities.  The Trinity River Audubon Center in Dallas opened in October 2008.

The Dogwood Canyon Audubon location was planned first, even though it was built after the Trinity River facility, explained Ross Coulter who works with the center.  The Trinity River location was built upon an old tire dump in an effort to reclaim the area and its environmental resources.  The Dogwood Canyon center was built to preserve the natural land already as it existed and offers a much different experience for visitors.

Many who work with the center describe it as an outdoor science classroom. As many as 100 children a day are expected to visit Dogwood Canyon, explained Education Manager Faizel Ismail.

“We’re just bringing them outside and showing them science,” said Ismail.  “It isn’t just a boring classroom, science can be an adventure.”

Some of the programs offered for children include hiking, live animal encounters, interactive classrooms within the facilities, nature and play areas and a world of new discoveries.

What began with the “story of the dogwood tree,” the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is described by officials one of the most pristine places within 100 miles.  It’s available for visitors from across North Texas and the rest of the state to enjoy.

Open to local visitors, the center is located at 1206 W. FM 1382 Cedar Hill, Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m.

Ashley Stainton is junior at SMU, majoring in Journalism and Psychology.

With its cross-beams nearly 80 percent complete, construction of The Park is on schedule for its fall 2012 opening.

Crews have installed 252 of the 316 concrete crossbeams that span the 5.2-acre deck park and the final beams are expected to be placed in October. Meanwhile, construction crews have completed 40 percent of the waterproofing the deck needs to ensure water does not seep through the concrete and into the tunnel once complete.

“As the deck nears completion, North Texans are in for an extraordinary sight,” said Linda Owen, president of the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. “Soon we’ll see the arrival of trees and plants, lawns and trellis, and it will be unmistakably clear what a transformational space our community has created.”

Improvements are also being made to the newly-created tunnel for drivers traveling underneath the deck park. In October, workers will complete the installation of 32 jet fans that will be monitored and controlled by computers at all times to protect air quality. In addition to the jet engines, drivers traveling on Woodall Rodgers Freeway will also notice the eastbound Pearl Street exit has been reopened. The exit closed last December as a safety precaution at the beginning of construction.

Dallas residents aren’t the only ones getting a new view of The Park. The Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, which oversees the development and programming for The Park, relocated to a space overlooking The Park last week. Its new home will also serve as a meeting space for volunteers and programming partners.

About The Park

The Park will serve as a central gathering space for Dallas and its visitors to enjoy in the heart of the city. The 5.2-acre deck park will create an urban green space over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets in downtown Dallas. Plans include a performance stage, restaurant, shaded walking paths, a dog park, a children’s discovery garden and playground, great lawn, water features, an area for games and much more.

Connectivity is central to The Park’s purpose. The Park will promote increased pedestrian, trolley and bicycle use between Uptown, Downtown and the Arts District, contributing to a more walkable city center.

The Park will create a front lawn for the surrounding cultural offerings including the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas Museum of Art, Morton Meyerson Symphony Hall, Nasher Sculpture Center, Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual & Performing Arts and the future Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Design, deck and tunnel construction are funded through a public-private partnership including $20 million in bond funds from the City of Dallas, $20 million in highway funds from the state and federal government through TxDOT, and nearly $35 million from private donations, including major gifts from Chase and the W.W. Caruth Foundation. In March 2009, The Park was selected to receive $16.7 million in stimulus funds that are specifically for transportation enhancement projects. The Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation is in the final phase of the campaign to secure private funding for amenities construction, operations, programming and endowment.

The Park will be privately managed, operated and programmed by the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation. The Foundation has studied great urban parks across the country and will bring “best practices” to The Park’s operations, programming and maintenance.

The Park’s design is led by The Office of James Burnett, Thomas Phifer and Partners, and Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. The Texas Department of Transportation selected Archer Western as the contractor for construction of the deck plaza. Bjerke Management Services provides project management services to the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation.

Snap, crackle, pop! Don’t miss Dr Pepper Snapple Group FAIR PARK FOURTH from 4:30 – 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at historic Fair Park. Free and open to the public, the family-fun event will feature musical performances including a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic concert, free visits to Fair Park’s participating museums from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain, plus a spectacular fireworks show at the Cotton Bowl sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers. Guests are encouraged to view the fireworks from inside the Cotton Bowl (enter at Gate D).

At 7 p.m. enjoy a show by seven-time Grammy-nominated Stefani Little Band, followed by a patriotic performance by the Grammy-nominated Dallas Wind Symphony at 8 p.m. in front of the Hall of State. Led by guest conductor Nicholas Williams of the University of North Texas’ Mean Green Brigade, the Dallas Wind Symphony’s beloved “Red, White and Blue Concert” will feature favorites including America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, the Washington Post March, A Salute to America’s Veterans and more.

Fair Park’s participating museums will offer free admission from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. including the African American Museum, The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, the new Texas Museum of Automotive History, Texas Discovery Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science and Museum of the American Railroad. The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park will offer discounted admission at $4 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Other highlights will include “dancing water” shows at the Bellagio-style Esplanade Fountain choreographed to four songs – Stars and Stripes Forever, the beloved classic Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz, the Yellow Rose of Texas, and Aaron Copland’s Hoedown of the popular Rodeo suite. Show times are at 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. (NOTE: For the safety of Fair Park visitors and to protect the fountain mechanisms, wading and swimming are not allowed at any time in the Esplanade Fountain.) For another aquatic experience, the Swan Boats will be available for $10 per boat (cash only).

The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. Recommended seating will be inside the Cotton Bowl. KLUV 98.7 will simulcast the fireworks music. NOTE: Gate D, which opens at 8:45 p.m., will be the only entrance to the Cotton Bowl. Visitors also may sit throughout the Fair Park grounds. The event closes at 10 p.m.

IMPORTANT: Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, fireworks or firearms are NOT permitted on Fair Park grounds. Strollers, coolers and pets are NOT permitted inside the Cotton Bowl. Concessions will be sold, or guests are invited to bring their own picnics. ATM machines will be available.

Dr Pepper Snapple Group FAIR PARK FOURTH is hosted by Friends of Fair Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Other sponsors are Gold Metal Recyclers, MetroPCS, Baylor Healthcare Systems, and Statewide Remodeling. Media partners are WFAA, Univision 23, Al Dia, The Greensheet, 98.7 KLUV, 90.9 KCBI, 97.9 The Beat, 94.5 K-Soul, 107.9 La Kalle and 1270 AM La Voz del Pueblo.

Admission is FREE. The City of Dallas charges $10 for parking within the gates of Fair Park, or ride DART’s Green Line Rail to the Fair Park Station. Parking will be available at Gates 2, 5, 6, 10 and 11. Handicap parking at Gate 5.

For more information, please call 214-421-9600 or go to fairpark.org.

Moving to Memorial Day weekend May 27 – 29, CityArts Festival presented by Big City Crushed Concrete will offer a spectacular mix of activities and entertainment for families and art aficionados alike to enjoy against the backdrop of historic Fair Park, a national landmark featuring the world’s largest collection of art deco exhibit buildings, art and sculpture. Free and open to the public, CityArts Festival will feature an outdoor film Friday night, rooftop fireworks Saturday night, plus ARTFEST will return to its traditional outdoor setting over Memorial Day weekend featuring art by nearly 150 renowned juried artists.

Other holiday-weekend highlights will include ongoing entertainment; free visits to Fair Park’s eight museums at select times, including the new Texas Museum of Automotive History; an indoor culinary showcase; a super-sized children’s area featuring interactive activities, crafts and entertainment with more than 20 of Dallas’ most prominent arts organizations; CityArts Marketplace; multi-disciplinary demos; “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain; and more.

We’re thrilled to be part of such a huge and diverse event as CityArts Festival,” said Trey Brown, vice president of Big City Crushed Concrete. “As a Dallas-based company with offices near Fair Park, we have a long-standing fondness for the historic landmark. “I predict Fair Park is going to be THE place to go this Memorial Day weekend!”

ARTFEST, the juried art show coordinated by The 500, Inc., will be outdoors at CityArts Festival, showcasing fine art and original pieces by nearly 150 renowned Texas and national artists, all while raising money for cultural arts organizations in the Dallas area.

“From an outdoor film on the lawn to rooftop fireworks, there are a lot of new and exciting activities this year that really make CityArts Festival a unique event,” said David Luther, chair of Friends of Fair Park. “With all the great space at Fair Park, it’s clear this is an ideal setting where the festival can naturally grow and thrive. In just its second year at Fair Park, CityArts Festival is already seeing an impressive jump in community involvement from arts and cultural groups. We appreciate all the wonderful support and look forward to a truly memorable weekend!”

Free museum visits at select times Saturday and Sunday

Thanks to Atmos Energy, Fair Park’s eight museums will offer free admission on Saturday and Sunday (at select times) including the African American Museum, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, the new Texas Museum of Automotive History, Texas Discovery Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science and Museum of the American Railroad. Check cityartsfestival.com for the latest schedules.

In addition, Dallas Summer Musicals will present 9 to 5: The Musical at 8 p.m. Friday, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Music Hall (tickets required).

Outdoor film, ongoing entertainment on three stages, plus rooftop fireworks to rock Fair Park

Sponsored by Capital One Bank and hosted by the Dallas Film Society, a FREE outdoor film screening of the 1961 classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” will take place at 9 p.m. Friday on the lawn next to the WRR 101.1 building.

The Main Stage sponsored by MetroPCS will be hoppin’ with hot headliners outside the Cotton Bowl. On Friday, the Inner City All-Stars will get jazzy for the opening act at 6 p.m. Then the get-up-and-dance group Synergy will take the stage at 8 p.m. On Saturday the internationally acclaimed 150+ male chorale group The Vocal Majority Chorus will perform at 7 p.m., followed by a rockin’ show by the nine-member Trubone Band at 8:30 p.m. Afterward, rooftop fireworks sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers will light the skies above the Cotton Bowl Plaza at 10 p.m. On Sunday at 3 p.m., Havana NRG! will have the crowds boogying to their high-energy Latin dance beats.

A variety of multicultural musical, dance and performing arts acts will be on tap throughout the weekend. Friday’s line-up will include the Allegro Guitar Society; Destiny Tabernacle of Worship Youth Department; Latin Sensassions; Ray Baker Project; TangoAmor; and The Mambos. Saturday’s schedule will include shows by Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico; Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble; Bowie Salsa; Contemporary Ballet Dallas; Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth; Daniel de Córdoba Bailes Españoles; Orquesta Cervantes; School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas; Shakespeare Dallas; SIMA Ballet Folklorico; South Dallas Concert Choir; Strings of Color; The SmeeTones; and the University of North Texas African Ensemble; and more. Sunday’s schedule will include 5 Second Rule; Ballet de Force; Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl; Dyaaly Kunola West African Drum; Events in Motion; Inner City All-Stars; iNStep; Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth; Lady Diamond; Skyline High School Urban Dance Theater; The Jasmines; and more.

Cooking demos with some of Texas’ top chefs, plus beer, wine and liquor tastings at Culinary Showcase

Foodies and wine enthusiasts can convene at the Culinary Showcase led by Lisa Chamberlain of Chamberlain’s Restaurants inside the Texas Museum of Automotive History. Throughout the weekend, festival goers ages 21 and up (with valid ID) can enjoy cooking demos and samplings by some of Texas’ most celebrated chefs including Executive Chef Blythe Beck of Central 214; Chef Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain’s Steak and Chophouse and Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill; Regional Executive Chef David F. Holben of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House; Chef/Owner Brian C. Luscher; Executive Chef David McMillan of Screen Door; Chef/Owner Janice Provost of Parigi; Executive Chef Jim Severson of Sevy’s Grill; Corporate Chef Aaron Staudenmaier of Abacus; plus author and award-winning artisanal cheesemaker Paula Lambert, founder and CEO of The Mozzarella Company.

Guests can try out an assortment of craft beer, wine and liquor, learn the latest wine-pairing tips, and awaken their taste buds with tequila and vodka tastings (supplies limited). Outside the Culinary Showcase, all ages can enjoy mouth-watering meals, snacks and refreshments from various restaurants and vendors including Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, Ain’t No Mo Butter Cakes and dozens more.

Kids fun, crafts, shopping and “dancing water” to delight all ages

The Prudential Children’s Area will be chock-full of arts and crafts, interactive activities and family-fun entertainment. More than 20 prominent arts organizations and nonprofits will be on site including Big Thought; Crow Collection of Asian Art; Dallas Contemporary; Dallas Film Society; Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance; Dallas Museum of Art; Dallas Public Library; Dallas Summer Musicals; International Museum of Cultures; Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth; Museum of the American Railroad; Musical Angels; Nasher Sculpture Center; Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture; Sip-n-doodle; Texas Discovery Gardens; Texas Museum of Automotive History; The McKinney Avenue Contemporary; The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future; and more. Plus, the Dallas Zoo will present Animal Adventure, an interactive live animal show at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Big Thought Touring Art Exhibit presented by Prudential will feature art created by students in the Thriving Minds After School program at John W. Carpenter Elementary School. Artwork will include fabric weavings, ceramic sculptures and stained glass murals focused on the meaning of community.

NOTE: The Prudential Children’s Area will be open Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m.

CityArts Marketplace will feature unique gifts, clothing, collectibles and other eclectic items suitable for bargain shoppers and high-end buyers. “Dancing water” shows choreographed to music at the Esplanade Fountain will dazzle crowds at the top of every hour! Four songs will be featured including Yellow Rose of Texas and Aaron Copland’s Hoedown of the popular Rodeo suite, plus two new songs Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Stars and Stripes. (Dancing water shows will run at the top of the hour from 6 – 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday; and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday.)

Barnyard Buddies – Summer Edition – This June, we’ll be offering our story time every Wednesday, and older siblings are welcome to join in the fun!

Parents and preschoolers are invited to the Village for story time. Hear a story or two and make a craft with your child- all in the only historic village in Dallas!

Please RSVP by calling 214-413-3674 or e-mail us at reservations@dallasheritagevillage.org . You can even purchase your advance tickets online.
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Barnyard Buddies – Go West!

Wednesday, June 1               11 a.m.

Tickets:  Participating Children $5 – One Adult Free

Pioneer families packed up all their belongings in covered wagons and headed west looking for a new life. Today, families do the same but in cars and moving vans. Let’s go back and share the adventure of the move with mother, father and baby John in Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails by Verla Kay.
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Barnyard Buddies – All Aboard!

Wednesday, June 8               11 a.m.

Tickets: Participating Children $5– One Adult Free

Climb on board as we explore trains.  We’ll be reading Choo-Choo by Virginia Lee Burton, taking a trip to the Depot, singing a train song or two, and making train whistles.

Barnyard Buddies – Donkey Powered

Wednesday, June 15 11 a.m.

Tickets: Participating Children $5 – One Adult Free

When we are young we dream of adventure and traveling to new and unknown places.  Nina the donkey sets off on her adventure in the book Donkey Nina and the Giant by John Carroll.  Let’s join in the fun and become Nip and Tuck’s newest friends at the Village.
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Barnyard Buddies – Travelin’ Cowboys

Wednesday, June 22 11 a.m.

Tickets: Participating Children $5 – One Adult Free

A cowboy’s life could be rough, riding the range every day.  Imagine if something was about to happen to make things a little harder?  We’ll read the story The Cowboy and the Black Eyed Pea by Tony Johnston and find out just how tough cowboys really are.

Barnyard Buddies – Changing Times

Wednesday, June 29 11 a.m.

Tickets: Participating Children $5 – One Adult Free

As we grow up, we see lots of changes in the world around us.  But imagine how many changes a historic house has seen!  We’ll read When I Was Built by Jennifer Thermes and view the world through the eyes of a house.
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Party Animals Sleepover to celebrate Nip and Tuck’s 15th Birthday

Saturday, June 18 through Sunday, June 19, 2011

Event Hours: June 18: 10 a.m. – noon: Drop off your fuzzy friend

June 19: Noon – 4 p.m. Pick up your fuzzy friend–and find out what kind of adventures they had.
Nip and Tuck are really excited about their birthday, and they’re hoping a few special friends will join them for a slumber party.

Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend on Saturday morning and create a special blanket for their slumber party and a photo album to chronicle their adventures. After you leave, we’ll keep the animals busy, giving them a grand tour of the Village, feeding them, and playing with Nip and Tuck before we tuck them in at night.

Come back on Sunday to pick them up, including their photo album and a report on their adventures. Stay the afternoon to celebrate Nip and Tuck’s birthday with the whole family.

Tickets: Non-members $25 – Members $20.   Price includes: Admission for one adult and one child on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 and a commemorative photo album.

Bonus: High Noon Gun Fight on Saturday, along with the Old Time Music Jam from 2-4:30 p.m.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 15. Questions? Call  214-413-3674 or visit www.dallasheritagevillage.org

Proceeds from this event benefit Family Programming at Dallas Heritage Village.

Family Past Times- Happy Birthday, Nip and Tuck!

Sunday, June 19, 2011          Noon to 4 p.m.
The Village’s favorite residents are turning 15!

Join us as we celebrate our favorite donkeys, Nip and Tuck. We’ll be making party hats, decorating their wagon, and making ice cream. We may even play a game of Pin the Tail on the Sheep (the boys are tired of that other game!). If the boys are feeling generous, they may even offer to give you a ride in their carriage.

Kids are free!

Regular General Admission: $7 Adult, $5 Senior (65+), $4 Child (4 to 12 years)

Kidd Springs Central, the community group open to all in the Kidd Springs area, invites the Oak Cliff Community to a pre-concert festival beginning at 6 p.m. on June 1, 2011 at Kidd Springs Park with food and beverage vendors, artisans and activities for kids to welcome the Dallas Symphony Orchestra back to Kidd Springs. Kidd Springs Park is located at 711 West Canty Street. Interested vendors should contact 214.718.2384 or kiddsprings.central@gmail.com for more information.

The pre-concert festival starts at 6 p.m. with local food, beverage and artisan items for sale and community groups located in front of the Kidd Springs Pool. The Friends of Oak Cliff Parks Ladybug Sprinkle will happen at 7 p.m. at the Butterfly Garden and the bounce house will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. The DSO performs at 8 p.m. The concert is free. Local artisans and other neighborhood groups are invited to participate. All money raised benefits the Kidd Springs Park and Recreation Center.

“We are thrilled that DSO returns to Kidd Springs Park for a third year in a row. This is a great opportunity for one of our local community groups, Kidd Springs Central to encourage attendance with the pre-concert festival and for our Oak Cliff community to show our appreciation to the Dallas Symphony and City of Dallas Parks and Recreation,” says City Council Member Delia Jasso. Ms. Jasso serves as honorary chair for the KSC’s Pre-Concert Festival.

Goodspace and Kidd Springs Central are this year’s Kidd Springs Park Pre-Concert Festival sponsors.