Krewe of Barkus Parade (Downtown McKinney)

People and their pups saw no better example of McKinney’s love for dogs than this past weekend at the annual Krewe of Barkus dog parade in downtown McKinney. This was the 10th year for the Art Institute of McKinney (AIM) to put on this Mardi Gras celebration, organized by McKinney artists and Louisiana natives Blynda Christian (pictured at left with her dog, the parade grand marshal Lady Godiva) and Amanda Kelly.

The parade is held the Sunday before Fat Tuesday each year with roughly 200 dogs and their owners dressing up in costume based on a theme.  Entrants decked out in their patriotic finery or as historic American figures (four-legged Betsy “Ruff,” the Statue of Liberty, George and Martha Washington and Uncle Sam, among others) paraded around the historic square with prize baskets going to those best entries meeting this year’s theme, “All American Barkus: A Salute to Presidents, Pioneers, and Pawtriots.”

Parade entrants threw candy and Mardi Gras beads to many of the 3,500 or so spectators while some even threw mini-dog treats to the couple hundred or more dogs who were just there enjoying the outing with their owners. Bowls of water sat on the sidewalk outside many stores sporting signs “Dogs Welcome – People, Too!” signs in their windows as many of the parade attendees and their pets lingered around the square, enjoying the beautiful warm day and blue skies.

After dispersing all the prizes, Blynda announced next year’s theme and date, expressing hopes for another glorious, unseasonably-warm February day.

“Mardi Gras falls early next year, on February 12, so our parade will be on Feb. 10. That’s pretty early and it’s been pretty cold a couple of  years, so everyone start praying now for another day like today,” she said. She then challenged participating dogs and families to start thinking about comic books, cartoons, superheroes and the like for a very animated Krewe of Barkus 2013. That should be a really good one – we can’t wait!

Dog Agility Competitions (Myers Park)

McKinney’s love for dogs isn’t reserved the one parade each year, though. Many weekends throughout the fall, winter and spring months, dogs are running through obstacle courses during scheduled agility trial competitions.  (The summer months are too hot for these shows as the arena isn’t air conditioned.) Some of these events are breed-specific while others are open to any breed of dog affiliated with a dog enthusiast or sporting group hosting competitions on a given weekend. Dallas Agility Working Group (DAWG), Gazehounds in Texas (GIT), Dallas Obedience Training Club, Happy Hounds and others host weekend-long events at Myers Park & Event Center that are open to spectators free of charge. (Click on the calendar on the Myers Park website for details.)

Visitors or residents looking for a fun way to spend an hour or two of relaxed fun may want to head north of University/380 to Myers Park. It’s a beautiful area of our county just on the northern edge of McKinney with rolling hills, open spaces, and plenty of parking. Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy with the family near the shores of the pond at the park, or opt for snacks at the concession stand inside the arena with its packed-dirt floors.

Dog lovers will get a kick out of watching small and large breeds alike running (or sometimes walking, as dogs newer to the sport sometimes do) through the courses as fast as their little legs can carry them. Jack Russell terriers, border collies, labs, retrievers and even chihuahuas seem to be especially well-suited to these types of competitions, but other breeds can surprise you. Even a low-to-the-ground dachshund can finish in good time! Basset hounds might be a little different story, being typically a little slower than most when it comes to running, but they are not entirely strangers to the dog agility arena. After the races, some dog owners even treat their pooches to a doggy massage (a massage therapist is often on-hand at these events) or buy them a new toy or treat from the doggie-oriented vendors set up at the event.

McKinney Businesses  Go to the Dogs

Like many cities, the parks and neighborhood sidewalks are filled with people taking their dogs for daily exercise. This holds true for McKinney as well. The historic downtown square is especially dog-friendly with several shops, an art gallery or two, and the sidewalk dining areas of some of the eateries welcoming dogs.

Some of the business owners even bring their pups to work with them. If you stop in at Stone Wood Creators, make sure to scratch the ear of Tom Lavy’s pup, Tater. Or if handling bicycling business at Cadence Cyclery, say “hi” to Ridley (pictured at right). And if you’re lucky, you may even see a sweet little schnauzer peek out from under his owner’s desk at The Book Gallery.

McKinney even has its own pet treat bakery, the Canine Cookie Company, just a half-block off the downtown square proper. Dogs are always welcome here, since everything sold there is meant for them – healthy homemade dog treats, toys, leashes and collars, and even birthday cakes (available by special order). Click HERE for a video produced by the city’s television station, McKinneyVision, that explores this special downtown business.

REASON 1: McKinney’s mayor is an avid healthy living and fitness enthusiast who is challenging the entire community to change eating and fitness habits by working together to all focus more on living the healthiest lives we can.

Mayor Brian Loughmiller (front, in black) at the start of McKinney's Believe Run in November 2011.

“The benefits of healthy living habits are immeasurable. Exercise and diet have been shown to help reduce the possibility of medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart health issues,” McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller said. “I am proud of the fact that many McKinney residents already participate in activities centered on health and fitness. I am also proud of the fact that our medical providers such as McKinney Medical Center, Methodist Hospitals, the Hospital at Craig Ranch and Baylor Hospital (to open soon) all embrace our efforts for preventive health care through healthy habits.”

Loughmiller doesn’t just talk the talk. He walks the walk, and runs and cycles and swims and anything else he can do to keep himself healthy…to lead by example. Residents and visitors who participate in 5Ks, 10Ks and even triathlons here in McKinney and elsewhere will often see Loughmiller among the racers at the starting line. Last year alone, he competed in the Believe Run and other local running races, the Historic McKinney Kiwanis Triathlon, cycled in the high-speed Bike the Bricks race then turned around and participated in the Hotter’N Hell 100 Mile Endurance Race (in Wichita Falls last August!), and even completed an Iron Man competition in the fall.

And he wants McKinney residents to do what they can to live a healthier life.

“For the next 100 days, employees of the city of McKinney and the McKinney School District will be participating in a Live Healthy North Texas Challenge,” Loughmiller said.

City employees began their fourth year in this program this week, and now our mayor has opened this program up to the entire community.

“I would encourage residents who are interested in improving their health through diet and exercise to accept the challenge and log on to Live Healthy North Texas,” Loughmiller said. “You can form a team with your friends, receive valuable information on health and fitness, and track your progress over the next 100 days. Through all of our efforts McKinney not only will be one of the best cities in America to live in, it will also be one of the healthiest.”

For more about joining the Live Healthy Challenge program, click HERE.

Owner Matt Hamilton (in hat) helps a customer pick out steaks at Local Yocal.

REASON 2: McKinney is becoming a mecca for those interested in healthy eating and “green living.”

Roam around our historic district and you’ll find all sorts of businesses and eateries where you can buy locally-grown food. Fresh produce, cheeses, herbs, baked goods and meats are all available at the Chestnut Square Farmers Market. Shoppers can also find fresh or prepared (ready-to-eat) grass-fed and free range meats, farm-fresh eggs, locally made grains and dairy and such at businesses like Local Yocal (pictured at right), The Pantry, Square Burger, Patina Green, and others. This type of food is considered “slow food,” as explained in this video produced by the city’s communications department.

Those interested in more “green living” have opportunities several times a year to take part in classes offered by the city’s Office of Environmental Stewardship. Recently, this office hosted a “make your own rain barrel” class for harvesting of rainwater residents could use for watering their lawns and flowerbeds. Residents also have opportunities through this office to learn more about recycling efforts (this includes fun, interactive children’s programs as well) and to take part in community clean-up programs. Keep up with the latest from this department by checking their website frequently.

REASON 3: McKinney is poised to become a “hub” of knowledge for helping those dealing with perhaps the scariest of health concerns – cancer.

Monika Norman, owner of Spa Esoteric, in one of the spa's treatment rooms.

Despite efforts to live the healthiest life possible, a percentage of people will develop cancer. In fact, most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. One such person is Monika Norman, owner of downtown McKinney’s Spa Esoteric. The passion she has for her profession and the fact loved ones and clients of hers have dealt with the disease sparked her drive to educate people about physical changes brought on by the disease and medical treatments, and how to safely treat oncology clients in a spa environment.

“I hear from my clients who’ve been dealing with cancer say, ‘It’s so nice to come here and feel normal.’ Spa treatments are so beneficial, especially to our oncology clients, to help relieve their pain and for well-being,” Norman said. “But there are only maybe a handful of properly trained oncology massage therapists and aestheticians between here and Houston, so these patients’ options are very limited.”

Chemotherapy and radiation change the skin on all layers, making it react differently than “normal” skin to the products that spas use.

“There are ingredients in regular products [creams, lotions and oils] that can really do more harm than good, but there are some great products out there that don’t interfere with healing and don’t cause any irritation,” Norman said. “For instance, we use Intraceuticals, products which help infuse oxygen and other components back into the skin that chemo removed from it. They also increase red blood cells and prevent the growth of bacteria, which are beneficial to oncology patients.”

Likewise, there are massage techniques (such as deep tissue massage) and skin care treatments that some cancer patients should not undergo because a client’s post-surgical body or one affected by chemo simply can’t handle the treatment. In fact, Monika and her staff have a questionnaire they go through each time an oncology client visits that assures they are able to assess (or re-assess) the client’s current situation.

Also, certain aspects of the spa and its equipment come into play when dealing with patients who have compromised immune systems.

“You have to have a proper protocol for dealing with these special needs clients, and I want to help develop that on a national level,” Norman said.

To this end, Monika performed exhaustive research as well as calling on her background as a medical aesthetician to create a “safe spa” environment here in McKinney. She has surrounded herself with people, including her like-minded staff, who share her philosophy and her passion for helping sooth those fighting cancer. This past weekend, visiting instructor Toni Muirhead worked with a dozen massage therapists from Monika’s staff, That Elegant Touch (McKinney) and Rough Creek Lodge (Granbury).  Future classes will also take place in the coming months as Monika brings in a certified aesthetician (in March) to teach about skincare for oncology clients, and then Muirhead returns (in April) to work with more massage therapists.

“I’m excited to be a knowledge hub for this area and in these specialized treatments,” Monika said. “We have so much interest in this first set of classes, and once we’re finished with those, we’ll just see what we need to do next.”

***

As always, you can learn more about McKinney by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click HERE.)

Learn Something New!
January is chock full of opportunities to try something new or take on new hobbies, so why not challenge yourself!

• Adults can consider Intuitive Painting (ongoing), crazy patchwork quilting (1/16) and more at The Artist’s Loft on the downtown square.
• Kids in grades 1-8 can take part in free weekly dance classes, presented by Chamberlain Performing Arts, at the Boys & Girls Club while those 7-14 can take a Discover Art class (1/6) at the McKinney Community center or a variety of “Discover” classes including art, African culture, and modeling at Old Settler’s Park Rec Center.
• Also at Old Settler’s every Saturday at 10 a.m., ages 10 and up are invited to be part of the hand drum circle where they’ll learn the art of hand drumming; drums are provided for those who don’t have them. The sponsoring organization, Drums Not Guns, also hosts a Fourth Friday Night Drum Circle in Mitchell Park (Church/Louisiana) from 7-10 p.m. each month.
• Learn how to be “green” at the Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop ($50 each; 1/21) offered by the city’s Office of Environmental Stewardship and AgriLife Extension office; participants will make their own rain barrel for use in collecting and using rain water.

Claim the Spotlight
Those craving the spotlight have the opportunity to audition for three stage productions this month:

•  ”Hairspray” and “Dear Edwina,” (McKinney Youth Theatre, 1/13-21); productions are later this spring.
• “Crossroads,” (McKinney Repertory Theatre, 1/13-14); production is in March.

Or pretend to be an Olympic ice skater while twirling on the ice during the Winter Blast at the Dr Pepper Star Center (1/28).

Appreciate the Arts...and Animals
Performance and visual art enthusiasts can take in an art exhibit opening, a musical or a night of comedy during this first month of 2012.

• The McKinney Youth Theatre presents the “Wizard of Oz” at the Heard-Craig Performance Hall (1/13-22).
• Second Saturday (1/14) features a new exhibit opening of Elizabeth McDonald at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, while the Garret Art Gallery holds over their popular miniatures exhibit and sale from December. Orisons Art & Framing features the wildlife portraits of K.D. Hafley (pictured). Live musical performances are on tap at the eateries and wineries on the square and over at Hank’s Texas Grill.
• Also during Second Saturday, enjoy the sounds of two bands – “The Patient Patient” and “Taylor Thrash” during the Winter Jam, a fundraiser for New Life Church of McKinney’s College Ministries (at MPAC, 1/14).
• The Four Funny Females (pictured right) return to the Courtroom Theatre at the McKinney Performing Arts Center for the first of three early 2012 shows (1/21).
• The McKinney Community Concert Association presents the 3 Inspirational Tenors at Faubion Middle School (1/7). These are annual membership performances, but call 972-542-2960 prior to the show to see if any tickets might be available.
• And don’t forget! The dinosaurs are still stationed along the nature trails at the Heard Natural Science Museum through Jan. 29. While there, check out the Animal Superheroes indoor exhibit as well.

Here Comes the Bride
McKinney Performing Arts Center will host its second “Walk Down the Aisle of History” Bridal Show (1/21) featuring a wide variety of the vendors and venues that help make McKinney the “Wedding Capital of North Texas.”

Unique Shopping
McKinney’s monthly shopping opportunities are back, of course, with TreasureSpotters being open 1/7-8, and Third Monday Trade Days taking place 1/13-15. (Old Red Lumberyard will not have a January market.)

Go, Dog, GO!
Myers Park & Event Center starts off the year with a full calendar including a livestock show and a handful of dog agility shows. All are free for spectators and a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon with the family, especially those with kids who love animals!

• Collin County Livestock Show (1/4-7)
• Happy Hounds Dog Show (1/14-15)
• Alamo Area Whippet Dog Show (1/21-22)
• Lone Star Poodle Club Dog Show (1/21-22)
• Texas Kennel Club Dog Show (1/28-19)

For more information, visit the Myers Park calendar.

As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s events by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click HERE.)

Mayor Brian Loughmiller presents the community tree!

Christmastime is indeed here and in full-swing in McKinney, Texas. The halls (street lights and windows, too) have been decked with boughs of holly, strings of lights, and all sorts of sparkly silver and gold finery, and now we get on with the action of celebrating this joyous time of year. And if you haven’t yet seen the community tree in Mitchell Park at the entrance to downtown McKinney, we suggest you go see it at night – it’s gorgeous!

While the annual Dickens of a Christmas festival officially got the season started over Thanksgiving weekend, the month of December is filled to the brim with activities for young and old alike:

38th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes: This event kicks off the month on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4, presented by Chestnut Square Historic Village and the Heritage Guild of Collin County. Proceeds from the admission and raffle ticket sales are earmarked for maintenance costs on the historic buildings and grounds in the village.

Raffle prizes include:

• An “Experience Downtown McKinney” package valued at $500 that includes a stay at the Grand Hotel, breakfast at Spoons Cafe, lunch at The Pantry, dinner at Rick’s Chophouse, a wine tasting at Landon Winery, a spa package at Spa Esoteric, tickets to the McKinney Performing Arts Center and more;
• A Santa Limited Edition Print signed by artist Brenda Brandon, valued at $400 (pictured);
• An antique Victorian table, valued at $400.

Christmas Parade of Lights: (SCHEDULE CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER!) On the evening of Saturday, Dec. 10  (6:30 p.m.), McKinney will be filled with thousands (dare we say millions?) of lights as the “Star Spangled Christmas” themed parade  rolls through the historic downtown square. Rotary Club of McKinney presents this annual event when individuals and groups ride in cars, pull floats, push strollers and pull wagons, all adorned in lights and wearing costumes. Bring the blankets, hot chocolate and your holiday spirit for a down-home great time for the whole family.

Take a carriage ride with Happy Trails Carriage Services.

Holiday Carriage Rides: All month long (Dec. 3-31), you and your family can enjoy a carriage ride through the decorated historic district with Shannon and her team of horses from Happy Trails Carriage Service. They even provide the blankets and music! Reservations are required at happycarriage@peoplepc.com or by calling 214-662-6705.

A Christmas Carol: The McKinney Repertory Theatre presents three more shows of their annual Christmas performance at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 214-544-4630 or by clicking on the link above.

Annie the Musical: The “sun will come out tomorrow” over at the Heard-Craig Performance Hall (306 N. Church) when the McKinney Youth Theatre performs one of the world’s best loved musicals  on Dec. 2-4 and again on Dec. 9-11.

“My Country, My Christmas” – Gary Morris in Concert: The McKinney Performing Arts Center presents country recording artist and Broadway star (Valjean in “Les Miserables”) Gary Morris on Dec. 9. Tickets are $35 and you can buy them at the link above. 111 N. Tennessee.

Also on Dec. 9:

Christmas Donation Drive Party: Lone Star Wine Cellars hosts a free event to wrap-up their supply drive for McKinney’s Community Lifeline Center. Entertainment by Crystal Yates and John Griffith.  103 E. Virginia,  972-547-WINE.

Inaugural Christmas Concert featuring the Texas Boys Choir at Adriatica’s Bella Donna Chapel, 401 Adriatic Parkway. Doors open at Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m.; performance starts at 8 p.m. Seating is limited, so call to RSVP (817-924-1482) or buy tickets ahead of time at www.TexasBoysChoir.org for $25 each.

A Night of Christmas Jazz featuring jazz combo trumpeter Thaddeus James Ford, violinist Richmond Punch, and tenor Daman Clark, at Mgroup Studio in the historic Cotton Mill. Friday (Dec. 9) at 7:30 p.m., $12; 972-547-4416.

Breakfast With Santa – All Aboard the Polar Express!: This annual Parks, Recreation & Open Space event (Dec. 10) is by reservation only at the McKinney Community Center and fills up very quickly. Call 972-547-2690. THIS EVENT IS FULL; no more reservations being accepted.

Holiday Trail of Lights at the Heard Museum: Bundle up your family, get out of the house, and experience the most unique holiday lighting display in North Texas (Dec. 17-19)! Tickets are available by clicking on the link above or by calling 972-562-5566. From 6:30-9 p.m. all three evenings.

Santa Photos: Entertainment Photos offers photos with Santa. For schedule and reservations, the link. Through Dec. 23, and by appointment only.

For unique holiday shopping in McKinney, check out these options:

• Candlelight Shopping in historic downtown McKinney shops displaying a candle in their window, Saturday nights in McKinney until Christmas. Participating businesses will extend their hours to 8 p.m. (and in some cases, later) to accommodate shoppers.
• Just Between Friends Holiday Toy Sale, at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee (Dec. 3-4)
• McKinney High School Holiday Bazaar benefitting the MHS softball program, 1400 Wilson Creek Parkway (Dec. 3)
• Scholastic Book Fair at the McKinney Community Center, 2001 S. Central Expressway (Dec. 7-8). All books are 50% off the usual ticket price.
• Old Red Lumberyard Antique & Vintage Sale, 600 E. Louisiana (Dec. 16-17). Call 972-542-8774 or check out their Facebook page at the link above.
• Chestnut Square Farmers Market & Holiday Bazaar, 315 S. Chestnut (Bazaar is at the Bevel House on Dec. 3-4 during the Holiday Tour of Homes; Farmers Market is on Dec. 17)
• Third Monday Trade Days, 7550 W. University/Hwy. 380, 2 miles west of Central Expwy. (Dec. 16-18)
• The Artist’s Loft, 110 E. Louisiana, is hosting a Holiday Gift Spree of local artisans’ work. (Dec. 16-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
• Garret Art Gallery is hosting their annual Miniature & Small Works show featuring all sorts of smaller artwork that is perfect for gift giving! (through Dec. 31)

Some holiday classes are also scheduled this month where you can learn some new gift-making or culinary skills:

• The Artist’s Loft in downtown McKinney is holding a holiday gift box making class on Friday, Dec. 9, among several other classes that same week, all of which could lead to great handmade Christmas gifts! Email debra@debralinker.com or call 972-345-6311 for more information.
• Sweet Art Bakery in the historic Flour Mill is holding a holiday cake decorating class on Dec. 13. Learn to cover a cake in fondant and decorate it to look like a holiday package. To register, call 469-563-9471.

If you learn of something else going on in McKinney for the holidays, please let us know. As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s events by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by downloading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click HERE.)

Downtown McKinney is getting ready for Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving is, of course, a special time we spend with family and friends, reflecting on the many things in life for which we’re thankful. Many of you will begin your holiday decorating (those of you who don’t already have that finished, that is – you know who you are!), others will be watching football while eating until you’re stuffed, and then there are those who will be stretching, carb-loading and scouring sale ads for the Black Friday deals, ready to hit the stores when they open Friday morning. (We have heard of  some chains even starting Black Friday deals when they open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.)

The Season of Giving

While all these things are special traditions for the majority of us, there are also plenty of people in need this holiday season who will look to volunteers to help provide their meals, holiday gifts for their children, and meet their other needs. The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau consistently receives calls, specifically this time of year, asking where people can turn to devote some time, money, goods and services to those in need. In preparation for this, we’ve put together a list of links to help people with the desire to give back:

• The Samaritan Inn, Collin County’s only homeless shelter
• The Salvation Army of McKinney
• Volunteer McKinney Center
• Community Food Pantry of McKinney
• Community Lifeline Center
• 3E McKinney (source for church-based volunteer force and resources)
• McKinney’s service organizations (Rotary Club & Sunrise Rotary, McKinney Kiwanis & McKinney Lions Club & Morning Pride Lions)

The Season of Fun and Good Spirits

Of course, the most exciting aspect of this time of year is the anticipation of the holiday season. Whatever your religious affiliation and the holiday you celebrate during this season, McKinney activities run the gamut from shopping and ho-ho-happy fun to inspirational and traditionally-warm and inviting.

Now in its 31st year, Dickens of a Christmas serves as the kick-off of the holiday season in McKinney (Friday-Sunday after Thanksgiving, 11/25-27). Featuring down-home fun that harkens back to the days of McKinney’s earliest settlers and beyond, this year’s festival will feature the return of the snow hill and “magic snow” as well as some new surprises. Santa will again be available for photos and for lap sitting and wish-list telling, and various musicians will share their  Sounds of the Seasons talents all around the square..

During Dickens weekend, you can also enjoy the following activities:

• City of McKinney Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday, 11/25, 6:15 p.m.) featuring singer-songwriter Crystal Yates.
• The McKinney Repertory Theatre’s annual presentation of A Christmas Carol at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (Friday-Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. during Dickens, then the following weekend at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 12/2-3, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, 12/4).
• 6th Annual Believe! Run (1 mile, 5 and 10K), benefiting Holy Family School and presented by the McKinney Rotary Club, taking place at downtown’s Mitchell Park, on Saturday, 11/26. Kids can also participate in the Great Santa Chase before the race starts.

Also that weekend:

• Check out the Handmade McKinney Artist & Crafters’ Fair at the Historic Flour Mill (407 E. Louisiana,  11/25-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) where you can shop for locally-made items and enjoy food prepared by  McKinney caterers and bakers.
• Find vintage pieces and antiques at the Old Red Lumberyard (Louisiana/Throckmorton by the Flour Mill) on Friday and Saturday (11/25-26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.).
• Small Business Saturday is national day, now in its second year, dedicated to supporting small businesses in the U.S. during the busiest shopping weekend every year. McKinney is blessed to have a wide assortment of small businesses specializing in locally-made products and essential services that make for great gift-giving. For instance, who wouldn’t love to have receive oil changes for a year or a full-day of pampering or massage from a local spa? (Saturday, 11/26, all day)
• Lone Star Wine Cellars kicks off their Wine Scavenger Hunt as well as their Gift Drive (benefitting Community Lifeline Center) in downtown McKinney during Dickens  and continuing until Dec. 2. For $19.95, participants receive tastes of 12 wines, a painted holiday glass for tasting, and two chances to win prizes:  a case of wine – one each of The 12 Wines of Christmas (drawing on December 2) and the Grand Prize drawing, a gift basket full of merchandise from McKinney merchants (drawing on December 9). Players, or a designate, must be present for the drawings to win the prizes.

Don’t Want to Cook on Thanksgiving Day!

Every year, we also get questions about restaurants being open on Thanksgiving. We’ve found these few but would love readers to add comments on this blog entry if they know of more:

• Bill Smith’s Cafe, 1510 W. University: For the first time in their 50-plus years in McKinney, they’ll be open from 4 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to serve breakfast and Thanksgiving dinner.
• The Pub, 204 W. Virginia: Open from 7 p.m. to midnight. The kitchen closes at 11 p.m.
• Denny’s, 1615 N. Central Expressway – Open 24 hours, including Thanksgiving. Regular full menu.
• IHOP, 1960 N. Central Expressway – Open 24 hours a day, including Thanksgiving. Regular full menu.
• Waffle House, 1432 N. Central Expressway – Open 24 hours a day, including Thanksgiving. Regular full menu.

However you and your family and friends celebrate Thanksgiving and the kick-off of the holiday season, we at the McKinney CVB wish you and yours a happy, safe holiday full of warm memories, fun and plenty of turkey! Gobble-gobble!

Zane Williams recently performed at Wales Manor.

McKinney has become somewhat of a haven for singer-songwriters and a regular nightlife staple in the Dallas area for live music enthusiasts.A couple of McKinney residents (Zane Williams and Jon Christopher Davis) and venues (Cadillac Pizza Pub and Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery) are even among those being featured on this fall’s new nationally-syndicated TV show, “Troubadour, TX.” The show follows a handful of Texas singer-songwriters, showing their lives at home, in the studio and on-stage.

(Interesting tidbit: The show’s supervising producer also lives in McKinney and sometimes doubles as cameraman for the show.)

Jon Christopher Davis performs on the stage at Wales Manor.

Williams is the winner of a number of songwriting awards and has opened for a nice list of touring performers.

Davis, whose songs have been recorded by a number of Nashville recording artists, also had a composition of his selected as the national theme song for the American Heart Association’s “Relay for Life,” also penned the song, “Texas,” that was selected as the theme of the State of Texas Tourism Department. Both of these accomplished men have developed extensive followings and regularly perform here at home at both Cadillac and Wales Manor, among all the other venues and studios around the country where they perform.

Crystal and Will Yates

The next up-and-coming singer-songwriter to perform at Wales Manor (a venue that only brings singer-songwriters to its stages) will be Crystal Yates, a native Floridian who moved to McKinney with her husband-manager Will and their son a couple years ago. Yates just released her first CD as a McKinney-ite, holding the release party at another popular live music venue in McKinney, Café Malaga. The songs on the CD, “Love Wins,” are all original compositions written primarily by Yates and her mentor (a Dove Award winner) Jennie Riddle, another McKinney resident, one whose family is quite prolific in the music scene. (Her daughter Emily Riddle also just released a CD this month, and the Riddle and Yates families together started New Nation Music, a musical ministry, in 2009.) Yates will be performing in a free concert at Wales Manor on Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m.

Williams’ next performance in McKinney will be part of the same two-day festival in which Yates is performing; he’ll take the stage adjacent to Chestnut Square on Friday at 7:50 p.m. This weekend’s Music in Motion, is an inaugural event presented by fledgling non-profit Arts & Music Guild of McKinney, and the brainchild of the guild’s founder, artist Anne Royer. For two nights, a wide variety of area musicians will perform on stages in and around Chestnut Square Historic Village as well as the usual live music venues in town. Another popular and long-time McKinney singer-songwriter, Maylee Thomas, will also take part in Music in Motion, performing in Adriatica Saturday from 5:30-7 p.m.

The music attendees will hear both nights of the festival include a variety of jazz, bluegrass, country, rock, funk, and even big band, compliments of McKinney Community Band’s Dance Band on Saturday at 7 p.m. (The community band’s flute choir is also on the festival schedule, appearing Friday at 6:45 p.m. on the patio at Chestnut Square.)

McKinney’s sizable community of visual artists will also be on-hand to display and create their art during the concerts at Chestnut Square and the adjacent “green” to the north of the square where the main stages will be located. The complete list of all the artists, both performing and visual, is  available from the festival website (www.musicinmotiontx.com). Admission is $10 on Friday night ($5 for students, veterans and seniors). Saturday night’s concerts have no cover charge. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, as will hot dogs and pizza.

Whatever your favorite type of music, you’ll find it in McKinney, Texas, just about any night of the week and certainly this weekend!

As always, you can learn more about McKinney’s entertainment and live music scene by visiting VisitMcKinney.com and by loading our free Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. (For links to the Apple Store and Android Market, click HERE.)

The month of October gets a roaring kick off with the Oct. 1 opening of the annual Dinosaurs Live! exhibit at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. We grabbed the camera and ran out to The Heard to snap a few pictures of the dinosaurs last week as they made their grand entrance via18-wheeler flat-bed. They’ve spent the past week finding the right spot to settle in along the nature trails for their four-month stay among the trees, grasslands and wildlife. They roar, they move, and a couple even spit. (It’s easy to find these, as groups of kids often gather in front of them, waiting to be sprayed by the ferocious beasts!)

Also at The Heard this month:

• Night Hike (Oct. 15) – Grab a flashlight and venture out on the nature trails at night. You’ll hear and see, if you’re lucky, some of the nocturnal wildlife that calls The Heard home. Reservations are required. Also on Oct. 15: Free Visitor Day, National Fossil Day celebration & the opening of “Animal Superheroes” Exhibit.
• Halloween at the Heard (Oct. 22) – The kids will love trick-or-treating by flashlight on the nature trails, stopping at the dinos to collect candy. Also scheduled: a costume contest, refreshments, Haunted Forest, and an outdoor movie! Reservations are required and it sells out FAST every year.

The City of McKinney presents some fall events as well, some for families and others more adult-oriented, including:

• Family Fall Festival (Oct. 23, 6-10 p.m.) – This event at the Community Center on Central Expressway just south of Towne Lake features games and activities for families as well as an outdoor movie (“How to Train Your Dragon”) from 8-10 p.m. Registration is required. $5 per person. 972-547-2690.
• Scare on the Square (Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m.) – The downtown square is closed off to allow children to trick-or-treat at the downtown shops, participate in a costume contest, visit with the McKinney Fire Department McTown Klownz (who perform at 6:30 p.m. in a free show at MPAC after this event), and more.
• Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 29, 11 p.m) – The adults can enjoy some kid-free Halloween fun, too, as they rock along with this cult-classic. Bring your water guns, newspapers, toast, rice and more, or buy your Rocky Horror Kit when you buy your movie ticket. At the McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee. 214-544-4630.
• Also at MPAC in October: Daddy’s Dying, Who’s Got the Will? (McKinney Repertory Theater, Oct. 1, 7-9); Girl Talk: A Girls Night Musical (Oct. 15); Stars Go Dim Concert (Oct. 23); The Murderous Mansion of Dr. Uno (MRT Young Actor’s Guild, Oct. 21-23); and McTown Klownz (Oct. 31)

Over at Chestnut Square Historic Village, enjoy the following family-friendly events:

• Farmers Market: October is the last month of the weekly Farmers Market (Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon through Oct. 29), with the final market featuring a pumpkin patch and more fun, including adorable Collin and McKinney, two baby goats currently living at Chestnut Square.
• Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk (Oct. 22 & 29): Learn about McKinney’s ghostly legends on a self-guided tour through McKinney’s purported haunted locales, including this year’s addition of a haunted trolley ride to Pecan Grove Cemetery (additional fee applies). Also see findings from TEXPART (Texas Paranormal Research) at MPAC, and hear ghost stories told by Civil War re-enactors.
• 4^th Annual Ghouls on the Lawn (Oct. 23): While this event isn’t actually at MPAC, it is presented by the McKinney Performing Arts Center at McKinney’s Tucker Hill and features trick-or-treating (5-7 p.m. only), haunted graveyard, ghost stories, pumpkin painting, magic show, hayride, petting zoo, and a live performance of Harry Potter’s “Dance of the Dementors”!

Music fills the air in October, too, and not only in the music and downtown wineries every weekend and on Second Saturday:

• Music Under the Stars (Oct. 22): Wales Manor Vineyard and Winery again welcomes Jon Christopher Davis and friends for the filming of an episiode of the new TV show, “Troubadour Texas.” (Details to come on the Wales Manor website.)
• Music In Motion (Oct. 28-29): This two-day festival will feature a wide range of musical groups as well as promoting all the live-music venues now entertaining visitors and residents. While the musicians make their music, a slew of McKinney artists will also be on-hand to demonstrate and who their art. (This event is the first venture of the newly-established Arts & Music Guild of McKinney.) Details to come on their website.

This event list may look extensive, but our website calendar is full of many others, including art classes, FFA shows, garden workshops, and more!  As always, check VisitMcKinney.com and the Destination McKinney Texas Facebook page for more event information.

And if you don’t have our Smartphone app yet (for iPhone, iPad or Android) by all means, go HERE now and get it! You’ll be glad you did.

I spoke with the Food Pantry Manager and she stated they have opened a warehouse for food and are expecting to have to feed families who have lost everything for at least the next six months.

Starting on Monday, September 12 through Friday, September 30, the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau will be accepting donations at our offices located at 1575 Heritage Dr., Suite 100, in McKinney.  Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  We will deliver the items to the Bastrop community at the end of the month.  With the kinds of losses they are suffering every day and will continue to until these fires are extinguished, they need much help.

The staff gave me information on the types of donations they are looking for at this time.  They include household items like the following:

• Diapers
• Formula
• Baby food
• Towels
• Toiletries – toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, razors, feminine products
• Paper goods – toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, baby wipes
• Kids items – toys, games, clothes
• Bedding – blankets, sheets, pillows
• Pet supplies – crates, food, toys, bedding
• Non-perishable food

Again, we are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will start accepting items on Monday morning, September 12.

We have been fortunate in McKinney to not have experienced these fires and feel strongly the need to reach out to the citizens of the small town of Bastrop who have suffered this great loss. Any size donation is greatly appreciated and will go into the hands of people in dire need.

Please Note:

We are NOT able to accept financial donations at our office.  If you are interested in making a monetary donation,  call 512-332-8661.

We appreciate your consideration!

This bride at Myers Park chose to meet her groom at the altar by 4-wheeler.

Brides expect Texas summers to be  hot, so June, July and August brides often won’t plan much outdoors for fear of melting their wedding party and guests. However, this year, with weather forecasts showing no sign of an end to this heat, brides with September and October wedding dates may be a little nervous about record heat on their big days.

We asked McKinney wedding planner Wendy Kidd (Each & Every Detail) to provide a few tips to help brides with outdoor weddings deal with the heat:

“If your ceremony is outside, don’t forget about your guests’ comfort.  While they may not be out there long, the heat wave we’ve had is killer!  Sunscreen towelettes, programs in the shape of fans and customized water bottles are all great ways to help keep your guests cool.  If at all possible, position your outdoor ceremony so guests are sitting in the shade and not facing into the sun. If your wedding is in the early afternoon (the hottest part of the day), you may consider renting a tent for your outdoor space.  They can be less expensive than you think and many of the options for tents are not as necessary when used for just the ceremony.  Your guests will have a much better time if they don’t spend the reception recuperating from the heat!”

 –Wendy Kidd, owner and president of Each & Every Detail

And here is some information and a video, both from the Each & Every Detail blog, to show how special a McKinney wedding can be:

“Last year, Each & Every Detail donated its services to a little group called Collin County Event Professionals for a free wedding giveaway. The wedding package included almost everything from engagement photos to a horse carriage ride at the end.  We were so touched by how many other vendors donated their time and services. It was an amazing project to be involved in and we enjoyed every minute of working with Amy & Vic. The wedding was held on November 7, 2010, at the Chapel at Chestnut Square in McKinney, with the reception at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.  Each & Every Detail provided full wedding planning services, through lead planner Wendy Kidd.”

For more information about planning a wedding in McKinney, the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau staff can help you get started – free of charge – with room blocks, goody bags for your out-of-town guests, suggestions of venues based on guest list size, and more.  The certified wedding planner you choose can help you do the rest!

Call 214-544-1407 (or tollfree at 888-649-8499), email us at info@visitmckinney.com, or visit our wedding planning page online.

Special thanks to Wendy Kidd for her contribution to this blog entry!

The First Place award for Cooperative Marketing recognized the MCVB’s creation and promotion of Bloomin’ and Boomin’, the month-long marketing campaign celebrating McKinney’s community culture featuring the arts, humanities and agricultural tourism.

“We began planning this campaign well over a year before it actually took place, working with more than 20 local organizations to help them get their events on the schedule and on their websites,” said Diann Bayes, Executive Director of the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The McKinney Community Development Corporation played a part in this cooperative marketing effort, too, helping us and the partnering organizations with partial funding.”

The First Place award for National Tourism Week Promotion rewarded the MCVB’s recognition and celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week, held annually the second week of May.

“Typically, CVBs use that week each year to promote their city within the city itself, to its residents, encouraging them to be tourists in their own towns,” Bayes said. “While we did just that, as we always do each year, we took it one step farther by also recognizing people within our city who make it a great place to visit as well as to live.”

The MCVB started off the week with a proclamation from Mayor Brian Loughmiller, declaring it National Travel & Tourism Week in McKinney. MCVB staff also facilitated a half-day Texas Hospitality class to help teach store owners, business people and others about how to provide the best Texas hospitality to visitors and residents alike. The second half of that week, the MCVB turned their attention to those in the community who serve visitors and residents.

“We solicited votes via our social media outlets – Facebook and Twitter – to identify the top Hospitality Hero in McKinney. Then late in the week, we were honored to host personnel from McKinney’s police and fire departments for breakfast and lunch in our offices,” Bayes said, adding that local tourism partners and businesses donated the food for the special day. “Our Public Safety Awareness Day was our way of thanking our police and fire personnel for keeping our guests safe when they come to visit us in McKinney.”

Bayes and her staff especially appreciate awards from the TACVB because of the nature of the competition.

“The people who vote on these award entries are our peers – other CVBs staff members, tourism professionals, people who are doing their own work in this industry,” Bayes said. “To receive recognition from them is an honor.”

About the TACVB: The Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus was established in 1972 to provide cooperative action and exchange of ideas between the CVBs  of Texas cities, to maintain professional standards within the tourism marketing industry, to unify legislative and public relations efforts among the cities, and to provide quality continuing education opportunities for its members.

About the McKinney CVB:  The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to promote McKinney as the destination of choices. Its vision is to generate economic impact by promoting and developing McKinney as a premiere destination for business and leisure travelers, so they fully experience McKinney’s historic charm and friendly unique atmosphere. The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau is located on the first floor of the Heritage Premier building at 1575 Heritage Drive, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 214-544-1407 or toll-free 888-649-8499, or consult www.VisitMcKinney.com.