It’s November Already?

This will be the scene in downtown McKinney in the next week or so, as the city prepares for the holiday season.

Doesn’t it feel like it was just September? Then we blinked and it was November. We did enjoy many wonderful activities in McKinney in October; it just seemed to go by in a whirl.

Now that we’re into November already (it’s Election Day, as we post this – we hope you all voted!), there is again so much to keep everyone busy as we close in on the holidays – music, art, drama, races, and of course, Dickens of a Christmas.

McKinney Art Studio Tour (MAST)

Three galleries and 22 artists’ studios will welcome guests for tours  (self-guided after buying a ticket booklet – get tickets HERE) during the McKinney Art Studio Tour (MAST). This is the fourth year of the tour which offers T-shirts for purchase, and those who complete at least 15 stops on the tour (validated by signatures from the artists) can enter a prize drawing. The self-paced, leisurely tour allows visitors to watch the artists where they work and live, and talk to them about their creative processes.

32nd Annual Dickens of a Christmas

McKinney Main Street kicks off the holiday on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 23-25) by hosting Dickens of a Christmas – Home for the Holidays. Historic Downtown McKinney will offer holiday shopping, entertainment, activities and food. This free event offer visitors to Historic Downtown McKinney a chance to enjoy strolling carolers, live entertainment, carriage rides, children’s activities, holiday shopping and dining at the more than 100 shops and restaurants downtown. The ever-popular show hill is coming back this year, and of course, Dickens wouldn’t be complete without Santa!

Believe Run (1 Mile/5K/10K)

This fun and healthy family event starts and ends at McKinney’s Mitchell Park early the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving (Nov. 24). The McKinney Rotary Club hosts this race that benefits Holy Family School and other charitable organizations. Before the race, kids get chase Santa (alias McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller) in the Great Santa Chase. Teams and families often dress in costume; strollers and dogs are welcome! Then hang around town after the race to enjoy Dickens.

ShopAnthropy Shopping Tournament

How fun is this? Teams of four each ($200 per team to enter) will spend the day (Nov. 10) on the downtown square, saving money (participating stores offer discounts to these teams), stopping for great food, and having 100% of the proceeds help kids in our area who have aged out of the foster care system and were never adopted. You can check out the charities here: www.embracetexas.org andwww.simplestofgifts.com.

On Stage

Everything from young performers to seasoned ones are performing this month.

Legally Blonde, the Musical (Nov. 10-11, 15-17): Fine arts students at McKinney Boyd High School bring this adaptation of the popular Broadway musical to their auditorium at 600 N. Lake Forest.  An opening night gala on Saturday (10th) features reserved seating, dinner, dessert at intermission, a silent auction and a meet-and-greet with the cast following the show, all for $25. Regular show tickets are $15 for adults. Get tickets HERE.

Young Actors Guild One-Act Plays (Nov. 16-18): McKinney Repertory Theatre’s Young Actors Guild presents two one-act plays, the mystery comedy “Who Murdered Who?” and an old-fashioned melodrama, “She Was Only a Farmer’s Daughter.” For showtimes at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC)  and to get tickets, click HERE.

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (Nov. 23-25, 30-Dec. 2): The McKinney Repertory Theater once again presents this holiday class to MPAC in what has become a long-standing tradition for kicking off the

Steel Magnolia (Nov. 29): This country duo won Can You Duet? on CMT in 2009 and now they’re hitting the Courtroom Theater stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Winners of the McKinney Mash-Up (finalists were crowned earlier in the month) will open for the duo. Get tickets HERE.

Nightlife

Many talented musicians and singers call McKinney and our area home. You can see them almost any day of the week at many eateries and the wineries downtown and elsewhere throughout the city. Below are establishments that regularly offer live entertainment.

• Cadillac Pizza Pub
• Delaney’s Irish Pub
• Hank’s Texas Grill
• Grand/Rick’s
• Grotto
• Jack’s Pub
• Landon Winery
• Lone Star Wine Cellars
• Spoons Cafe

Second Saturday Art Exhibits & Activities (Nov. 10)

McKinney’s galleries and other businesses feature new art exhibits, starting each Second Saturday on the Square, or hold special events. During this special evening, the galleries and many stores stay open later than usual, and provide snacks as well as the opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them about their work. The artists being featured at various locales downtown this month include:

• Design Ten1 Studio: Ashley Bossung Bruegel; 110 S. Tennessee. 972-542-5514.
• Garret Gallery:  Garret artists Clara Stovall, Ginny Bitting, Babs Light, Gail Delger, and Marian Hirsch; 111 E. Virginia; 972-548-9361.
• Imaging on the Square: Jewelry artist Joy Jones. 109 S. Tennessee, 972-548-7575.
• Laura Moore Fine Art: Peggy Epner (GODSPEED); 107 S Tennessee. 214-914-3630.
• Orisons Art & Framing: Santa artist Brenda Brannon;. 110 E. Louisiana, 972-529-1441.
• McKinney Wine Merchant: Nick Saia (sample pictured at right) and wine tastings from Mt. Eden Vineyards; 120 W. Virginia, 972-542-4636.
• Main Street Magic & Fun Company presents two cabaret style magic shows in their Magic Attic Theater on Saturday – 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $10 each. Seating is limited so call 214-274-7802.

While we try to be as complete as possible in our monthly event blog, new things do come up, and then there are the monthly standards like flea market and vintage shopping at Third Monday Trade Days, Old Red Lumberyard, and the Flour Mill District; classes, garden shows and workshops, nature days and Dinosaurs Live! (at right) at the Heard Museum 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.

October 2012 Second Saturday in McKinney

We want to thank McKinney Main Street for providing the following information about all the activities going on during October 2012′s Second Saturday in downtown McKinney, including art gallery exhibits, a magic show, live music and shops staying open late.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, guests can explore local art galleries, listen to great local and regional talent and taste delicious offerings at some of the area’s best eateries.  Many places in downtown McKinney will keep their doors open from 7 – 10 p.m. for this monthly event.

ART Events featured this Saturday

Alternative Furnishings – will feature local artist Jeni Weems Tomlin, stop by and see her wonderful works that she will have on hand throughout the evening.

 Design Ten1 Interiors –will feature home-grown Texas artist Denise Kendrick.  Denise is a graduate of the Art School at the University of North Texas.  Her interpretive style in her most recent collection of acrylics and oil on canvas art reflects her Texas roots in a warm, rich pallet.  Denise is married to her high school sweetheart, Bruce, and mother of 8 children by birth and adoption.

Ken Toki’s Texas Koi Fish

Garret Art Gallery – will be featuring artist Ken Toki . Ken was featured in 2010 at the gallery and will be displaying his new work titled, “Texas Water Scenes With Koi Fish.

Ken Toki is excited to return to the Garret Art Gallery at McKinney, Texas with his new 2012 acrylic paintings of Texas waterside scenes with koi or carp fish. While a fantasy of composition, Toki has studied both the jewel-like fish and Texas rivers and creeks for many years. While a youth in southern Japan he often swam with koi and learned of their almost human-like characteristics. Compared to samurai for their courage, koi are said to not flinch when on the chopping block. Toki often tours and sketches Texas riverside scenes which he loves. Ken is a member of Dallas Koi Kichi.

Toki was an All-Japan Gold Medalist in 2005, and the same year exhibited 64 works in conjunction with Japan’s Kyushu National Museum at Dazaifu. His paintings have been shown in Japan’s major museums including Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museums of Art of Nagoya, Yokohama and Osaka, Japan. Also, the Musee de la Marine, Paris and the National Museum of Hamar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

 Imaging on the Square – is featuring various local artists, showcasing their many different mixes and mediums throughout the evening.

The art of William Renzulli at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios

Laura Moore Fine Art Studios – will feature Williams Renzulli, who’s drawing upon places both real and imagined, sets a mood and strikes a feeling with each of his bold canvases. In Renzulli’s most recent series “Nature Imagined”, he often summons internal landscapes from the memory of experienced places. Alternating between a moody, monochromatic palette and an electric vibrant one, each painting evokes a different response, but each consistently tugs at the edges of memory and recognition. The medium to large-scaled paintings in the exhibition are more about the feelings derived from a place than the place itself. Renzulli feels drawn to “create beauty, both elegant and mundane” with his thought provoking works.

William Renzulli of Paducah, Kentucky, left a 9-year practice of internal medicine and now devotes all of his time to art making. “Nature Imagined” features 15 of his bold and lyrical acrylic on canvas paintings.  Meet Renzulli during opening night for the exhibition “William Renzulli: Nature Imagined” on Saturday, October 13th 7-10pm.  Through November 7th at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S Tennessee in McKinney, Texas.

Art selections from CityArtCal at Orisons Art & Framing.

Orisons Fine Art & Framing Gallery – will be featuring ten exceptional artists from CityArtCal in a group show.  Bold compositions and innovative use of media characterize the works chosen.  Linda Bourgault, Kris Byars, and K.D. Hafley are represented by Orisons.  Susan Bishop, Pauline Caffrey, Rachel Davis, Cindy Gray, Trent Mann, Mary Morgan, and Patricia Rodriguez are first time exhibitors in the gallery.  These artists will be published in CityArtCal’s annual calendar, Fine Art in Dallas. Please join us for a reception and meet the artists, October 13, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Other Fun Events at Second Saturday

Main Street Magic & Fun Company – Join us for a little “Spooky Magic Show” at 7:00 p.m.  This show will be a family-friendly; however it does contain some bizarre and scary magic and stories, so parents please use discretion in regards to whether you child/children would enjoy this type show.  Tickets are $10 each.  Reservations can be made by calling 214-274-7802.

Local Yocal Farm to Market – is excited to present Matt’s art of Oktoberfest!  Did you get rained out for Oktoberfest, not to worry we are serving Brats and German sausage all day.  Everyone is invited to enjoy a good food, live music on the patio during Second Saturday, BYOB.

Patina Green Home & Market – will be featuring Market Dinners each second Saturday on our front patio.  The 5 course dinners are by reservation only, and the store will be CLOSED to accommodate the intimate dining.  For more information please call 972-548-9141.

LIVE MUSIC on Saturday

• Cadillac Pizza Pub – Buzz Andrews Band
• Café Malaga  - Six of the Matter  
• Grotto – Maylee Thomas
• La Misha Bistro – Tom and Kate
• Landon Winery– Tu-Tones
• Lone Star Wine Cellars – Steve Rose
• Rick’s Chophouse – Jon C. Davis
• Spoon’s Café – Duane Bates

Shops open during Second Saturday (extended hours)

Antique Company Mall
Apex Counseling Etc.	Artisanal…A Food Lover’s Market
Barrons Estate Jewelers	The Bear Market
Bella Byou	Bloom
Cadence Cyclery of McKinney	The Canine Cookie Company
Cadillac Pizza Pub	Café Malaga
Churchill’s British Restaurant & Pub	Coffee Squared
Cynthia Elliot Boutique	Dawgs N Hawgs
Design Ten 1 Interiors	Dobscha Studio
GiggleBrush Designs
Goodies Texas	Gray Living
Gregory’s Bistro	Grotto
Heirlooms
Home and Garden Trading Company	Homepieces
Kiss and Make Up Boutique & Salon
Kiss and Make Up Design & Consign	Kitchenwares on the Square
La Misha European Bistro	Landon Winery
Loco Cowpoke Salsa Shop
Lone Star Wine Cellars	Louisiana St. Grill
Made of Sugar & Spice	Main Street Magic & Fun Company
McKinney Wine Merchant	Nan Lee Jewelry	Order 66 Toys
Paciugo Gelato
Patina Green Home & Market	Primp Boutique & Garden
Primp Salon and Spa	The Pub
Rick’s Chophouse	Ruggeri’s Italian Ristorante
Sauce on the Square	Shelby-Marilee and Company Salon & Boutique
Snug on the Square	Spa Esoteric
Special Things	Spoon’s Cafe
Spoons Garage	Square Burger
Uptown

October in McKinney: Fall Colors & Spooky Stuff

Grab a pumpkin and have a fun October in McKinney

Once again, we feel the hint of crispness in the air as our thoughts turn to all things autumnal –pumpkins, brilliant colors of changing leaves, and things that go bump in the night!

McKinney offers all these things and more. Check out the many activities in store for visitors and residents in McKinney in the month of October.

At the Heard Museum

October 2012 gets underway with the Oct. 2 opening of the annual Dinosaurs Live! exhibit at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. T-Rex and his pals will be around until February, giving you plenty of time to see and hear these animatronic creatures, made right here in Collin County, by the way. Don’t forget the camera as family pictures with the dinos make great additions to annual holiday cards. (We know this first hand, as we at the McKinney CVB took our holiday picture with the T-Rex a few years back!)

Dinos return to the Heard Oct. 2

A little later this month at the Heard:

• Halloween at the Heard(Oct. 20, 6-10 p.m.) allows kids to trick-or-treat by flashlight along the nature trails, or take a detour to the “Haunted Forest” (not recommended for younger guests). There’s a costume contest (12 and under), concessions for purchase, and this year’s outdoor movie, “The Lorax.”  Tickets go on sale to members today (Oct.1) and to the general public on Oct. 8. Note: this event sells out fast!
• The monthly 2^nd Saturday Bird Walk (Oct. 13) allows bird and nature enthusiasts to explore the abundant bird life in the sanctuary. For more about birds and nature, watch this VIDEO.

Historic District Events

McKinney Community Band Free concert

Enjoy several entertainment options taking place in and around downtown McKinney this month:

• McKinney Repertory Theatre brings Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” (Oct. 5-6, 12-14) to the Courtroom Theater at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC).
• A capella sensations Pentatonix(winners of the Nov. 2011 “Sing-Off” Season 3 on NBC) perform at MPAC this month (Oct. 18), but sorry, folks – this show’s already sold out!

• The McKinney Community Band honors Serenity High during their “After Ghoul Special” concert featuring bewitching music befitting the Halloween season. The concert is free, but tickets are needed as seating will fill up quick for this special night at MPAC. Get tickets HERE.
  

  Scare on the Square

• Kids will fill the square by the thousands for Scare on the Square (Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m.) featuring trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and the McKinney Fire Department McTown Klownz(performing at 6:30 p.m. in a free show at MPAC).
• Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 19, 9-11 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 ticket to this late night event at MPAC.
• Vocalists are submitting videos now (through Oct. 11) for the McKinney Mash-Up with online voting starting soon (Oct.12-26). Contestants will be notified Oct. 29 with the event taking place next month at MPAC.

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

• Visit the last weekly Farmers Market (Oct. 13) Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, before monthly markets start up.
• At Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk (Oct. 20 & 27), guests will 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 Finch Park (additional fee applies).
• The city’s Parks department is hosting an outdoor showing of “The Hunger Games” at the McKinney Community Center (Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.). You bring the lawn chair and/or blankets while the city provides the movie and free popcorn.

Jon Christopher Davis

McKinney At-Large

Fall fun isn’t just for the historic district. Check out these Fall events elsewhere in the city:

• Wales Manor Vineyard and Winery again welcomes Jon Christopher Davis and friends to the outdoor stage for Music Under the Stars (Oct. 6).
• Pumpkinville (Oct. 17-31) features a pumpkin patch, display of farm equipment from the Collin County Farm Museum, tractor-pulled hay rides (times vary by day), pumpkin decorating, games, picnicking, a toddler-sized hay maze, and more. Free admission with pumpkin sale proceeds benefiting McKinney Christian Academy.
• Visit Storybook’s Ghost Ranch and Pumpkin Patch (thru Oct. 31) for wagon rides, petting zoo, hay maze and more.

Charitable Causes

Go to Pumpkinville at Tucker Hill & see their incredible fountain

• The 4th annual Wish 100 (Oct. 6, 8 a.m.) in which the city partners with The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas, McKinney Velo and Matrix Cycling for a 60-mile ride through McKinney and surrounding communities to raise funds to help make wishes come true for children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
• A special Sunday Brunch at Gather (Oct. 14) benefits CASA. Reservations are recommended and a photo booth will be on-site for capturing the fun with your friends.
• Walkers and runners can help multiple charities at the Stonebridge Racers’ Halloween Hustle (Oct. 28) which features 1K, 5K and 15K races.

This event list may look extensive, but our website calendar is full of many others, including Second Saturday art gallery openings, Third Monday Trade Days and Old Red Lumberyard, classes, FFA shows, garden workshops, Scouting badge days 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.

Part 2: Unique By Nature? Yes, We Are! (The Sequel)

Fishing at Towne Lake Park

In the first part of our blog on “Natural McKinney,” we covered the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (which happens to turn 45 years old this weekend!). Now in this second part of our series on what makes McKinney unique, we’ll highlight other McKinney locations, in addition to the Heard, where you can relax and experience nature.

Erwin Park

This beautiful 212-acre city park sits north of University/380 and east of N. Lake Forest (4300 County Road 1006) and features more than eight miles of  challenging mountain bike trails. The Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) maintains the trails which are twisty and full of dips and tree roots. Read reviews of the trails HERE.

Indian paintbrushes blanket the open spaces at Erwin Park.

Note: A McKinney CVB staff member tried walking the trails with a friend awhile back and let me say that we wished we were on bikes. We certainly did get our hearts going – great cardio workout – and our legs were quite achy (that’s a good thing!) from climbing in and out of the big dips. If you try this, we suggest you wear hiking boots instead of running shoes, and be prepared to yield to the cyclists as these really are their trails. 

Erwin Park offers a nice mix of wooded areas and open space where you can feel far away from the city when in actuality, “civilization” is a mere who miles south. Here you’ll find three picnic pavilions (you’ll need to reserve these by calling 972-547-2690), restrooms, playgrounds, and a fishing area. Probably the best part of Erwin Park – certainly for outdoor enthusiasts – is the fact that overnight camping is available here. Like the picnic pavilions, you’ll need to make reservations at the number provided. Keep cars on the paved areas please, and take a camera along as you’ll want to capture the action and the scenery.

A mama goose and her babies take a stroll near Boy Scouts camping at Myers Park.

Myers Park & Event Center

Right up the road from Erwin Park, you’ll find the rolling hills and large clusters of trees as well as a lake and gardens at the almost 160 acres of Myers Park & Event Center. Owned by the county (Collin County), it is a real gem with all sorts of activities going on year-round. The non-nature- related part of Myers Park features a show arena and stalls where FFA livestock shows, horse shows, rodeos and other  events go on, including dog agility shows that fill most weekends from fall into late spring/early summer.

Next to the arena is the park’s event venue with complete catering kitchen, restrooms, and large seating area, making it perfect for receptions, family reunions, and other parties, and just down the hill from this facility is a lakeside gazebo, a popular wedding spot. Cross the lake via the bridge and… hello, nature!

Research Gardens at Myers Park teach about drought-resistant plants.

Supervised youth group camping is allowed in Myers Woods (scouts, churches and such) where you’ll find fire pits and great spots for pitching tents. No cars or motorcycles are allowed in this rustic area so all supplies will need to be carried across the footbridge. Up the hill from the wooded area the perennial garden and a clearing area called the “Back 40.” This is a hilly, wide-open space perfect for large group events.

Note: A few years back, a re-enactment group held a weekend long event complete with cannons, horses and plenty of marching troops.

And back on the other side of the woods from the Back 40 are a pole barn and stage for use by groups for parties and meetings, as well as the Collin County Farm Museum, park office and the research gardens that were created and are cared for by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Collin County Master Gardeners.

Keep in mind that all activity at Myers Park needs to be scheduled through the park office or the Collin County Farm Museum by calling 972-548-4792 or emailing mpec@collincountytx.gov. May we suggest a visit to the farm museum followed by a family picnic near the lake or in Myers Woods? Or plan a group camping trip. Just make sure to carry anything out that you brought in, please.

And last but not least…

The bronze sculpture “Memories” sits on the northwest side of Towne Lake Park.

Towne Lake Park

This centrally-located community park features at its center a 22-acre lake with paddle boat rentals, a fishing pier, and fountains. Two picnic pavilions and picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park make it a perfect spot to enjoy nature while relaxing with family and friends over a meal. A concession stand, playground, lighted horseshoe courts, sand volleyball courts and the challenging disc golf course and softball/baseball complex on the east side of the park prove Towne Lake offers a little something for everyone.

Also here are the community center and nature trails with meditation garden located to the south of the park. The city holds the annual summer concert series, Jammin’ in July, here as well. And when you do come, make sure to bring bread to feed the many ducks and geese who call Towne Lake home.

To reserve the picnic pavilions at Towne Lake, call 972-547-2690. For information about the paddle boat rentals, call 972-542-4865.

Watch for more ways McKinney is “Unique by Nature” in future blog entries from the McKinney CVB. Or check out all the city parks and trails on the city’s website or find parks listings on the Visit McKinney Texas smartphone app.

Gemütlichkeit, Ya’ll!: September in McKinney

Goofy hats, beer and great food are highlights of McKinney’s Oktoberfest.

Fall is on its way, despite record temperatures. As the mercury begins to drop this coming weekend, however, McKinney will start to feel more fall-like, just in time for fall festivals.

In September, guests and residents in McKinney will enjoy two signature events – one new event and one popular returning event.

Guests can take stagecoach rides during Spirit of the Cowboy Festival.

The inaugural year of the Spirit of the Cowboy Festival (Sept. 21-22) brings the Wild West to McKinney’s Chestnut Square and historic downtown along with old-time TV and movie Western actors. Enjoy gunfights, stagecoach rides, stickhorse rodeo for the kids, chuckwagon cooking, and much more during a two-day festival celebrating the early period of McKinney’s development.

German dancers and music bring a festive atmosphere to McKinney’s Oktoberfest

Downtown McKinney offers non-stop activities on Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29, as the city celebrates the popular Oktoberfest tradition which began in Munich, Germany, 200 years ago. Guests will enjoy authentic German beer from local brewery Franconia Brewing, wine and a wide range of German cuisine, just as you’d find in Munich. Kids’ activities include face painting, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts of all types. And don’t forget to don the lederhosen and put on your polka shoes to dance the night away to non-stop live music around the square. Don’t worry about the weather; the event goes on rain or shine!

When It Comes to Art…

McKinney offers plenty of opportunities as always to enjoy arts of all varieties in September. On Wednesday, Sept. 5, art historian Anne Royer gives her monthly Brown Bag Lunch Art History program at the Heard-Craig Carriage House. McKinney again invites art enthusiasts to the downtown square for Second Saturday on Sept. 8 for Meet-the-Artist receptions (7-10 p.m.) at the downtown galleries. For details about the featured artists, visit these websites: DowntownMcKinney.com, SecondSaturdayArt.com, and LauraMooreArt.com.

Music and More at MPAC

Elizabeth Leonard performs at Concert for a Cure

The McKinney Performing Arts Center stage will feature three straight nights of live music, starting Friday, Sept. 7 with Concert for the Cure featuring McKinney’s own Master’s degreed vocalist Elizabeth Leonard who’ll perform songs celebrating strength and courage from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Journey, Carrie Underwood, Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, Adele and many more! Ticket sales benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I’m Not Ashamed Concert follows on Saturday, Sept. 8, with a fundraising concert for Eternity Community Church. The concert will feature a diverse atmosphere with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, singing (in English and Spanish), praise dancing and Christian comedy.

Rounding out the weekend of music is the 18-piece Texas Instruments Jazz Band in their summer concert, bringing its 26-year history of making music to McKinney.

The Four Funny Females bring laughs to MPAC

One Sept. 16, pianist Kathryn Woodard explores works by Debussy and Asian composers in MPAC’s Noble Hall.

MPAC’s Courtroom Theater again becomes a comedy club on Sept. 22 when Laura Bartlett and the Four Funny Females open their fifth season in McKinney with their night of eclectic comedy.

Elsewhere in McKinney…

The Guitar Sanctuary and Zin Zen Wine Bar will host two events in September, a TC Helicon Clinic on Sept. 18, and a Customer Showcase featuring Shane Frame on Sept. 20.

Drums Not Guns and the McKinney Arts Commission again bring the Soli Drum and Dance Festival to Old Settler’s Park & Rec Center on Sept. 21.

A raptor presentation at the Heard Museum amphitheater

All About Nature

The Heard Museum and Natural Wildlife Sanctuary celebrates its 45th anniversary this month on Sept. 30 with an afternoon of fun. Also planned this month is a Fall Night Hike on Sept. 28 and a Ropes Course Adventure Day on Sept. 23.

Both preschoolers and home school students can take part in science programs throughout the month. Check the Heard website for scheduling details.

Gardening, Animals & Circus Fun at Myers Park

Tours and classes hosted at the research gardens at Myers Park.

Gardener Training classes by AgriLife Extension Office in Collin County at Myers Park on September 4, 11 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Garden tours will also take place Sept. 5, 8, 19 and 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.Throughout the month, Myers Park hosts a Horse Health class, a Morgan Horse show and the Greater Collin Kennel Club for dog agility trials. Check their website for details.

Also at Myers Park in September, enjoy the family fun at Piccadilly Circus from Sept. 14-16. Tickets are available online; for more information, call 941-552-9952.

Other Activities in McKinney

Another fun activity to do with the family involves putting on the old walking shoes. On Saturday, Sept. 22, Dallas Trekkers organizes a walk through historic McKinney’s commercial and residential areas for the Historic McKinney 5k and 10K Walk.

And then there are the regular monthly and weekly events:

• Farmers Market at Chestnut Square on Saturdays and Adriatica on Thursdays
• Third Monday Trade Days & the Old Red Lumberyard the weekend before the third Monday of the month.
• Live music in McKinney’s dining and night life establishments. (Check Visit McKinney Texas app for details.)

Visit McKinney Texas: Where to find us!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page! And if you’d rather pick up the phone, you can contact the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau at 214-544-1407 or tollfree at 888-649-8499.

And if you haven’t yet seen the coverage of Money Magazine naming McKinney its #2 Best Place to Live in America 2012, click HERE.

Unique By Nature? Yes, We Are!

On the nature trails at the Heard.

“What’s unique about it?”

That’s a question we frequently get at the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau. Those of who live here, know: it’s that “special something” that brought most of us here, the reason we chose to call it home.

McKinney’s 2012 Honor!

And Money Magazine obviously gets it, too, considering they just named our city the #2 Best Place to Live in America, up from #5 in 2010 and #14 in 2008. (They publish the list for cities our size every two years, and it is practically unheard of for a city to make three consecutive lists, much less move up in ranking each time.)

So what is unique about McKinney? That’ll take several blog entries to explain, so today, we’ll start with a word that is in that description – our nature (which was even incorporated in our logo in the way of a tree). Most cities have trees and nature; we know that. But McKinney’s nature is different.

A predator bird presentation at the Heard amphitheater

Over the years, those who have sculpted McKinney into what it is today have worked diligently to incorporate and preserve nature in as many ways as we can. In this blog entry, we talk about one of those special places where visitors and residents can enjoy nature to its fullest and most pristine.

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard, which will celebrate its 45^th  anniversary on Sept. 30, offers so many cool opportunities to enjoy nature, we are devoting an entire blog entry to it. (We’ll cover other McKinney nature in our next blog entry.)

Wetlands Eco-Adventures at the Heard

This museum was the vision of McKinney native Bessie Heard (1886-1988) who donated the land and started the museum back in 1967 when she was 80 years old. The beautiful 289-acre wildlife sanctuary on which the Heard Museum sits features more than six miles of natural walking and hiking trails, some more hilly than others as they wind through woodlands, prairies, and grasslands. More adventurous guests can even call ahead and schedule an Eco-Adventure (a canoe tour of the wetlands) or for groups of 10 or more, challenge themselves on the high and low elements of the ropes course in the Heard’s deciduous forest tree canopy.

Inside the Heard’s butterfly house

A nature museum displaying native wildlife and special exhibits also houses a store that kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring for books, maps, science tools, toys, T-shirts, and do-it-yourself kits of all kinds. Also on the property, guests will find a beautiful outdoor amphitheater where concerts, bird and wildlife lectures, and other events take place throughout the year. In the summer, the Heard’s Native Texas butterfly garden and butterfly house are filled with brilliantly-colored winged creatures and numerous species of flowers.

We recommend you peruse the Heard’s website to learn of all the educational programs and events they offer, including children’s camps, night hikes, birdwatching and tagging, snake feeding, the Animals of the World exhibit, as well as Spring, Halloween and Christmas events, and many more. And their science building and other facilities are available for church gatherings, meetings, weddings and other events.

Watch out for the spitting dino!

The pièce de résistance at the Heard, though, would have to be the Dinosaurs Live! event happening annually from fall into winter. (The animatronic dinosaurs will inhabit the sanctuary starting Oct. 2 this fall until Feb. 3, 2013.) Walk the nature trails to find them hiding along the paths, moving and making noise in natural settings. Their Halloween at the Heard event is especially thrilling for youngsters as they trick-or-treat along the nature trails at dusk, watch an outdoor movie and compete in a costume contest. But be careful – there is usually a water-spitting dino among them, always a favorite with the kids! Bring the camera to capture poses with the 46-foot T-Rex and his friends, who are all made right here in McKinney by Billings Productions.

The 46-foot tall T-Rex is a favorite among kids.

Whether you’re visiting us in McKinney, or that “special unique something” has caught you, too, and you’ve decided to call McKinney home, there is a little piece of nature for everyone.

More examples of how you can enjoy nature in our city will come in this blog entry’s sequel next week.

Visit McKinney Texas: Where to find us!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page! And if you’d rather pick up the phone, you can contact the McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau at 214-544-1407 or tollfree at 888-649-8499.

August in McKinney is Alive with Arts & Music

MPAC stands in the center of McKinney’s downtown square, overlooking a bustling arts scene.

McKinney always offers a wide variety of arts and musical experiences, but August seems to be more chockful than ever! From community theater to a world-renowned rocker (hint: think Fleetwood Mac!), there is no shortage of arts and music from which to partake in McKinney this month.

On the Stage

The McKinney Repertory Theatre is keeping the stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center busy this month with a couple shows. The first two weeks of the month feature a melodrama, “Return to Calamity Gulch” which encourages audience participation in the way of popcorn being thrown at the performers and much cheering and booing. Then later in the month (Aug. 17-19), the MRT’s Young Actors Guild takes over, bringing “Fox Tales” to the MPAC stage.

Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) to rock the MPAC stage in a sold-out concert Aug. 22.

Rocking the MPAC stage on August 22 is Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. Sorry, though, folks – if you don’t already have a ticket, you’re out of luck on this one. This show sold out last month. But those lucky fans who do have tickets are in for a treat! ENJOY!

Another future show sure to sell-out is another nationally-known act: 2011 winners of NBC’s “The Sing Off,” Pentatonix, coming to the MPAC stage October 18. (Click the group’s name to order your tickets now so you won’t miss that show. And if you aren’t familiar with them, check out videos of them HERE.)

Second Saturday Packed Full of Artists

As always, McKinney’s downtown square comes alive for Second Saturday (August 11) when guests are invited to enjoy a fun filled evening of art, shopping, music, food and spirits. The local art galleries and even a few of the other businesses feature local and regional talents of artists and musicians.  Of course, a trip downtown isn’t complete without eating in at least one of McKinney’s fine eateries. (Why not see how many you can visit by enjoying pre-dinner drinks and appetizers in one location, dinner in another, then stop for dessert somewhere else! All the while, there’ll be great music to set the mood for your evening.  Also, quite a few shops in downtown McKinney will also keep their doors open for this monthly event.

Where to see art on Second Saturday:

Garret Art Gallery is featuring watercolor artist Sarah Buie (from Aug. 11 through Sept. 6). At a young age, Sarah Buie enjoyed both drawing and painting. Sarah studied art history at the University of Dallas but painting remained her passion. Her style falls somewhere between Impressionism and Realism with an endeavor to express the good and the truth through everyday objects and nature. Her primary desire is to glorify God through her art by helping people see that despite the storm there can be peace, despite the sorrow there can be joy, and despite the struggle there is hope.

Sarah works as art teacher and in-home caregiver in Grapevine. She continues to enjoy traveling and giving of her time and talents to people close to home and abroad. Stop by The Garret Art Gallery from 7-10 p.m. during Second Saturday to meet Sarah and see her art, while enjoying refreshments.

Imaging on the Square  is featuring various local artists, showcasing their many different mixes and mediums throughout the evening.  They’ll also feature up-and-coming singer Stacey Whitson during the Second Saturday event.

A sample of art in Laura Moore’s Hideout “open call to artists” juried art exhibit this month.

It’s time for Laura Moore Fine Art Studios’ annual open “call to artists” juried art exhibition, this year themed “Hideout.”  Guests can see more than 80 works of art from 45 artists in two locations through September 5 at two locations: the gallery itself at 107 S Tennessee, and hiding out in a second location at the Heard-Craig Carriage House at 205½ W. Hunt Street. There is always an eclectic mix of artists and mediums in this show, so do make a point of seeing it. You’ll be glad you did!

Orisons Fine Art & Framing Gallery  features the work of several professional photographers from the north Texas area who have been invited to show their work in a Group Photo Show.  The public is invited to the gallery to view and vote for their favorite photograph leading up to the event.  Voting patrons will be entered in a prize drawing for free print to canvas services.  Photographers winning the People’s Choice Awards will be announced during the Second Saturday reception.

And something even more special at Orisons: The gallery has acquired three extremely rare Bert Stern photos of Marilyn Monroe.   Taken six weeks prior to her death, these are from Monroe’s final photo shoot commissioned in June 1962 by Vogue Magazine.  All three were originally published in Stern’s 1982 book and are signed and numbered (each is 199/250) with certificates.  The plates used to print these were donated to a museum and will never be printed from again.  During the photo exhibit, these will be on display and for purchase.  Vote for your favorite of these as well through August 10 to be entered in a drawing for a free 16 x 20 canvas wrap.

Main Street Magic & Fun Company’s Chris Gracy performing magic at this year’s Ice Cream Crank Off.

Other businesses featuring local art include:

La Misha European Bistro where you can see the work of artists Catherine Brown and Miles while enjoying a glass of wine or a bite of light Mediterranean fare. 113 N. Kentucky, 972-540-6050; and
McKinney Wine Merchant features the art of Nick Saia. 120 W. Virginia, 972-542-4636.

Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts their monthly Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 p.m.  (for adults & children) and again at 9 p.m. (for adults only) in their Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older.  Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets.

The following is the live music you can enjoy during Second Saturday.

• Cadillac Pizza Pub – Buzz Andrews Band
• Café Malaga – The Bodarks
• Grotto – Maylee Thomas Band
• Landon Winery– Tu-Tones
• Lone Star Wine Cellars – Steve Rose
• Rick’s Chophouse – Melissa Medlock
• Spoon’s Café – Duane Bates

The McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau also lists all live music for the month on their Visit McKinney Texas Smartphone app. Click HERE to access a link to download the app for your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Support Local High School Musicians!

The McKinney Boyd Band drumline kicks off their Drum-a-thon on the downtown square.

The McKinney Boyd Bronco Band’s annual fundraiser and teambuilding event, Drum-a-Thon, features high school musicians playing marimbas, tenors, bass drums, snares, cymbals, and more as percussion playing for 18 straight hours at McKinney Boyd High School (600 N. Lake Forest Drive). The event runs takes place on Saturday, August 11 from 6 a.m. to midnight. No admission is required, but the drumline will happily take donations! In fact, any patron who donates $100 or more will be listed on this year’s drumline shirt, which not only will be worn by our percussionists, but also by friends of the band and MBHS students.  You can get a sneak-peek of the event during their kick-off on Friday, August 10, from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. on McKinney’s downtown square. Last year, the group moved around the square, playing for awhile on one corner before moving elsewhere. Just listen for the drums and enjoy! Please contact Derek Stoughton for more information regarding this event at: dstoughton@mckinneyisd.net

Visit McKinney Texas: Where to find us!

Remember “everything McKinney” is always at your fingertips with our Smartphone app. Links for downloading it to iPhone, iPad and Android can be found HERE. And if you need to check out McKinney on your computer, you can find us at our website or on Facebook and Twitter. We’re even working on growing a Pinterest page!

Healthy Living in McKinney

McKinney is all about being health-conscious these days, one of the many things that makes our  “unique by nature” brand so appropriate. Yes, we have many beautiful parks, nature trails, biking paths, disc golf courses and athletic fields and gyms galore, but these amenities are not what make McKinney unique. Below are three reasons McKinney is setting the pace for healthy living in North Texas.

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.)

Happy Fall, Y’all!

Fall has officially arrived in McKinney, Texas … and with that comes the promise of many fun family activities. Many business owners on the downtown square are already decking-out their shops with fall colors and some of the windows are so festive with autumn and Halloween themes. (The main picture is but a sampling of the color that awaits you on the square. More decorations will be appearing around downtown in the coming weeks.)

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.