Ring Them Bells: It’s Christmastime in McKinney!

And so the Christmas season has begun again in McKinney, the holidays official rung in over Thanksgiving weekend at Dickens of a Christmas: Home for the Holidays and the wonderful Believe Run with its Great Santa Chase. That weekend was the precursor of a month full of feel-good, homey activities in McKinney ahead of us, a time when the community comes together to celebrate all we hold dear, and a time to reach out to those who might need help. (In McKinney, the desire to help others is happily a year-round attitude. That being said, please drop a contribution in the red kettles while you’re out and about. We have a very active Salvation Army and they will appreciate your support.)

Take a gander at what is coming up in the month of December, mark your calendars and by all means, please take part in one, three or many of them. You’ll be glad you did, and your cheeks will feel rosier!

The Arts: Music, Drama & Visual

There’s still time to see Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” the classic holiday tradition from the McKinney Repertory Theatre at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (Dec. 1-2.  Tickets are available online or by calling 214-544-4630.

Join McKinney’s own Jon Christopher Davis (pictured at right) for Wales Manor’s first Music Under the Stars Holiday Concert (Dec. 1, 7-10:15 p.m). Admission is $10/person. Bring a lawn chair and blankets, but no outside beverages. Wine, margaritas, sodas and water for sale, and oven-fired pizza!

The Krakatuk Ballet presents two performances of A Nutcracker Prequel Ballet (Dec. 12 for schools; Dec. for the public). The story includes an evil mouse queen, a king, queen, princess, sausages, nursemaids, cats, a very hard nut to crack and a boy who is able to crack it. Tickets are at MPAC.

The all-volunteer McKinney Community Band is holding its first public Christmas Concert, “Sounds of the Seasons” (Dec. 14, 7;30 p.m.) at Christ Fellowship Church in McKinney, 2801 Orchid, just off Eldorado. Admission is free, and the church will have its coffee shop open for purchases of hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and other yummy goodies.

Enjoy the Romance of Christmas Concert with Erica Lane and Dustin Keele (MPAC, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.). Tickets are $20 and $22.

The Turtle Creek Chorale brings laughter, joy and the most beautiful music of the season to MPAC (Dec. 15, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.) in their “Comfort & Joy” concert. Tickets are $20 and $30.

Second Saturday (Dec. 8, 7-10 p.m.) as always showcases the art of wonderful local and regional artists at our downtown art galleries. For a list of participating galleries and businesses, click HERE.

The annual Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts its annual Holiday Tea & Conversation (Dec. 12) program this year, showcasing the amazing voices of the McKinney High School Harmony group and the Boyd High School Jazz Choir.

Holiday Sights and Lights

The McKinney Rotary Club presents the 13th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights (Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.) around the historic downtown square. This year’s parade features the theme, “Christmas at the Movies.” Gather your family and friends to see all of the beautifully decorated and lighted floats as we kick off the festive Christmas season, McKinney-style. Then hang around the square for dinner and live music!

The first weekend of December (Dec. 1-2) has been The Heritage Guild of Collin County Holiday Tour of Homes since 1973! Every year, five or six homes and historic structures are decorated for Christmas for the tour. Proceeds from ticket sales and raffle are a major component to the ongoing operation of Chestnut Square. Tickets are $20 at the door/$15 in advance and are available online or at locales downtown; 12 and under free.

The Heard Museum hosts its Holiday Trail of Lights (Dec. 14-15, 6:30-9 p.m.) where guests will see thousands of holiday lights–many synchronized to holiday music–along a half mile Heard nature trail. Have a photo taken with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. Enjoy hot beverages and treats. Listen to live holiday music in the Heard outdoor amphitheater performed by local groups.

And Even More To Do:

Dec. 1: The DFW Toys for Tots 44-mile Motorcycle  Run kicks off in McKinney to collect toys. Line up at 8:30 a.m., leave at 10:30 a.m. Don’t ride a motorcycle? Bring $15 and a new toy to the McKinney VFW Post 2150 for lunch, and photos with Santa and Marines. Benefitting DFW Toys for Tots. 1710 N. Church. For info, call 214-563-4185.

Dec. 1:  Morning Maniacs Shine & Show Classic Car Show: 7:30-10:30 a.m. around the McKinney Performing Arts Center on the square.

Dec. 5-6: Scholastic Book Fair: Pick up books and great stocking stuffers at this annual  McKinney Community Center event; all inventory 50% off.

Dec. 14-16: Third Monday Trade Days is the oldest and largest monthly trade days/flea market in North Texas. Over 400 vendors offer almost anything you can imagine—unique gifts, delightful home décor, trendy clothing and accessories, sporting goods, antiques and collectibles, landscaping materials, tools, and small animals along with many specialty “state fair” type food concessions. Shoppers will find plenty of all-weather parking, clean restrooms, two ATMs, an air conditioned and heated Mall building, mobility cart rental, wagon and stroller rental, and a family-friendly atmosphere including a fun playground and train ride. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. all three days.

Dec. 15:  For Adriatica’s Christmas Cookie Competition & Craft Fair, bring a plate of your decorated cookies, take pictures with Santa, sip on some hot cocoa, and check out all of the wonderful crafts! Winners of the Christmas Cookie Decorating Competition will receive awesome holiday prizes! Craft Fair: 10am-5pm; Cookie Competition: 2pm-4pm; Pictures with Santa: 2pm-4pm. At the Love Life Wrapping Center, 6851 Virginia Parkway, 972.540.5955.

Saturdays at 11 a.m.: Franconia Brewery Tour with Bavarian brewmeister Dennis Wehrmann shares his knowledge and laughs. Tour fee of $5 gets you the tour and tastings. 495 McKinney Pkwy., 972-542-0705.

 

Ring in the New Year at MPAC!

The McKinney Performing Arts Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 bash featuring casino games, dancing and a champagne toast. Guests will groove to the beats of DJ Mark Brown and enjoy refreshments in the courthouse’s old vault retrofitted as a lounge area. Details and tickets are available on the MPAC website.

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 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.

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!

Here Comes Summer: Why Not Learn Something New!

Summer is, of course, time for fun in the sun, splashing in the pool, ocean or lake, eating cool summery treats, and spending time with friends and family on vacation. But it can also be a great time to learn something new, be it a musical instrument, a new type of art, a sport or fitness routine you’ve always wanted to try, or even to hone a skill or talent you already have, but just don’t have the time to devote to it when your schedule is full of other commitments.

Residents and visitors to McKinney have all sorts of opportunities to learn something new or to better perfect their talents this summer. Check out these offerings:

Gary Morris Workshop at MPAC on June 13

Gary Morris Workshop at MPAC: Broadway star and award-winning recording artist Gary Morris comes to McKinney on Wednesday, June 13, to share various techniques from his multi-faceted career during “Silence Says It All,” a workshop designed for actors, writers and musicians. The class runs from 1-5 p.m. at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The “hands-on” session will include an acoustic performance by Morris while providing attendees the chance to ask the veteran entertainer questions about his experiences, working within the entertainment industry, or just creating art in the form of music, acting, writing and more. (Gary is probably best known for his original recording of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which won both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year Awards in 1984. He also performed in thestarring role of Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” on Broadway in 1987.) Make reservations for the $50 workshop by calling 972-547-2650 or online HERE.

Stained Glass Art Classes: Create your own piece of stained glass art at one of several classes offered this summer by Stained Glass of McKinney, including Yard Art (6/24, 1-6 p.m.); Crash Glass (6/23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.); and Jewelry Fusings (6/9, 10-11:30 a.m.). Also, many of the classes on their website are available if a minimum class attendance requirement is met. Just ask!

Entrance to The Artist’s Loft

The Artist’s Loft: Owner Debra Linker and the many art teachers with whom she partners always have a lot of classes going on in the loft studio on Louisiana Street proper. (Look for it down the hallway and up a small flight of stairs from Orisons Art & Framing.) Teachers interested in offering classes in this studio need just ask, as Debra offers the space as available for reasonable rates.

Kids’ Camps and Classes at MPAC: In addition to the Gary Morris Workshop being offered at MPAC this month, there is a wide assortment of kids’ classes offered all summer in art, dance, music, acting and more. For more information, call 972-547-2650.

City of McKinney Parks & Rec Kid Camps and Classes: The city’s Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department always offers many options for families or individuals. Kids can enjoy on-going camps (try a week or try the whole summer) while kids and adults can take summer classes offered at the recreation centers or elsewhere. (Once on the site about classes, click the picture of the summer guide to access a complete listing of classes.) Call one of the recreation centers during business hours: Community Center – 972-547-2690, Old Settlers – 972-542-5014, or Senior Center – 972-547-7491.

Swimming Lessons at City Pools: It is summer after all, and if you don’t already know how to swim, or if you want to improve your skills or learn advanced techniques, check out the city’s aquatics oppportunities. To see where to swim in City of McKinney facilities, click HERE.

Heard Museum Camps for Kids and Families: Enjoy the outdoors and nature at the same time with the camps offered at the Heard Natural Science Museum. Also ask them about their Eco-Adventures Canoe Experience and their Ropes Course, both of which require an advance reservation, but provide you with a great opportunity to challenge yourself and learn a new skill! Call 972-562-5566 for more information.

Learn About Pioneer Life: Kids ages 6-15 can take part in camps at Chestnut Square Historic Village from now through July. Check the schedule on their site. What a great way to learn how to do things the old fashioned way – churn butter, make ice cream, hand-sew quilts and buttons, play old fashioned games, and more.  972-562-8790.

Health, Music & More in May

“Health” is the word for May in McKinney. Locals and visitors will spend the month of May involved in a variety of spring activities, many of which focus on healthy living and recreation. Among the events and activities planned in McKinney this month are:

Don’t Worry – Be Healthy!

McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller is challenging the residents of McKinney to adopt healthier lifestyles in an effort to make McKinney the most fit community in the nation. To encourage steps toward this goal, the city is sponsoring a series of events that started with Relay for Life the last weekend in April and includes four events in May. Eligibility passports are available here and need to be stamped at four of the Healthy Challenge events to be eligible for the June 30 drawing for an iPad. The May events include:

• Get Fit McKinney (May 4, 6-8 p.m.) Join a free event hosted by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department at the McKinney ISD’s Ron Poe Stadium.
• Historic McKinney Kiwanis Kids Triathlon (May 5, 8 a.m., 922-697-6922)
• Historic McKinney Kiwanis Triathlon and Wellness Run Races 3.6 mile run and a 2K fun run (May 6, 7:30 a.m. at McKinney High School).
• Bike the Bricks (May 25, 4:30-11 p.m.) This high speed closed crit race features an expected 500 cyclists racing through the downtown square as they chase a purse worth more than $20,000.

Also this month, those interested in fitness may register for these other May races:

• 2^nd Annual LifeRace 5K (May 12, 8:30 a.m., cross-country run and dog walk in Myers Park)
• TOP 5K, 10K & 1-mile Fun Run Walk/Roll (May 19, 9 a.m., in Craig Ranch).
• Stonebridge Memorial Day 1K, 5K and 10K (May 28, various start times, in Stonebridge Ranch).

Another important event focusing on health and wellness is the Strikes Against Cancer Select Youth Baseball Tournament which brings 248 teams of young ball players and their families to McKinney for the weekend (May 4-6). Not only will the boys be active playing ball all weekend, the event itself is the brainchild of 12-year-old pitcher Geordon Cox as his way to help raise money to fight his mom’s uterine cancer. The website, accessible by click the organization name above, allows site visitors to make donations and buy special Strikes Against Cancer merchandise.

Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in McKinney with a free concert and dance at Old Settler’s Recreation Center, 1201 E. Louisiana St. with music provided by Mariachi Michoacan, a theatrical presentation by Teatro Dallas called PIZCAS and other festive activities. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 972-542-5014.

Arts On Stage & In the Gallery

John Fitzgerald McGill takes the Sanctuary Stage at Zin Zen Wine Bar, 6841 Virginia Parkway. (May 1, 7:30 p.m.)

The popular “Music Under the Stars” concert series continues at Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery (May 12, 7:30 p.m., but gates open at 6:15 p.m. for best seating) with country darling IMAJ (pictured right) taking the stage. Also at this event, you’ll see the Rendola Paso fino horses from Aubrey, where IMAJ has been taking riding lessons.

The McKinney Youth Theatre brings the popular musical “Hairspray” to the Heard-Craig Performance Hall, 306 N. Church St. 972-422-2575. (May 4-13, times vary). Tickets are $8-18

Over at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson will announce the winner of his annual high school Congressional Art Competition & Exhibit (May 3, 7 p.m.). The Arts and Music Guild hosts a Juried Art Show in the MPAC gallery (May 11, 7 p.m.). reception with winners announced at 8 p.m., 972-547-2650). The artwork will be on exhibit for public viewing from May 14-22.

Join the North Texas Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) for their Armed Forces Salute (May 19, 7 p.m.). Patriotic and popular music will be provided by ATOS Theater Organist of the Year Dave Wickerman, musician/composer/arranger Danny Wesley Ray, the Frisco Jazz Band, and other artists.

The McKinney Repertory Theatre presents White Liars & Black Comedy (May 25-26, 8 p.m., continuing in June), two one-act comedies by Peter Shaffer.

Memorial Day in McKinney

Pecan Grove Cemetery hosts their 28^th Annual Memorial Day Celebration (May 28, 9 a.m.) featuring state, county and local officials, veterans, Boy Scouts, and local musicians. Attendees can enjoy a free barbeque lunch at the conclusion of the event.

The annual Smiles Charity Concert and Family Festival this year brings Grammy-nominated county singer David Nail on the stage at Adriatica in Stonebridge Ranch (May 27, starting at 5 p.m.). This event also features music by Lantic and local favorites the Maylee Thomas Band.

Garden, Dogs and Horses

Myers Park & Event Center offers a month of wide variety of animal-related as well as garden tours and a race. Myers Park is located at 7117 CR 166.

• May 2: Collin County Master Gardeners will have a tour of the gardens, 972-548-4219.
• May 5-6: Alamo Area Whippets Club dog show, 214-616-0918
• May 5-6: The Red River Welsh Pony Association Silver Show, 469-223-2783.
• May 12: 5K Life Race, 214-673-2860.
• May 17: The Spring Horse Herd Health Clinic, 972-548-4233.
• May 19: Lone Star 4H Horse Club, 972-658-5201.

McKinney Favorites (Weekly and Monthly Events)

The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts the monthly free Art History Brown Bag lunch-time discussion (12:30-1:30 p.m., May 2) featuring local artist, instructor and historian Anne Royer. This month, the focus is on Monet and Pissaro in 19th Century France.

McKinney’s Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Historic Village continues its regular weekly season on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and at Adriatica on Thursdays (check their website for times). Monthly at Chestnut Square, enjoy Ghostly Haunting Tours held the third Saturday; tours of the grounds and homes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; and trolley tours of the historic district which leave Chestnut Square every second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.

Monthly flea market and vintage shopping is on tap at Third Monday Trade Days (May 18-20), Old Red Lumberyard Junk Market (May 18-19), and Treasure Spotters (May 5-6 & 19). And don’t forget the annual Spring McKinney Ladies Association yard sale at Stonebridge Methodist Church (May 5).

Find your inner drummer Saturdays during the 10 a.m. African drumming circle, courtesy of Drums Not Guns,  at Old Settlers Recreation Center or during the Fourth Friday Drum Circle in Mitchell Park.

Second Saturday on the downtown square (May 12, 7-10 p.m.) features new art exhibit openings and meet-the-artist receptions. This month’s offerings and participating galleries include:

• Laura Moore Fine Art Studios welcomes Waleed Arshad’s exhibit, “Of What is Past, Passing or to Come.” 107 S. Tennessee, 214-914-3630.
• The Artist’s Loft, 110 E. Louisiana, 972-345-6311.
• Orisons Fine Art and Framing Gallery, 110 E. Louisiana St., 972-529-1441.
• Imaging on the Square - 109 S. Tennessee St. – 972-548-7575
• Dobscha Studio - 111 E. Virginia St., #200 – 972-658-5196
• The Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts the 2nd Saturday Magic Show at 7 and 9 p.m. in the Magic Attic Theater upstairs in the shop. Tickets are $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older. Children are admitted to the 7 p.m. show. Seating is very limited. 211 N Tennessee, 214-274-7802.

Also this month: National Travel & Tourism Week, starting this weekend, May 5. More to come on this event!

From the MCVB: If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, 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.)

April Blooms in McKinney

Flowers bloom at Chestnut Square's Farmers Market

The old adage may be “April showers bring May flowers,” but in McKinney, we don’t have to wait until May to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It’s safe to say that the heavy rains we had in March have already contributed to some beautiful colors and foliage around town. And in April, the sights can only get better!

Enjoy the first full month of spring with a wide variety of fun activities, with major emphasis on “all things art!”

Outdoor Fun!

Heard Butterfly Gardens

Celebrate Nature Family Festival (4/14; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) This one-day outdoor festival features live concerts, “green” and other vendors who want to support nature and The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, interactive animal presentations, kids’ activities, guided trail tours, and canoe/kayak demonstrations. Guests will also enjoy our Live Animals of the World and Animal Superheroes exhibits, and the Native Texas Butterfly Garden.

McKinney’s Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Historic Village begins its regular weekly season (4/7, 14, 21, 28; 8 a.m. to noon.  Monthly at Chestnut Square , you can enjoy Ghostly Haunting Tours held the third Saturday;  tours of the grounds and homes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; and trolley tours of the historic district which leave Chestnut Square every second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.

Old Red Lumberyard

You can also enjoy outdoor shopping at the monthly Third Monday Trade Days (April 13-15) and Old Red Lumberyard Junk Market (April 13-14).

For those wanting to get some exercise for a great cause, McKinney’s Relay for Life event will take place at the main ballfield at the Ballfields at Craig Ranch (4/27-28).

Easter Photo Ops

The city-sponsored annual Easter Egg-stravaganza (4/7) features family fun at Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex located at 1986 Park View Ave. This free event starts at 11 a.m. Have the kids’ pictures taken with real, live bunnies (4/7) when you make an appointment for the Easter Bunny Photo Shoot,  available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Children can take a bunny home for the day on Sunday on availability.)

April is Arts-Crazy!

McKinney is busting at the seams with artist offerings in April.

Ladies Night Out

The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts the monthly free Art History Brown Bag lunch-time discussion (12:30-1:30 p.m., 4/4). The gardens at the Heard-Craig House are once again the site of the annual April concert series, Music in the Garden, featuring free concerts on Thursdays (4/5, 12 & 19).  The Young Artist Competition of the McKinney Musical Arts Society takes place in the Heard-Craig Performance Hall (4/13-15) while the 48th Annual Collin County Art Show fills the hall and gallery (4/20-22). People who enjoy making crafts will enjoy the Pinterest Party (4/12) in the hall, with all attendees leaving with a completed project of their choice.  Then near the end of the month, women will fill the hall for Ladies Night Out (4/26), a fun evening of arts, shopping and food-tasting that serves as a popular annual fundraiser for the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts.

The Young Actors Guild of the McKinney Repertory Theatre offers a thought-provoking spring coming-of-age story dealing with Nazis and Jewish death camps, “And a Child Shall Lead” (4/6-8) on the Courtroom Theatre stage in the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Also at MPAC this month are pianist-singer Charlotte Martin (4/13) and Country Music Award-nominated singer-songwriter Collin Raye (4/20).

And of course, you can try your hand at African drumming every month, courtesy of Drums Not Guns on any Saturday morning at Old Settlers Recreation Center or during the Fourth Friday Drum Circle in Mitchell Park.

Chalk Walk at MPAC

The monthly Second Saturday arts events including the regular monthly gallery exhibit openings and live music will take place that evening as usual (7-10 p.m.), but during the day, visitors to the square will enjoy Arts in Bloom (4/14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). The event’s activities include:

• Art Walk with artists displaying and demonstrating their art along the sidewalks and in some of the businesses on the downtown square;
• Chalk Walk when the sidewalks around the McKinney Performing Arts Center come to life with incredible chalk art;
• MISD Student Art Show in the MPAC gallery; and
• DD and the Studebakers perform jukebox favorites from the 1950s and 60s in the MPAC Courtroom Theatre (7:30 p.m.).

The Second Saturday (4/14, 7-10 p.m.) art offerings include the following:

Garret Art Gallery will be featuring McKinney resident Jenny Archbold, a graphic/commercial and fine artist who works in pencil, ink, pastel, watercolor and acrylic. 111 E. Virginia St., 972-548-9361.

Character Studies by Nathaniel Smyth

Over at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, artists featured during Arts in Bloom are Elaine Adams, Amanda Beller, Linda Chidsey, Audrey DeFord, Shayna Duvarney, Pernie Fallon, Julia Forsyth, Sona Knox, Elizabeth Lane, Don Matschull, Laura Moore, Nathaniel Smyth, Joseph Taub, Amy Taylor. Then that night for Second Saturday, Laura welcomes artist Nathaniel Smyth for the opening of his exhibit, Character Studies. 107 S. Tennessee, 214-914-3630.

Debra Linker at The Artist’s Loft will host artist Lynne Hubner teaching a Whiteline Print Workshop from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with students creating 6″X 8″ multicolored prints through the use of this technique developed in 1915 New England using one woodblock, one carving tool, watercolors and a spoon. We will cover image transfer to the block, carving and inking techniques. Students should come to class with drawings and or photo reference. Call 972-345-6311 for details.

Orisons Fine Art and Framing Gallery welcomes well-known Taos Master Artist Charles Collins in his return to the Dallas area to open his only Dallas-area exhibit.  Collins will be bringing several original oil paintings rarely seen outside of his gallery, the oldest gallery in Taos, New Mexico.  110 E. Louisiana St., 972-529-1441.

2nd Saturday Magic Show: Each Second Saturday, the Main Street Magic & Fun Company hosts a Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 or 9 p.m. in our Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older. Children are admitted to the 7 p.m. show. Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets. 211 N Tennessee Street.

JCD at Wales Manor

Also on the second Saturday, the popular “Music Under the Stars” concert series opens its 2012 season at Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery as Jon Christopher Davis takes the stage with special guest Byron Dowd.

Performers from across McKinney will take the stage later in the month (4/20-21) for the annual McKinney Has Talent competition, our city’s version of American Idol, hosted by the McKinney Repertory Theatre on the MPAC stage. Then the last weekend of the month (4/28), American Passport: A Journey Through the World Music, hosted by the Cultural Concert of International Music, will provide attendees with a glimpse of the world through the eyes and music of children.

Garden, Animal & Farm Fun

Gardens at Myers Park

Myers Park & Event Center offers a month of wide variety as always with the Collin County Master Gardeners will have a garden tour (4/4, 972-548-4219); dog and livestock shows including Lone Star 4H Horse Club (4/7; 972-658-5201); Dallas Agility Working Group (4/14-15, 972-540-1413); Ducks Unlimited banquet (4/19; 972-658-1961); and Chisolm Trail Texas Longhorn Association cattle show (4/21; 254-630-0053); Basic Ag Field Day (4/27; 972-548-4233); and the Collin County Master Gardeners plant sale (4/28; 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; 972-548-4219).

Also, the Collin County Farm Museum located at Myers Park is offering another Model T class (4/14, 10 a.m.-noon) when attendees get a hands-on course in starting the museum’s 1911 Model T. (There are more steps to it than you’d think!)

The Farm Museum's 1911 Model T

(A second session to be held at a later date will cover the actual driving of the car and is open only to those completing the first class.) Myers Park is located at 7117 CR 166.

JUST ADDED

Here are a few events for which we’ve just received details:

• The 2nd Annual WAM Chef’s Challenge (4/19) at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club involves chefs from Bailey’s Prime Plus, Louisiana St. Grill, Holiday Inn and Suites, and Stonebridge Ranch Country Club competing for the win! WAM will be supporting a great cause this year, the Children and Community Health Center McKinney.

If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, 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.)

March In McKinney…

Spring is definitely on its way, evident by the blooming trees and flowers everywhere … and by the spring-oriented events taking place in McKinney in March.

McKinney’s Great Outdoors: Spring months make us want to be outside, tending to the yard, planting gardens of flowers and vegetables, hiking on nature trails and taking to the roads for races.

Gardening: Learn about drought preparation, composting, tree maintenance, herbal gardening and raised garden beds at Soil Revival for Survival (March 3). Chambersville Tree Farms hosts this free conference where amateur and professional gardeners will demonstrate and discuss practical solutions for reducing water use and improving the health of your soil. Vendors will be on-hand, too, to share water-wise solutions for working in your yard and garden.  For more gardening information, visit the Collin County Master Gardeners Lawn & Garden Show (March 24-25) and the Earth-Kind Drought Management Conference (March 27), both at Myers Park.

Commune with Nature:  The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary provides a wide range of activities for families in March, especially during Spring Break (March 10-17). Kids can try out mini-camps (March 12) where they’ll go behind the scenes with the Heard’s education animals, create nature art, explore rock and fossil collections, and more hands-on learning. Also at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of Spring Break week, families will learn about the animals in the continuing Animal Superheroes exhibit. Families will venture out onto the wetlands (March 3 & 15) for Family Canoe Try-It (reservations required). And learn about owls and their habitat during the Owl Prowl presentation and night hike (March 17; reservations required).

Enjoy Being Outdoors: Other outdoor activities this month include the Leaping Leprechaun 1K, 5K and 15K Race in Stonebridge (March 10), Classic Car Show at Tucker Hill (March 3), shopping at the last winter Farmers Market at Chestnut Square (March 17), and the monthly Third Monday Trade Days (March 16-18).

March Arts: As always, McKinney offers its fair share of concerts, plays, art gallery exhibits and lectures. The first winner of the McKinney Repertory Theatre’s Annual New Play Competition, Crossroads, debuts (March 2-3, 9-11) at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.  Also at MPAC, you can attend the “Silents on the Square” Film Festival featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ (March 17), Smiles Charity Concert featuring Craig Morgan (March 23), and the McKinney Community Band (free concert, but tickets/reservations required, March 31). (Tickets to all the MPAC events are available from the ticket office – 214-544-4630 – or online by clicking HERE.)

The Heard-Craig Center for the Arts hosts a free Art History Brown Bag lunch-time discussion (March 7) on Bierstadt`s Vision of the American West at the Carriage House (205-1/2 W. Hunt). And find your place in the spotlight by trying out for the upcoming McKinney Summer Musicals’ 2012 production of My Fair Lady (March 30-April 1). McKinney Community Concerts presents two shows in March – Shaken Not Stirred (March 3) and Mac Frampton (March 24) – both of which require season tickets, but individual tickets may be available by calling the day of the show.

Second Saturday on the Square: McKinney has become well-known for its Second Saturday events each month – art gallery exhibit openings, live music and late night shopping. The following are just a sampling of the artists with work on display this month:

• Garret Art Gallery: Lori Bongiovanni, a self-taught artist, who has evolved from a love of watercolors to a progression into oils and pastels. She is drawn to colorful local events and likes depicting county fairs, chili cook-offs, parades, etc. 111 E. Virginia St.
• Laura Moore Fine Art Studios: The four painters in this show, colleagues and friends through the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, are all interested in landscape as sources for their work. A free panel discussion takes place at 3 p.m. that day in the Heard-Craig Carriage House, but space is limited so register at lauramooreart.com. The opening night starts at 7 p.m. at LMFAS. 107 S. Tennessee.
• Orisons Art & Framing: The abstract images of photographer Ann Williams (pictured) will be featured at Orisons Art and Framing Gallery, with an opening reception on Second Saturday, 7-10 p.m. Williams’ images draw upon lines, shapes, and patterns in our everyday world, analyzed and reconfigured to tease our visual memories. 110 E. Louisiana.
• 2nd Saturday Magic Show: Head to Main Street Magic & Fun Company for a Cabaret Style Magic Show at 7 or 9 p.m. in our Magic Attic Theater. Tickets are only $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine for those 21 and older. Children are admitted to the 7 p.m. show. Seating is very limited so call 214-274-7802 to reserve your tickets. 211 N Tennessee Street.
• LaMisha Bistro: Local artist Becca Motley premiers her art at LaMisha this month.

Here Come the Brides: The Wells Hospitality Group (Rick’s Chophouse, the Grand Hotel and Sauce on the Square) will host a Bridal Open House (March 31).

Also in March: Crossroads Cowboy Church meeting at Myers Park (March 4) while Myers Park also hosts several dog agility shows this month (March 2-3, 9-11, and 31-April 1).

If you learn of something else going on in McKinney this month, 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.)

New Year, New Opportunities

We hope 2012 is off to a great start for you and, we want to challenge you to try something new this year. Sign up for a class to learn a new skill, attend an event you’ve never attended, or try that restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, but have never managed to step in the door.  We see the new year as a chance for new opportunities, and we plan to relish in them and take them on! Now here’s what you have to look forward to in this first month of 2012.

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.)

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.