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.

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.

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.)

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.)

McKinney Loves Dogs!

One thing’s for sure – the people of McKinney sure do love their dogs. And they extend that love to visitors who love their dogs, too.

Krewe of Barkus Parade (Downtown McKinney)

People and their pups saw no better example of McKinney’s love for dogs than this past weekend at the annual Krewe of Barkus dog parade in downtown McKinney. The event in 2012 was the 10th year for the Art Institute of McKinney (AIM) to put on this Mardi Gras celebration, organized by McKinney artists and Louisiana natives Blynda Christian (pictured at left with her dog, the parade grand marshal Lady Godiva) and Amanda Kelly.

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

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

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

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

Dog Agility Competitions (Myers Park)

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

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

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

McKinney Businesses  Go to the Dogs

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

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

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

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.)

Outdoor Weddings: Beating the Heat

McKinney has, for all intents and purposes, become the Wedding Capital of North Texas, due to our many non-traditional locations, from our unique historic venues to lush and scenic outdoor settings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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