Celebrating Earth Month in a Concrete Jungle

Did you know that Dallas/Ft. Worth makes the top 25 list of most polluted cities? We're #12 on the list. It doesn't come as too much of a shock; especially when I see bumper-to-bumper traffic 5 days a week on my way to and from work. But it still leaves me wondering what my city can do to make my air cleaner, and what changes I need to make in my own life to be more eco-friendly.

It is rather fitting, I believe, that April is the national designated Earth month. As mother nature begins to awake from its dark slumber, life is renewed in front of our eyes. I am always surprised at how green the grass can be, how white the blooms on the trees, how bright the world. Spring is our yearly reminder that we need to be kind to the planet.

There are several events lined up for you to celebrate Earth and take the kids (or not) to learn about what you can do to be environmentally friendly. If possible, carpool or take public transportation. Trust me, the ozone will be grateful.

Fort Worth residents can make their way to Sundance Square's Gateway Lot for its first free Earth Party on Saturday, April 6. From 11-2, you can enjoy live music performed by Vocal Trash and YOUR DJ, enjoy interactive demonstrations on green living, and participate in kid friendly educational exhibits. According to Fort Worth's website, you may even take home a free tree. After the event, head over to the Central Library to view an eco-film "Trapped" at 2:30.

If you really want to leave a lasting impression to show your children your dedication for helping the planet, register for the DFW Truck Farm Run at 8:30 AM on April 21st. This 5K fun run will have you and your kiddos racing around Fair Park planting seeds, literally and figuratively, and you can even dress like a farmer to really showcase your commitment to locally grown food. $25 to register by March 31 and $40 April 1st through race day. Running not your thing? Head to Fair Park that weekend anyways for some free daytime events.

Fair Park will host its 3rd Annual Earth Day Dallas festival on April 20 and 21. This two day festival has free admission but has a $10 parking fee which is another reason to take public transportation to this event. From 10 AM to 6 PM on each day, people of all ages can participate in waste collection, celebrate with free entertainment, and learn about keeping a sustainable lifestyle in North Texas. Last year, the event prided itself with reducing 73% of waste from landfills through their waste collection. This festival is an excellent way to learn the newest ways for you do to your part in keeping the planet clean and green.

Make an impact this Earth month by arming yourself with knowledge and spreading the word on ways to be kind to the environment. Let's not leave our carbon footprint on Dallas/Forth Worth!

Deep Ellum Arts Festival

I must say that I am a proud Texan girl. My North Texan roots dig fairly deep and originate with my great-great grandparents who moved in the mid-to-late 1800's. And although I have lived in Dallas the majority of my life, I only just recently learned about the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. Surprisingly, it's been around for 18 years.

If you want to get some much needed fresh air, Deep Ellum will be a great choice in April! The area will be hosting a lively 3 day spectacular which will showcase talented performing and visual artists for free admission. Sound good so far? If you want to enjoy the outdoors while supporting up-and-coming artists and original music, here are the details:

Deep Ellum will be transformed on April 5-7 on the 2600-3100 block of Main Street between Good Latimer and Hall Street hosting about 100 local bands and about 200 visual arts booths ranging from jewelers, sculptors, to muralist. What makes this festival unique is the many visual artists who will be creating works of art right in front of your eyes. While you wind your way through the maze of colorful pieces of art, don't be surprised if a playful mime or sidewalk performer tries to draw you into their mischievous games.

(Best part about this event is that it is FREE. Did I mention this already? I don't know about you, but I am always looking for the best bang for my buck. Sounds like you can't go wrong with free admission.)

While the festival website states "no outside food or drink" will be permitted, no event festival volunteers seem to make you toss your Sonic drink. It seems to be based on the honor system, even more lax than a movie theater. In order to keep the concerts free, around 30 Dallas restaurants will be located throughout the area selling samples of deliciously famous entrees. One of these will be one of my local favorites Cane Rosso, the most authentic Neapolitan pizza you will find in Dallas. Amongst the Deep Ellum elite, other festive concession booths will feature turkey legs, Cajun food, health foods, corny dogs, and of course, beer and wine will be available for you to purchase. 

If you are thinking of toting your seven-year-old along, please note that the event is located in and around bar and night clubs. While I am sure your child would love some of the day time live body painting and graffiti demonstrations, the event website cautions that this is primarily an adult outing and "adult oriented" beginning at twilight.

A word about pets: As part of the festivities, a Pet Parade is organized if you want your pouch to participate on Sunday at 11 AM (you must register ahead of time). Let them show off their sWAG and they could win some great prizes.

As with all Deep Ellum/ Downtown affairs, parking is quite limited (expect to shell out $10), so the DART may be your best option for transportation. Luckily, the husband and I only live a block away and can stroll on over at a leisurely pace. If you are not so lucky and do not want to take the DART, consider the Farmer's Market area. It may take a block or two, but once you are on site, pick up a beverage and you'll be just fine.

Break out of your normal routine and start your spring season off right! Get a taste of the eccentric lifestyle of the artists who inhabit Dallas' Deep Ellum.

Detailed Festival Information and guide can be found online at: www.DeepEllumArtsFestival.com

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Spring Fever

The Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex has experienced uncharacteristically cloudy, cold weather this year making everyone feel a little claustrophobic. The first official day of Spring was just a couple of days ago and unfortunately this weekend will be in the low to mid 50s. North Texas just can't seem to shake off the cold hands of winter.

So what do you do when you want to experience spring when it's unseasonably cold? Dallas has many indoor and outdoor attractions to lift your spirits!

The newly opened Perot Museum of Nature and Science welcomes hundreds of children (and the children at heart) who wish to explore the wonders of nature and science and broaden their minds in one convenient location. One piece of advice: purchase a ticket online before you go. This place is in high demand and even the general exhibit hall can only contain a few hundred visitors at one time. Thousands of visitors have already roamed its spacious rooms and theater, and you don't want to get stuck waiting outside.

Another classic go-to Dallas preferred outdoor activity: The Dallas Arboretum. Dallas Blooms, the garden's seasonal floral showcase opened March 2 and will delight admirers until April 7th. The botanical gardens recently updated a rain policy which will allow visitors to receive a rain check if the "rain will not go away." So, this weekend could be an opportune time to test the waters. Despite the chill in the air, locals can enjoy nestling together on a blanket, picnic style, while gazing at the colorful floral festival.

Even though the weather might contain a chill, there is no need to simply stay at home for yet another weekend! Hopefully April will bring showers for May flowers, but also a little sun for those of us who want to break free from winter's grasp.