Photo by Jason Vincik
Springtime officially begins with Easter in the Park, one of the largest annual outdoor events in Dallas, attracting thousands of attendees to celebrate the holiday with food, fun and music. Organized by the Turtle Creek Association, the 24th annual Easter in the Park celebration will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lee Park, located at Turtle Creek Boulevard and Lemmon Avenue in Dallas.
Easter in the Park is a popular, family-friendly celebration that features beautiful scenery, priceless entertainment, a live classical music concert by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and fashionista pooches in the “Pooch Parade and Costume Contest.” Attendees can bring their own picnic items or enjoy the variety of foods offered by vendors. In addition, both local and national organizations will be present with booths and tents for spectators to visit.
The annual Easter celebration is popular in the gay community, attracting large groups of friends dressed in colorfully coordinated outfits and elaborately decorated bonnets. Many attendees even set up tents and decorate them with festive Easter décor, inviting other attendees to stop by and mingle.
The day’s festivities include a Pooch Parade, which features more than 150 dogs and their owners vying for awards and prizes. All Easter in the Park attendees are welcome to bring their dog, but animals must remain on a leash at all times.
Contestants can enter the parade for a small fee and compete for best-dressed dog, best large dog, best little dog and best owner/pet look-alike. The contest is preceded by an SPCA of Texas parade of adoptable dogs.
In addition, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform live in the park at 3 p.m. The Easter in the Park performance is a wonderful opportunity for patrons to experience the Orchestra with a symphony of sound.
“Easter in the Park has grown over the years to become one of Dallas’ largest and most diverse outdoor celebrations,” said Phillip Jones, president and CEO of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It presents a great opportunity to book a trip and come explore all that Dallas offers, including incredible dining, exceptional arts, unrivaled entertainment and the best shopping in the Southwest.”
Many in the LGBT community continue the celebration at bars and clubs along the Cedar Springs strip in Oak Lawn, where prizes will be awarded for best bonnet. Other festivities include events and services at Cathedral of Hope, the largest LGBT church in the world. Admission to Easter in the Park is free, and street parking is available on a first come, first served basis.
Dallas is an affordable destination getaway that offers much to see and do for LGBT travelers. For information and additional resources for planning your next trip to the “Big D”, please visit www.glbtdallas.com. Better yet, please contact me. I’ll be happy to help you plan your visit.