Dalworthington Gardens 75th Celebration Weekend

I would like to invite all of my local readers to a big bash that has been two years in the making. My little city, Dalworthington Gardens (DWG), turns 75 this year. To celebrate this event a group of citizens that I have been part of have worked with the city to plan a three day weekend of events celebrating our unique history and the community spirit that allowed this tiny hamlet to flourish.

DWG began as a homestead association project during the Great Depression to assist people during this difficult time. Much more information about its history can be found on the DWG Celebration website and in one of the displays at the Fielder Museum in Arlington, TX. More information and displays will be found at the event on Sunday, June 12 at the Celebration Committee Booth. There will also be a continuously playing short movie in the DWG Annex titled “Dalworthington Gardens - Building Hope” by People's History in Texas. This video focuses on how DWG was formed and descriptions of early life in this community.

The activities on Sun., June 12 kick off with a dedication at the Texas State Historic Marker Plaza. Other activities on Sunday include hayrides, face painting, games of skill, sketch artists, a hula hoop contest, an interactive fishing demonstration and more sponsored by citizens, local businesses and organizations with ties to DWG.

Inspiration for many of the weekend long events came from recollections of life in early DWG that were recorded for our oral history project, from our Friday night supper (tickets required) to ball games on Saturday evening to movies in the park on Saturday night. We also have four different musical events planned as part of the festivities. There will be a concert by Melissa Lawson, winner of the 2008 Nashville Star competition on NBC, from 7:15 – 8:15 under the tent at Gardens Park on Saturday, June 11. An informal concert by John E. Dosher will be part of the “Fun, Food and Frolic” portion of the festivities from 5 – 7 pm on Sunday, June 12 followed by a concert by the Arlington Community Band at 7 pm. After the band concert, get up and dance to oldies tunes provided by a local DJ.

The Etsy team that I am a member of is sponsoring a face painting booth. Etsy817 will also hold drawings for door prizes and have information about participating member's shops and wares. You will be able to flip through a portfolio of some of my items and pick up my business card.

So if you will be in the area, check out the schedule, mark your calendars and come out and have a blast celebrating this important milestone event at one or more of the planned activities. The Friday night supper (tickets required) will be held at the Montessori Academy of Arlington and all other events and activities will be held in Gardens (Pappy Elkins) Park off Roosevelt Drive.