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How blue is your grass
Let's be honest. If you weren't raised on bluegrass music, you may find it to be an acquired taste. However, it really doesn't matter what your musical preferences may be, the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cookoff is a family-friendly environment that caters to everyone. First of all, its free. No ticket required. Secondly, its in your backyard, at the Farmers Branch Historical Park on Friday and Saturday, October 18 & 19.  And, let me tell you about two people that are going to ensure you have a great time. Alan Tompkins is the master of all things bluegrass in this part of the world and he uses his considerable talent, energy and influence to load this bill with the top names in bluegrass entertainment that will draw people to Farmers Branch from around the country.
VIDEO  EXTRA
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Bloomin' Bluegrass Preview with
Alan Tompkins
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Then, there's Meredith Dowdy on our staff. Meredith is responsible for most of the large-scale events you enjoy in Farmers Branch and she plans each event so carefully, everyone is bound to to get something out of it. If you're like me and you like live music, there's nothing quite like watching and appreciating these world-class musicians at work - and not just on stage. Part of the great fun of Bloomin' Bluegrass is perusing the park to take in one of the informal jam sessions that will organically crop up on the front porches of historic buildings and in the shade of 100-year-old trees. But, if you love bluegrass music, you're in for a real treat. On Saturday night, in particular, our featured performer will be country music platinum-recording artist, Suzy Bogguss. And, then, there's the chili. A great addition to this event last year was the Chili Cookoff that will be back again. If you're a fan of great chili and you'd like to sample a wide variety, be sure to be here for the Chili Cookoff on Saturday of that weekend. Beyond that, we're going to have a free Kidzone with activities for the younger ones, an Arts & Crafts Marketplace and concessions available. Bottom line, whether you stay for an hour or for the whole day, you won't be disappointed. It's just a few weeks away, so, make your plans now. |
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Disney-Pixar hit simply known as "Up" will be featured at the autumn edition of Movie in the Park, Saturday, September 28 at the Barney Wood Athletic Complex, next to the Community Recreation Center.
The public is invited and admission is free.
Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor seating. Concessions, sno cones and a children's area will also be available. Activities start at 7 p.m. Showtime is at dusk.
Weather info line for the event is 972.919.1455.
  
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National Night Out coming Tuesday, will benefit injured City employee
 FARMERS BRANCH ~ Donations will be accepted at participating National Night Out neighborhood parties, on October 1, to go to the recovery effort of injured City employee Rodrigo Burgos. A member of the Parks and Recreation Department crews that landscape and beautify Farmers Branch public areas, Mr. Burgos was critically injured in August as he worked on a median on Marsh Lane. All proceeds will go directly to benefit Mr. Burgos during what is expected to be a lengthy recovery period.  | |
Rodrigo Burgos
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Farmers Branch Police said more than 15 neighborhoods have already signed up for America's "night out" against crime and more are expected. Neighborhood gatherings are encouraged on National Night Out to promote a united front against crime in residential areas. Registered NNO parties will be visited by as many police, fire and City officials as possible. For more information or to register a party, call 972.919.9304. On a related note, the regular Farmers Branch City Council Meeting, scheduled for that evening, has been postponed until Wednesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
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NNO at Manske Library to feature program on last flying B-29 bomber
MANSKE LIBRARY ~ Anyone without a scheduled neighborhood party is invited to spend National Night Out at the Farmers Branch Manske Library as the Experimental Aircraft Association 168 presents David Oliver, Aircraft Commander of the last flying B-29 bomber, in a special presentation on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. 
"FiFi," as she is called, is the last flying example of the iconic B-29 "Superfortress" and is owned by the Commemorative Air Force, based in Addison. Mr. Oliver serves as the Flight Operations Officer of the of the B-29/B-24 Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. Now with more than 200 hours logged, Mr. Oliver is the youngest aircraft commander of the B-29. He will share his experiences and the history of "FiFi."
The presentation is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. For more information call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Skate Park reopens in new location
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With part of its former location earmarked for construction of the new aquatics park, the Farmers Branch Skate Park has now relocated and reopened in its new spot, just west of the front door of the Community Recreation Center.
The popular skate park was first opened in 2010, just south of the Rec Center. However, with the advent of planning for the aquatics facility, it was necessary to move the Skate Park.
With full demolition of the Don Showman Pool complex now complete, the new Skate Park, consisting of the same size and same equipment as before, is now open on a new slab just west of the Rec Center.
For more information, call 972.247.4607.
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Volume 3 | Edition 39 | Number 135 
is published weekly by the Communications Office
of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Two-time TAMI Award Winner for Best eNewsletter in Texas
Given by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
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City Council meeting moves to Wednesday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ So that everyone is able to attend National Night Out on the first Tuesday of the month, the Farmers Branch City Council has moved their first meeting in October to Wednesday, October 2.
The regular meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
>> More on National Night Out
 
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Limited supplies of history book still available
FARMERS BRANCH ~ More than a century in the making, 'Farmers Branch: A History in Pictures' has been published and is now available in limited quantities at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
"The book is unique in that it not only draws from the archives of the city but from the archives of several local families as well," said Historical Park Superintendent Derrick Birdsall. "This gives a unique perspective of over 170 years of our community's history." The bronze-colored volume features a line art drawing of the historic Gilbert House from the Historical Park on the outside cover. Inside, there are 120 photo-laden pages detailing Farmers Branch history.
Mr. Birdsall said there are a limited number of additional copies available for sale on a first-come, first-served basis, for $50 per copy. For more information, call 972.406.0184.
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Firehouse Theatre presents Neil Simon classic
MANKSE LIBRARY ~ One of Neil Simon's early classics, "Barefoot in the Park," will be presented on stage by the Firehouse Theatre, September 27-29 at the Farmers Branch Manske Library theater.
The story centers around newlyweds, Paul and Corie Bratter and their experiences with in-laws, neighbors and others in their New York City walkup apartments.
For more information or to reserve tickets, call 972.620.3747 or visit www.thefirehousetheater.com.
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Dallas Stars to teach kids hockey in free program
DR PEPPER STARCENTER ~ Designed by local legend, Mike Modano, the Dallas Stars 'Little Rookies' program is offering free hockey instruction for kids ages 4 to 8 on four consecutive Saturdays at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch.
Stars officials say equipment is provided for instruction, along with a free jersey for the kids to keep. Boys and girls are welcome to participate. Visit dallasstars.com/littlerookies.
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Senior Planner to speak at TxAPA conference
GALVESTON ~ Enlightening her colleagues on contemporary topics, Farmers Branch Senior Planner Alexis Jackson has been tapped to present two sessions at the American Planning Association, Texas Chapter, annual conference next month in Galveston.
Ms. Jackson will lead sessions on the innovative Farmers Branch ordinance governing food trucks as well as on the use of social media in planning projects.
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 This duo undertook a cerebral game of lawn chess as part of the Farmers Branch Manske Library's Carnival, celebrating the Farmers Branch Reads summer program. |
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SEPTEMBER
Sep 28
Movie in the Park
- Disney-Pixar's "Up"
OCTOBER
Oct 1
National Night Out
Oct 2
City Council Meeting
Oct 5
Vintage Base Ball game
Oct 8
Star Party
Oct 18-19
Bloomin' Bluegrass
Oct 19
Chili Cookoff
Senior Center Craft Fair
Celebration of Roses
Oct 26
Halloween in the Park
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VIDEO GALLERY
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Fire Department Dinner Brigade
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Bloomin' Bluegrass Preview with Alan Tompkins
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Aquatic Center Groundbreaking
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Dr. Gilbert's Diary
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Farmers Branch Business: Anything but Usual
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Check the latest weekly report on the five-year reconstruction of Interstate 635 that includes:
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About the City of Farmers Branch 
An historic community in the geographic center of the DFW Metroplex, Farmers Branch boasts a residential population of 28,800 and a daytime employment population of 66,000. Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, the City's 27 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The city's location in the center of the Metroplex and only 15 minutes away from both DFW Airport and Love Field, along with the 2,200 hotel rooms within the city, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information on the City of Farmers Branch, visit farmersbranchtx.gov, visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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