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Chili forecast
Imagine, if you will, a crisp autumn day, with sunshine beaming down in radiant abundance while a faint wisp of cloud scurries across the crystal blue sky, as if to get out of the way of the glorious day in progress.
Laid out before you is a wide open meadow of colors and aromas and the promise of something special in the air, while the sounds of banjos and guitars and mandolins echo in the background.
Sound good?
The good news is that you don't have to imagine it, just come out and experience it as the Bloomin' Bluegrass free music festival features our second annual Chili Cook-Off, in the meadow at the Farmers Branch Historical Park this weekend.
The music starts Friday night and continues Saturday, but the Chili Cook-Off, and its associated public tasting session, gets underway at noon on Saturday and continues til the bounty is gone.
The chili chefs that come out to be a part of this culinary spectacle range from those that are very serious about their chili to backyard gourmets who believe their recipe has it all.
Well, the public gets to be the judge of that as $3 will get you all the chili you want to taste and the opportunity to vote on which one knocks your socks off.
There's also a reason there's a category for showmanship as some of these folks go all out in the presentation of their concoctions.
Bottom line, it's a lot of fun for the entire family.
While you're there, you can also take in the bluegrass music on stage or in a dozen or more informal jam sessions that crop up all over the park. Some of the most engaging shows are taking place on front porches and under shade trees.
Kids can have fun in the KidZone and grownups can peruse the offerings in the Arts & Crafts Marketplace.
So, if you don't like bluegrass music, I'll bet you like chili. But, once you get out here, I'll bet you find out you like bluegrass, too.
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FARMERS BRANCH ~ Coming off the success of her 2011 studio album, American Folk Songbook, Grammy and CMA-award winner Suzy Bogguss will bring her varied vocal style to Farmers Branch and Bloomin' Bluegrass in a Friday night concert as part of the free weekend music festival.
The Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-Off gets underway Friday, October 18 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park and continues on Saturday, October 19. There will be world-class musicians on stage, good Texas chili in the meadow, bargains in the Arts & Crafts Marketplace and free fun in the KidZone.
 It was in American Folk Songbook that Ms. Bogguss blended folk, Americana and bluegrass songs to capture American heritage music for a new generation. In its review of American Folk Songbook, the Great American Country website said, "Originally conceived as a collection to help preserve traditional American music, Suzy's artistry is in her own interpretation. By combining her rich voice with a unique vision, Suzy subtly reinvents the works in her songbook to offer a new take on American classics."
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Historical Park Friends Chair Rental
To assist guests who may not have brought lawn chairs or blankets, the Friends of the Historical Park will be on hand Friday and Saturday with chairs available for rent for $5 each. |
Gates open Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the world-class bluegrass entertainment on stage, musicians will be gathering on historic porches and under 100-year-old shade trees for informal jam sessions throughout the festival.
VIDEO  EXTRA
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Bloomin' Bluegrass Preview
w/ Alan Tompkins
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The Chili Cook-Off will return for a second year on Saturday at noon, again featuring chili cooks from around the area vying for the prizes and prestige as part of this growing tradition. More than 30 cooks showed off their creations last year to the assembled crowds that tasted them all.
WHEN: Friday & Saturday, October 18 (gates open 4:30 pm) & 19 (gates open 11:30 am) ADMISSION: Free with no ticket required (Chili tasting $3) PARKING: Metrosquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road (free shuttle to the gate) SHUTTLE TO OTHER EVENTS: Yes |
 Craft Fair readies for early holiday shoppers  SENIOR CENTER ~ More than 100 crafters and artisans will be on site, selling their handmade items during this year's Craft Fair, set Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Senior Center, 14055 Dennis. Admission is free with concessions available for sale. Additionally, there will be a shuttle running every 30 minutes between the Craft Fair and the Bloomin' Bluegrass event at the Historical Park. For more information, call 972.919.8740. WHEN: Saturday, October 19 (9 am to 4 pm) ADMISSION: Free PARKING: On site SHUTTLE TO OTHER EVENTS: Yes |
 Enthusiastic gardeners expected for Celebration of Roses
FARMERS BRANCH ~ With emphasis on the changing nature of the City's gardens, the City of Farmers Branch presents the Celebration of Roses, Saturday, October 19 with activities in the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch and a slate of expert speakers at Farmers Branch City Hall.
 Free onsite registration will be held at the Gussie Field Watterworth Park Pavilion, near City Hall, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Shuttles will be available to transport participants through the various Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch. The bluegrass band, Copper Canyon, will serenade a complimentary lunch. Then, City Hall will open at 12:30 p.m. for the Dallas Rose Society's Fall Show, Farmers Branch Rose Show, and slate of expert presenters. Farmers Branch Landscape Manager Pam Smith said the beautiful display of blooms provides great insight to which roses perform best in the Metroplex. Consulting rosarians will be on hand to answer rose questions.
Speakers include Pat Shanley with "A Vision of Roses - A Vision of ARS" at 12:30 p.m.; Tom Carruth with "Just for the Smell of It" at 1:45 p.m.; and Stephen Scanniello with "The Truth about Climbing Roses: Myths, Lore, Legends and Some Facts" at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.fbroses.com or call 972.919.2625.
WHEN: Saturday, October 19 (12 noon)
ADMISSION: Free
PARKING: On site
SHUTTLE TO OTHER EVENTS: Yes
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Tom Bryson Good Samaritan
Farmers Branch Mayor Bill Glancy looks on as Fire Chief Steve Parker presents William Harris with the Fire Department's Award for Exemplary Action at a recent City Council meeting. Mr. Harris was recognized for responding to the accident on Marsh Lane in August where City employee Rodrigo Burgos had been injured. Mr. Harris' application of a tourniquet to Mr. Burgos helped save his life. |
Volume 3 | Edition 42 | Number 138 
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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Early voting for Charter Election begins Monday
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I-35Express public meeting planned Monday at City Hall
CITY HALL ~ The construction group tasked with the upcoming reconstruction project of Interstate 35E through Farmers Branch and beyond are inviting both residents and business owners to a public meeting on Monday, October 21 at 6 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
The project, dubbed I-35Express, will result in a complete makeover of the freeway from LBJ in the south to State Highway 380 in Denton County.
I-35Express officials will be on hand to explain the project details, timeline and answer questions.
>> www.35express.org
  
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Town Hall Meeting set November 14 to discuss bond ideas
CITY HALL ~ As a means of taking public input on what could be included in a potential bond issue, a Town Hall Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14 at Farmers Branch CIty Hall, beginning at 7 p.m.
Mayor Bill Glancy and members of the City Council will join City Manager Gary D. Greer and staff for the discussion.
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Halloween in the Park returns Oct 26
HISTORICAL PARK ~ With zombies roaming the haunted hedge, the delightful, frightful Halloween in the Park returns to the Farmers Branch Historical Park Saturday, October 26 from 5 until 10 p.m.
Admission is free with canned food donations accepted to benefit Metrocrest Social Services. Highlighting the event again this year will be the "Haunted Hedge," opening at 7:30 p.m. which takes brave adventurers deep into the recesses of the Historical Park's dark and mysterious shrubbery. Additionally, there will be trick-or-treat row, carnival games, pony rides, a petting zoo, state fair-style food vendors, photo buttons, and more. Call 972.247.4607.
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Nature Walk set tomorrow at Burke Nature Preserve
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Dallas County Master Naturalists will conduct guided nature walks at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursdays in the coming months, October 17 and November 21.
Walks are free, last about one hour and are suitable for all ages (might be a problem for strollers). Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water and wear appropriate clothing.
Those interested should meet in the parking lot at the preserve, 1111 Valley View Lane, under the President George Bush Turnpike.
For more information, call 972.919.2625.
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Veterans Day to again feature the Victory Belles
SENIOR CENTER ~ Making a return appearance, the World War II - era song and dance troupe, the Victory Belles, will entertain the crowd at the 2013 Veterans Day Celebration, set for 10:30 am., Monday, November 11 at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The event will also feature traditional patriotic elements and conclude with the traditional free hot dog lunch.
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Fireworks test planned Thursday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ City officials and a fireworks vendor will be conducting a fireworks test at the Dallas Christian College Athletic Fields at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, October 17.
Parks and Recreation officials said this is just a test and not a public show and the Historical Park will not be open that evening.
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Senior Center continues Tuesday health sessions
SENIOR CENTER ~ Focusing on 'Healthy Literacy,' Texas A&M AgriLife will present a four week educational series on Tuesdays in October at the Farmers Branch Senior Center.
The 10 a.m. sessions will concentrate on 'Lifestyle Choices and Your Health,' 'ABC's of Medicare,' 'Talking to Your Doctor,' and 'Medication Management.'
Admission is free. Call 972.919.8740 for more information.
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Grammy-winner Suzy Bogguss kicks off the Bloomin' Bluegrass free music festival and Chili Cook-Off with a concert Friday night at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Photo courtesy suzybogguss.com
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OCTOBER
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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