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Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff THIS WEEKEND
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This weekend our grass is blue
Are you a Bluegrass music fan?
Maybe you are, or perhaps you just don't know it yet. But, this weekend you should be.
This is really something to behold when performed live by the very best in the business. We'll have some of the top names in the Bluegrass world on stage at the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff throughout this weekend, along with a country great with Bluegrass roots - Grammy-winner Lee Ann Womack.
People come from all over the country and, in fact, the world. Really. Our first year, a couple from Italy honeymooned at the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival in Farmers Branch, Texas.
Even if you don't take in the music on stage, there are amazing "scenes" of American music going on all over the park where spontaneous "jam sessions" of Bluegrass musicians will spring up and  organically celebrate this uniquely American musical genre.
Not enough?
How about chili. If you live in Texas, you are legally required to appreciate chili. The Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival has a Chili Cookoff that offers some of the best there is. Plus, it is actually sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International, which is a real thing.
Arts. Crafts. We've got both in the arts and crafts marketplace. Then, the KidZone will have plenty for the kids to do. Parking and admission for it all are free.
Then, we've got more for you. Unique, handmade holiday items will be offered a plenty at the Senior Center's Craft Fair, also going on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And, if you love roses as much as I do, you'll want to stop in on the Celebration of Roses going on at Gussie Field Watterworth Park and City Hall throughout the day.
More than anything, this weekend is one of the greatest examples of the Farmers Branch community coming together for a unique set of celebrations.
Don't miss it.
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Amy Piukana appointed City Secretary
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Expressing confidence in her ability to bring a new level of efficiency to the office, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer this week named Amy Piukana as Farmers Branch City Secretary.
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City Secretary Amy Piukana
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Mrs. Piukana came to the City of Farmers Branch earlier this year as Records Management Coordinator but was already a certified municipal clerk. She has previously served as Assistant to the City Secretary in Hurst, Town Secretary in Prosper and Deputy City Secretary for The Colony.
"Amy brings a servant's heart and an incredible work ethic to our office," said Mr. Greer. "She fits in very well with our team and will be a wonderful ambassador to the public."
Mrs. Piukana is a graduate of the University of North Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program and serves on the Public Relations Marketing Committee for the Texas Registered Municipal Clerks Association.
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Bloomin' Bluegrass promises something for everyone, including chili
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Whether it be world-class Bluegrass music, world-class Texas chili, eclectic arts and crafts or just kids having fun, there is something for everyone at the 2015 edition of the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff coming this weekend, Friday and Saturday, to the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
Planned for Friday and Saturday, October 16 & 17 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, the Bloomin' Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cookoff will feature the top names in bluegrass music on the main stage, along with country great Lee Ann Womack.
Admission and parking are free. Ms. Womack will join the best the Bluegrass world has to offer in performances on stage throughout the festival. Scheduled to appear are the Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers, Balsam Range and more.
In addition to the talent on stage, music will be in the air from all corners of the park as musicians from far and near get together for informal jam sessions on the porches of historic buildings and in the shade of hundred-year-old trees.
 Dozens of chili cooks will show their stuff during Saturday's CASI-sanctioned Chili Cookoff. Public tasting begins at noon and goes until the chili runs out. Shopping at the Arts & Crafts Marketplace will be another returning feature of the festival with all manner of items available for purchase.
The KidZone will have plenty for the little ones to do with myriad activities including a petting zoo and inflatable play areas.
The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road, and a short five-minute walk to the Farmers Branch Green Line DART Station. Free parking is available at the MetroSquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road with a free shuttle to the gate.
Stay & Play packages are available from participating local hotels with special rates for Bloomin' Bluegrass and other amenities. For information on Stay & Play packages or for more on this year's festival, visit bloominbluegrass.com.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Friday
5:00 pm | Helen Highwater Stringband
7:30 pm | Balsam Range
8:30 pm | Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles & the Trail Blazers
Saturday
9:30 am | Snyder Family Band @ the Celebration of Roses
11:00 am | Augusta Road Show @ the Celebration of Roses
12:00 pm | The Herrins
1:00 pm | The Snyder Family
2:15 pm | The Hillbenders
3:15 pm | Chili Award Presentation
5:00 pm | Star Award Presentation
5:15 pm | Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
6:45 pm | Del McCoury Band
8:15 pm | Raffle Drawing
8:30 pm | Lee Ann Womack
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Celebration of Roses offers free trees to first 100 to register
FARMERS BRANCH ~ About 100 three to five foot trees will be given away to the first 100 Farmers Branch residents that register for Saturday's Celebration of Roses event, set for Gussie Field Watterworth Park and Farmers Branch City Hall.
Parks Landscape Manager Pam Smith said the trees will be given in partial fulfillment of the City's obligations as a Tree City USA, as designated by the National Arbor Day Foundation for more than 30 consecutive years.
The annual 'Celebration' will run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. After registering in the Pavilion at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, 13000 William Dodson Parkway, the day will begin with picking in the garden where Bluegrass music will serenade participants as they select blooms for the hands-on floral design workshop.
Presentations on daylillies, irises and, of course, roses will assist gardeners in the creation of a lovely garden. The Garden Passport to all corners of the rose gardens promises to show off the best Farmers Branch has grown.
Finally, the Farmers Branch Rose Show will be held in City Hall during the celebration which will also feature a complimentary grilled hot dog lunch, next to Rawhide Creek. Shuttles will provide easy access to the rose gardens and to Bluegrass music at the ongoing festival at the Historical Park that day. Find out more at fbroses.com.
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Annual Craft Fair has one-of-a-kind finds for upcoming holidays
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Everyone is invited to get a head start on holiday shopping on Saturday, October 17 as the annual holiday Craft Fair is scheduled to take place at the Farmers Branch Senior Center from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
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Welded art has been among the unique and interesting offerings at the Annual Craft Fair at the Senior Center.
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More than 70 local artisans will be on hand to offer their holiday-themed wares to the crowds in attendance. The Senior Center's Linda Klark said people who have never been to the Craft Fair can expect wall to wall handmade crafts in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. "It's great to see all the talented people and their work," she said. "In addition to crafts and concessions, some of the more unusual items I've seen over the years include welded art, stone jewelry, thunder gourds, a necktie bench and, of course, shoe doos - that is attachable shoe and boot jewelry." The Farmers Branch Senior Center is located at 14055 Dennis Lane, between Josey Lane and Valwood Parkway. For more information, call 972.919.8740.
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Autumn Star Party coming up Tuesday
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Gazing at celestial objects through high-powered telescopes in the (hopefully) crisp autumn air is planned for a Star Party, coming up Tuesday, October 20 from sundown until about 9 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Volunteers from the Texas Astronomical Society will be on hand with their telescopes to assist with viewing and answer questions. Admission is free. In the event of inclement weather or excessive cloud cover, the alternate viewing date will be Thursday, October 22.
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Halloween in the Park plans on scary shrubbery for Saturday, October 31
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Festive and fun frights will fill the air on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 for "Halloween in the Park," set from 5 until 10 p.m. under the starry sky of the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Admission and parking are free. Concessions will be available for purchase. Once again, people will line up for the experience of the "Haunted Hedge," opening at 7:30 p.m. and taking brave adventurers deep into the dark recesses of the Historical Park's scary shrubbery. The event will also feature "Trick-or-Treat Row," carnival games, pony rides, a petting zoo, state fair-style food vendors, photo buttons and more. The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, between Denton Drive and Ford Road and a quick five minute walk from the Farmers Branch DART Green Line station. Parking will be available at the MetroSquare Business Park, two blocks south of the Historical Park on Ford Road with a free shuttle to the gate.
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Historical Park plans Poe-inspired 'Victorian Murders & Mayhem' for Halloween week
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Famous and infamous Victorian-era murders and mayhem, inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and real historical events, will be presented in entertaining fashion at the Farmers Branch Historical Park Halloween week, October 29 & 30. Tours will be held from 5 until 7:30 p.m. each day. Admission is free. The Historical Park's Danielle Brissette said the tours will highlight some of the more interesting and haunting stories of the Victorian era. Those attending will learn about the "Servant Girl Annihilator," a serial killer who stalked Austin in 1885, spot the "murder weapon" in the Victorian kitchen and explore the perils of Victorian clothing. Tours are presented in partnership with the Dallas Public Library. Themes are intended for a mature audience so no one under 16 will be admitted.
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'Tell it to the Mayor' session coming up
Oct 28; schedule changes for holidays
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mayor Bob Phelps will be available for conversation and questions during his 'Tell it to the Mayor' sessions, regularly set for the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Farmers Branch City Hall. In October, the remaining date is Wednesday, October 28. The sessions are held between 3 and 6 p.m. and anyone is welcome to visit with the Mayor without an appointment, but on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a holiday alteration to the schedule in November and December as the fourth Wednesdays of each month fall on holiday weeks. In November, the only 'Tell it to the Mayor' session will be held on Wednesday, November 11. In December, it will be Wednesday, December 9. For more information, call City Hall at 972.919.2515.
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Writers Organization gathers local writers for Halloween book reading and signing
FARMERS BRANCH ~ Donning the costumes of their characters, a group of local authors will be hosting a book reading and signing event on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library. The Halloween Book Event will feature local authors launching six new books, including science fiction, historical biography, poetry, romance and children's picture books.In addition to dressing like their characters, the authors will share Halloween treats and raffle original artwork and books at this free event. The Writers Organization meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and welcomes new writers to join them. Membership is open to anyone and is free.
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Volume 5 | Edition 41 | Number 242
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the Communications Office of the
City of Farmers Branch, Texas since March 5, 2011
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VIDEO  EXTRA
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VIDEO EXTRA
Bloomin' Bluegrass 2015 Promo
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Chili. Fall Weather.
Chili cooks of all skill levels and talents will be on hand for the big Chili Cookoff as part of this weekend's
Bloomin' Bluegrass
Festival & Chili Cookoff, set for Friday and Saturday at the Farmers Branch Historical Park.
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Fourth Army & New Horizons Bands plan Senior Center concert
FBTX ~ The local senior citizens' New Horizon Band is teaming up with the Fourth Army Band to present a patriotic concert at the Farmers Branch Senior Center on Saturday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m.
Between 1950 and 1971, the Fourth Army Band was staffed with some of the finest musicians the Army had to offer from the Korean to Vietnam conflicts.
Today, members reassemble annually to renew friendships and continue to spread the music.
For more information, call 972.919.8740.
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Seniors set Halloween party for October 30
FBTX ~ Halloween isn't just for kids, as illustrated by the Farmers Branch Senior Center's Halloween Celebration, planned for Friday, October 30 at 1 p.m.
For $3, local seniors will enjoy carnival games, scary storytelling, costume contest, carved pumpkin contest and more. Call 972.919.8740.
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TinkerCademy to highlight 3D printer at Library
FBTX ~ Everyone is invited to learn more about 3D Printing and how it is redefining the way physical objects are made at TinkerCademy sessions, the last of which is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.
Participants will learn to design 3D objects using TinkerCAD and see the Library's 3D printer in action.
TinkerCademy is open to all ages but children under 10 should be accompanied by a caregiver. Participants will receive one free print per class. For more information, call the Library at 972.247.2511.
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Free smoke alarms available for those who qualify
FBTX ~ Renewing their participation in a long-standing program, the Farmers Branch Fire Department is offering free smoke detectors to local residents who qualify.
"The Farmers Branch Fire Department wants residents to have the early warning needed to escape a fire," said Fire Chief Steve Parker. "If anyone is over the age of 55 or cannot afford a smoke alarm, they may qualify to have smoke alarms installed in their home at no cost."
Chief Parker added that supplies are limited and alarms will be installed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, call 972.919.2640.
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Water/sewer rate increase to offset fixed costs
FBTX ~ The record rainfall of 2015 in addition to a legal battle over the source for local drinking water is combining for a perfect storm that will likely result in higher water and sewer rates for the new fiscal year.
Most costs associated with water service come from Dallas Water Utilities, the City's water provider, and the Trinity River Authority, the City's wastewater service provider.
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Applications are being accepted for membership on several of the City's volunteer advisory boards and commissions, according to Acting City Secretary Amy Piukana.
Currently, the following boards have vacancies:
Community Watch Committee Family Advisory Board
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Farmers Branch - Carrollton Art Show
The Farmers Branch - Carrollton Art Association holds its annual Fall Juried Show this month in the Manske Library Art Gallery with members displaying original artwork in various media. Now thru October 30.
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6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
Dusk til 9 pm @ Historical Park
CITYWIDE CLEANUP DOCUMENT SHREDDING
9 am to 12 noon @ City Hall
Open office hours with Mayor Bob Phelps at City Hall
972.919.2515
VICTORIAN MURDERS & MAYHEM
5 to 7:30 pm @
Farmers Branch Historical Park
Free
972.406.0184
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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6 pm @ City Hall
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
Free admission | Lunch provided
Only Opportunity This Month
3 to 6 pm
Open office hours with Mayor Bob Phelps at City Hall
972.919.2515
Study Session begins @ 4 pm
LIVE on FBTV
972.247.3131
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS
Most City offices closed
No garbage collection
972.247.3131
All events & meetings are subject to change. Call listed numbers or 972.247.3131 for verification or more information.
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VIDEO  EXTRA
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Farmers Branch Mustangs Vintage Base Ball Video Profile
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VIDEO EXTRA
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Cool off at the Farmers Branch Aquatics Center
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VIDEO EXTRA
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Farmers Branch Economic Development Update: 2nd Quarter 2015
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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
lovethebranch.com or call 972.247.3131.
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