Offerings include a ribbon cutting, an arts fest on Cedar Springs, a pooch parade and an afternoon of music in Lee Park
EASTER BUNNIES | Dress in your finest for Easter in the Park.
Cedar Springs Merchants Association has a big weekend planned as it hosts a store opening, an arts festival and Easter in the Park.
On April 19, Out of the Closet, a resale store operated by AIDS Healthcare Foundation that has taken over the space previously occupied by Union Jack, opens.
Dallas Councilmen Adam Medrano and Philip Kingston, Dallas County Health and Human Services director Zach Thompson and Ron Givens from Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson’s office will be on hand for the ribbon cutting at 10 a.m.
AHF Texas Regional Director Bret Camp said there will be balloons, a stilt walker and someone giving away fried pies to celebrate the store opening.
Cedar Springs Road will be closed from Reagan to Knight streets from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. for the Cedar Springs Arts Fest taking place on the street throughout the day.
Cedar Springs Merchants Association Executive Director Dave Berryman said about 50 artists are participating, many returning from previous years.
On Sunday, Easter in the Park continues under the direction of the CSMA. The merchants association took over the Lee Park event four years ago after other groups backed out and almost ended the Oak Lawn tradition that began in the mid-1960s.
“It’s rain or shine — unless we absolutely have to cancel for lightning,” Berryman said.
The day begins with the Pooch Parade.
Steve Kemble and Paul J. Williams will emcee the event. Judges include Kingston and Medrano who will award prizes for best small dog, medium dog, large dog, look-alike and best overall.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. near the Robert E. Lee statue. The entry fee is $10 per dog for each size category. Compete as a look-alike for an additional $5. Line up is near Turtle Creek Boulevard and Lemmon Avenue.
Vendors will set up around the park on the north and south lawns and across Turtle Creek Boulevard and open for business at 11 a.m. Many of the vendors are pet-related, including a number of rescue groups, a pet patisserie, groomers, boarders, vets and others with products no LGBT-owned pet can live without.
Entertainment begins at 2 p.m. with Mi Diva Loca. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to listen and picnic.
“You can bring your own food and brink,” Berryman said. “Park rules are no glass containers and no open flames. Oh, that no flaming rule doesn’t apply to people.”
More information at EasterInLeePark.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition April 18, 2014.