Pleasant Grove in Dallas to finish month-long celebration with GroveFest 2009

by PegNews wire

PLEASANT GROVE — This Saturday, The Honorable Mayor Tom Leppert, accompanied by council members Vonciel Jones Hill and Tennell Atkins, will cut the ribbon on GroveFest 2009, signaling the official start of the biggest fall festival and Halloween party Pleasant Grove has ever seen, and the grand finale in a month-long community celebration for Pleasant Grove called S.T.A.N.D. UP Pleasant Grove.

Over 5,000 visitors from all over Southeast Dallas are expected to attend this year’s GroveFest, presented by Martin’s Used Cars and Trucks. The event is being held again at Pleasant Oaks Park and Recreation Center, one block north of Bruton and McCutcheon from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will include carnival rides, a giant scavenger hunt, games, bounce houses, rock climbing, pie throwing (we’re going to do our best to get the mayor to take one for the team!), tug of war, food, music, kit flying, model building, face painting, a special “Teens Only” area with giant screen video games, a graffiti art competition, karaoke, dancing competitions, and more, and last but certainly not least, at 5 p.m., there will be a costume parade and contest with trophies awarded for Best Under 12, Best Over 12, Best Family, and even best Pet!

Besides being great fun for the whole family, GroveFest serves an even greater purpose: Dozens of organizations that provide after school and summer programs and activities for kids and teens will have booths at GroveFest and can sign people up for these programs on the spot. Many will provide an opportunity for the kids to experience the activity at GroveFest firsthand, exposing them to something they may never have been able to experience before: rock climbing, golf, music, a chance to become a mural artist for a day, just to name a few.

One activity that’s always a big hit is the “Graffiti Paint Off;” area artists compete for a $100 cash prize by spray-painting their interpretation of themes provided by the judges. This year’s winner will not only receive the cash and a trophy, but they will also receive the contract to paint murals in some very public places in Pleasant Grove. The goal is obviously to channel the amazing creative energy that seems prevalent throughout the teen population into something more positive. When left to its own devices, this energy ends up as inappropriate graffiti on the sides of buildings and fences.

Kids, teens, families, kids at heart, pets anyone and everyone is welcome at GroveFest 09, the biggest, baddest, funnest fall festival this side of Dallas! Admission and most activities are free. Bring your fun, your adventure, and your costume to GroveFest 09 at Pleasant Oaks Park and Recreation Center. For more information visit www.mygrovefest.com.

Source: City of Dallas