Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s like a Christmas present:  the December arrival of the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of the Denton Live magazine! This newest issue delivers excitement for what’s coming up in the Spring; and this year, the Spring/Summer edition will also drop a little piece of “Heaven” in your stocking with a very special festival announcement.

At the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester, journalism students at The Mayborn Graduate School of Journalism at UNT prepare themselves for more than just a passing-end-of-semester-grade. This coveted class offers the opportunity each semester for a select group of up-and-coming journalists to taste life in the real publication world including the demands of a publisher, editor, design director and oh yes, that looming deadline to meet.   In less than 3 months, the mostly graduate students, dive into the hands-on production project and put their education into action in the arenas of design, storytelling, interviewing and photography, all of which meet a curriculum goal and measurable outcomes.      

 “We’re training the next generation of journalists in a real-world crucible, requiring lively writing to attract readers, fact-checking for accuracy, and a deadline that meant we’d face financial consequences if we failed to meet it,” says Cathy Thomas, adjunct professor for The Mayborn Graduate School of Journalism at UNT and editor for Denton Live and MAYBORN.

The Denton Live Magazine is available at the Denton Chamber office, local hotels, Denton museums, and retail stores around the Courthouse Square, Golden Triangle Mall, and the City of Denton. Visitors planning a trip to Denton can request a copy or pick one up at any Texas Visitor Center. 

The magazine is also global. All new stories can be found online at the magazine’s companion website www.DentonLive.com. The site includes an online calendar that serves as the official calendar of events for the City of Denton. With the various search features for events and past articles, the website is architected to help visitors plan their daily itineraries in Denton.

Keep in mind as you read about 35 Denton, Thin Line Film Fest and the Arts & Jazz Festival, it’s always a fresh take on an annual festival from the vast creative and intellectual talent that soundly sets Denton apart from the rest of world.

By Phillip Stachelski

The biggest (and most delicious) party is back in town. The Beaujolais & More Wine and Food Tasting features Denton restaurants and their unique recipes to pair with this iconic French wine.

Denton joins the rest of the world in celebrating the arrival of the Beaujolais wine with a fundraiser for the Campus Theatre. Since 1985, when the third Thursday of November was established as the uniformed release date for Beaujolais wine, shops all over the world have celebrated its arrival.

The Denton fundraiser started as a small, intimate gathering and has continued to grow for the past 11 years.  Thanks to Campus patrons Gary and Carol Kirchoff, Denton and the Campus Theatre enjoy a wine and food festival each year.

The festival will take place at the Denton Civic Center, November 17 from 5:30 - 7pm.  Beaujolais & More not only offers a tasting of Beaujolais Wine, but also samples unique, never-before-seen recipes prepared by local restaurants to accompany the French wine.

Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau, gourmet food and great entertainment from the finest restaurants and caterers in Denton for only $25; all while supporting local Denton art.  For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Campus Theatre at 940-382-1915.

By The Arts Guild of Denton


The Arts Guild of Denton (TAG) is going all out with their vintage Vegas theme for this year’s Auction for the Arts celebration, November 12.  The Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) will be transformed into a dazzling scene complete with parading showgirls and cameo appearances by Elvis and “old blue eyes.”  The doors open at 6:00 pm. 

Auction goers can enjoy the plentiful food and drinks and spend some time in the “High Roller Lounge” for the Silent Auction, featuring a dizzying array of items to bid on. Dozens of local businesses and individuals have generously donated merchandise and services for the event. Lavish gift baskets, delicious restaurant meals and automotive services are only a few of the items available.  Make sure to get your bid in early because the Silent Auction closes promptly at 8:00 pm!  Another “don’t miss” from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm is the Baccarat Room where you can try your luck at the Wheel of Fortune to win prizes and discounts on items auctioned in the main event.

Just after the Silent Auction closes at 8:00 pm the excitement really gears up with the main event!  This year’s Live Auction has some truly unique offerings up for bid.  NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to snag grandstand tickets, jewelry lovers can have one-of-a-kind pieces designed just for them, fine dining aficionados will have several chances to dine in or go out on the town, travel buffs can try to win a trip to Taos or South Padre.  Works of art in a wide variety of mediums and styles will be up for bid throughout the evening as well.  Many other items and adventures are on the menu for the evening including one very special treat where 20 lucky people will have a chance to experience an hour-long flight over the metroplex aboard the Flagship Detroit, a fully restored vintage American Airlines DC3.   The outing also includes a tour of the American Airlines hangar at Alliance Airport and a one year membership in the Flagship Detroit Foundation. 

All proceeds from Auction for the Arts directly benefit arts organizations in Denton.  Since its inception in 1980, TAG has helped strengthen and increase the reach of these groups by contributing over $1 million.  The annual auction is the major fundraising event for TAG and its success provides the means for arts groups to enhance the cultural climate of the Denton community.  Auction goers not only have the opportunity to acquire a special treat for themselves (or get some extraordinary Christmas gifts), but also to play a vital part in making Denton a distinctly desirable destination. 

This entertaining event will be held at the Center for Visual Arts located at 400 E. Hickory, Denton, TX.   Tickets are $25 for TAG members and their guests, $30 for non-members when purchased in advance, and $35 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Elizabeth Headrick at 979-549-2657 or emailing Elizabeth.Headrick@gmail.com. 

By The Denton Holiday Festival

The 23nd Annual Holiday Lighting Festival at Denton’s Courthhouse-on-the-Square promises to delight visitors of all ages with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. This marks an historic year for the festival, as the event has officially moved to Friday – so you and your family can gaze at the twinkling lights, carol to your heart’s content, and sip wassail well into the evening.

A tremendously successful family-oriented event, the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival kicks off with a sing-along and the lighting of the community Christmas tree on Friday, December 2 at 5:30pm. Visitors will enjoy music and dance recitals by area performers, have a visit with Santa, make arts and crafts in our children’s area, enjoy snacks from one of our food vendors – and most importantly – can donate a toy to the Community Toy Drive benefiting needy families in Denton County.

You don’t want to miss the exciting entertainment in store on the Festival Stage this year – it’s going to be an amazing night of music, dance and holiday cheer you won’t soon forget.

The Denton Holiday Lighting Festival was started in 1988 by a group of volunteers. Today the annual tradition is continued by the efforts of volunteers and funded by donations from local businesses and individuals. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.dentonholidaylighting.com or Facebook.com/DentonHolidayLighting.

INFO:

• DHFA – www.dentonholidaylighting.com         
  
• In case of inclement weather, please contact the CVB at 940.382.7895
  
• "Like" Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on Facebook.
  
• DHFA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission in hosting the annual Holiday Lighting Festival.  The DHFA raises funds from the private sector to purchase banners, lights and decorations for public buildings and the Courthouse-on-the-Square in historic downtown Denton.
  

Each school year, the One O’Clock Lab Band has a “dramatic” start, at least for those students auditioning for a coveted spot with the band. The drama ends when results are posted on the legendary “Board of Tears”. But the end result is a reinvigorated band that treats every day like an audition.

With only 4 returning veterans, the band set out to be introduced as this year’s jazz band sensation. According to Steve Weiss’ blog entry in The Blog Shed, the first concert at the Syndicate was astounding. “How do 15 new students get to ‘sensational’ after only three rehearsals?” seemed to be the crowd’s question.

Imagine the sound now with well over a month of creativity at work. The legend of the One O’Clock Lab Band makes it a sought after concert. Luckily, Denton always has an opportunity to be part of the jazz experience since there are several concerts offered for the community and fans throughout the year.

The closest opportunity to listen to this six time Grammy-nominated band will be at the state of the art Murchison Performing Arts Center on November 22 when they perform their annual Fall Concert at 8 p.m.   The band will perform immediately following this year’s guest artist, award-winning trumpeter Terell Stafford. Ticket prices are amazingly affordable.

There are also several milestones to note for the One O’Clock Lab Band this year. The addition of three female band members brings an end to the “gender barrier”. And, for the first time, the release of the band’s annual CD includes a bonus DVD.   Full-length videos of all nine tracks from Lab 2011 are included in the DVD. Add to that list a new website that shows the band’s mobile app, concert dates, and photos. While checking it out, be sure to link to The Blog Shed stories, sign up for their newsletter The Messenger, and read some interesting articles about the real world music business from record label companies.

It is easy to say that Denton’s music scene branches out from much of its university talent. But it is an understatement that watching that talent take shape is the most inspiring and enjoyable part of Denton’s music scene.

Denton CVB sponsors Social Enterprise Seminar

It’s no secret that many nonprofit organizations are finding the current economic climate a challenge. Unfortunately, many traditional funding sources are not able to continue with a high level of support, creating an additional burden on the nonprofit sector. Many savvy organizations are learning how to become more self-sustaining through social enterprise, or earned income. They are learning how to leverage their current assets into unrestricted renewable income that supports and sustains their mission.

On November 1, 2011, the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau will host Jean Block, professional non-profit consultant with Social Enterprise Ventures, a national training and consulting company based in Albuquerque. The full-day workshop will give Denton non-profit professionals the opportunity to participate in the introductory “Road Trip™” training. Participants will gain hands-on experience in the seven key skills required to launch a successful social enterprise venture: organizational focus, asset inventory and brainstorming, market research and feasibility into the customer and competition, costing, sales planning and business planning.

The Road Trip training is typically offered at a cost of $199.00 per person. However, the Denton CVB is underwriting this seminar to reduce the per-person cost to only $65 to involve as many of our local non-profit organizations as possible in this paradigm-revolutionizing day.

“I’ve seen Jean and know first-hand just how empowering the seven skills are,” says CVB Vice President Kim Phillips. “Our goal is to make a positive difference in the health of Denton’s non-profit sector.”

The seminar will be November 1, 2011 at the Homewood Suites Denton hotel from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Space is limited to the first 40 reservations. Call 940-382-7895 to reserve your place today!

Is your acoustic band the envy of Fry Street? Does your stand-up act leave everyone in stitches? Do you think you have what it takes to be the best of Denton? Come out and prove it! Three minutes of your time could be all that is standing between you, fame and cash prizes!

Music Theatre of Denton (MTD) is holding auditions for its membership to participate in "Denton's Got Talent!" Preliminary auditions will be held on October 4th and 6th and are open to any member of MTD in good standing. Performers are required to pre-register for an audition by calling the MTD office [940-381-3562] or by e-mail [mtd@musictheatreofdenton.com] to reserve a 3-minute timeslot.

Membership must be verified before participation will be allowed. Memberships begin at $25 for adults and $15 for students. Contestants will be separated into two categories: Students (18-under) and Adults (college-age and above).

After the preliminary auditions, a panel of judges will set an exciting slate of performers for three fun-filled nights in front of a live audience to determine who has what it takes! On Friday, October 14th the adult category will take the stage and on Saturday, October 15th the students will have their say. The grand finale will be Sunday, October 16th where the top performers from the two brackets will go head-to-head to prove who IS the best of Denton!

All performances and auditions will be held at the historic Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Denton TX. For additional details or information, contact Music theatre of Denton at 940-381-3562.

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, to be held on April 27-29, 2012, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, spotlights the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival for offering excellent entertainment value to tour groups and individual travelers from around the world.

With the release of ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 30 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to be one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of the Arts & Jazz Festival as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Denton," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Arts & Jazz has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Denton an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $11,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That's why Arts & Jazz is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

Arts & Jazz Executive Director, Carol Short was thrilled with the award, "Selecting the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival as one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2012 from the American Bus Association is a wonderful honor, not only for our organization but for Denton's citizens and the business community. Recognizing the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival as a destination for tourism that helps boost the economy for our community makes us all proud partners."

ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Arts & Jazz Festival from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Arts & Jazz Festival is scheduled for April 27, 28, & 29 of 2012. While headliners have not yet been announced, expect fantastic music from over 2,500 performers on seven stages. Music throughout Denton’s Quakertown Park underscores fine arts, crafts, children's art activities, food and games. Be on the lookout for headliner announcements at the end of 2011.

The Planner’s Zone

“Your directions to a successful event in Denton”

If you are planning a group function, small or large, for your company, church, school, club, organization…or even the family reunion…then attending The Planner’s Zone Trade Show is a must!  The Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau and the Gateway Center at UNT team up every year to produce this showcase of local solutions for every meeting planner’s needs. 

The Planner’s Zone is an opportunity for local businesses who offer services and products essential to successful meetings and events to meet face-to-face with you in ONE day and at ONE location. This year’s Planner’s Zone will be held October 20, 2011 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Gateway Center. Special designated parking will be available for vendors and attendees directly across from the Gateway Center at Fouts Field. 

The tradeshow reinforces the diverse, high quality facilities and amenities offered right here in Denton – usually at much more competitive prices than planners can find in “the big cities.” Attendees also discover the tremendous resource available to them through the Denton Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB). The CVB’s own Dana Lodge, Certified Meeting Professional, offers counsel, assistance and the services of the CVB staff free of charge to ensure that meetings held in Denton are successful and a positive experience for everyone involved.

“Each year, the Planner’s Zone is transformed to introduce new up and coming vendors to the community along with our local favorites,” said Dana Lodge, Denton Director of Sales. “The local businesses that participate demonstrate how they collaborate with each other to host conventions, meetings, events and visitors to our community. Experiencing this partnership is an advantage for meeting planners. We are also excited to offer designated parking again this year which will help our attendees get in and out quicker. 
 

The Planner Zone is open to the public and FREE of charge. Door prizes will be given away throughout the show. More than 45 local exhibitors will feature hotels, caterers, meeting facilities, transportation companies, promotional products and restaurants among many other local businesses and services specific to the meetings industry. 

Hosted by Zach Glenn, Meteorologist with KDAF - CW, "The 33", this year’s zone will take you over the top. So get into The Zone, The Planner’s Zone!

When Qantas Airlines announced earlier this year that they were offering a non-stop flight from Sydney Australia to DFW, travelers in both countries were excited and looking forward to take advantage of the flights for both business and leisure. One group in particular that took some fancy to the new schedule was a group of superstar Travel Agents from Australia. And what did they want to see? Well the Western lifestyle in Texas of course!

The Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau was excited to learn that 12 of Qantas top sellers were headed to Texas and their first stop was the North Texas Horse Country.   Despite the jetlag, the group was ready and eager to start their True Texas experience.  Their adventure began at Lantana Lodge Resort & Marina at Ray Roberts Lake State Park where they enjoyed dinner at the Bronze Buffalo Grill and overnighted in rooms that overlooked the lake and cedar, post oak and black oak trees. 

An early rise the next day, the group was met by Monica with Black Mustang Ranch who had horses ready for a scenic trail ride through the wetlands of Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Immediately after the trail ride and as soon as the summer heat started to rise, these influential travel experts boarded a motorcoach for a driving tour of the beautiful Horse Country including a behind the scenes tour of the famous Valor Farm.

It wouldn’t be Horse Country Tour without a stop to Dennards Western Store. When the travel agents “saddled up” on the motorcoach again it was with a heap of western treasure. Many of the top sellers could not contain themselves at the sight of the child sized boots in assorted colors. Several kiddos in Australia will be bragging about mom or dad’s recent trip to Texas while adorned with Texas attire.

Dana Lodge, Sales Director with the Denton CVB, was the tour guide on the recent venture, “This was a great opportunity for Denton to be able to showcase our wonderful Horse Country to these individuals who have the capability to influence and send us many visitors from Australia.”

In true Texas hospitality before the group headed out of Horse Country there was room for one more stop at a local favorite. Lucy’s Mom’s on Main in Aubrey, had a home cooked spread that only “mom” would be able conjure up. The unique antiques that adorned the restaurant and the amazing ranches just visited were the topics of conversation while the group was introduced to Texas comfort food.

It was just a glimpse of the western lifestyle many of the Australian visitors were eager to discover. The Dallas CVB was the next host and while these top selling Travel Agents were on their way to visit some iconic Dallas attractions, the character, charm and new purchases in Horse Country will make it to the top of conversation when it comes to Texas Travel.

In Denton, anything antique or historic is a sign of character. Since we landed on the map more than 150 years ago, our city has clung to its original architecture, actively and creatively adapting original downtown buildings for new uses rather than razing them and starting over.

It is that same spirit of preservation that motivated the Denton Main Street Association (DMSA) to begin the Arts, Antiques and Autos (AAA) festival 12 years ago, an event that features vintage antiques and collectibles, the majority of which are carefully waxed, packing power under the hood, and showing muscle where it counts.   

On Saturday, September 10, from 9 am to 3 pm., highly competitive collectors will drive more than 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles  representing eras from today to days long past to Denton. They will gather all around the beautiful Courthouse-on-the-Square where visitors are free to wander among and admire them. Official judges are clandestine among the throngs keeping the car owners on their toes, alert and showing off in hopes of winning the coveted “Best of Show award.” 

In addition to the antique cars, numerous vendor booths offer unique arts, crafts, and demonstrations. Lectures throughout the day provide opportunities to learn more about the popular sports of collecting and antiquing under topics like: “Estate Sales ‘How to’”’ by John Bennett; “Antique Diamonds” by Joe Amyx; and “Vintage Purses” and “Tips, Tools and Techniques: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Caring for Antiques, Collectibles, and Other Treasures” by Georgia Caraway. Lectures will be inside the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square (CHOS) in the Commissioner’s Courtroom on the 2nd floor.

Hands-on crafts and games keep the kids busy while area bands such as Chris Watson playing Texas Blues Rock entertain crowds all day long. The festival atmosphere is complete with food from numerous downtown eateries and vendors.     

Take advantage of the specialists in some of the downtown stores as they conduct “Attic Treasure” Information Appraisals on general antiques and collectibles, including jewelry, clocks, china, silver, glass, and more (no furniture or photos of items please).

Producers have added a “Preview Night” on Friday, September 9, on Industrial Street, just east of the Square. From 6-8:30 pm, car and motorcycle enthusiasts can catch a sneak peek of some of the premier classics and hot rods and cast a vote for the “People’s Choice” Award.   All awards are   presented on Saturday afternoon at the show’s closing.  

“Our historic downtown is authentic and it cannot be duplicated. This event highlights downtown in a unique way that truly captures the treasures of Denton’s past and present,” said Larry Parker, DMSA president. “What a perfect way to spend a day in Denton: immersed in history all day and then on the cutting edge of new the same evening when UNT’s Mean Green takes the field for the very first time in brand new Apogee Stadium. A historic day all the way around.”

General admission to AAA is FREE. Registration to compete in the car show is $25. Lectures and appraisals are $5. For directions, an event schedule, entry forms, and more detailed information, please visit www.dentonmainstreet.org or call the event hotline at (940) 349-8529. 

The Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) is making it even easier for travelers on the go to flip through Denton’s brochure. The CVB recently unveiled its newest interactive Denton iBrochure where visitors can find out how “It’s All Happening” in Denton.

Travelers have become savvier on their smart phones and are increasingly more environmentally conscious. The iBrochure perfectly compliments Denton’s Green initiatives. Its launch is in synch with the timing of what trend experts have dubbed: “The Year of the Mobile.” 

Visitors can access Denton’s iBrochure from a PC or a mobile phone, its format adjusting automatically for the best-looking and most user-friendly experience from whatever technological medium is used. In one or two keystrokes, visitors can find out about Denton’s attractions and events and explore dining and lodging options. They can watch our Denton video, download brochures like Hip2bSquare, link to Horse Country, find major event information, and access Denton’s social networking sites.  

CVB staff coordinated with Madden Media, a national media firm that specializes in destination marketing, to develop the iBrochure. It is hosted at www.vacationfun.com, a website where visitors choose a U.S. destination and are presented with a selection of free travel guides about it.

For people already on the go with no time left to print, the Denton iBrochure is viewable on www.DiscoverDenton.com, www.facebook.com/DiscoverDentonTX or by scanning the QR code in the Denton CVB’s visitor lobby.

Check it out and then pass it on! Share Denton’s iBrochure with your entire contact list and share it on your FaceBook page, too. Help spread the word: “It’s All Happening” in Denton!”

Western-themed collectibles and décor are in – whether you’re a real, live cowboy or cowgirl or not. So, where do you go to find the “best of the west?” The Western Heritage Gallery (WHG), home to the finest western Americana collection today and one of Denton’s Best Kept Secrets. Open 363 days a year and online, it is the premier destination for collectors, dealers, and designers alike.

With over 80 dealers, the WHG not only showcases collector items, Western and Native Indian Americana décor and artwork that spans centuries; it is also the host location to the upcoming Annual Cowboy Gathering & Trade Show, September 9-11, 2011.

Western dealers, makers and artists from across the country will be on hand at this trade show to display their work and collections for sale.  

If you’re into more of the “high bidder” action, be on the lookout for some first class contemporary work at the The Legends of Texas Auction.   Pieces of work by Jerry Cates, R F Ford, Earlon Shirley and Eduardo Grijalva will be displayed for auction along with works by more than 30 of today’s best contemporary makers.

The auction will be held on Saturday evening, September 10 at 5:30 pm and, according to the event planners, it will likely be the best western auction Texas has ever seen. While the auction includes jewelry, art, cowgirl memorabilia, furniture, western collectibles and Native American items, here are just a sampling of the exceptional items to be on the lookout for:

• A historic pair of Adolph Bayers spurs made for two-time World Champion, Sonny Perry. Sonny rode Cutter Bill and Senor George, both American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame inductees, owned by the late Rex Cauble.
  
• A special pair of spurs by legend Billy Klapper, a reputable contemporary spur maker. Klapper, a much sought after spur maker has a several year wait list but made a special pair of spurs specifically for this auction.   
  
• A rare fully floral-tooled saddle heavily silvered with over 30 pieces of custom sterling silver by Dale Harwood. Harwood is a Founder of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, and possibly the world’s most sought after saddle maker. His work has been known to sell for over $90,000.
  
• A beautifully hand-tooled duplicate saddle of the 1870’s style Mexican Saddles made for Ron Howard’s 2003 film “The Missing”, starring Tommy Lee Jones. Created by Clint Mortenson, these saddles were made exclusively for the film by Mortenson Saddlery. The duplicate is adorned with hand-made Sterling Conchos and trim and is accompanied by Apache saddle bags hand made from buffalo hide by Emmy winning costume designer, Cathy Smith and a custom monogrammed stand. saddle bags were hand-made from buffalo hide by Emmy-winning costume designer, Cathy Smith. Custom monogrammed stand included. saddle bags were hand-made from buffalo hide by Emmy-winning costume designer, Cathy Smith. Custom monogrammed stand included.

Cowboys don’t just muster to show off beautiful artwork work. The gathering will also include The International Guild of Bit & Spur Makers 3^rd Annual Conference.  The conference gives the guild an opportunity to network with international bit and spur makers and educate fellow artists, collectors, and the public.  The conference also gives the artists an opportunity to share ideas, methods, and techniques with fellow artists.  

 “We look forward to making Denton a destination for collectors, designers and all who are interested in Western Americana or just want well-made, quality merchandise.” Owner Stephen Plyler went on to say, “We are a different breed of Antique Mall. We want to bring Western Americana to North Texas in a new way. Owner Jeff Trammel added that “Our selection of Western Antiques and Art is second to none as we have dealers from Connecticut to California who exhibit in our Denton location.”

For more information about the Western Heritage Gallery and upcoming events visit www.thewesternheritagegallery.com.                    

The A-train’s arrival in Downtown Denton has ushered in a streak of new visitors from across the DFW area, many reporting they are visiting Denton for the first time. The Denton CVB and the City of Denton are partnering with the Cities of Highland Village and Lewisville to create a Visitor Center in the Downtown Denton Transit Center, the only manned and climate-controlled station between Denton and Union Station in Dallas. Information kiosks will open in August showcasing attractions, restaurants, shopping opportunities, festivals, and all kinds of things to see and do along the A-train’s route.

“We are seeing new customers, especially on weekends, that have ridden the train and then walked to the Square,” says Bob Moses of Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream. “The walkability of our downtown really gives us an edge, I think.”

Of course, Dentonites are also using the train to access the rest of the Metroplex. Everyday, the Chamber / CVB’s Information Assistants get walk-in visitors and phone inquiries seeking counsel about train routes and A-train connections to the DART. Our mission is offering guests the best and most accurate information. And, since experience is the best teacher, the CVB organized a familiarization tour retreat for all CVB and Chamber staff, some board members, and representatives from the Denton Main Street Association.

Vanessa Helvey has served guests in the Chamber/CVB lobby for the past three years. “It is much easier to talk about something when you’ve seen it yourself,” she said. “A lot of people are nervous about riding the train the first time. Now that I’ve done it, changed trains, ridden the DART – well, I feel confident helping visitors overcome their fears.”

Dee Leggett, Vice President of Communications and Planning for the Denton County Transportation Authority, led the tour of 17 from Denton to Downtown Dallas and then to various stations along different DART routes. She even made sure the group experienced Union Station where transit customers can access the Trinity Railway Express to Fort Worth.

“The tour proved so valuable to us that we are organizing another familiarization tour at the end of August for our hotels, especially front desk staff who end up fielding questions from guests,” said Kim Phillips, CVB Vice President. “The A-train is a great asset to our city. People are finding us for the first time and if we are equipped to make their Denton experience fun, friendly, and seamless, they’ll be back again and again.”

Summer in North Texas has been a scorcher this year. But, Denton’s music scene will be hot in the coolest way when the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo (NTSF) opens its gates August 19-27, 2011.

Go ahead and tip your cowboy hat to the rodeo, midway carnival and special attractions. Then scoot your boots to chart-topping music, the real sizzle in the NTSF’s nine days and nights of entertainment.  For country music lovers, it is hands-down the best music and the best value for your money!

Concerts these days typically surpass the $100-per-head mark; but, the NTSF has come up with a great country music junkie rate. For only $90 you get all 9 days of the fair, including 20 music concerts. Combine that bargain with Denton’s attractive hotel rates and you can turn this event into your family’s last summer fling. Check out www.igotleftindenton.com for special hotel packages designed for A-train visitors and pass the word to your friends in the area. It’s a steal!

This year’s line-up includes top artists like the Casey Donahew Band, Jack Ingram, Pauline Reese, The Josh Abbot Band, Cody Canada and the Departed, and Tracy Lawrence. And if you purchase your tickets on pure, country music faith, you will get a “hum-dinger” of a surprise August 6^th when NTSF announces the name of the “Biggest Band in Texas” who will perform on NTSF’s Budweiser Stage. Tejano Music fans will want in on the action, too, for cross-over great Emilio Navaira. 

“With savings of $45, this is the best value in fair venues and rodeos anywhere in North Texas,” says Nanci Kimmey, Executive Assistant at the NTSF.

It’s not just the big names in music that bring the excitement to this year’s stages. In Denton, we always keep our eyes on our local music scene, too.  When it comes to “down-home” and “genuine,” cowboys like 2011 Ironman Cowboy Champion Colby Yates pretty much sum it up: real cowboys singing about what they know best: working the ranch and winning bull riding competitions. Colby and two-time World Champion Bull Rider Justin McBride are among several cowboys- turned-musicians that will perform on NTSF’s Bud Light Stage.

Visit www.NTFAIR.COM for schedule information. And if you want to learn more about who’s taking the stage this year, read all about the performers at www.ntfair.com/news. While you’re there, go ahead and “like them” on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and be among the very first in Texas to get the top secret announcement of the “the biggest name in Texas Red Dirt Music” scheduled to perform August 26.