North Texas

Locals have always known that Denton is a great place to be but the recent Best Small Towns in America contest presented by Rand McNally and USA TODAY has united all Dentonites across the globe. 

Since it’s nomination for Best of the Road's 2012 Best Small Towns in America, the entire city has hit the web to ensure Denton wins the title rightfully deserved.  Local organizations such as the Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB), Denton Main Street Association, and even University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University students have been rallying for votes on a daily basis.

Once locals got word of the contest they have made sure the voting link has made its rounds on Facebook and Twitter.  The use of Social Media has given Dentonites in other parts of the country the opportunity to cast a vote for their beloved hometown.

Denton’s eclectic, unique and independent essence has captured the heart of locals and visitors alike. And these reviewers are showing Denton some love on the site’s voting page.   

Here are few things to keep in mind when you cast a vote for Denton:

• Registration is required but it requires very basic informaion and helps to avoid multiple daily votes.
• You can write a brief review or just click Review & Vote.
• You will be allowed to vote for one of five categories.
• To assure a better chance of our success, please concentrate your votes on “Most Fun” town.
• You can vote once daily.

Contest voting closes May 15 and the Denton CVB and Main Street Association encourage locals and visitors to continue showing the love by voting for Denton.

Share this with your friends and have them vote too! http://bit.ly/Jyw9mv

Celebrate the tradition and fun at the 19^th Annual Dog Days of Denton Celebration on Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd.   Relax in the evening shade of north Quakertown Park on Friday night as the festival brings back “yappy” hour from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and start the fun again on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m..

“We will continue our Friday night hours, and we saw an increase in attendance on Friday night last year due to the cooler evening temperatures,” said Christine Gossett, co-director for the Dog Days of Denton Celebration.  “We also plan to continue expanding our cool zone and rest areas for all to enjoy.”      

In addition to festival fun, Dog Days of Denton features educational programs with a spotlight this year on the Lions’ Club Leader Dog Program – a service dog program for the seeing-impaired.  Tammy Freeman with her leader dog, an English Black Lab named Vince, will share her story about how she benefitted from the Lions’ Club program and the importance of this special bond between canines and humans.  Sandy Griffin, a Leader Dog trainer, will also talk about what is involved in preparing dogs for service.  A portion of the proceeds from the hot dog and water sales at this year’s event will go to the Lions’ Club Leader Dog Program. 

The same traditional fun will happen on both Friday night and Saturday, with some activities and contests featured on Friday or Saturday only. The “Heinz 57” Contest is on Friday night, with several fun categories for any pooch of any mix or breed to compete in several categories ranging from curliest tail to longest tongue.  Attendees can also learn about various breeds and pet care tips on Friday and Saturday, as well as see canine training and sport demonstrations.  Returning again this year are the Dallas Dog ‘n Disc, TC Cappel Dancing with the Dogs (Freestyle) and Texas Heat Flyball with demonstrations on Friday and Saturday. The “Glamfur” photos, creative arts/crafts items for both canines and their owners, games for kids and canines, pet care information, pet adoptions and rescues, festival foods and more will also be featured Friday night & Saturday.

Saturday’s festivities start off with a Canine Couture Fashion Parade, more demonstrations, presentations, and the traditional canine contests including Pet Tricks, Dog Singing, and the popular Spokesdog Pageant between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m..  For 2012 Spokesdog Pageant entry guidelines and a complete schedule for the weekend, including contests, entertainment, demonstrations and more, please visit the website www.dogdaysdenton.com.  

The Dog Days of Denton Celebration will be held in the north end of Quakertown Park at 321 E. McKinney Street in downtown Denton.  General admission to the event is FREE.  Friendly, non-aggressive dogs are welcome. The Dog Days of Denton Celebration requires that ALL dogs be kept on a leash and controlled by their owners. Owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior.  Dogs need to have current vaccinations. For more information on the event, please visit www.dogdaysdenton.com. Dog Days of Denton – where fun and responsible pet ownership and care come together.

Dog Days is presented by Denton Record-Chronicle, City of Denton, Denton County Animal ER, Invisible Fence of Greater Dallas, and Huffines, with the support of Muenster Milling and Southridge Animal Hospital. Dog Days of Denton is a not for profit 501 (c) (3).  

For pet-friendly overnight accommodations, please check the www.dogdaysdenton.com website or visit www.discoverdenton.com.      

In honor of Texas Travel and Tourism Week, Denton CVB staff will join neighboring communities at the Texas Travel Information Center in Gainesville to welcome visitors coming into Texas from Oklahoma and points north all day on Friday, May 11.  The CVB and Beth Marie’s Ice Cream have partnered up to create a mobile Beth Marie’s at the Texas Travel Information Center with several uniquely Denton flavors that sweeten the CVB’s message about things to see and do in our city.  CVB staff will distribute coupons for scooping up future fun in Denton – on visitors’ way along I-35 or as a destination for their next trip to Texas.

Ever wondered who the people are that make the Arts & Jazz Festival Denton’s jazziest event? Top Hands, that’s who!  Top Hands work behind the scenes making sure the festival machine runs so smoothly the massive event is a seamless success to everyone including festival-goers, performers, artists, and vendors.  They are the feet on the ground; they are the heart and the soul.  Their dedication is, in fact, the magic ingredient that has garnered international recognition for the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival.

The Denton Festival Foundation works year-round to secure top-billing musicians and artists, funded in large part by Foundation membership contributions.  These same members are also the ones who roll up their sleeves to cook, sell food and drinks, peddle the coveted Jazz Festival collectible souvenirs, and help visitors maneuver the festival grounds.

Top Hands Chair Carrell Ann Simmons knows well every step of the road to the Jazz Festival’s well-deserved fame.   Vice President and Branch Manager for Meridian Bank of Texas in Denton, Carrell Ann has called Denton home for the past 26 years.  A 10-year volunteer veteran of the Denton Festival Foundation, Carrell Ann and her leadership team of six of the toppest of the Top Hands head up the entire volunteer force from recruiting to assignment.   With this year’s grounds expansion, that volunteer force will fill about 700 individual slots in the vast schedule of events and tasks.  “It’s a lot of work for sure; but we work as a team and have a blast doing it.  Really, Top Hands are the best recruiters because friends, family and coworkers see just how much fun Top Hands are having and they want to get in on it,” Carrell Ann exclaimed.   Local businesses have even anted up for booth space at the festival just because of the eager involvement by their employees. 

Higginbotham and Associates is an example of one such business that has already confirmed with Arts & Jazz organizers that they will staff a booth with 12 employees.  Ed Coker, Managing Director of the Higginbotham Denton office, is looking forward to their Top Hand membership experience.  “It is Higginbotham’s corporate philosophy to give back to the community.  Volunteering to work a booth at the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival not only helps achieve this goal but is a great team building opportunity for the office.  Most of all, we have a great time!”

While membership is only $15 per person per year, Top Hands take pride in the knowledge that their memberships, combined with sponsorships, help bring Lou Ritenour, Los Lonely Boys and Brave Combo to the Jazz Stage at the Arts & Jazz Festival.  “Top Hands are the backbone of the festival,” says Carrell Ann, adding that their membership dues are significant because collectively, they are a major festival sponsor.   

Top Hands Headquarters (the Denton Women’s Building) provides a place to sit, rest, cool off and make new friends.  Creating memories and being with friends is a top motivator for Top Hands returning year after year.  Families like father and son team Larry and Andy Whitlock have made volunteering at the festival a tradition for the past 13 years.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Whitlock moved his family to Denton.   At the recommendation of church friend Jackie Jackson, Mr. Whitlock and then 18 year old Andy signed up as Top Hands to meet and make new friends.  “We like the music, the people we work with and we love seeing the smiles on attendees’ faces” says Whitlock.  “You don’t have to be a business person or college professor to volunteer.  It’s just the general public doing what they can to bring visitors to town.  As for requirements,” he adds, “you do have to be a people person and you have to smile.  You can’t sell your town without a smile.”

It takes time and energy to be a Top Hand and it’s no secret that time is a highly-valued commodity.  Carrell Ann’s reminder really hits home. “If you enjoy free and fun events and don’t invest some of your own time to keep them going, then eventually they’ll go away.   Just one 3-hour shift can make a huge difference!  And the work is fun because festival organizers make sure Arts & Jazz is organized and well run at every level.” 

The rewards are fulfilling.  According to Carrell Ann, the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival is one of the happiest things that happen in Denton.  “It’s not just one sound you hear; it’s a mix.  Very much like Denton herself.  And people walk up to booths all weekend long just to thank Top Hands for another awesome Arts & Jazz Festival.  That’s when we realize the impact we really make.  You can’t help but smile!”   

Top Hand Membership is open to individuals with an interest in the arts and available to volunteer for at least one three hour shift at one of the various booths at the festival.  Members receive RESERVED PARKING for Arts & Jazz, discounts on festival T-shirts, complimentary food and beverage coupons, media recognition and are the first to know who headliners are via the Festival Foundation’s newsletters.

It’s a great time to be outdoors in north Texas and historic downtown Denton offers the perfect activities for taking it all in this spring. The downtown merchants of the Denton Main Street Association (DMSA) invite you to enjoy shopping, dining, and a fashion show during the Spring Open House weekend May 5^th and 6^th. Many shops will be open extended hours and will be offering specials to their clients, such as refreshments, discounts, and drawings for prizes.

DMSA will host a fashion show at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5^th, on the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn, 110 W. Hickory St. This is an eye-catching, entertaining way to give shoppers an impression of what downtown businesses have to offer. Apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories will be modeled in the show from various shops participating in the Open House weekend. Come for a “taste of downtown” with samplings from area restaurants while you watch the fashion show.

New this year, look for “check-in” promotions throughout Spring Open House weekend. Businesses will enroll people for a drawing if they check-in on Foursquare, Facebook, or any of the other social sites. The more places a shopper checks-in, the more chances he or she has to win a prize.

Want another way to enjoy downtown Denton? Come to the Square for the Denton Main Street Association’s Twilight Tunes concert series. The concerts start May 3^rd, with Hollertime returning to Denton after a memorable performance at 35 Denton back in March. Twilight Tunes concerts are free every Thursday night in May and June from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All concerts are on the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn, 110 W. Hickory Street.

Enjoy the beautiful weather with friends and family and a meal-to-go from one of the many downtown eateries. Spread your blanket or set up your chairs, and enjoy an evening of great live music as the sun sets over downtown Denton. The 2012 Twilight Tunes series offers an eclectic assortment of music for all listeners. It is the perfect way to kick off the weekend early and listen to some of the best local bands in the Denton area.

For more information and a complete schedule of Open House weekend activities and the Twilight Tunes concerts, please visit the website at www.dentonmainstreet.org .

Story By Tommy Simmons

Ever since I was little I’ve been afraid of horses. So when it was decided that I would be going to a local horse ranch to check out the North Texas Horse Country Tours I was less than excited about it. My head was filled with images of the State Fair farm exhibits of my childhood.

But what actually greeted me at the Tabor Ranch in Aubrey was a well kept and clean ranch with animals that looked relaxed and natural instead of jittery and on edge. We met Izanna Villanueva, who showed us around the ranch and introduced us to some of the award-winning and world famous horses at Tabor Ranch. She also showed us how the ranch makes most of its money, which is by collecting and selling horse semen. Which I personally was not prepared for and found very… enlightening.

Many ranches like the Tabor Ranch are a part of the North Texas Horse Country Tours. These ranches specialize in anything from reining to halter horses and the tours are designed to not only educate people on what exactly goes on at a ranch, but to get people up close and personal with the people and the animals at these ranches. And believe me when I say you will be up close and personal. Many of the ranches make their money from breeding and how they go about collecting the semen is included in the tour, so if you want to bring your kids, make sure you have had the “birds and the bees” talk or else you’ll have some serious explaining to do.

But all in all, the North Texas Horse Country Tour is a great way to spend the day. I saw some of the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen before. And even with my slight horse aversion I still found myself genuinely enthralled with the tour. After my day of fresh air and magnificent animals I even found myself a little sad to be heading back to my city life.

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Need to escape city life?  Join one of the upcoming North Texas Horse Country Tours to experience ranch life and see the new spring baby colts grazing next to their majestic moms.  The tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at life in Horse Country and include a home-style lunch.

The North Texas Horse Country 2012 tour dates are: April 7, May 5 and then September 8, October 6, and November 3. The tours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and depart from Denton Historical Park at 317 W. Mulberry St., Denton, TX 76201. Tickets are available in advance from the Denton CVB for $40 or on-site-day-of for $45 and include snacks, lunch, and drinks.

Contact the Denton CVB at 940-382-7895 or 1-888-381-1818 and make your reservations today or visit www.HorseCountryTours.com.

In the heart of the North Texas Horse Country, the only work colts at Reata Ranch worry about is basking in the sun.

International documentary film festival brings an array of talent and entertainment to Denton
February 10^th-20^th, 2012

One of the “World’s Coolest Film Festivals” according to Movie Maker Magazine is reeling in some amazing material for this year.  Last year, The New York Times dubbed Thin Line Film Fest as “one of the things to do” that week.  TLFF did not disappoint, premiering films such as “Troubadours”, fresh from the Sundance Film Festival, and the Oscar-nominated, “Restrepo”.   

The 2012 festival promises to be bigger, better, and more revered – already having received nearly twice the number of films submitted to be considered than in the previous year.  This year more than 75 stellar films from around the globe will be screened at the historic Campus Theatre in downtown Denton, February 10th-20th, 2012.  This year also marks a few firsts for Thin Line.

“Ever since the beginning of the Thin Line concept, we have wanted a two-weekend festival and in 2012 this becomes a reality.” Butler is excited about 11 days of documentaries. “I know, it's crazy! These two weekends in February will be the new calendar home to Texas' International Documentary Film Festival. And as a bonus, instead of ending on the traditional Sunday, Thin Line will now take advantage of the Presidents Day holiday and offer a lineup of festival winners and crowd favorites.”

Another innovative idea added to the festival line up is a documentary race.  Filmmaking teams are invited to register starting January 16 in order to participate in the Docu-Denton 7K.  Each team will have 7,000 minutes to create a short documentary.  Not sure if your skills are up to par? Festival organizers have invited Dallas-based documentary filmmaker, Mark Birnbaum to present a Docu-Intensive Workshop on February 10.  The race begins at the end of the all-day Friday workshop and teams will have until the following Wednesday to turn in their completed work.  Screenings of the completed films will take place Saturday, February 18.  

Not destined to film?  Maybe you’re a writer?  Thin Line is inviting the public to become a part of Docu-Denton 7K by pitching a topic for the documentary race.  Topic ideas are being accepted through February 3 by submitting an idea in 300 words or less to topics@thinlinefilmfest.com.  If selected, your topic could be a filmmaking team’s short documentary on the Thin Line screen February 18.  (Visit www.thinlinefilmfest.com for complete details.)

Although the film line up has not quite been announced, we have an inside scoop on a few that have an “original” and “independent” Denton fit. 

• Southwest Premiere of The Love of Beer: Produced and Directed by Alison Grayson.  This film is a documentary devoted to the stories and passion of the women at the forefront of the Pacific Northwest beer community. The beer industry is exploding, but out of the approximately 50,000 craft beer workers, only 598 currently belong to the Pink Boots Society, an organization for women in the industry.  The documentary follows the struggles and accomplishments of women in the industry as they open door for females everywhere for the love of beer.
• Down: Indie rocke in the PRC: Produced and Directed by Andrew Field. 
  Down documents the indie rock music scene in China today.  From underground clubs to outdoor concerts and festivals, Down features some of the hottest bands in the PRC.  Filmed and narrated by Andrew David Field, Down includes interviews with band members, music promoters, and club owners, who are deeply invested in building up China's indie rock music scene.  Set in the context of modern China, Down highlights the disenchantment of youths resisting mainstream society.  It touches on universal themes of youthful alienation and freedom of expression, while also highlighting the power of music to bring people together.
  
  
• World Premier of Pure Fruit: Produced and Directed by Emile Bokaer. 
  Everybody has heard of vegetarianism. Many people know vegans. Practically no one has met (or seen) a fruitarian, someone whose diet consists of 100% fruit.  Pure Fruit, the first documentary film on fruitarianism, is a whimsical road movie that chronicles two fruitarian lovers' 3,000 kilometer journey from a Sydney, Australia housing project to tropical North Queensland, where they hope to settle in a climate of perpetual summer that will allow them to grow and eat copious amounts of nutritious, hearty tropical fruit. The fruitarians, desperate to escape suburban Sydney, hope to find a home among like-minded eaters.  Once they reach their destination in the tropics, they encounter a paradise stranger than they ever could have imagined.

The Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce that the North Texas Horse County Tours are back and (is it even possible?) better! in 2012 with six tour dates instead of just four! The new tour dates will take advantage of our moderate spring and fall weather plus provide more opportunities to see Horse Country’s major attraction:  the babies!  Sweet little colts and their mammas frolic all over North Texas’ spring.

With the largest concentration of horse farms in the US, North Texas is the premier place to breed, raise, and train horses in the United States.  More than 350 farms and ranches with a population of 40,000+ horses make the equine industry vital to North Texas’ economy.

The impact of Horse Country reaches the tourism industry, too.  More than 2,000 visitors come to North Texas every year specifically to tour the famous Horse Country.  Groups come from as far as Scandinavia and as close as the next door neighbor, every one eager to get behind-the-scenes at very modern-day and quite elite working ranches. 

2012 kicks off with a very special group visiting in DFW during January.  More than 3,300 attendees representing motorcoach operators, tour operators, suppliers, hotel companies and other travel professionals across North America will attend the American Bus Association’s Marketplace in Grapevine.  Taking advantage of the tremendous opportunity to showcase Horse Country to them, the Denton CVB will host a Familiarization Tour to showcase Horse Country and make sure it stays at the top of their lists as they plan future group travel programs.

The North Texas Horse Country’s 2012 are:   March 3, April 7, May 5 and then September 8, October 6, and November 3. The tours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and depart from Denton Historical Park at 317 W. Mulberry St., Denton, TX 76201. Tickets are available in advance from the Denton CVB for $40 or on-site-day-of for $45 and include snacks, lunch, and drinks.

Contact the Denton CVB at 940-382-7895 or 1-888-381-1818 and make your reservations today or visit www.HorseCountryTours.com.

It’s not a Best Kept Secret any longer.  If you’re looking for the hottest music scene in Texas, Denton’s got it:  independent, original, organic, energetic  sound.   So, it only makes sense that Denton would celebrate that sound with a festival featuring her local music scene in tandem with nationally and internationally known bands.  35 Denton will rock March 8-11, 2012.

What began as North by 35 and a way to showcase Denton’s homegrown music in the midst of SXSW Music Conference in Austin has become its own dynamic music generator.   Not only does 35 Denton’s following not hesitate to purchase tickets well in advance but they don’t even require the list of bands scheduled to play.  Well before bands were announced, much less contracted, wristbands sold out in one day during a blind presale.  When fans clamored for more, festival organizers obliged.

According to Denton festivals’ economic impact report, 35 Denton is credited for bringing in $2 million to the local economy in 2010.  During the 2011 festival, attendance averaged 4,000 to 6,000 per day.  Since the festival is hosted in music venues around Denton’s Historic Square and those thousands also enjoy dining and shopping, it’s is no wonder 35 Denton caught Texas Downtown Association’s (TDA) attention. 

This past November, during the TDA’s President’s Awards program, 35 Denton was recognized as a “Best Promotional Event.”  35 Denton organizers collaborate with city officials, downtown merchants, and artists to offer extraordinary, unique programming each year.  They do an astonishing job promoting the event, too.  Last October, one presale event was on location at local music venue Hailey’s while another was on-site at the same time in Norman, Oklahoma at a Music Exchange. 

But it was their part in downtown revitalization that put them at the top of TDA’s list. “We are becoming more well-known,” said Julie Glover, economic development program administrator for the City of Denton. “This is good publicity for the city.”

This year, 35 Denton is more promising than ever.  A record number of bands applied to play so far; more than 30 bands across several genres have already been confirmed; and more bands are added daily.  A few of 2012’s confirmed artists include Bun B, Built to Spill, Mountain Goats, The Raincoats, John Vanderslice, Thee Oh Sees, and Light Asylum.

Visit www.35Denton.com for a complete listing of artist and venues for March 8-11.  

HINT:  The best way to experience 35 Denton is purchase a wristband.  Wristbands can be ordered at www.35Denton.com.  Don’t mind the Sold Out sign.  According to 35 Denton’s Facebook Page, they will be available again starting January 10. 

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.

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.                    

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.

Behind the daily sounds that have become the norm of the Downtown Square there is another culture that lives among musicians and dining connoisseurs. 

If you decide to jump off of DART’s Green Line at the Trinity Mills station and head north on the A-Train you may encounter some art illumination at various spots in Denton.  This is the culture that takes aim at your visual senses versus your taste buds but that often is blended for a more savory entertainment.

Center for the Visual Arts:
Gough Gallery
Works from the Permanent Collection features the work of local, national and international artists, with an emphasis on Texan artists. Works represent contemporary trends in American art during the last half of the twentieth century in a number of styles and media: oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, fiber arts, sculpture, collage and prints.

This exhibit is open through August 26, 2011, Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission is free.

Meadows Gallery
Translation in Time: 40 Years of Weaving is a juried exhibition that honors 40 years of the Denton Handweavers Guild by showcasing new works by guild members and University of North Texas fiber art students as well as historical works by charter guild members. 

The exhibit is open through September 2, 2011, Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission is free.

Black Box Theatre:
Donna Trammell’s “That’s Life”
This 90-minute musical parody spotlights and spoofs the real facts of life—everything from oil spills, inflation, political correctness and Facebook to a medley of “Old Folks Songs” lamenting nose hair, memory loss, acid reflux and assorted dysfunctions.  

The musical will run July 29 -31.  Tickets are available by calling Black Box Office at 940-383-1356.

UNT on the Square:
Frank Reaugh: Master of Pastels and the Plains of Texas

This exhibition contains impressive work of Frank Reaugh from the prestigious collections of Torch Energy, the Harry Ransom Center, the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, Texas Tech University, the Dallas Public Library, the Dallas Historical Association, and the Dallas Museum of Art.

The exhibit is available through October 1, 2011.  Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to noon and 1 -5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Thursday.  Saturday hours are 11am – 3 pm  and the UNT Gallery is closed on Sunday.  Admission is Free.

Campus Theatre
Little Snow White...A Grimm Musical by John Evarts

In an effort to help young thespians discover and refine their talents, the Denton Community Theatre School offers a Musical Theatre Production Camp for theatrical artist ages 10-18.  This final production is the end of the camp.

This production runs July 22-24.  The ticket price is $10 for General Admission and may be purchased by calling (940) 382-1915 or visit www.CampusTheare.com.

Banter Bistro
OXIDE @ Banter will debut mid-July.  OXIDE Gallery brings artwork by local artist to Banter’s unique historical location.  Artwork will be on display for two months at a time. 

For more information visit www.OxideGallery.com

UNT Art Path:
The UNT Art Path is a self-guided walking tour of artwork on the University of North Texas campus.  The tour includes 36 works, indoor and outdoor, which includes sculptures and paintings.

Download the free self-guided brochure or request a College of Visual Arts student-led tour. 

TWU Visual Arts East & West Galleries:
VAST 125-Mile Juried Exhibition

Juried 2D and 3D art work from artists within 125 miles of Denton.

This exhibit is on display through August 5, Monday – Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and Saturdays by appointment.  Admission is Free.

To purchase local art, here are a few locations you may want to hobnob around:

Jupiter House
106 N. Locust Street
Open Daily from 6am - Midnight

Banter
219 W. Oak St
Open Daily from 10am – Midnight

A Creative Art Studio
227 W. Oak Street, Suite 101
Open Monday from Noon to 6pm and Tuesday – Saturday from 10am - 6 pm.

Oxide Gallery
501 W. Hickory St. inside Linwood-Alford Florist
Gallery hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday.

U.N.T. Ceramics Grads Summer Studio Sale
Oak Street Hall
July 8 ----10am-6pm
July 9 ----10am-6pm
July 10 ----12pm-6pm

On the horizon
Internationally renowned visual and performance artist Nick Cave will be the artist-in-residence for the University of North Texas Institute for the Advancement of the Arts during the 2011-2012 academic year.

Cave will also collaborate with the College of Music, Department of Dance and Theatre and other UNT arts programs to create a new performance piece.  The piece, scheduled to take place on campus in the spring, will include “30 newly created Soundsuits in the shapes of horse-like forms that move through campus and evolve into hybrid beings.”

The North Texas State Fair and Rodeo (NTSF) has had a long history and tradition of showcasing the cowboy way of life.  Now in its 83rd year the organizers strive to offer everyone this unique western entertainment and family fun.  

The fair is one of the largest events in Denton County, attracting about 135,000 fans from the northern Texas and southern Oklahoma areas.  This is the third year NTSF has been awarded the Best Overall Fair at the Texas Association of Fairs and Events Convention (TAF&E) beating out competitors that averaged between 400-450,000 attendees. 

This year’s North Texas State Fair and Rodeo will take place August 19 – 27.  While there are many activities that lead up to the opening day of NTSF, the first evening includes the Peterbilt Kid’s Tractor Pull, Great White Shark Experience, Spirit of the Horse, the PRCA Rodeo in the Miller Lite Rodeo Arena, the Brison Bursey Band on the “Bud Light Stage”, and the Casey Donahew Band on the “Budweiser Stage”.  And that’s just the first day! Just don’t lose sight that there are NINE days of carnival fun, live concerts, rodeos, contests, shopping, and, of course, food!

There is a fantastic music line-up this year! Performers include Casey Donahew Band, Jack Ingram, Emilio Navaira, Pauline Reese, Dale Watson, Cody Canada and the Departed, Josh Abbott Band, Tracy Lawrence, and Justin McBride.  But many fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of “the biggest name in Texas Red Dirt Music” which won’t be publicized until August 5th. 

For those zealous cowboys and cowgirls, there are 3 exciting nights of the PRCA Rodeo, an Invitational Ranch Rodeo, the 21 & Under Rodeo, and the ever popular Miller Lite Bull Blow-Out.

Guests are the inspiration that give the fair character, explains Glenn Carlton, Executive Director of the NTSF, “…the tone and inspiration comes from our volunteers, sponsors, and participates. This past Fair’s award winning theme was inspired by a photo taken by a parent. The photo featured 7 young cowboys, in their boots, chaps, and hats.  They really looked like a miniature old west gang!!  But mostly, it was their mischievous smiles and joy, on their faces, just because they were at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo!”

Make sure you “gather” in Denton and add your personal touch to this year’s North Texas State Fair and Rodeo!