Visit Denton

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.

The Texas Travel Fair, produced and sponsored by the Texas Travel Industry Association of Texas during the Texas Travel Counselors Conference (TTCC) sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation - Travel Information Division, represents one of the premier showcase opportunities for Texas destinations.  Held this past April in Waco, the Travel Fair is a trade show targeting Texas Department of Transportation officials, Texas Travel Counselors from the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers at Texas points of entry, and Texas Parks & Wildlife officials.  

In attendance are more than 100 travel counselors along with another 100 visitor center managers and AAA office representatives from around the state of Texas.  These professionals give guidance to more than four million travelers to Texas each year. 

During the expo showcasing Texas cities and attractions, Kim Phillips, Chamber Vice President and Director of the Denton CVB invited attendees to “get on board” with Denton’s newest form of transportation, the A-train.  

While visiting Denton CVB’s exhibit, travel counselors and managers received a squeezy A-train and Kim had an opportunity to talk about Denton County Transportation Authority’s train amenities, schedule and train stations.   She also gave updates on attractions, entertainment, special events, and accommodations in Denton.  New and existing collateral materials including the Horse Country Tour brochure, Hip to be Square brochure, and the Denton Live magazine were also on display. 

Counselors and managers were excited to learn about Denton’s new mode of transportation.  Easier travel between Dallas and Denton will be a huge hit when they pass it along to the thousands of visitors passing through their centers throughout the year. 

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.

_________________________________________________________________________________

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.

Nielsen’s third quarter survey of mobile users revealed that 43 percent of US mobile phone subscribers own a smartphone. And EyeforTravel’s Social Media & Mobile in Travel Report claims that over 5 million people use their mobile device for travel services.  

These are the growing trends that led the Denton Convention and Visitor Bureau to partner with the City of Denton, Greater Denton Arts Council, Denton Museums, and the Denton County Transportation Authority to launch a mobile version of its consumer website, www.DiscoverDenton.com at the beginning of this year.

Developed in collaboration with Madden Media, the mobile website offers valuable Denton travel information like where to stay, what to do and how to get around. In fact, even attractions and events found on www.DiscoverDenton.com easily accessible in this new environment. N areow when Denton’s mobile-savvy travel consumers launch the CVBs website from their phone, they are automatically directed to a mobile-friendly version of the site designed specifically for DROID and iPhone devices. 

Mobile website visitors are now guided to Denton’s attractions, dining establishments, and tourism destinations with GPS tracking and turn-by-turn directions. Event listings are updated daily. Hotel accommodations are booked from the palm of the hand. There is even an optional downloadable icon to the phone for faster access and return visits for Denton information.

“This mobile site is yet another innovative way to communicate with our visitors,” says Kim Phillips, CVB Vice President. “With travel information delivered straight to their phones, visitors can find everything they need to have the best possible experience in Denton, which always our number one goal.”

Another notable feature within the mobile website is a detail page where visitors can simply click on a phone number to dial with their Smartphone or click on a link to open a website. 

“The development of the new mobile site reflects our commitment to communicate and engage potential visitors: where they are, when they need it most, and how they prefer to hear from us,” said Veronica Maldonado, CVB Communications Manager. “Technology evolves almost daily, and visitors are consuming information in new and varied ways. It’s vital that we stay on that precarious cutting edge so we keep the forward-thinking reputation Denton has earned in the tourism marketplace.”

The mobile website is the latest CVB effort to deliver quality and current information beyond traditional communication channels. The CVB also utilizes tools such as QR codes, an online brochure, Facebook and Twitter to share the latest updates about Denton happenings through social media. The mobile website will be strategically integrated with these tools and within the Denton CVB’s overall marketing efforts that include print and digital advertising initiatives and aggressive social media activities.

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.