What in East Dallas is Going On?!

Did you know the parade is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?  We didn't realize that either! Also, what does Mark Cuban have to do with the parade? Find out by listening.  The merchants on and around Greenville Ave. came together and formed the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) to help unify the businesses and promote the Greenville Avenue area. Its first objective is and always will be the presentation of the Annual Greenville Ave. St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This parade is considered a Dallas tradition and is the largest St. Patrick’s Parade in the South. Witnessing the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival (formerly knows as the “Greenville Ave St. Patrick’s Parade) puts you in a quasi fraternity of sorts. It’s a little like going to Mardi Gras and then again not so much. This occasion is truly unique. The parade has become the signature event of the St. Patrick’s celebration for our fair city. Many Dallasites have attended and bared witness to the evolution of this neighborhood parade from about ten pickup trucks and a couple of flatbeds to the largest St. Patrick’s parade in the Southwest.Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

District 9 Council Member Paula Blackmon is a lifelong Texan and has been a resident of East Dallas for over 28 years. Paula grew up in a small west Texas town of Snyder and has spent her career in Texas public service. She is a loyal Red Raider and a graduate of Texas Tech University where she earned her bachelor's degree in International Economics.Listen up as Paula fills us in on what's next for East Dallas and White Rock Lake. And, it might make you excited! Want to know more about Paula? Go to the city website! https://dallascityhall.com/government/citycouncil/district9/Pages/default.aspx Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

On the corner of Abrams and Trammel, you’ll see some yard art. Not just your normal run of the mill yard art. You’ll see unicorns, dinosaurs, a Big Boy and all sorts of figures. Gary Isett talks about why he gave this unique gift to our community. This is definitely one of the great thing about East Dallas! You can see all kinds of stuff! Like, a unicorn in the yard of a random house. Oh… One last thing! You can rent the dinosaurs.  :)   Call Gary at 214-415-8434 Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

Katie Edwards has impact in a big way. She's the Chief Impact Officer and President of the Mavs Foundation. The Dallas Mavericks do a LOT of community work. More than you'll ever know. And we're lucky to have Katie share some insights on what they do. We are lucky to have her right here in East Dallas! The Mavs Foundation is dedicated to building a stronger community by empowering youth, women and families in need. Established in October 1996, the Mavs Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation affiliated with the Dallas Mavericks professional basketball team.Over the past 26 years, the Mavs Foundation has provided grant funding totaling more than $9 million dollars to nonprofit organizations serving women, children and families in need. In addition to grants, the Mavs Foundation has built 54 safe Learn & Play spaces throughout the North Texas community, including 31 basketball courts and 23 Reading & Learning Centers. These spaces are designed to encourage healthy living and provide a safe place for children and residents, as well as expand learning opportunities and access to technology to support youth education programs, teen and adult job skill training and other critical programs.Go to https://www.mavs.com/community/dallas-mavericks-foundation/ to find out more! Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

Imagine growing up knowing exactly what you wanted to be? Well, that's exactly what happened to jeweler Matthew Trent. Matthew opens up about his past, his passion and why he actually doesn't wear a lot of jewelry. He also gives us some insider information about jewelry. Some fascinating stuff for sure! For over 30 years, Matthew Trent has established a reputation for unique, one of a kind pieces and special collections. Whether you are looking for your very own Signature Collection piece, a Trent Diamond, a Matthew Trent original or just something unique to you, their team is excited to be part of the story. Imaginative in form. Inspired in detail. Impeccable in craftsmanship. Have some fun! Visit them in East Dallas at their family owned and operated shop and studio. Don't forget Valentines Day is coming up! Stop by and see them! Want to know more about Matthew Trent? Go to https://matthewtrent.com Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

In 2012, founder Ava Skipworth left a 20 year career to create a company that could stand out, do things differently and enrich her community. Growing up, Ava had some obstacles. Needless to say, we can all learn a little from Ava. From this vision and a lot of hard work emerged Monster Yogurt™ where Scary Tastes Good. Monster Yogurt™ has a bright, fun and playful color palette. There is a “monster cave”, a free, clean play area for the kids and added comfy seating for parents. This area is tucked away, but viewable by large windows, providing a safe place for families, while allowing a quieter kid free zone for those without children. Monster Yogurt is a fun and entertaining dessert experience for friends and family alike.  We offer over 80 rotating premium self-serve frozen yogurt, Vegan Sorbet, Vegan Plant Based Original Tart, European Tart, Gelato, Vegan Italian Ice, Custard, and soft frozen fruit with a bounty of 75 plus toppings sold by the ounce.Want to know more? https://scarytastesgood.com/ Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

Paul is the guy that preserves what we have. He is passionate about East Dallas and we love that! Councilman Ridley has been committed to public service in Dallas for more than 13 years. He served on the Dallas Plan Commission for eight years representing City Council District 14. While on the Plan Commission, he chaired the Thoroughfare Committee for several years. He also represented District 14 on the Dallas Landmark Commission for four years, helping to preserve Dallas's historic neighborhoods.Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

Each year, East Dallas has its own Elf! Yep! Directly from the North Pole.  Debbie Crabb, who owns Grace Cafe Catering appears every year as Trixie the Elf. "The Elf Off the Shelf" -  She and her shenanigans suddenly show up all over East Dallas. Follow her on Instagram! Learn more about Trixie... I mean Deb and why she does this. This time of year she is pretty booked so we certainly appreciate her being on the show. Want to know more about Deb and her catering business? Go to http://www.gracecafecatering.com  Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

Electric Lizzyland 2022 will officially be open on Sunday, Dec 18th!  Who is Electric Lizzy? Why did she start this? And where in the world does she put everything when it's not Christmas?! What you need to know!  1. Address is 714 Newell. 2. Lights are on nightly, weather permitting from 6-8:30ish, maybe a little later on the weekends. First official night will be Dec 18.3. This is a FREE experience. You don't need to reserve a time or purchase a ticket or pay a fee. Bring all your friends.4. Yes, you can (and should) get out of your car! Park somewhere on the street - please be respectful of our other neighbors. You will probably get the best experience by walking through and looking up close.5. PLEASE. DO. NOT. TOUCH. ANYTHING. This is very important. Please do not let your children touch anything. Please feel free to remind others of this rule if you see them about to touch anything.6. Take as many pictures as you want!Connect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com

If you’re looking for the best real Christmas trees in town, look no further than Patton’s Christmas Trees. We have the best selection of real Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths that you will find anywhere in DFW! Here's the story of how Patton Christmas Trees got started. Jeff Patton even talks to us about how to take care of your tree. Check them out! Patton Christmas TreesConnect with us! Instagram - Facebook www.visiteastdallas.comPartner with us! connect@visiteastdallas.com