There were children playing, adults smiling, laughing, and enjoying the family atmosphere while musical artists perform on stage at the Annual Klyde Warren Park Christmas Tree lighting celebration, which brought in a plethora of Dallas residents to celebrate the lighting of the “Mayors Tree’.
This year marks the 10th year of the tree lighting ceremony.
“It is so much fun to get out of the community and be here and see everybody celebrating and having a wonderful time,” said Aislinn Carter, the mother of Miss Park Cities, speaking to The Dallas Express.
Klyde Warren Park was filled with cheers and holiday spirit, with people from all around the Dallas area enjoying the festive atmosphere that made the park feel as if it was one giant family reunion.
“It really has some good Christmas charm in it, the music is great, they have some bar stands, you can bring your family here, and it’s a good amount of space,” said Enrique Barajas, who came to the ceremony with his wife and sister-in-law, speaking to The Dallas Express.
“I think it being right in the middle of downtown makes it that much better,” said Barajas.
The lighting of the “Mayors Tree” took place in the evening just before 6 P.M. and was celebrated by all at the park.
There was virtually no space to walk as the park was packed with city residents counting down alongside Mayor Johnson in unison as if Dallas was bringing in the New Year.
There was plenty to do at the park, from eating at Mi Cocina’s and the many food trucks, including a Texas favorite, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, which now has a permanent home at Klyde Warren Park.
The park’s newly opened Nancy Best Fountain showcased “dancing waters,” lights, and music every hour on the hour and the many performances that took the stage.
Performances by Choreo Records Tap Company, Jada Thomas & Lucki Azariah, the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, The Bryan Adams High School Mariachi Program, Olivia Kuper Harris, and The Nutcracker Act II performed by The Dallas Conservatory all took center stage, giving riveting performances.
Klyde Warren Park is a one-of-a-kind park that was built on top of an eight-lane freeway. The idea attracted Texas Capital Bank Founder Jody Grant, who donated $1 million in personal donations and a $1 million donation from the bank.
“We really wanted something that was reflective of the whole community that would pull people and not only from the surrounding neighborhood, but really from every neighborhood in North Texas,” said Kit Sawers, President of Klyde Warren Park, speaking to The Dallas Express.
“We want to have something for everyone. We want everyone very much to feel like this is their park.”
As parks around the nation go, Klyde Warren Park delivers a Texas-sized statement as to how parks should be constructed to bring an entire city together.
The “Mayor’s Tree” lighting ceremony rivals that of a New Year’s celebration.
“This is going to be the official Christmas celebration for the city of Dallas going forward. This is it,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson speaking to The Dallas Express.
“I wanted to be here to wish the entire city a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday, kicking off the holiday season right. We did that! 20,000 plus people here, Santa clause frosty the snowman, and everybody came out tonight, a lot of families with young children, which is always a great sight to see.”
