It’s official. Summer heat has arrived and settled in. But that’s no reason to hide in a dark room with a bucket of ice cubes. And besides the munchkins have already gotten tired of the swimming pool and have seen all the kid-friendly movies.
But here’s a new must-see that’s in a very air-conditioned environment. It’s the 20th Anniversary Parade of Playhouses benefiting Dallas CASA at NorthPark Center that starts marching officially today through Sunday, July 26.With strollers parading by, the little houses are holding their own against NP’s artwork.
Yes, the Parade is taking place a month early, but that’s because NP is going to kick off its 50th birthday celebration in August.
If you’re out of town, hustle home because this year’s crop of 16 mini-castles is incredible. One woman was heard to say this morning, “I wish my house was built as well as these.”
And, of course, everyone has a favorite. There’s the Ellie The Elephant house in the La Duni wing, the Funguard Beach House in front of Victoria’s Secret, the Mini Luxury playhouse between Apple and Papyrus, a number of contemporary houses and some darn charming cottages. One even has a fireman’s pole to slide down from the upper level to the downstairs.
But the one that had the chatter going was Harman’s Buckaroo Mountain Adventure house. The two-story playhouse itself is perfectly fabulous with its own stone wall for climbing. But what comes with it is better than Santa could provide. For instance? Well, how about a kayak, a mountain bike, a GoPro Style camcorder, a hammock, a four-person tent with two sleeping bags, a JBL 2 Channel Marine amplifier and JBL MS6520 6½” loudspeakers.
If you have child in your life, or have an organization that could use one of these playhouses, then buy a raffle ticket. They’re $5 each or five for $20. Winners will be picked at a drawing in NorthPark’s North Court on Sunday, July 26, at 4 p.m.