Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. And April of 2019 tested the patience and flexibility of event planners almost daily thanks to the weather. Originally, Klyde Warren Park President Kit Sawers had locked down the place, the people and all the details for the announcement of the annual October Park And Palate on Wednesday, April 17.
But thanks to weather forecasts, it just didn’t happen. According to area weather experts, the area was to be hit with softball-sized hail, flood-like conditions, etc. It was so dire that Room To Grow’s outdoor luncheon at NorthPark was moved indoors. Even some businesses excused their employees early, so they would make it home before the big show was scheduled to unload during the traditional drive-home time.
It was with such concern that Kit canceled the announcement party.
But Kit is not one to throw in the towel so easily. While the official kick-off party will take place before North Texans leave the area for the summer, she’s sent word on what to expect for the 5th Annual Park And Palate.
Co-chairing the two-day food festivities will be Brooke Hortenstine and Missy Wyszynski, who in addition to being business partners are longtime Cattle Baronesses. In other words, they know how to party and raise funds come rain or shine.
According to Brooke, “Missy and I have been longtime supporters of Klyde Warren Park, and with Kit’s new position, we banded together and decided it was a great year for all of us to take one of their most interesting annual fundraisers to the next level.”
The trio managed to have Chef Kent Rathbun, who shares their enthusiasm about Klyde Warren Park, come on board. In addition to “leading the team of chefs,” Kent will “treat guests to a seated three-course dinner under the stars, while master sommelier Drew Hendricks will provide curated wine selections” on Saturday, October 5.
Two weeks later, on Saturday, October 26, the Grand Taste will take place at the park for an expected 3,000 with 40 chefs and restaurants offering “bites, paired with premier wines and spirits.”
And there’s more! While there will be a beer garden on the East Lawn “with Dallas’ favorite local brews to complement BBQ Alley,” there will also be “a VIP lounge, music, pop-up shops, cookbook signings, law games and some of the Park’s most popular programing.”
To help with raising the funds, Piper and Mike Wyatt are serving as underwriting co-chairs and Republic National Distributing Company has already signed on as presenting sponsor.
Peggy and Carl Sewell along with their children — Jacquelin and William Atkinson and Josie and Carl Sewell III — will serve as the 2019 Park And Palate honorary co-chairs.
Sponsorship packages are available now for both events. Tables for the October 5th event (7-11 p.m.) start at $3,500. The Grand Taste will take place from 12:30-4 p.m. with general admission tickets going for $75. For VIPs, tickets will be $125 but will provide for early access at noon, complimentary self-parking and an open bar at the VIP Lounge in Savor Gastropub.
BTW, the fundraiser is for “grown-ups only,” so lock down that baby sitter as soon as you get your tickets.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron