While NorthPark’s legendary Santa announced his retirement this morning after more than 30 years, another NorthPark tradition was on the march today — Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses.
Early morning walkers couldn’t help but take breaks from their routine to check out the 12 adorable little works of art and fun that stretched from the Nike store to the NorthCourt via Dillard’s and Macy’s courts. They were amazed at the creativity and the little touches like the door handles, a historical marker with a QR code, metal roofs, hardwood floors and, of course, little perks.
Even the placement of a couple of the playhouses was perfectly planned, like the Play-Go House giant-sized Lego’s structure right in front of the Lego store that’s celebrating 90 years of play. And then there was the Dallas Mavs Bolthouse, an all-in-one, mini-basketball court and “locker room” right in front of the Nike store.
A surprising break from tradition was the Parade Presenting Sponsor Crest Cadillac/Crest Infiniti/Crest Volvo submission. After being interviewed by a local TV station about his “Crest-arium,” Crest Auto Group General Manager/Managing Partner Mike Brosin laughed as he reminded Dallas CASA President/CEO Kathleen LaValle of the meeting in which he announced his plans to change the usual vehicular theme to an aquarium. “Do you remember how they didn’t believe it would work?” Mike proved the naysayers wrong.
As adorable as his fishy project was, complete with faux fish on the outside wall with a description of the species, when asked if any live fish would be included with the playhouse, Mike shook his head, “No.” But there was fishing equipment if the new owner hand a hankering to catch some.
One of the highlights of Crest-arium that Mike was especially proud of wasn’t visible to the eye — solar panels on top of the house which would create light within the playhouse at night.
Alas, one of the playhouses that truly looked like a mini-me version of the Elbert Williams home provided by an anonymous donor would not be up for grabs. Organizers reported that despite its not being included in the raffle fundraiser, the other 11 playhouses (Bolthouse, Crest-arium, Cubes, Fran’s Dutch Windmill, Magic Hive, Mars Attacks, Play-Go House, The Lighthouse, To The Moon, Treehouse and You Rock) are available via the raffle that is underway now through the run of the parade ending Sunday, July 31.
Raffle tickets are going for $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased at NorthPark or online. Funds raised from the raffle will go to supporting Dallas CASA’s mission to “help a child who has been abused or neglected have a safe and permanent home.”