It may seem like October is a long way off, but Klyde Warren Park President/CEO Kit Sawers has already locked everything down for one of the area’s favorite events — Party In The Park. And it’s going to be a literal “ball.”
That’s because this year’s co-chairs are the children of Dallas Cowboys’ legend Roger Staubach and his bride Marianne Staubach — Jennifer and John Gates, Michelle and John Grimes, Amy and Jamie Mentgen, Stephanie and Todd Phillips and Jenny and Jeff Staubach.
According to Jennifer, “My siblings and I are honored to be chairing Party In The Park this year. Family is so important to us, and Klyde Warren Park provides many opportunities for families from throughout the city to gather. My grandchildren love it when I take them there. They play games on the lawn, eat at the food trucks and then get drenched in the fountains.
“Additionally, the Park’s impact has been tremendous, both economically and civically. More than 1.3 million people visit it each year. It has been one of Dallas’ best public-private partnerships of the last few decades.”
Joining the Staubach “youngsters” will be another person who has been known for her love of ball games — visionary philanthropist Lyda Hill, who decades ago had some of her family’s tennis courts in Colorado Springs adjusted for the then-new “sport of the day” — Pickleball.
Regarding Klyde Warren Park, Lyda said, “I really believe that Klyde Warren Park has helped to create a brighter future for Dallas. From the fitness and cultural activities that it offers to the STEM and education programs — and all of it for free, this ambitious dream has exceeded all expectations. I like to say that I don’t get interested in things that can be done easily. This park was not done easily, but it has been done extraordinarily well. Its creation and success show us that nothing is impossible. And we owe a lot to Sheila and Jody Grant for their dedication to it throughout the years.”
Speaking of the Grants, the couple has underwritten the Party In The Park’s entertainment Straight Tequila Night, the ’90s Country Tribute Band.
Taking place on Thursday, October 10, the event’s timing is perfectly aligned with another ball theme so to speak. The Red River Rivalry between the Longhorns and Sooners will be taking over the Cotton Bowl the following Saturday (aka October 12).
Presented once again by Republic National Distributing Company, Party In The Park is a night under the starry sky with the surrounding high rises sparkling, with the Nancy Best Fountain Cocktail Reception taking place at 6 p.m. with Elvis Presley Tribute artist Kraig Parker thanks to First United Bank.
Following the cocktail party, there will be the seated dinner under the stars presented by SMU.
Sponsorships and tickets are available by contacting Tricia Dzina.
* Graphic/photo provided by Klyde Warren Park