With more than 6,000 people on hand for Easter In Turtle Creek Park on Sunday, March 31, it appeared that every inch of the park’s 20 acres surrounding Arlington Hall was filled with families, friends and dogs. The free event, held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., was hosted by the Turtle Creek Park Conservancy for the City of Dallas.
Adding to the feet and paws on the ground were thousands of multi-colored eggs scattered across a corded-off area designed for three different age groups: 0-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-10. To accommodate the crowd that was three times larger than the one at the 2023 event, there were a total of 10,000 eggs, to be exact — up from 2,000 eggs at last year’s Easter in the Park.
Looking at the array of eggs, one grandfatherly type wondered how organizers had managed to hard-boil them all. He was soon notified that the eggs were not the edible type, but rather the plastic kind containing candy.
Meantime, presiding in a chair at the Allman Pavilion was a “Harvey”-size rabbit that had kids and parents lined up for photo opps.
Right on schedule, Turtle Creek Park Conservancy President Tiffany Divis took a microphone around 1:30 and shouted, “3-2-1, Happy Easter!” and the cords were dropped and the hunt for eggs was under way. Parents quickly went into overdrive helping their children snatch up the colorful little prizes. If the Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sports, the scramble for the eggs was well done in less than 60 seconds.
For the first-time youngsters who were a bit baffled by the whole thing, bags of eggs also were available to pick from.
As soon as the area was egg-free, the action moved down toward Turtle Creek Boulevard, where preparations were in their final stages for the infamous Pooch Parade. Tiffany took the mic again and greeted everyone, announcing that this year’s parade was in memory of the late Logan Betts, a “dear friend and lover of animals.”
Already in place were food trucks (Yummy BBQ, anyone?) dog adoption booths (Dallas Animal Services, SPCA), photo opps at the Easter Egg Recognition Wall and DJ Jerry Mowery providing upbeat music.
As the owners and their pooches prepared to start the procession — humans and dogs alike were clad in festive, sometimes outlandish spring attire — Gina and Ken Betts and their son Jack Betts were in great viewing positions on the lawn. Did they bring their own pooch to the event, as many others had? “No, we’re just watching,” replied Gina. “But I’m bringing my dog next year — no matter what Ken says!”
Nearby, Dallas Park and Recreation Board President Arun Agarwal was getting set to serve as one of the parade judges, along with Dallas City Council member Paul Ridley, Gracie Dix, Sonya Woods Rose and David Mullen. “This is incredible,” Arun said, looking around at the huge crowd of people of every stripe. “This makes me thankful for the job I have. This is not a luxury — this is community! It shows the true diversity of Dallas.”
As colorful canine entry after colorful canine entry strutted past the judges on Turtle Creek Boulevard, the crowd clapped and hooted for their favorites.
A couple of surprise entries were a pair of horses with hats and riders. As a youngster on the curb with a bubble gum saluted the equines, it appeared that this was the horses’ first time being bubbled as they swerved at the array of bubbles.
Also in the parade were a gleaming red firetruck and the event’s Co-Chairs Kristin and James Hallam and their family.
Soon enough, the entrants had been seen and the judges announced winners in the following categories:
- Easter-Inspired: No. 232/233, Harriett and Walter owned by Mitchell Alleluia
- Spring Costume: No. 221, Milo, owned by Kris Meszaros
- Most Creative: No. 220, Brodie, owned by Rebecca Gentry
- Look-a-Like: No. 236, Romeo, owned by Marisol Tudela
- Group (a tie): No. 215, Marty, owned by Dr. Joe Cribbins; and No. 216, Mighty Milo, owned by Jessica Milligan
- Honorable Mention: No. 210, Tootsie, owned by Amanda Jane Valentine
The day’s festivities concluded with entertainment by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet.
For many more looks of the pooches and people, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.