With today being Flag Day, it only seemed appropriate to have a parade. And that’s exactly what happened at NorthPark Center as Dallas CASA’s 2024 Parade Of Playhouses got underway with media coverage.
And getting into the spirit of the day, flags were seen hoisted atop the Ki no bō Playhouse and Crest Cadillac Engine No. 8 Company with Crest first couple Jana and Mike Brosin on hand for the unveiling.
Of the 13 mini-mansion masterpieces, there were of course back stories, like the Cal’s Casa’s builder whose young family was preparing for the birth of another youngster. Upon seeing her husband’s finished product, his wife told him that they should do a playhouse again next year. Only he’ll need to produce two of them — one for the parade and one for their own backyard.
Another was MAPS architect teacher Yvette Hightower, who was putting the finishing touches on the Mouzon-Wise House. With drill in hand, she created a hole for the SMU banner.
Despite plexi-glass creating a hands-off situation, there were highlights like the sliding slats in the Pl-A-y Frame house, the Glass Cottage’s glass walls that can open, the revolving kaleidoscope in the Lighthaus’ tower and Castle Jade’s fairy door and purple wall in honor of the team’s members who died unexpectedly this past year.
This year Amy Butscher created her 15th playhouse, Bubblegum Bungalow, channeling Barbie with clothes, accessories and a mini-kitchen.
Still another favorite submission had the Dallas Mavericks showing their creative side with their Kicks House — a Big Tex-sized shoe that an up-and-coming Mavs fan would love to climb-and-slide on the outside before hunkering down in the heel’s interior that’s filled with all things Mavericks.
And speaking of climbing, the Mountain Climber was an Indiana Jones adventure with all types of ways to climb to the top and avoid the skeleton fate of a past treasure seeker.
And while the “curbside” appeal was apparent for all, inside there were equally impressive items like the telescope to observe the skies through the opening in the Stars At Night and Scoop There It Is complete with a counter, shelves and set-up to host customers.
This crop of playhouses is pretty remarkable, scoring high marks for variety and creativity. But looking over the rows of darling playhouses, Kathleen couldn’t help but worry about the challenges resulting from the recent turnover over of case workers. It only made it more important that the Dallas CASA volunteers were the advocates for abused and neglected youngsters throughout the years.
In addition to the playhouses being raffled off, there is a 14th item up for bids — a $1,000 NorthPark Center Gift Card provided by host NorthPark Center.
Raffle tickets are now on sale both in person at NorthPark and online. They’re going for $5 each or five for $20. The drawing will take place on the final day of the parade at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30.
For more looks of the 2024 playhouses, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.