TEXAS COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH ABBOTT AND DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS DO IT AGAIN WITH A NEW COLLABORATION

Josh Abbott and DQ® restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal which kicks off April 29 and runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas. 

“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” reminisced Josh Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my Grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.” 

The Josh Abbott Meal features a 4-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s® Milk Chocolate Blizzard® Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.   

When it comes DQ, Josh said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique. “You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”

“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.” 

The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I like About Texas.”  The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle which has been a staple for the past two decades. 

Today, Josh is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat. “Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Josh. 

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about DQ Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Josh Abbott

Josh Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band (JAB) in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released their seventh studio LP Somewhere Down The Road in January 2024. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is currently on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates. 

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. 

Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival Set for April 19-21, 2024

The 72nd Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, presented by the Ennis Garden Club, is returning to the heart of historic downtown Ennis beginning on Friday, April 19 and continuing through Sunday, April 21. Throughout the weekend, the festival will feature an array of events and live music, in addition to a breathtaking display of Texas bluebonnets across 40 miles of pathways. 

Daily admission for the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival is $5 per person with children 12 and under free. During the month of April, there is no charge to enjoy the 40 miles of driving trails. The Railroad and Cultural History Museum will be open for guests to enjoy along with arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and a wide selection of cuisine.

Entertainment on the Main Stage Friday, April 19 includes Magen Miller, Katrina Cain Trio, Brad Thompson Trio and Disco Cowgirl. 

Saturday’s lineup features Chant Duplantier, Ginny Mac Duo, Jon Christopher Davis Trio, Fleetwood Journey and headliner, Reputation: The Eras of Taylor Swift. 

Suzy & Woodrow along with Midnight Thirty and Monte Montgomery round out the Main Stage entertainment on Sunday, April 21.  A complete lineup of entertainment and activities is online at bluebonnettrail.org/.

Spring into Art, an art exhibit housed at the Ennis Welcome Center, will feature The Garden Woven, a celebration of the imagery, familiarity and passion for gardening and weaving. The art show highlights the creative Fiberography works of artist Christine Guernsey through Friday, May 3, 2024. The artist’s intricate process includes printing on cotton fabric, cutting into strips and meticulously weaving them together with a warp of 800 plus individual sewing threads on a simple four harness floor loom. 

The Ennis Welcome Center will be open seven days a week in April to help guide bluebonnet seekers to get the most out of their visit.  For daily bluebonnet updates, contact the Ennis Welcome Center at (972) 878-4748 or follow Visit Ennis, Texas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Bluebonnet fans can also follow Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival on Facebook.

Visitors are encouraged to download the free Ennis Y’all app to get the best route for the specific day of their visit or check online at bluebonnettrail.org. The app also provides recommendations on the best places to shop, dine and stay. A current map and information will also be located at the Ennis Welcome Center, located at 201 NW Main. 

While in Ennis, make plans to visit the Downtown Ennis Bluebonnet Market, located on N. Dallas Street, open every Saturday from 8am to noon April through October.  The market features fresh produce, baked goods, hand-spun pottery, jewelry, clothing, artisan gifts and family-friendly live entertainment.   

Ennis was named the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas and the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas by the 1997 State Legislature. Visitors can experience 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails during the entire month of April. These trails are the oldest known trails in the state of Texas. Along the route, visitors will enjoy tree-lined country roads, longhorn cows, horses and, of course, bountiful fields resplendent with colorful wildflowers. 

The staff encourages visitors to call, email, or visit the website for the latest status of the bluebonnets before driving out to the trails. Status updates are available online at bluebonnettrail.org and on the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails FestivalFacebook page. 

Ennis is located 25 miles south of downtown Dallas on Interstate 45. For everything Ennis, download the free Ennis Y’all app or go to VisitEnnis.org.  

Parks Open May 4^th & 5^th for Season Passholders

Hawaiian Falls announced new attractions and enhanced amenities at its waterparks in Mansfield and Roanoke for the 2024 Season, which kicks off in early May with a sneak peek for Season Passholders. 

“We are thrilled to bring new attractions, ride enhancements and guest amenities to our Texas parks this summer,” said Ron McKenzie, Chief Marketing Officer, Hawaiian Falls. “Our waterparks are extremely popular within the communities they serve. We are continuing to invest in the parks, so families have a safe and fun environment to create memories now and in the future.”

NEW ATTRACTIONS

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will introduce the Wahoo Wave, a fun and exciting family water ride designed to deliver just the right amount of excitement for thrill seekers while making sure the ride finishes with a refreshing splash to complete the experience. 

Hawaiian Falls Mansfield will introduce the Lava Launch, a new take on the exhilarating drop capsule experience. Venture if you dare to the top of Mount Doom, a dormant Hawaiian volcano. Enter your launch capsule where you’ll anxiously await a sudden free-fall, plummeting to escape a massive volcanic eruption just as Mount Doom erupts into a fiery finish! 

In both Mansfield and Roanoke, the parks will debut Ohana Hall. (Ohana is Hawaiian for family.) Mansfield will offer a 2,500 square-foot outdoor shaded food and beverage facility and Roanoke a 4,500 square-foot facility. Ohana Hall will be a place for families and friends to gather for food, refreshing drinks or adult beverages.  

Season Passes 

2024 season passes are on sale now and include unlimited visits to all three Texas Hawaiian Falls waterparks and other amazing perks. Season passholders will enjoy an exclusive sneak peek weekend on May 4^th & 5^th.

Summer Jobs

Hawaiian Falls is now hiring applicants 15 years of age and older to work in a safe, fun environment. There are opportunities for first-time job seekers, students, teachers, single parents, extra wage earners and senior citizens to become Hawaiian Falls Ambassadors. 

Ambassadors enjoy flexible hours and schedules to fit their availability and receive a complimentary Season Pass plus four daily admission tickets each month they work to bring friends and family to enjoy the waterpark.For more info and job descriptions, visit hfalls.com/employment. 

For information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets, and season passes, visit hfalls.com.

Artists Partner with U&I Clients to Visually Tell Their Stories

The 30^th Annual U&I Dash will be held Saturday, March 23 at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. The event kicks off early Saturday morning with a dog-friendly 5K & 1 mile race through the Dallas Arts District then shifts gears to become an art and music festival from 4 pm to 10 pm.

From stimulating visual art exhibits and pulsating live music to tantalizing food and drink by Mi Cocina, a Shop Local market, the McDonald’s Midway, and the Michaels Creativity Zone, there will be something for every member of the family. Admission to the afternoon festival is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted to support U&I’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and those with barriers to work to achieve their highest level of employment and independence. 

REDEFINING DISABILITIES EXPERIENCE

An immersive art show, eight local visual artists have partnered with eight of U&I’s Underdogs – Veterans and clients with disabilities who have been undervalued for far too long.

“We brought these eight prominent Dallas artists together with eight of our clients,” said Bobby Cerda, U&I Creative Director. “They got to know each other, and each artist is working on an original piece of artwork that will be featured at The Dash. The goal is to tell the clients’ story and help put the viewer in their shoes… to feel what it’s like to be an underdog.”

When finished, the eight artworks will be on display in the Redefining Disabilities Experience immersive art show. Each artwork will measure eight-foot by four-foot and will be auctioned off after the event. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will benefit U&I’s mission.

“We aren’t as different from each other as we might think,” said Dallas artist Kyle Steed, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was paired up with Army veteran Ellington Rucker. “My goal is to interpret El’s life and the embodiment of who he is.”

Steed, a self-taught painter and muralist, is just one of the 15 artists who have donated their time to this event. From the intimate scale of his sketchbooks and polaroid photography to the monumental scale of his murals and paintings, the common thread of his work lies in the exploration of the relationship between the human body and the landscapes we inhabit.

“Working with a fellow Veteran was a draw,” continues Steed. “Giving back to the undervalued and helping give a voice to those with disabilities made me want to participate.”

In addition to Steed and Rucker, the Redefining Disabilities Experience will feature the following artists and U&I clients:

• Magdiel Lopez & client Gina Garza
• Temi Coker & client Joann Maduagwa
• Dora Reynosa & client Jose Garcia
• Agustin Chavez & client Gilbert Gonzalez 
• Carlos Donjuan & client Bryan Shed
• Mariell Guzman & client Kathy D’Elena
• Eric Rodriguez (Drigo) & client Marquise Nash.

MICHAELS CREATIVTY ZONE

U&I has partnered with Michaels Stores to bring art to life in this area which will feature the Rise Up Live Art Show, curated by Ray Butler. Local muralists Daniel Yanez, JD Moore, Patricia Rodriguez, Hatziel Flores, and Eliana Miranda are creating murals inspired by U&I clients and their daily challenges. Artists Raul Rodriguez and Christopher Machorro are teaming up and invite the community to participate in the creation of their live mural on the day of the event. 

Each of the muralists will start at 4 pm and will work throughout the day at Klyde Warren Park on March 23 where the artwork will remain on display until the end of the event at 10 pm. The murals will be auctioned off after the event with proceeds benefiting U&I.

The Michaels Creativity Zone also includes Inspiration Stations for the community to explore their creative side with craft projects, and a massive Underdog Wall giving visitors the opportunity to share their underdog story and how they have overcome obstacles.

MCDONALD’S MIDWAY

Local artist Jennifer Wester has partnered with U&I to create the McDonald’s Midway, an interactive playground for kids that brings the favorite menu items to life such as the Hashbrown Swing, Nugget Cornhole Toss, Little Arches Slide, and French Fry Fort. There also will be three immersive photo op stations including a life-sized McDonald’s Happy Meal, the Apple Pie Dessert and Breakfast at McDonald’s

Event sponsors include NAI Robert Lynn, Mi Cocina, Michaels, Kumar/McDonald’s, Klyde Warren Park, Veritex Community Bank, Park Place Dealerships, SPCA of Texas, The Box Company, Artwork 10, Interior Runway, and Pink Porch Productions. 

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved to help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school. 

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

Easter eggs and baskets. Family gatherings and holiday meals. The only thing to complete a perfect Easter celebration is a delicious dessert so hop on over to your favorite DQ® restaurant in Texas or call today to pre-order a DQ cake for the holiday. 

The legendary cake features Dairy Queen® signature soft serve with a variety of unique Easter designs. Vanilla or chocolate flavors are currently available in an 8-inch or 10-inch cake. Fans can pre-order a DQ Easter Cake from their favorite DQ restaurant in Texas up to 24 hours in advance of the desired pick-up date. 

The Easter Cake is available at participating DQ restaurants in Texas now through March 31.

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.