Think back to Saturday, October 24. The skies cleared from Friday night’s deluge just long enough for the Komen Race For A Cure at NorthPark. But that drying situation didn’t last for the anniversary celebrations for The Stewpot and Encore Park. Luckily, organizers rearranged things, so the show still went on. Here’s a report from the field:
Despite the dreary and rainy weather, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate two momentous milestones: The Stewpot’s 40th and Encore Park’s first anniversaries. Attendees showed up in rain jackets, rain boots and umbrellas to honor the amazing work that these two sister nonprofits have accomplished.
The Stewpot’s 40th and Encore Park’s first anniversaries*
The events took place in downtown’s Harwood Historic District, home of The Stewpot and Encore Park that includes 508 Park where Robert Johnson recorded in 1937. It kicked off with the Eastfield College Brass Band at 10 a.m. The day’s events included a tour of the Encore Park Sculpture Wall designed by Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin and a tour of the Community Garden led by Stewpot client and community gardener Michael Bell.
Works by various Stewpot Open Art Program artists*
The celebratory day included the 27th Annual Stewpot Talent Contest, which showcased the visual art, instrumental, vocal, and poetic talents of Stewpot clients. The Dallas Street Choir opened the talent contest and filled The Stewpot with impassioned voices singing tunes like The Beatles’ “Let It Be” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
Bruce Buchanan*
508 Park’s recreated sconces were lit for the first time Saturday at 5 p.m. The lights and lettering had been missing for years. The first lighting, on the one-year anniversary of Encore Park, was scored by Dallas Winds tuba quartet.
Following the lighting, donors, Stewpot clients and guest were treated to Stewpot’s signature Chili dinner.
At 7:30, attendees moved to AllGood Café in Deep Ellum to watch headliner Lucky Pierres’ salute to Don Law, 508 Park’s legendary musical producer. The band played western swing, honky-tonk, and hard country songs in honor of the 508 Park’s anniversary. Friends Alan Wooley, from the Dallas bands Killbilly and the Cartwrights, and Erik Swanson and Dustin Ballard, from Shoot Low Sheriff, also performed some of Law’s legendary productions.
As the rain poured down, the events rolled on, showing the resiliency of both organizations and underscoring that they are here for the people of Dallas no matter what the weather brings.
* Photos provided by The Stewpot Alliance and Encore Park