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Billie Jo Jones, Femail Vocalist of the Year, Texas Regional Radio Awards

The countdown is on for one of Rockwall County’s most anticipated events of the summer! The 2nd Annual Gone Country Music Fest, presented by Michael Joyce Properties, returns Saturday, July 19—and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and moving indoors to the beautiful Tate Farms of Rockwall.

Hosted by Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, the festival delivers more than just music—it’s a community celebration supporting the Senior Life Center Capital Campaign, a vital initiative to meet the growing needs of local seniors and individuals with disabilities.

This year’s star-studded stage will be headlined by Billie Jo Jones, fresh off her win as Female Vocalist of the Year at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. With her commanding stage presence and signature sound, Billie Jo promises to bring down the house with a heartfelt, high-energy set.

Joining her are four Texas-based acts who each bring their own country grit and soul to the spotlight:

Nate Burnham – Americana storytelling with a modern edge

Matt Fisher – Crowd favorite known for his soulful Southern twang

Johnny Lyons – Classic country charisma meets rock ‘n roll swagger

Austin Valladarez – Rising talent with a fresh, bold sound

It’s all happening at Tate Farms, a working horse and cattle ranch turned concert venue, located at 12992 FM 548 in Rockwall County. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a full night of music, dancing, raffles, vendor shopping, and a cash bar.

Of course, no Texas party is complete without BBQ—legendary pitmaster Eddie Deen will be on hand to serve up a dinner you won’t forget.

Limited tickets and sponsorships are still available and selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to support a worthy cause while enjoying an unforgettable night of country under the stars—indoors!

Learn more or secure your spot at
http://www.rockwallmealsonwheels.org

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2025 Dodies Backyard Boil Pack SM POST 1080 x 1080

Dodie’s Cajun Diner in Rockwall is known for its delicious and authentic Cajun food and festive New Orleans style celebrations. Now, Dodie’s takes the Cajun celebration right to your summer backyard with our take-home Crawfish Backyard Boil Packs!

Each pack includes live Louisiana crawfish, bold seasoning, fresh sides, drinks, and all the extras - right down to tablecloths and Mardi Gras beads. Perfect for celebrations big or small, our boil packs make it easy to pinch, peel, and party without the hassle!

Boil packs come in a range of sizes. Choose packs of 30lbs ($199.99), 60lbs ($349.99), 90lbs ($499.99), 120lbs (599.99), or 150lbs ($799.99) – so you’ve got enough to feed everyone! Add your favorite sides, sauces, seasonings, or the perfect beverage of margaritas or hurricanes, and you have a ready-made party for family and friends.

Order your backyard boil pack online https://dodiesattheharbor.com/crawfish-backyard-boil/ or call 972-771-0004 for more information.

Crawfish season ends soon so make your plans and your order before the opportunity passes you by.

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Buckle up, North Texas! The Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) is bringing the Fastest Show on Water to Lake Crook in Paris, Texas for a weekend packed with roaring engines, extreme speed, and high-octane excitement you can feel in your chest.

SDBA Drag Boat Races take place May 16–18, 2025.

These boats hit over 200 MPH—and when they launch, you’ll hear it before you see it. This is the wildest, loudest, most thrilling weekend of the year!

What to Expect:

  • Top SDBA racers from across the country
  • Blistering speeds and side-by-side finishes
  • Full Pit Access included with every ticket
  • Food trucks, vendors, live music, and plenty of fun
  • BYOB + Cooler-friendly (details below)
  • Family-friendly & dog-friendly – bring your kids, bring your pup!
  • Chill by the lake or grab a shady spot and soak it all in

Tickets:

Buy Online & Save (includes Pit Pass):

  • Single-Day Pass – $25
  • Weekend Pass – $50

At the Gate:

  • Single-Day – $30
  • Weekend – $60
  • Kids 10 & Under – FREE

Cooler Policy:

  • Coolers welcome!
  • $10 per cooler with a single-day ticket
  • FREE with a weekend pass
    (No glass. BYOB responsibly!)
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McRae's offers a comfortable and eclectic style
This Mother’s Day treat Mom to a special brunch experience at McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails near White Rock Lake. The unique menu, and eclectic nature of McRae’s offers a brunch to remember.
On Sunday, May 11 from 10:30am-4:00pm, McRae’s will host a Prix Fixe Brunch featuring inspired recipes that will delight all ages. Should you choose to dine later in the day, McRae’s regular dinner service will follow.
Mother’s Day brunch begins with your choice of starters; Pimento Stuffed Arancini, Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs, or Shrimp and Avocado Toast in addition to your choice of soup, Lobster Bisque, or Caesar Salad with black pepper pancetta.
This special brunch menu offers four flavorful entrees – Maryland Jumbo Lump Crabcakes ($45), Lemon Caper Chicken ($35), Salmon Nicoise ($35), or Tenderloin and Eggs ($45).
Mother’s Day calls for an extra sweet treat, so enjoy a luscious dessert of Espresso Chocolate Mousse Cake, Crème Brulee, or Purple Tiramisu ($10 each).
A children’s menu ($14) for those under the age of twelve features Chicken Fingers and Fries or Magic Waffles.
Whether you dine indoors in our cozy dining room, or outdoors on our comfortable patio, McRae’s offers an upscale dining experience in a relaxed, casual setting. Due to our intimate seating, reservations are highly encouraged. See our full menu and make your reservations online https://mcraesamericanbistro.com/mothers-day/
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Cheers to Mom on her special day! Dodie’s Cajun Diner on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard offers an amazing view with an even more amazing Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 11 from 11am-2pm.

First, treat mom with a special cocktail of $4 Mimosa, Tequila Sunrise, or Bloody Mary as she takes in the gorgeous scenery with her favorite people! But don’t forget why you are here – our special brunch buffet suits the queen that she is.

Choose from perfectly seasoned Cajun favorites like Crab Cake Benedict with chipotle hollandaise, Beignet French Toast with Smoked Gouda Grits, or our Chicken Fried Chicken brunch plate. Don’t miss the fan-favorite Chicken & Waffles with amaretto maple syrup!

Mother’s Day seating fills up quickly so reserve a table today so Mom can sit back, relax, and enjoy a day reserved just for her.

The award-winning Dodie’s Cajun Diner is located at 2067 Summer Lee Drive on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall offering stunning views of the lake while you dine indoors or outside on the patio. Featuring authentic Cajun favorites and a festive New Orleans vibe, Dodie’s is the place to celebrate with family or friends. Visit us at Dodie’s Cajun Diner or call 972-771-0004 for more information.

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Nestled in the heart of East Dallas, McRae's American Bistro & Cocktails has swiftly become a cherished dining destination since opening its doors in July 2023. Founded by seasoned restaurateur Mike McRae, a Bryan Adams High School alumnus, the bistro reflects his deep-rooted connection to the neighborhood. "This is my neighborhood; it's where McRae's was meant to be," Mike shares.
 
A well-known name in the Dallas restaurant scene, McRae also owns the legendary Stan's Blue Note on Lower Greenville—Dallas’ oldest bar and a favorite among sports fans—and Dodie's Cajun Diner at The Harbor in Rockwall, a lakeside destination renowned for its authentic Cajun cuisine. He is also the former owner and creative mind behind the award-winning Table 13 in Addison. With McRae’s experience shaping some of the area’s most iconic spots, his newest venture at 9913 Garland Road continues his tradition of creating spaces where great food, drinks, and community come together.
 
This spring, McRae's is elevating the local dining scene with a chef-curated Easter prix fixe brunch experience, promising a memorable culinary delight for all attendees. Complementing the exquisite menu is the bistro's covered patio, an inviting space adorned with ivy-covered cedar fencing, ceiling fans, misters, and chandeliers, making it an ideal spot for leisurely Saturday and Sunday brunches.  
 
The bistro's dinner menu is a testament to its commitment to variety and quality. Every Monday through Thursday during Happy Hour (5 to 6:30 p.m.), guests can indulge in an array of $10 appetizers – everything from Texas Twinkies and Southern Deviled Eggs to Reuben Fries and Tenderloin Crostini. Popular entrees include a three-day, marinated and grilled Pork Chop with Mango Chutney; Lemon Caper Chicken, Salmon Meuniere, Chicken Fried Venison; and Filet Mignon. Late nights include $12 two-topping Neapolitan pizza pies between 9 and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Specialty cocktails, meticulously crafted by the skilled bar team, offer a delightful accompaniment to any meal. They also have a variety of gluten free options. General Manager Frank Horak emphasizes, "Our goal is to provide an eclectic menu that caters to diverse tastes, ensuring every guest finds something they love."​
 
Beyond its culinary offerings, McRae's is deeply committed to community engagement. The bistro actively participates in local events and supports neighborhood initiatives, reinforcing its role as a community cornerstone. This dedication has been widely recognized, with accolades including the East Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the title of Best New Restaurant at the 2024 CultureMap Dallas Tastemaker Awards. Most recently, McRae’s claimed top honors in the Dallas Morning News’ Best in DFW People’s Choice Awards, winning Best Brunch, Best Cocktail Bar, Best Date Night Spot, Best Martini, and Best Outdoor Dining. Additional distinctions include CultureMap Dallas’ Best Tailgate Dish Award and The Advocate’s Best Cocktails Award.
 
Mike McRae's vision for the bistro extends beyond its walls. "Being a part of this community means giving back," he reflects. "We're here to create memorable experiences and contribute positively to the neighborhood that has given us so much." ​
 
For those seeking a distinctive dining experience that blends culinary excellence with community spirit, McRae’s is a true neighborhood gem. Behind its modest exterior lies a cozy, vintage-inspired space brimming with charm, whimsy, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after the last bite—drawing you back time and again.
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Old World Meets New Wine Dinner Experience at McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails

Enjoy a culinary experience featuring one of California’s exceptional wineries, Peirano Estate Vineyards. “The Other Wine” dinner promises a memorable menu, each course complemented by a perfectly selected wine.

This special dinner begins at 6:30pm on April 1 for $75/person. Reservations are required.

The evening menu begins with Popcorn/Chicken Salad, paired with Peirano Estate Vineyards Chardonnay. Entrees to follow include a rich Espresso Cured Pork Belly with Smoked Gouda Grits and Sauteed Spinach, paired with The Sea Enchantress, Red Blend and a tender Pistachio Crusted Venison Tenderloin served with Parmesan Potato Pave and Green Beans, paired with The Other, Cabernet Blend. The wine dinner menu concludes with a luscious S’mores Cheesecake and The Immortal, Zinfandel.

Please call 214-792-9944 to make a reservation. See the full menu at https://mcraesamericanbistro.com/peirano-wine-dinner/

The award-winning McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails is located at 9913 Garland Road in East Dallas near White Rock Lake and offers an intimate and eclectic dining experience. With a loyal following, McRae’s continues to make a name for itself recently receiving four Gold awards in the Dallas Morning News “Best in DFW” – Best Cocktail Bar, Best Brunch, Best Martini, Best Outdoor Dining, and a Silver award for Best Date Night Spot.

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Annual event at Dodie’s Cajun Diner benefits J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Angel Camp for kids with special needs

Get ready to pinch, peel, and party for a purpose! Dodie’s in Rockwall is excited to announce the date of their annual All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Fest, benefiting J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s Angel Camp for children with special needs.

The annual festival presented by Dodie’s Cajun Diner, is scheduled for Sunday, April 27 rain or shine! The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with live music, raffles, prizes, and of course tons of steaming platters of fresh crawfish, corn, and potatoes! Enjoy all this along with even more Cajun favorites of red beans and rice, jambalaya, and cold drinks while supporting a great cause. 

In years past, generous festival-goers have helped raise thousands of dollars to help local kids with special needs participate in the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s summer day camp program at no cost to the families. Dodie’s dishes out more than 2,000 pounds of crawfish to support the mission - making programs at the YMCA available to all. It is a significant fundraiser allowing these families and their children to experience summer camp like all kids dream of. 

“We are excited to bring the community together once again for a day of food, fun and, and philanthropy,” said Dan Keils, Dodie’s Managing Partner. “Not only do we get to enjoy some of the best Cajun cuisine, but we also have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these special kids in and around the Rockwall area.” 

Dodie’s introduced Crawfish Fest in 2013 as a way to celebrate crawfish season while supporting the local community. This will be the 13th year that the Crawfish Fest has benefited Angel Camp. 

“Each year, Dodie’s goes over and above to help us provide Angel Camp,” said Harold Young, District Executive Director at the Rockwall Y. “The children who come through this program are able to share new experiences like sailing, swimming, archery, riflery, and horseback riding – with the support that their special needs require. We see their smiles, the joy, and the friendships they make, and because of that, we cannot express our appreciation to Dodie’s enough.” 

Tickets are available now for $40/adults; $20/kids ages 6-12 (under age 6 admitted free). With a limited number of tickets and because Crawfish Fest sells out every year, you are encouraged to stop by the restaurant soon to secure your seat. *This is a charity event and tickets are non-refundable. The event is held rain or shine. 

Visit dodiesattheharbor.com/crawfish-fest for more information about this annual event. 

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The Vanderbilt to Vickery Association is excited to announce the return of the biggest and best block party of its kind – the annual Lower Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, - on Saturday, March 15. The Block Party opens at 9 AM and the fun continues until 6 PM right on the streets of Lower Greenville between Vanderbilt and Vickery.
 
The party has been a longstanding tradition for over 30 years. Famous for pulling out all the stops including plenty of beer, great music, dancing, and food, the Lower Greenville St. Patrick’s Day Block Party is a fantastic celebration of Irish culture!
 
Guests 21 and older are encouraged to dress the part! Wear green, bring your shamrocks, and come prepared for a day full of St. Patrick’s Day cheer.
 
A representative of the Vanderbilt to Vickery Association said, “This celebration is legendary. Bars and restaurants on Lower Greenville will take part in this all-day, St Patrick’s Day party that fills the streets with music, food, and drink. Our goal is to make sure every party-goer has a wonderful time in a fun environment to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day responsibly.”
 
Entry to the Block Party includes access to the massive event’s three music stages, conveniently located near the participating bars and a wide selection of beers. Entry is $20 (cash only) at the gate and for ages 21 and older only. Beer tents (cash only) are conveniently located throughout the block party. ATMs will be located at each entry point and throughout the event grounds.
 
Gate locations:
·         North gate – Greenville Ave (just north of Stan’s Blue Note)
·         East & West gates – on Vanderbilt and Goodwin streets
·         East gate – Vickery Street
·         South gate – Greenville Ave (just south of Terilli’s)
 
With eight of the best bars and restaurants in Dallas participating, attendees should expect great food and drink options to continue through the day and into the night. Make plans to enjoy the day-long celebration at  Stan’s Blue Note, the oldest bar in Dallas; The Dubliner, Dallas’ oldest Irish pub; Dodie’s Reef; Terilli’s Restaurant; Halcyon; Christie’s Sports Bar ; Sister; and Goodwins. The celebration continues until 2AM with the bars remaining open for all the revelry!
 
Attendees are encouraged to plan travel and parking to accommodate various street closures in the area.
Must be 21 years of age to attend and must provide a valid ID. No backpacks, large purses, containers, or coolers allowed; nothing can be brought in or out of the event.
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Your Big Game party is sure to score big with McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails’ famous Texas Twinkies (5/$20), Deviled Eggs (10/$15), and Buffalo Shrimp and Grits ($19). Yes, that’s right – you can get the award-winning Buffalo Shrimp and Grits, named Best Tailgate Dish by CultureMap, all to go and impress your guests!

McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails is located in old East Dallas near White Rock Lake. We will be open Sunday, February 9 from 11:00am-4:00pm (last seating 3:00pm) so make plans to pick up a to-go order early. Call 214-792-9944 or check us out online at McRaesAmericanBistro.com