Local Treasures: Embracing Native American Heritage Month in DFW

3rd Annual Native American Heritage Month Contest Powwow
Saturday, November 11 
The Inter-Tribal Council of AT&T Employees (ICAE) will host their 3rd Annual Contest Powwow, Saturday, November 11 in the AT&T Discover Arts District. It is a free event open to the public where there will be vendors and free parking for all guests! 

Big Bear Native American Museum 
Visit Big Bear Native American Museum and Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum and learn more about the history of Native Americans in North America with Big Bear’s collection of Native American artifacts. The museum features different activities and sites like Johnson County’s original courthouse, a working blacksmith shop, teepees and more! 

Tales and Trails Museum 
The Tales and Trails Museum features five main collections, inside and outside their grounds, where guests can learn more about western heritage, agriculture, Native American culture and more! The Native American collection and exhibit was designed by Dallas-based Museum Arts and tells the story of the Taovaya and their relationship to the area. 

Dallas Museum of Arts – Indigenous American Art
The Dallas Museum of Arts features different exhibits, with one of their main exhibits being Indigenous American Art. The exhibit represents more than 150 cultures, extending from Alaska to the Andes, and has more than 4,000 artwork pieces. The Indigenous American Art exhibit has launched a refreshed gallery this year that emphasizes the origins of each piece and more thoughtful approach on how guests can contemplate the art presented.  

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame
Visit the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth offering visitors an immersive experience and complete historical perspective of the people and activities that built the strong culture of the American West. The founders dedicate time and effort to include and acknowledge the contributions of individuals of European, Hispanic, Asian, African, and Native descent. Check out their Hall of Fame highlighting different soldiers, cowboys, and Indian Chiefs! 

For more ways to engage with cultural holidays around our region click here.



Milton Sleep Company

#cmsmasters_row_664725a8301865_06192739 .cmsmasters_row_outer_parent { padding-top: 0px; } #cmsmasters_row_664725a8301865_06192739 .cmsmasters_row_outer_parent { padding-bottom: 50px; }

Milton Sleep Company teams with SM Wright Foundation to help southern Dallas children get their ZZZ’s

Sleep helps cognitive function and emotional regulation, but a good night’s rest is hard to come by.

Let’s face it. Few things have as big an impact on our overall wellbeing as a good night’s rest. But for many people, sleep is elusive. An always-on culture combined with individual stressors adds to many people complaining of insomnia. The CDC estimates that one-in-three people don’t get enough sleep. That translates into an estimated U.S. economic impact of more than $411 billion dollars each year.

For children ages 9 or 10, researchers at the National Institute of Health have found those children who got an insufficient amount of sleep (defined as less than nine hours per day) showed more mental health and behavioral problems like impulsivity, working memory, and conflict resolution – all of which persisted at a two-year follow-up.

In southern Dallas, the SM Wright Foundation is trying to address that problem through its Beds for Kids program, with the help of partners like Milton Sleep Company – a local manufacturer with a history of giving back.

“Not all families can afford beds for everyone, so some kids sleep on sofas or even the floor,” said SM Wright, II, president, CEO, and cofounder of the SM Wright Foundation. “But we know that when kids get good sleep, they learn better. Their behavior is better, that’s why we started Beds for Kids.” He says since starting in 2010, the program has given away more than 20,000 mattresses.

With a factory in Dallas, more than 70 years of experience, and the convenience of a ‘mattress in a box,’ Milton Sleep Co. saw an obvious connection.

“My grandparents had a history of philanthropy,” said CEO Michael Karotkin. “We’re trying to carry that forward … everybody deserves a great night’s sleep, especially children.”

That’s why on October 19, the company donated 10 mattresses and bed frames to S.M. Wright – a value of about $10 thousand dollars.

“On behalf of our 135 employees in our factory in Dallas, Milton is delighted to make life a little easier for some children through Beds for Kids,” said Karotkin.

The company started doing business in Austin in the 1930s and grew to become the largest furniture manufacturer west of the Mississippi River.

Back in 1959, the company signed a licensing agreement with Serta Mattresses, and ran both the furniture manufacturing and mattress businesses successfully for several decades. In 2003, they stopped manufacturing furniture to focus solely on the mattress business, which has seen several innovations in the recent past.

“We acquired compression technology and put it to work,” said Karotkin. It flattens, rolls, and shrink-wraps mattresses to a size that will fit inside most SUVs. This “mattress in a box” hit the market in 2021, as a direct-to-consumer product and, along with Milton Sleep Company’s traditional product, helped the overall business grow by 25% in 2022.

Between distribution through a variety of Texas retailers, as well as the ability to ship anywhere domestically, Milton is on track for 15% growth in 2023. True to its roots, the company has a longtime strategic partnership with the Austin FC Soccer Club and Foster Angels of Central Texas. And now, after being in business for nearly 90 years, and helping millions of Texans get a good night’s rest, the company has found a new way to provide value – helping Southern Dallas children get to sleep.



Chris Gannett

#cmsmasters_row_664725a8307599_47519880 .cmsmasters_row_outer_parent { padding-top: 0px; } #cmsmasters_row_664725a8307599_47519880 .cmsmasters_row_outer_parent { padding-bottom: 50px; }

“My dad was an ad guy of the Mad Men variety, and he created this campaign for the city in the 1970s that was recognized by the mayor – and stuck with me personally. It essentially communicated, ‘Dallas wasn’t born with a silver spoon’ … we built this city by picking ourselves up by our bootstraps.”

He thinks it was so successful because of the idea that it tapped into – that, although the rest of the country might have had a view of Dallas through the Ewing family on the hit CBS television show, reality was more diverse.

“One of the things I think is fascinating about Dallas is our entrepreneurial heritage. Pioneers expanding West founded this city and I see glimpses of that spirit in people today.”

Dallas has earned a reputation as a great place to live, where opportunity can be found or created.

“There’s a bunch of us kind of “reformed” Hollywood and tech types that now live here and have made a conscientious effort to find each other and plug into institutions and communities that align with our interests and experience.”

Gannett has a background in banking, entertainment and tech – his experience includes starting, scaling, and selling businesses. He launched Gannett.Partners in 2022 – a combination coaching, advisory, strategic capital firm. He’s also joined the steering committees of Venture Dallas and the Dallas Museum of Art, and champions Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support.

Prior to moving (back) to DFW, he and his family had been in the New York City area for roughly 20-years. They’ve now settled in Farmers Branch after trying a couple other Dallas neighborhoods beginning with his native Highland Park.

“We enjoy lovely neighbors and a half-acre on a creek and golf course that’s close to our boys’ private schools. We have rolling hills and a multitude of beautiful municipal parks, a golf/country club in our back yard, fantastic public library and a local government that routinely operates at a budget surplus; and we’re central to both Frisco to the North of us and Downtown, which is South.”

For anyone considering relocating to DFW, he says, “kick the tires.” Follow your interests and explore the communities that might initially appear unintuitive. Dallas isn’t one thing. It’s many things, so research is key. “I’ve found my people by aligning with the DMA, Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support, Venture Dallas, Park House, and SMU’s Cox School of Business.”

For more Say Yes stories and information, click here.



Family, Food, and Fiesta: Dia de Los Muertos in DFW

The Day of the Dead is a cherished holiday mostly celebrated in Mexico building altars, enjoying food and flowers, and visiting graves. It is a time of remembrance where families welcome back their deceased relatives and honor their loved ones.  

DALLAS DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 28
The community of Dallas will be celebrating the vibrant and enchanting holiday with a parade and festival where the streets will come alive with music, food, colorful costumers, and wonderful art installations! You’ll be sure to notice the ofrendas, altars built for deceased loved ones, marigold flowers, used to help those who have departed find their way to their altars, and calaveras, sugar skull candy.  

DENTON DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL 
Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 
Celebrate Day of the Dead in Denton with coffin races, twilight lantern parade, a pumpkin patch, and local art, crafts, and food. Celebrate with your loved ones and the Denton community at Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival. 

FORT WORTH DAY OF THE DEAD PARADE AND CELEBRATION
Saturday, October 28 
Celebrate the 20th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration of Life and Culture in Fort Worth with festivities from local food, music, celebration and remembrances of the deceased. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden will also feature a Marigold Carpet exhibit where you will be able to enjoy 46,000 marigolds to help deceased loved ones find their way home to the altars made for them. 

WAXAHACHIE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 28 
Join the Waxahachie community with their Día de Los Muertos Festival at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts where there will be an outdoor art market, Storytime and craft, free art activities, and live Ballet Folklorico and Aztec Dance performances. The museum will have a public ofrenda and guests are encouraged to bring art, photos, or items of their loved ones to add to.  

MESQUITE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
Sunday, October 29 
Enjoy activities for the whole family including dancing, music, painting, Ballet Folklorico performances and so much more! There will be a local vendor market and public ofrenda where attendees can add objects, pictures, or art to remember their loved ones.  

THE COLONY DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
Thusday, November 2 
Celebrate Día de Los Muertos north of Dallas at the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Stage and Lawn with live performances by Mariachi Arraigo de America, Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico, and Squeezebox Bandits. Food and drink vendors will be there and activities for the family will range from face painting to grabbing a picture with a real-life donkey and llama! Celebrate Día de Los Muertos with the family and don’t miss out on the festivities.  

GRAND PRAIRIE DAY OF THE DEAD FIESTA LATINA 
Thursday, November 2 
At Grand Prairie’s Day of the Dead Fiesta Latina you are invited to a beautiful butterfly release, processional, altar and Catrina contest, with live performances and movie screening of Coco. Celebrated at City Hall, this festival is the perfect event to go with family and friends! 

LEWSIVILLE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION
Thursday, November 2
The Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting their Día de Los Muertos Celebration with food, music, dance, and celebration! Guests are asked to bring a picture of a loved one or an offering to add to their community ofrenda and learn more about the celebration of remembrance. 

DENISON DIA DE LOS MUERTOS WEEKEND
Saturday, November 4 
North of Dallas, Denison, TX will be celebrating their 12h annual Día de Los Muertos Weekend with live entertainment, parade, and are excited to feature Cristina Tribute Show- Queen of Tejano & Latin Tribute! 



Coziest Pumpkin Patches

Perfect for everyone in the family, date night, or day out with the besties find the coziest and most Insta-Worthy pumpkin patches in the region.

Autumn at the Arboretum
One of the most sought out events of the year, the Dallas Arboretum hosts the largest pumpkin patch in the region. This year’s theme, “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will feature themed pumpkin houses that make up the famous Pumpkin Village and maze for kids to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the pumpkin decorating and music on select dates. 

St. James Pumpkin Patch
Returning for its 26th Annual Pumpkin Patch, St. James Episcopal Church partners with Southwest-based farmers who harvest pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Many families come together to purchase pumpkins, take family photos, including those with 4 paws. Join them Saturday, October 28th for their Fall Family Fandango event where live music, costumes, treats, bounces houses, barbecue, and so much more will be featured! 

Blase Family Farm (Rockwall)
Located at the Blase Family Farm, this blueberry farm is transformed into a pumpkin patch for the fall. Blueberry picking is closed for the year, but you can find a petting zoo, go on a hayride, and have plenty of picture opportunities though their wooded walking trail. Pumpkins and straw bales are available for sale. 

Preston Trail Farms (Gunter)
Gunter—home of Preston Trail Farms and of the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm. Preston Trail Farms is open year-round and becomes a popular destination in the fall for North Texans and Oklahoma residents. There are hayrides, 6-foot-tall hay maze, petting farms, and gift shop. If you want the “life on the farm experience” you can’t miss out on this place!

Hall’s Pumpkin Farm & Corn Maze
Families around Tarrant County come together every October to visit Hall’s Pumpkin Farm. Their two-acre of 9ft. tall corn stalks makes this corn maze one of the most challenging in the region. You’ll never know where the twist and turns take you. Hayrides are provided for all in the family. This centered location is nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it accessible to all.

Pumpkins on the Prairie (Frisco)
Located on Main Street in Frisco, Pumpkins on the Prairie has more than just pumpkins. There is fun for all in the family, including hayrides, face painting, bounce house, and a fall festival. On Sunday, October 29th  wear your costumes and bring your family for a wonderful evening featuring Trunk or-Treating. 

Yesterland Farm Pumpkin Patch (Canton)
With a variety of activities like photo ops, a corn maze, unlimited rides, paintball, pony rides, petting zoo, and fireworks, you will have be sure to have a fun time at Yesterland Farm! Can’t make it this weekend? No worries! They are open with more festivities for the holidays in November and December with holiday lights, so make sure to visit Canton, TX for a thrilling weekend. 

Pitchfork Pumpkin Patch 
Offering a variety of activities like pumpkin smashing, carving, painting, a pumpkin drop, and hand-crafted photo ops, you are guaranteed a fun time at Pitchfork’s Pumpkin Patch. Movie nights are also featured with snacks sold before and during movies. Don’t miss out on this pumpkin patch 25 minutes away from Dallas!