Join the Junior Historians’ ribbon cutting ceremony at the Renner School, revealing their most recent project; enjoy historic games, a carnival, and parade; pack a picnic; make crafts and special memories with your family
Deck the family out in red, white, and blue, grab your picnic basket and little red wagon and come celebrate the nation’s past at Dallas Heritage Village’s Old Fashioned Fourth, Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., (parade at noon), 1515 S. Harwood, Dallas, Texas 75215. At 10:30 a.m., the Junior Historians will cut the ribbon at the Renner School, revealing the young history buffs’ latest project at the Village. Additionally, they will take on the role of teachers, hosting spelling bees for guest participation inside the school, historic schoolyard games as well as a carnival, including pick a duck, “go fishing” for prizes, bean bag toss, and the famous annual stick pony race for ages 3-11.
Kids may decorate their wagons at the craft station for the patriotic parade at noon around the village, or if they don’t have a wagon, they may decorate themselves and march in the parade. Nip and Tuck, the beloved Village donkeys, will be offering wagon rides around the village in the morning prior to the parade. Other activities include face painting, a mini checkers tournament, and patriotic crafts including patriotic pencil toppers and beaded paperclip necklaces and bracelets. Guests may pose for a patriotic picture with Nip and Tuck in the afternoon, and activities will be available throughout the day.
All of the historic buildings will be open for touring, and costumed interpreters will be on hand to visit about what life was like during this time period. The saloon is a popular afternoon spot for a cold root beer and a game of cards or dominoes. The Dallas Heritage Village Guild will be selling popcorn, cotton candy, and water bottles at the popcorn wagon. Lemonade will also be available for sale.
The Dallas Heritage Village Junior Historians, a group of 30-40 students from across the Metroplex, ages 11-18, volunteer regularly at Dallas Heritage Village and focus on one big group project each year. This year the group researched what attending school would be like for children in 1910 and developed special exhibits for the Renner School. Sponsored by Joe M. and Doris R. Dealey Family Foundation, this project includes the installation of new cabinets featuring historic artifacts selected by the Junior Historians, such as pictures, historic books, children’s clothing, paper dolls, maps, school books and more. They also researched and wrote student profiles, which will be placed at a selection of desks, and they have filled some of the hanging pails with the typical lunch food of that time period.
“We are very excited about the Junior Historians’ project at the Renner School and can’t wait to show it off to the public,” added Melissa Prycer, president and executive director, Dallas Heritage Village. “They impress me each year with their love of history, research, creativity and hard work, and we are excited to combine the opening of this new exhibit in conjunction with Old Fashioned Fourth! A large majority of this year’s fun Fourth activities will take place in and around the school, all led by the Junior Historians. So bring the family and enjoy a wonderful holiday together at Dallas Heritage Village!”
Regular admission rates apply $9 Adult, $7 Senior (65+), $5 Child (4 to 12 years). Members of Dallas Heritage Village are admitted free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Don’t forget to bring a little extra cash for carnival fun. Tickets for carnival games are 25 cents each or 5 for $1. For more information call (214) 413-3669 or visit www.dallasheritagevillage.org.