Denton, Texas – – The Greenbelt Alliance of Denton County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt Park, today announced the Second Annual GreenFest on the Greenbelt being held on September 28, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Greenbelt Park. Headlining the event on the main stage is the Grammy Award-winning band Brave Combo, performing from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other musical entertainment will be provided by Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son and AM Ramblers. The event’s emcee is Denton Council Member Dalton Gregory.
The family-friendly benefit event will celebrate the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt through outdoor activities, live music and food. Activities during the festival will include archery, rock climbing, kayaking, biking and geocaching. Bicycles will be provided for attendees to explore the Greenbelt (or attendees can bring their own own). Demonstrations and other entertainment will include: historians and artisans of the Cross Timbers eco-region, award-winning local storyteller Dalton Gregory, reptile exhibits, pony rides, a Backyard Bass competition and a kid-sized inflatable obstacle course and slide. Additionally, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center will be at the event with stunning birds of prey. Dogs are welcome, provided they remain on a leash at all times.
The family-friendly benefit event will celebrate the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt through outdoor activities, live music and food. Activities during the festival will include archery, rock climbing, kayaking, biking and geocaching. Bicycles will be provided for attendees to explore the Greenbelt (or attendees can bring their own own). Demonstrations and other entertainment will include: historians and artisans of the Cross Timbers eco-region, award-winning local storyteller Dalton Gregory, reptile exhibits, pony rides, a Backyard Bass competition and a kid-sized inflatable obstacle course and slide. Additionally, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center will be at the event with stunning birds of prey. Dogs are welcome, provided they remain on a leash at all times.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Greenbelt Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt in its present, scenic, natural state. Specifically, the 2013 GreenFest seeks to raise funds for reopening the equestrian trail closed due to damage from a flood in 2010 by building a bridge across a nearby ravine.
The Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor is a 20-mile multi-use trail system (10 miles for equestrian and 10 miles for hike and bike use) that begins at the Ray Roberts Dam and ends at the headwaters of Lake Lewisville. This unique trail corridor meanders along the heavily wooded banks of the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River. Equestrians, hikers, bikers, canoeists, birdwatchers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts can access the trail at one of three trailheads, located at FM 455, FM 428 and Highway 380.
“The Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt gives area residents a uniquely valuable and beautiful resource,” said Richard Rogers, chairman of the Greenbelt Alliance. “By preserving the greenbelt’s natural beauty and native wildlife, we not only benefit nature, but we benefit ourselves and future generations. The Greenbelt is our region’s natural treasure.”
The event is organized by the Greenbelt Alliance of Denton County, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the City of Denton. This year’s sponsors (to date) include the City of Denton, Stanley Ford of Pilot Point, Our Lands & Waters Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin Lane Technologies, Venable Royalty, Old South Royalty, Newland Real Estate, Tim Beaty Builders, Venable Estate, Ag Power, Title Resources, the City of Aubrey and the City of Sanger.
Tickets are only $5 per person, if purchased in advance at www.FriendsOfTheGreenbelt.org or $7 per person if purchased at the event September 28. Children under the age of six are free.
Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available (info available on the website). For photos or interviews, contact Richard Rogers or Lauren Poleski at (214) 750-7508 or (682) 365-8677 or via email at poleski.lauren@gmail.com.
About the Greenbelt Alliance of Denton County
Created in 2009, the Greenbelt Alliance of Denton County is a nonprofit 501(c)3 community-based volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt in its present, scenic, natural state for the benefit of all. The Alliance recognizes the pressure that growth places on the Greenbelt and is dedicated to protecting this remarkable area. The organization also works to foster awareness of the Greenbelt and generate public support by promoting educational and recreational opportunities. The Alliance relies on the support of sponsors, donors, and community partners to continue to improve and preserve the Greenbelt and its accompanying facilities. For more information, please visit www.friendsofthegreenbelt.org.