Monarch Fest! on July 20

Keep Mesquite Beautiful presents the 2nd annual Monarch Fest! from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 20 at the Mesquite Arts Center.

The free community festival includes a vendor market, concessions, live entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts for kids, demonstrations and three contests: homemade cookie, homemade salsa and butterfly costume.

And don’t miss a special appearance by KMB’s new mascot! To sign up as a sponsor, to participate in the contests or for more information, visit www.KeepMesquiteBeautiful.org.

Pop up event for Park & Rec Month 

July is National Park and Recreation Month, and the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department has a lot of fun events for all ages planned.

Special activities include a pop-up event from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, at the Leash Free Zone at Copeland Park, 2250 Creek Crossing Road. Bring your dogs out for this free, family friendly playdate.

For more information about other events during National Park and Recreation Month, please visit www.cityofmesquite.com/July.

Use the hashtag #MesquiteParksandRec to tag your pictures on social media to show how you are enjoying Mesquite Parks and Recreation facilities during July.

Art exhibitions on display at MAC

The Mesquite Arts Center is hosting two art exhibitions now through Sept. 20.

"Feeling My Way," on display in the Main Gallery, features the works of Marc Dominus and is described as "vibrant, layered and spontaneous." The show includes work completed over the past two years.

On display in the Chamber Gallery, "You Just Had to Be There..." by Assandre Jean-Baptiste captures what the artist calls "tales from the past." Jean-Baptiste re-imagines these moments through illustration and paint.

 A reception with both artists will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the Arts Center. 

Learn more about events and happenings at the Arts Center by visiting www.mesquiteartscenter.org.

Help Mesquite kids by donating to Spread the Love collection

Residents are invited to donate jars of peanut butter and jelly during the annual Spread the Love collection campaign, which runs through Labor Day (Sept. 2). 

The City also is calling for donations of alternative butters that are safe for kids with nut allergies, such as sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter.

The Spread the Love program was developed because many children rely on free or reduced lunches during the school year but don’t have access to these programs over the summer. Spread the Love provides nutritious food kids can make at home by themselves.

Turn in donations at both Library locations, City Hall and the Municipal Center. To learn more, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/SpreadTheLove.

Doggie Splash Day on Aug. 3

Calling all pups and their people! Come play at the Annual Doggie Splash Day from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Vanston Pool, 2913 Oates Dr.

Swimmers will have access to the wading pool and lap pool. Dogs can compete for prizes in the pet swimsuit contest, diving contest, paddle race, and a trick or talent contest. Admission is $5 for one owner and one pet, $2 for each additional pet, and $1 each for spectators. Pet parents can skip the line and pre-register their dogs at www.cityofmesquite.com/DoggieSplashDay.

All dogs will be required to show proof of current vaccinations and must be accompanied by a responsible person age 16 and older. Aggressive or socially challenged dogs may be asked to leave. Lifeguards will be on duty. Find out more at www.cityofmesquite.com/DoggieSplashDay.