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 Drive.

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.

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.

Farmers Market every Saturday

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November, head to the Farmers Market at Front Street Station.

Discover a wide variety of local goods including artisanal products, locally grown produce, baked goods, bath and body products and more.

Enjoy food vendors who offer everything from ice cream to snow cones and barbecue to classic fair food. Come relax and listen to local singers and musical artists. More information can be found at www.downtownmesquitetx.com.

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.