Event Announcements

American Fallen Soldiers Project to honor Texas Marine during special ceremonies at Liberty Fest

U.S. Marine Sgt. Gary S. Johnston, of Windthorst, Texas, was 21 years old when he gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of his country in 2003.

Sgt. Johnston’s family will be on hand Saturday, May 29 at 12 noon at Liberty Plaza in Farmers Branch as local artist Phil Taylor, of the American Fallen Soldiers Project, will present them with a portrait of the young Marine. The presentation will take place during special Patriotic Ceremonies that are the centerpiece of Liberty Fest in Farmers Branch. Ironically, the portrait will be unveiled only steps away from the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, which will also be on display at Liberty Plaza, and which bears the name of Sgt. Johnston’s uncle, Gary C. Johnston.

Mr. Taylor founded the American Fallen Soldiers Project in 2007 in an effort to offer to families of fallen military service members “a place of peace and reflection in (their) time of need.” An exhibit of some of the more than two dozen portraits thus far is on display at the Farmers Branch Manske Library though May 26. More information on Mr. Taylor’s work can be found at www.americanfallensoldiers.com.

Also included in the Patriotic Ceremonies will be a U.S. Marine Color Guard, a flyover of aircraft from the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, a swearing-in ceremony, a wreath presentation honoring the fallen of each branch of the U.S. Military and keynote remarks from KLIF radio talk show host, Jeff Bolton, all in sight of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall.

Four VIP concert passes to be given away on “Liberty Fest LIVE” on FBTV, May 29

Four VIP passes to the REO Speedwagon/Gin Blossoms concert will be given away to one lucky viewer of “Liberty Fest LIVE” on FBTV, Saturday May 29.

Viewers must watch the live coverage of Liberty Fest on FBTV in order to find out how to enter and win the VIP passes. Coverage of “Liberty Fest LIVE” will start at 9 a.m. from the Farmers Branch Historical Park with reports from the various Liberty Fest venues, interviews and other special features throughout the day. “Liberty Fest LIVE” on FBTV will be available on Time Warner Cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch; AT&T Uverse channel 99 throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex; and online worldwide at www.farmersbranch.info and www.ustream.com/fbtv16.

Farmers Branch Communications Director Tom Bryson said the live broadcast was envisioned to bring Liberty Fest to those who are unable to come out and to give a preview to those who are on their way out. The VIP passes will admit the winner, plus three friends, to the Stars and Stripes tent for free food, beverages and seating adjacent to the concert stage. For additional Liberty Fest information, log on to the:


Corn Toss Tournament at Liberty Fest to benefit Wounded Warrior Foundation

Corn Toss, a yard game with rural roots, is making its way to Liberty Fest as a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

Organizers announced that the Corn Toss Tournament will accept registrations of $20 per two-person team beginning at about 10 a.m. in the oak grove across Denton Drive from the Dr Pepper StarCenter. The actual tournament will begin around 1 p.m. Teams will toss small bags of feed corn at a game board with a hole. Scoring is based on where the shots land.

Mayor Tim O’Hare, a primary organizer of the double-elimination tournament, said all teams will be guaranteed a minimum of two games and there will be prizes for first, second and third places. Prior experience is not required. Tutorials on the game and its rules will be available on site prior to the start of the tournament.

Mayor O’Hare said he would be playing and invited all friendly competition to come out and “take him on.”

Join Us in Welcoming the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Liberty Plaza

The City of Farmers Branch is extending an open invitation to the public to join the City in honoring the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall on Wednesday, May 26 at 2 p.m. Staging will begin on the North side of Walmart, 13307 Midway Road, just north of LBJ at 1:30 pm. The escort departs from Walmart at 2 pm, exiting the shopping center at the westbound frontage road of LBJ/I‐635. The wall escort will proceed west on Valley View Lane to Denton Drive and south on Denton Drive to Liberty Plaza, 12400 N. Stemmons Freeway. A brief ceremony honoring the fallen at Liberty Plaza will conclude the escort.

Spectators and those volunteering in the set up of the wall may park at Liberty Plaza, the Dr Pepper StarCenter or the DART Park & Ride parking lots. For ceremonial escort questions, call 972.247.4607.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Comes to Liberty Fest

As a centerpiece of the patriotic tribute at the heart of Liberty Fest, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, will be on display at Liberty Plaza during the Memorial Day weekend. The Traveling Memorial is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. According to its organizers, “The Traveling Memorial stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was made for the purpose of helping heal and rekindle friendships and allow people to visit loved ones in their hometown who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington.”

Starting on Wednesday May 26, the wall will roll into town, a group of motorcycle riders from across the nation that join together and ride in honor and respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security. Then on Thursday, with the help of area Mayors and volunteers, the 300 foot wall will be erected. The wall will open to the public on Friday, May 28 at 8 a.m. On Saturday, artist and founder of The American Fallen Soldiers Project, Phil Taylor will honor a fallen solider of the Iraq War by presenting the soldier’s family with their son’s portrait. The American Fallen Soldiers Project was formed to help provide comfort and healing to the mourning families of our fallen military men and women. With the mission to honor, respect and forever memorialize those who have sacrificed their lives while protecting our freedom, this non-profit organization makes available to the families, at no cost, an original portrait of their fallen loved one that fully captures their appearance and personality.

Early 20th Century Carnival & Midway Transforms the Historical Park

The Farmers Branch Historical Park will be turned into an early 20th century street fair as part of Liberty Fest, May 28 & 29. As guests arrive at the front gate, they will have the opportunity to “get into costume.” Gentlemen can make their own proper paper collar while ladies will be given their own strand of pearls to wear. Not only will there be a free non-electric midway with games of skill but there will be a singing cowboy, bands playing patriotic songs from days gone by, featuring the popular group Back at the Ranch and suffragettes, in authentic 1910s clothing, who may even hold an impromptu rally to gain support for their cause.

Additionally, each one of the Park’s historic structures will have a special exhibit that corresponds with its time period. Guests will also be able to observe the Park’s own blacksmith as he makes nails by the dozen using nothing more than a hot fire, iron and raw strength. Stay tuned for more information.