saddle up

State Fair of Texas supporters raise big bucks under the stars in Dallas

WHAT: State Fair Saddle Up

WHERE: The Rustic Dallas

THE 411: State Fair supporters pulled on their boots for an evening of Texas-sized fun and fundraising under the stars on Thursday, September 10. The annual State Fair Saddle Up (considered a chic State Fair pre-party) raised more than $320,000 for the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs.

Co-chairs Robert Walne and Grant and Courtney Pruitt welcomed guests to The Rustic for live and silent auctions, Midway-style games, and special activations from Fleastyle, McKinney Hat Company, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, and more.

American Idol’s Cash Byers and Big Valley provided the live entertainment, while State Fair-themed auction experiences kept guests bidding.

The event puts 100 percent of funds raised toward programs that have awarded more than $25.3 million in livestock auction awards and college scholarships to Texas students since 2018.

The State Fair of Texas returns Friday, September 25 for its three-week run at Fair Park in Dallas.

WHO: State Fair of Texas president Mitchell Glieber and Lisa Glieber, FOX 4’s Steve Noviello and Paige Ellenberger, New Country 96.3 FM’s Michelle Rodriguez, Tim Rawsom, Karissa Condoianis, Warren Mayberry, Melanie Linear, Kat Dunn, Cynthia Smoot, Alex Romo, Chris Khale, Austin Green, Emma Fletcher, and many more.

Photo by Imani Black

Saddle Up co-chairs Grant and Courtney Pruitt, Robert Walne

state fair of texas benefits-galas charity animals state fair

Party in the Park

Klyde Warren Park’s al fresco soiree raises record $1.1 million

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

The 2026 Party in the Park event chairs.

WHAT: 14th annual Party in the Park

WHERE: Klyde Warren Park

THE 411: The park that boasts it's "Dallas’ town square" turned into an elegant party under the stars October 8 for its annual al fresco fundraiser.

Presented by PwC, the evening began with cocktails by the Nancy Best Fountain before guests gathered for a seated dinner, live music by Emerald City Band, and a fireworks finale.

Honorary chair Laurie Sands Harrison led the evening alongside event chairs Caroline Harrison Loehr and Gavin Loehr, Francis Harrison and Manuel Brito, and Bailey Harrison. Calvert Collins-Bratton is the recently named CEO of Klyde Warren Park.

The Texas Stock Exchange presented the dinner for the event, while First United Bank sponsored the cocktail reception.

In total, the 2026 Party in the Park raised a record $1.1 million for the downtown green space.

Since opening in 2012, the 5.4-acre park connecting Uptown and the Dallas Arts District has welcomed more than 2 million visitors annually. Proceeds from the fundraiser support the park’s daily operations, maintenance, and more than 1,300 free community programs each year.

The event comes as Klyde Warren enters its next phase, including a recently announced expansion that will add 1.7 acres over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

The 2026 Party in the Park event chairs.

WHO: Laurie Sands Harrison, Caroline Harrison Loehr, Gavin Loehr, Francis Harrison, Manuel Brito, Bailey Harrison, Sheila Grant, Calvert Collins-Bratton, Vince Bratton, Kit Sawers, and hundreds more park leaders and supporters.

klyde warren party fundraisers galas