Golf tournaments worked well for awhile, but the White Rock Lake Foundation sets its fundraising goals a bit higher these days.
Foundation officials expect 10,000 people to descend on Flagpole Hill for the May 7 White Rock ‘n Festival. Activities include games, pony rides, kite flying, vendors booths, food and music.
“It will be a lot of fun,” says foundation board member Ted Ellis. “And every dime that we raise goes to the lake.”
The foundation hopes to raise $20,000, which will be dedicated to a lighting project at White Rock Lake Park. A plan calls for adding light fixtures along trails, at the dock and pier and in parking lots.
Although city bond packages have included improvements for the lake, lighting was not included. The foundation is privately funding the project, which could cost up to $1 million.
“Obviously the city doesn’t have the money to do anything these days,” Ellis says. “The foundation, its real focus, is to keep the park in its original state and enhance it that way.”
Foundation officials are soliciting sponsors for the festival so that all event proceeds represent profit. Sponsorships starts at the “Bird Lover” level for $150, and Gold sponsorships cost $5,000.
The festival starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. with live music throughout the day.
“We just have one band booked after the next,” Ellis says.
Kids can jump in the bounce house, ride ponies, giggle with clowns, play games, construct crafts, get their faces painted and fly kites. More than 50 artists and vendors plan to see and exhibit their wares.
Attendees can stuff themselves with a barbecue feast, soft drinks and beer and then peruse an antique car show. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will have a pet adoption booth.
“You might end up leaving with an animal,” Ellis says.
