Waylon and Willie, 6-year-old mammoth jack donkeys, are the newest residents in the Cedars, and they hope you will come join them and the boys, Nip and Tuck, for a fun day of donkey shenanigans
Dallas Heritage Village invites the community to come by for Cedars Open Studios on Saturday, November 19, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., to meet mammoth jack donkeys Waylon and Willie, the newest residents of the Cedars at 1515 S. Harwood. Waylon, Willie, and the boys (Nip and Tuck) have a fun day of donkey shenanigans planned for all of their guests. Admission is free.
For the past 13 years, Cedars Neighborhood Artists have opened their doors to the public for one day to showcase the talent, creativity and vibrant lives of the artists that work and live here. Cedars Open Studios, a free event draws thousands of visitors, from all walks of life, to explore the neighborhood studios, learn about art, shop and enjoy local bars, restaurants, and a visit to Dallas Heritage Village.
While at the Village, make a donkey mask and pose for a picture with the boys, or try your hand at breaking the piñata at noon. Watch the four-legged friends turn into artists, composing a masterpiece with their noses at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Kids may also try a little “hoof” painting instead of finger painting to join the donkeys in the fun. And naturally, you cannot leave without playing a quick game of pin the tail on the sheep. (That’s right, sheep. The donkeys have grown tired of having their tails pinned.) Don’t forget to bring any spare change to vote for your favorite donkey, which will help the Village staff take care of them. All exhibits will be open for touring, including “Millermore Exposed,” a new temporary exhibit showcasing how a curator would put together a new exhibit such as the Millermore home.
“Cedars Open Studios is always such a great day for visitors to explore the neighborhood, which is growing and thriving,” said Melissa Prycer, president and executive director, Dallas Heritage Village. “And if you have never experienced donkey crafts and activities, this is your chance! We hope to have lots of visitors come by to give Willie and Waylon a big Texas welcome!”
Destined for Texas with birth names Waylon and Willie, the 6-year-old brothers, arriving just a few weeks ago, traveled to Dallas from Illinois. Since they arrived, Nip and Tuck, now age 20 and longtime residents at the Village, have been showing them the ropes. They have relinquished their wagon-pulling duties to this new younger set but will continue to enjoy photo opportunities with their adoring fans as they bask in the glow of retirement.
“Waylon and Willie are adjusting well to their new homes and getting along splendidly with their elder mentors, and we want to express our appreciation to Stacey Angel of Dallas for underwriting their cost,” added Evelyn Montgomery, curator, Dallas Heritage Village. “Without a doubt, they will become as beloved as Nip and Tuck, true urban pioneers who first brought livestock to downtown Dallas and won the love of museum visitors. Willie and Waylon have some big horseshoes to fill!”
Dallas Heritage Village, celebrating 50 years in 2016, is an immersive history landscape that features a wide variety of authentic 19th century pioneer and Victorian homes and commercial buildings in Texas. The Village is set on 20 acres with over 25 historic structures depicting life in Dallas from 1840-1910. Dallas Heritage Village is one of only 5 nationally accredited museums in the Dallas area. The Village showcases a Victorian Main Street, a railroad complex, a log cabin, a pre-Civil war home, an 1860’s farmstead with livestock, a 19th century church, schoolhouse and more. Dallas Heritage Village has been recognized for multiple awards. It is located at 1515 South Harwood, in the Cedars area with urban living and restaurants, near downtown Dallas and the popular Farmer’s Market complex. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. The Village is closed the months of January and August. General Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+ and $5 for children ages 4 through 12 years. Children under 4 and members of Dallas Heritage Village are admitted free of charge. There is special pricing for groups of 15 or more people. For more information call 214-421-5141, email info@dallasheritagevillage.org, or visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org
