McKinney | December 2023

Community

Events

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Veterans Memorial Park renamed to honor late Marine

• John and Judy Gay Library, 6861 Eldorado Parkway • www.mckinneytexas.org/calendar.aspx?eid=22654

December

The Ha Ha Holiday Comedy Show The Comedy Arena in downtown McKinney will host a holiday comedy show that blends both music and improv to create a one-of-a-kind performance. • Dec. 22, 9:30-10:30 p.m. • $15 (admission) • 305 E. Virginia St., Ste. 104 • www.thecomedyarena.com/calendar Jason Boland & The Stragglers Hank’s Texas Grill will host country music band Jason Boland & The Stragglers. • Dec. 29, 8:30-11:30 p.m. • $28 (general admission) • 1310 N. Central Expressway • www.hankstexasgrill.com/event-details-registration/ creed-isher-1-1 Noon Year’s Eve The McKinney Public Library is ringing in the New Year with a family-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. Attendees will enjoy crafts, dancing, games, a wishing wall and a balloon drop. • Dec. 30, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. • Free

January

McKinney City Council unanimously approved the renaming of Veterans Memorial Park to Corporal R.D. Foster Veterans Memorial Park at an Oct. 17 meeting. The memorial park was renamed to honor Ronnie “R.D.” Foster, a Marine Corps veteran from McKinney who campaigned for the creation of the veterans memorial and served on the McKinney Armed Services Memorial Board. The details The newly-named park is located in Craig Ranch and includes a Wall of Honor, a symbolic water fountain and a lighted American ag that ies 24-hours a day, according to the city’s website. The memorial, which was dedicated in November 2011, began with a list of 365 fallen veterans from Collin County and has since grown to include 435 names, said Colin Kimball, chairman of the McKin- ney Armed Services Memorial Board.

Diving in deeper Foster enlisted in 1966 and would go on to serve three years in Vietnam, according to Trina Foster, R.D. Foster’s wife. Foster lost a number of friends in the war, which would later become the inspiration for the Veterans Memorial Park, a project that Foster researched, fundraised and advocated for, Kimball said. “It was his purpose to carry on their legacy and make sure [local veterans] were not forgotten,” Trina Foster said of R.D. Foster. Foster was also a singer-songwriter, author and co-founder of the North Texas Fallen Warrior Portrait Project. He passed away earlier this year. Quote of note “[Foster’s] life was dedicated to making sure that those who have served were remembered for gener- ations to come,” McKinney Mayor George Fuller said of Foster’s work on the Veterans Memorial Park.

Collin County Junior Livestock Show The Collin County Junior Livestock Show will feature students from schools across Collin County showing chickens, rabbits, goats, cattle and more. The show and judging ends with an auction. • Jan. 6-13, times vary • Free (admission) • Myers Park & Event Center, 7117 CR 166 • https://ccjla.weebly.com Second Saturday Bird Walk The event is intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identication techniques with opportunities for guests to ask questions from experienced birders. • Jan. 13, 8-9:30 a.m. • $9-$12 • Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place • www.heardmuseum.org

Bridal Show The annual Bridal Show at the McKinney Performing Arts Center will oer over 45 wedding industry exhibitors showcasing services and products ranging from desserts to DJs and bridal gowns. The event will also include a fashion show and giveaways. Registration is required. • Jan. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • $5 (online), $10 (at the door) • McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee St. • www.mckinneytexas.org/1781/bridal-show

McKinney Mayor George Fuller spoke about the renaming at a Veterans Day event Nov. 11.

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