Fun Fourth of July Activities in Arlington

Arlington is one of the best places in the Metroplex to spend Independence Day weekend.  Not only do they host one of the biggest and best July 4th parades in the country, there are also several places to enjoy family fun and fireworks.  Here are a few fun Fourth of July activities in Arlington:

Light Up Arlington – This annual event in downtown Arlington includes food trucks, activities for kids, free musical entertainment, and fireworks. Festivities begin at 6pm on Friday, July 3rd with a fireworks show at 9:45 pm.  To get the scoop, visit www.lightuparlington.com.

Arlington 4th of July Parade – Celebrating it’s 50th anniversary in 2015, this year should be the biggest and best parade to date.  The parade begins at 9am on Saturday, July 4th in the downtown Arlington/UTA area but you’ll want to arrive plenty early to stake out a spot.  Free parking is available at UTA.  For all of the details and a parade route map, visit www.arlington4th.org.

Rally Day at AT&T Stadium – After the parade, consider heading to the home of the Dallas Cowboys.  Tour the stadium, see the Superbowl tropies, participate in on-field activities and meet the cheerleaders and former Dallas Cowboys players.  You can also have your photo taken with the Cowboys mascot, Rowdy.  Festivities run from noon to 6pm on Saturday, July 4th.  Tickets are $14.50 – $27.50 and can be purchased online by visiting http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/rallyday/.

Fireworks at Globe Life Park – What’s more American than spending the 4th at a baseball game with the family?  Catch the Rangers game against the Angels on Saturday, July 4th then enjoy a fireworks show following the game.  For tickets and complete details, visit www.texasrangers.com.

July 4th Fest at Six Flags – Six Flags is always a great way to spend some fun time with your family.  From Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th, enjoy early ride times with your season pass or by bringing a Coke can.  Spend the day at the park and stick around after the sun goes down for a fireworks and laser show beginning around 9:45 pm each night.  For tickets and all the details, visit www.sixflags.com/overtexas.

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6 Steps for Hiring a Reliable Contractor

If you’re thinking about upgrades or repairs to your home, it is important to do your homework before hiring someone to do the work.  The last thing you want is to be stuck with Here are 6 steps for hiring a reliable contractor:

1.  Get multiple bids.  Get estimates from at least 3 companies.  Make sure they give you a full description – in writing - of what will be done and what materials will be used.  It is also good to know the permit requirements and make sure the contractor will be obtaining the appropriate permits.  Beware of anyone who asks you to obtain the permit on their behalf.  The permit requester will be held responsible for work that does not meet city code.

2.  Find out if the contractor is insured.  It is good practice to ask for current certificates of insurance.  Not only do you want your property to be protected if they damage it, you also want to make sure their workers are insured.  If not, you could be held liable for any injuries that happen on your property.  You also want to make sure that contractors are licensed when necessary.

3.  Check references.  Ask for a list of at least 3 references for projects similar to yours.  Call each reference and find out how long ago the contractor worked for them, what their experience was like and if the project was completed in a timely manner.  Check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if there is a history of complaints, advertising issues or licensing issues.  Look for online customer reviews.

4.  Read the contract thoroughly.  Make sure you understand everything.  Ask questions if something isn’t clear.  Make sure everything you have discussed is included in the contract.  Do not sign it until you are satisfied that everything is included.  Never sign a contract with blanks.  Make sure they give you a copy of everything you sign.

5.  Never pay cash.  Always use a credit card or check.  Ask about payment options.  While many contractors require a down payment, don’t pay large upfront fees.  Never pay your final payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction.

6.  Ask about warranties.  Find out if the company guarantees their work.  Make sure any warranty is included in your contract and the terms and conditions are clearly stated.

If you’re looking for recommendations for trustworthy contractors, give us a call at (817) 330-9235.  We have a list of vetted professionals that we can recommend to help you get started.

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Things to Do This Weekend in Arlington – June 19-21

There are a number of things going on in Arlington this weekend.  Treat your dad this Father’s Day weekend with one of these fun outings:

What: Toulouse-Lautrec & La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910
Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm through August 16
Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for students; free for kids 12 & under
Info: Toulouse-Lautrec and The Post Impressionists contains almost 200 pieces from avant-garde Post-Impressionist artists working in a new French “modern” style. Built around the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, painter of scenes and artists from the famed Paris theatre, the Moulin Rouge, this expansive exhibit will explore the anti-establishment movement among artists seeking alternative means to bring their art to a broad public and break out of the traditional molds.  www.arlingtonmuseum.org

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What: Fantasy in Sand
Where: Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way
When: Daily through August 23, 10 am to 8 pm (schedule varies on Rangers game days)
Cost: $10 online through June 30
Info: Wil B and Kev Marcus are classically trained viola and violin players who first met playing in the high school orchestra in Florida. Their music blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music.  www.fantasyinsand.com

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What: Great American Scrapbook Convention
Where: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way
When: June 18 –20 (10 am – 6 pm Thursday, 9 am – 6pm Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday)
Cost: Adults & Children over 10 – $12, Seniors - $10, Children 9 & under – Free, 2 & 3 days passes also available at the door
Info: The ultimate weekend for scrapbookers!  Shopping, scrapping & learning  Visit http://www.ckscrapbookevents.com/GreatAmerican/GASCArlington.aspx for details.

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What: Comedian Tony Woods
Where: Arlington Improv in the Highlands, 309 Curtis Mathes Way, #147
When: June 19 - 21
Cost:  $17 – $30
Info: Tony Woods is a one-of-a-kind comic who's always in control of his audience. His playful and cool demeanor, combined with sharp and mischievous subject matter, create a show that is unmistakably entertaining at every level. Tony is an entertainer that understands an audience and encourages them to become part of his strange world. http://www.improvarlington.com/