Library’s Courtyard Celebration Showcases Diversity of East Arlington
By Arlington Public Library
Posted on May 09, 2017, May 09, 2017

Diversity of East Arlington

Where can you see a fire-breathing dragon, hear music from horns more than 10 feet long, and enjoy a snack while you're watching? Come to the East Arlingtpn Branch's annual Courtyard Celebration this weekend to experience this and more.

"This will be an evening of long horns, mariachi, lions dancing, stepping, song and dance," says Librarian David Jackson, who plans each year's event. "Courtyard Celebration lets us see the whole variety of life in Arlington."

This family friendly event, set for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, showcases the cultural diversity the East Arlington community. This year, the library is featuring three diverse musical acts at their first Courtyard performances.

The Swiss Long Horns prove that longhorns aren't only found in Texas. Alphorns are one of the original wind instruments and were used by Swiss herders and mountain climbers to communicate over long distances. This authentic Swiss Alphorn duet will entertain the crowd with music played on wooden horns more than10 feet long.

Two groups from Sam Houston High School are joining Courtyard Celebration this year as well. El Mariachi Tejano de Sam Houston will bring the sounds of violin, flute, trumpet, vihuela, guitar, and guitarron to our ears. Sam Houston's Club Cultura Mia Folklorico will also display their colorful costumes in dance.

Courtyard Celebration is bringing back several repeat performers this year. The dancing, fire-breathing lions of the Tu Dam Lion Dance Troupe are always a highlight of the event. In addition, entertainment will include the Thornton Ballet Folklorico, Rankin Singers, Ousley Step Team, and Sam Houston students singing our National Anthem. Thornton Principal Alicia Rodriguez will return to serve as emcee.

In addition to these performances, attendees can enjoy snacks and giveaways! Ben Thanh Plaza will provide drinks and snacks, and the Arlington Police Department's Amigos En Azul is sponsoring Kona Ice with free kid's treats. CAPO will provide one free book for the kids.

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