Shining Arts Luncheon - Irving, TX

The Arts League's annual event honoring outstanding women volunteers from North Tarrant County for community service while raising funds to support the organization's many cultural and education programs will take place Oct. 24 at the Marriott Las Colinas. (Source: Fort Worth, Texas City Magazine Social Datebook).

The Shining Arts Luncheon, being held in Irving, Texas brings in monies for ARTSNET and the venue is located at 223 W. Las Colinas Boulevard with tickets costing $60.00. The reception and silent auction starts at 10:30 a.m. and ballroom doors open at 11:45. The luncheon follows at noon.

For more information, call Renova Williams at 817-485-7733 or access shiningstarsartsleague.com.

In unrelated event news, the annual Trade Days, a giant open-air market, will be presented Oct. 24-25 in Fort Worth and vendors will be selling everything imaginable in the campgrounds outside of Turn 3 across from the speedway's Dirt Track. The event is held on 200 acres at Texas Motor Speedway (3545 Lone Star Circle) and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information, visit tradedaysusa.com online.

The Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth at 3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard continues its exhibit through Nov. 29 of "Masterworks of American Photography: Moments in Time." You can journey through the medium's history from the early years to the present day witnessing the facility's largest and most important collections of photographs. The free exhibition ends Jan. 3.

For details, call 817-738-1933.

Oct. 24-25 the Japanese Garden, also in town will feature their fall festival, Sat. 10-5 and Sun. noon to 5 p.m. at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. You will enjoy dance, music, martial arts demonstrations, Bonsai, paper making, Ikebana, and tea ceremonies. The address is 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard. Spectacular fall colors are part of the scene on 7.5 acres.

For additional details, 817-871-7685 of look up fwbg.org on the Net.

Chili fans won't want to miss the free Fifth Annual Stop-Drop-and-Roll Chili Cookoff at Bass Pro Shops in Grapevine Oct. 24 in the parking lot (2501 Bass Pro Drive). Hours are 10-5 to taste the best chili in Texas from the heads of CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International). A silent auction, cold beer, vendor booths, and live music make up the festivities. The event benefits injured firefighters and the fallen families of them.

For further information, call 972-724-2018.

Worshipers of jousting and the era that inspired it can take part in "Medieval Experience" on Oct. 24 in Dallas at 8 p.m. A beautiful fish-filled moat beneath a drawbridge leads to the auditorium where you can dine and view the match in an 11th century castle. It's an exciting dining experience that includes a filling meal, action-packed entertainment, and a family atmosphere. While you're waiting for dinner or the match, you can also buy medieval-themed items from the castle.

It's the number one dinner attraction in North America, according to research.

For reservations, call 214-761-1800 or look up http://dallas.diningguide.com/data/d100753.htm on the Net.