The theatre is a great setup including small tables and then long tables are also throughout the theatre.  We were pleasantly pleased with the comfortable chairs as well.

When you purchase your ticket you get a paging device which you can use to order drink refills or food throughout the movie.  It definitely solved our issue of what to do first - eat or see a movie.

We enjoyed Marley and Me while eating a full and very tasty meal.

This is a win for us and we will definitely return.

Media Contact:
Amanda Sawyer
Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
(817) 722-3895
asawyer@greatwolf.com

FAMILIES TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH INTO 2009 AT GREAT WOLF LODGE
Hours of family-fun on New Year’s Eve at Snowball

GRAPEVINE, Texas (Dec. 17, 2008) – Ring in 2009 with Great Wolf Lodge during the New Year’s Eve bash – Snowball. There will be dancing, food, fun and lots of games for the entire family to enjoy at this guest-exclusive event. Throughout the evening, New Year’s celebration from around the world wil be airing live on large screen TVs in the Grand Lobby.

“We want to make New Year’s a time where families can come together and enjoy ringing in the New Year,” Jack Bateman, general manager at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, said. “The night will revolve around the big balloon drop at midnight in the Grand Lobby, and the Duck Race through the waterpark where guests can win a free night stay.”

Families can enjoy the 84-degree indoor waterpark, Bear Track Landing™, and all the festivities planned to make the night exciting for kids of all ages. From custom crafts in Cub Club™ to Kareoke and gameSHOWmania, friends and families can find activities to quench their thrist for fun. Activities will also include a live DJ in the Grand Lobby, face painting, green screen photography of New Year’s celebrations and family bingo.

Before guests say good bye to 2008, families can savor chef-prepared specialities at the reservation-only New Year’s Eve Buffet. Guest can choose from a variety of soups, seafood varieties, carved ham, turkey and prime rib finished with mouth-watering desserts. A full menu of the New Year’s Day Buffet and more Snowball information can be found at www.greatwolf.com or by calling (817) 488-6510.

About Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.® (NASDAQ: WOLF), Madison, Wis., is North America’s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, and, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, owns and operates its family resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge® and Blue Harbor Resort™ brands. Great Wolf Resorts is a fully integrated resort company and owns and/or manages Great Wolf Lodge locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; the Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; and Grand Mound, Wash.; and Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sheboygan, Wis. A Great Wolf Lodge currently is under construction in Concord, N.C. and a 203-suite expansion is under construction at the company’s Grapevine resort.

The company’s resorts are family-oriented destination facilities that generally feature 300 – 400 rooms and a large indoor entertainment area measuring 40,000 – 100,000 square feet. The all-suite properties offer a variety of room styles, arcade/game rooms, fitness rooms, themed restaurants, spas, supervised children’s activities and other amenities. Additional information may be found on the company’s Web site at www.greatwolf.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa A. McCowan
Office 817-410-3195 / Cell 817-504-0079
lmccowan@GrapevineTexasUSA.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ring in the New Year with a Bash to Remember

Grapevine, Texas (Dec. 18, 2008) — There’s no better way to start the year than with a grand New Year’s celebration! Grapevine’s hotels offer an array of parties and packages to ring in the New Year in style!

New Year’s Eve Ballroom Package at the Gaylord Texan Resort
- Admission for two to the Ballroom Gala (includes four-course plated dinner)
- Two drink coupons
- Champagne toast at midnight
- Room, tax, resort fee & self parking
Prices starting at $525. For reservations, please call 817-778-2000.

New Year’s Eve Glass Cactus Reserved Package at the Gaylord Texan Resort
- Admission for two into the Glass Cactus with reserved seating
- Pass around hors d’oeuvres
- Champagne toast at midnight
- Party favors
- Room, tax, resort fee & self parking
Prices starting at $525.60. For reservations, please call 817-778-2000.

New Year’s Eve Glass Cactus NON-RESERVED Package at the Gaylord Texan Resort
- General admission for two into the Glass Cactus
- Pass around hors d’oeuvres
- Champagne toast at midnight
- Party favors
- Room, tax, resort fee & self parking
Prices starting at $357.60. For reservations, please call 817-778-2000.

New Year’s Eve Restaurant Packages at the Hyatt Regency DFW
Ring in the New Year in style with Hyatt Regency DFW along with Boi Na Braza, Ferrari’s Italian Villa and JR’s restaurants. Enjoy complimentary transportation to and from your restaurant of choice along with deluxe accommodations, complimentary parking and breakfast for two the next morning for $119. Restaurant reservations must be made in advance and dinner is not included in the package price. For reservations, please call 800-233-1234.

A Traditional Texas New Year’s Eve 2008 at Hilton DFW Lakes
Ring in the New Year with the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center and the sounds of Tommy Alverson and Randy Brown! If you’re a fan of good music and great parties, Hilton DFW Lakes is the place to be.
The Whole Shootin’ Match Package includes the following:
- Deluxe accommodations for two
- Dinner for two at Austin Ranch
- Midnight breakfast for two at Austin Ranch
- Two tickets for the Tommy Alverson & Randy Brown Concert
- Party Favors
- Midnight champagne toast

The Bunkhouse Package includes the following:
- Deluxe accommodations for two adults
- Two tickets to the Tommy Alverson and Randy Brown concert performing at Austin Ranch
- Midnight breakfast buffet at Austin Ranch
- Party Favors and champagne* toast at midnight
Rate of $195 is inclusive of tax and gratuity.
For reservations, please call 817-481-8444 or visit www.hiltondfwlakesecc.com.

Meritage New Year’s at Hilton DFW Lakes
The Complete Package $295
- Champagne Amenity
- Dinner Buffet
- Party Favors
- Entry to Bonnie & Clyde’s Party with DJ
- Balloon Drop
- Midnight champagne toast
- Deluxe Accommodations for two Adults

New Years Eve Dinner
- Dinner Buffet for two
- Party Favors
- Entry to Bonnie & Clyde’s Party with DJ
- Balloon Drop
- Midnight champagne toast
Rate of $100 is inclusive of tax and gratuity. For reservations, please call 817-481-8444.

New Year’s Eve Package at Embassy Suites
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Embassy Suites Dallas - DFW Airport North Outdoor World by your side. Each suite will include a bottle of sparkling wine to start your celebration. For those who will need a little extra rest after ringing in the New Year, the Breakfast Buffet will be extended until 11 a.m. so you feel refreshed and awake to face the start of a new beginning. The package also includes a 1 p.m. late check-out at no extra charge.
Rates from $174/night. For reservations, please call 972-724-2600.

New Year’s Eve Special Hotel Rates (available on Dec. 31, 2008 only)
Hyatt Place
Special Rate: $99 for king or double-bedded suite
For reservations, please contact Fernando Urrutia at 972-691-1199 ext. 5105.

Baymont Inn
Special Rate: $89
For reservations, please contact Sydney McGyver at 817-329-9300.

Super 8 Hotel
Special rate of $79/night for king or two double beds. For reservations, call 817-329-7222 and request the “New Year’s Eve Special.”

For more information about Grapevine New Year’s events or other events and attractions in Grapevine, please call 817-410-3185 or visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com.

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December 18, 2008

Curbside Tree Recycling Program Starts Jan. 8

The Curbside Tree Recycling Program begins Thursday, Jan. 8, for Arlington residents south of Interstate 20. A separate truck will pick up trees after regularly scheduled garbage collection.

For residents in central Arlington between Park Row Drive and I-20, Christmas trees will be collected on Friday, Jan. 9.

In neighborhoods north of Park Row Drive, trees will be collected curbside on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Last winter, the City collected and recycled more than 65 tons of Christmas trees. The mulch from this year’s program will be available free of charge at the Arlington Sanitary Landfill. More details will be available this spring.

Residents who want to recycle trees before the curbside collection program begins can take trees to Calloway’s Nursery located at 4940 S. Cooper St. during regular business hours.

Before you recycle your Christmas tree:

 Remove all lights, ornaments and tree stands, including wooden stands and nails.
 Do not place the tree in a plastic bag.
 Flocked trees will be accepted.
 Separate your tree from your regular garbage.

For information about the Curbside Tree Recycling Program and free mulch for gardens and landscapes, call the city’s Recycling Office at 817-459-6777 or www.arlingtontx.gov. For general information about tree disposal, call Arlington Disposal Company at 817-417-2000.

December 18, 2008

Christmas Holiday Closings

The Arlington Municipal Building, City Tower and many City of Arlington administrative offices will be closed for the Christmas holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25. Regular office hours will resume at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26.

What’s closed Wednesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)

- Arlington Municipal Building (City Hall) and City Tower
- Arlington Municipal Court
- Arlington Animal Services Center
- George W. Hawkes Central Library and all Branch Libraries
- Handitran Office and Handitran special transportation services
- Meadowbrook Recreation Center
- Senior Recreation Center - Eunice
- Senior Recreation Center - New York Avenue
- Arlington Tennis Center
- Lake Arlington Operations
- Hugh Smith Indoor Pool
- Ventana Grille at Tierre Verde Golf Club
- George W. Hawkes Central Library and all Branch Libraries

What’s open Wednesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)

- Elzie Odom Recreation Center (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Hugh Smith Recreation Center (6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Dottie Lynn Recreation Center (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Cliff Nelson Recreation Center (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- All Municipal Golf Courses
- Garbage and recycling pickups will occur as scheduled.

What’s closed Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)

- Arlington Municipal Building (City Hall) and City Tower
- Arlington Municipal Court
- Arlington Animal Services Center
- George W. Hawkes Central Library and all Branch Libraries
- Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office
- All Municipal Golf Courses
- Lake Arlington Operations
- Handitran Office and Handitran special transportation services
- All Municipal Recreation Centers
- Hugh Smith Indoor Pool
- Arlington Tennis Center
- No garbage or recycling pickups will occur.

What’s closed Friday, Dec. 26

- Senior Recreation Center – Eunice
- Senior Recreation Center – New York Avenue

November 25, 2008

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade is Saturday, Dec. 6

WHO: City of Arlington

WHAT: Holiday Lights Parade

WHEN: 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6.

WHERE: Downtown Arlington/University District

WHY: To see the bright holiday lights in downtown Arlington and celebrate the beginning of the season.

About the Holiday Lights Parade

The parade is an annual holiday tradition that features more than 75 lighted floats illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, holiday music and a special appearance from Santa Claus. This event also features the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree. The annual event is sponsored by the Star-Telegram.

What’s New? Everyone is invited to arrive early at 4 p.m. to enjoy live holiday music at the new Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts. Holiday performers include the First Baptist Church Choir and the Arlington Community Band.

For the best viewing points along the parade route, residents are asked to bring their own seats and select a location along Abram Street or Main Street between West and Center streets prior to the start of the parade. The parade is approximately 90 minutes.

Immediately following the parade and tree lighting, Santa will be available for photos at the Levitt Pavilion.

For parade route and other information, visit www.arlingtonparadeoflights.com.

November 17, 2008

Main Street and Automotive Jobs
Mayor Cluck Joins Mayors in Washington D.C.

Mayor Robert Cluck traveled to Washington, D.C. today to join other mayors, elected officials, and city managers to discuss the American automotive industry with Washington officials. The mayors are calling on their congressional delegations and current and incoming administrations to make sure that Washington understands the impact the automotive industry has on America’s Main Street.

“America needs to take action to preserve automotive jobs and the transformation our manufacturing communities are making with new green technologies and innovation.” said Mayor Cluck.

In Arlington, the General Motors manufacturing plant’s financial and economic impact on the Metroplex is more than $390 million and over 4,000 jobs. Across the nation, more than 3 million American jobs, $150 billion in annual personal income, and $50 billion in annual state and local tax revenues are tied to automotive manufacturing, according to the Center for Automotive Research.

The purpose of this “Main Street Automotive Jobs” campaign is to convey to federal officials that main street communities will be impacted by the failure or further deterioration of the American automotive industry.

Working in partnership with the Big Three automotive companies, labor leaders and other partners, these mayors will visit with Senators, Congressional Representatives, and Administration officials on November 18 to make their voices heard.

November 13, 2008

Construction on North Collins Begins Monday, Nov. 17
Motorists Should Expect Traffic Delays Until Early Spring

Who: City of Arlington

What: Roadway construction on North Collins Street

When: Beginning Monday, Nov. 17

Where: North Collins Street (from Sanford Street to Randol Mill Road)

Why: To install continuous right turn lanes into the new Cowboys Stadium from Collins Street. Contractors will also be relocating utilities, removing and replacing old drive and concrete curb approaches in this area.

Two northbound and two southbound lanes will remain open. This project is expected to be complete in March 2009.

Signage is being posted. Motorists should expect some traffic delays. Alternate north and southbound routes are Center and Cooper streets.

As Metrocrest Social Services strives to provide for needy families during the holiday season, the City of Carrollton Fire Department will provide their Stations as collection locations for Metrocrest’s Holiday Store. Donations of toys, teen gifts, food, coats, household items, family gifts and more will be accepted at the drop locations. The boxes will be located in public access areas from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through December 23. No cash will be accepted at the Fire Stations and the Fire Department will not give out donation receipts as the crews are not always in the station. For more information or for a list of suggested food and gift items, please visit metrocrestsocialservices.org.

October 31, 2008

Lake Arlington’s Public Boat Ramps Close November 3
Waters Still Available for Fishing, Paddling Trail

Due to the lack of rainfall this season, Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Department foresees Lake Arlington’s waters reaching the closing level for public boat ramps on Monday, November 3. Closures will be effective for all boat ramps at Richard Simpson Park, Bowman Springs Park and Eugene McCray Park.

“This is a precaution that we take to ensure the safety of Lake Arlington’s visitors and their property,” said Michael Debrecht, Supervisor of Lake Arlington. “The parks will remain open as well as the lake’s other amenities.”

Although the lake’s boat ramps will close, fishing on the lake and the paddling trail will still be available and parks will maintain their normal hours, said Debrecht. Lake passes for the paddling trail are available in the Lake Office located at Richard Simpson Park. Signs will be posted to remind visitors that the public ramps are currently closed.

Rainfall this year to date is nearly nine inches below average, which is the cause of the waters falling to the mark of 541 feet that makes entry from the public boat ramps unsafe. Debrecht predicts that the ramps will open back up once the water level rises back to 542.5 feet.

For more information about the Lake Arlington closure, call Kelly Drawdy at 817-459-6931 or email Kelly.Drawdy@arlingtontx.gov.