One thing that city of Garland residents can be sure of is that the city’s staff can throw a great party! Saturday, Oct. 14, an estimated 10,000 visitors
converged on the redesigned downtown square to celebrate its grand opening.
There was fun for the whole family that included activities such as live music, Pro BMX and skateboard riders, remote-control cars, pro bass fishermen, lawn games and more. There was also an informative exhibit that traced the history of the square. And many attendees enjoyed a scavenger hunt in which they learned even more about the downtown area while having fun and winning prizes! Beautiful Miss Asia International winners strolled through the crowd. In addition, musicians and lion dancers wowed everyone with their costumes and performances. All the downtown businesses and restaurants were open and there was a variety of food trucks from which to choose. In addition, some downtown businesses showed off new facades and neon signs.
Current Mayor Scott LeMay, several past mayors and current and past City Council members were on-hand for the downtown 
square ribbon cutting ceremony.
The party included a spectacular drone show that depicted some of the city’s most popular places and amenities. Some of those included in the drone show were Firewheel Golf Course, John Comer Skatepark, Lake Ray Hubbard and Garland’s status as the Cowboy Hat Capitol of Texas.
Everyone enjoyed live music all day that culminated in the evening with a concert by Garland’s own LeAnn Rimes. She talked about being glad to be back home in Garland and how she had performed at the Garland Opry as a preteen.
Congratulations to everyone involved in planning this celebration. An undertaking of this magnitude calls for a huge amount of hard work and dedication. A sincere thank you to the city’s staff for shining a bright, positive light on Garland and for the opportunity to have a great time and celebrate the new square.
Another thank you to the many volunteers, downtown businesses, performers, vendors and others that made this celebration a success!