Historic Tree Celebration Finds New Roots at Glade Parks
The beloved Arbor Daze Festival, a cornerstone of Euless community life for over 25 years, is writing its next chapter with a move to the bustling Glade Parks area. Set for April 26, 2025, at 2701 Rio Grande Blvd., this year’s celebration promises to blend cherished traditions with exciting new features that reflect the growing city’s evolution.
As a 30+ year recipient of the “Tree City USA” designation, Euless has used the festival as more than just a celebration—it’s been a vital force in urban forest conservation. Since its inception, the festival has facilitated the planting of over 150,000 trees, making a significant impact on the local tree canopy at a time when urban green spaces face mounting challenges.
“This year’s festival represents both growth and roots,” says the event organizers, who anticipate more than 8,000 visitors at the new location. The 2025 edition marks several firsts, including the introduction of a dedicated beer garden and an expanded arts and crafts vendor area, signaling the festival’s adaptation to modern community needs while maintaining its core mission of environmental stewardship.
The festival’s signature tree giveaway continues, with attendees receiving free red oak saplings while supplies last. This tradition directly addresses the declining urban tree canopy, offering residents a tangible way to contribute to their city’s green future.
Entertainment at this year’s festival spans both traditional and contemporary offerings. The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, a crowd favorite that has toured internationally for over 33 years, will demonstrate historical logging techniques and host competitive events including log rolling, axe throwing, and the crowd-pleasing “muscle versus machine” chainsaw races.
In a nod to Euless’s diverse cultural fabric, the Euless Tongan Community Committee will host performances and displays celebrating the city’s vibrant Tongan heritage. This cultural showcase exemplifies how Arbor Daze has grown beyond its environmental roots to become a true celebration of community identity.
The festival’s embrace of modern entertainment continues with its second-ever drone show, scheduled for 8:30 PM above Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk at Glade Parks. The performance, created by Sky Elements, will incorporate Euless-themed elements, merging technology with local pride.
For families, the expanded Kid Zone offers free amenities including photo booths, wax hands, balloon artists, face painting, and carnival games. The popular “Touch a Truck” exhibit returns, allowing children to explore vehicles from the city’s Police, Fire, Public Works, and Parks departments.
Local businesses have shown strong support for the festival’s evolution, with various sponsorship tiers available for community partners. The move to Glade Parks has attracted increased interest from local vendors and artisans, who will showcase their creations in a dedicated marketplace.
The festival maintains its commitment to accessibility—admission is free, though certain attractions like carnival rides will have associated costs. To ensure a family-friendly atmosphere, the event maintains traditional restrictions on outside alcohol, pets (excluding service animals), and recreational equipment like bicycles and skateboards.
As Euless continues to grow and change, Arbor Daze 2025 stands as a testament to how communities can honor their traditions while embracing progress. The festival’s new location and expanded offerings suggest that, like the trees it champions, this celebration continues to put down deeper roots while reaching ever higher.
For those interested in contributing to this community celebration, volunteer opportunities are available in various areas, including the Kid Zone and tree giveaway. The festival runs from morning until the drone show finale at 8:30 PM, with organizers recommending that attendees bring lawn chairs and blankets for the day’s entertainment.
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