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What to know before attending Allen 150 Fest this Saturday

The city of Allen is celebrating a milestone anniversary with a community event this weekend. Here’s what attendees need to know before heading to Allen 150 Fest.

The overview: The event is April 25 from 3-9 p.m. in downtown Allen, 150 E. Main St. Admission is free. Allen 150 Fest will include live music, historical displays, a live mural competition, a car rally, a family-friendly carnival, food trucks and more, according to a city Facebook post.

Here’s a look at the day’s live music lineup:

  • Ioni Creek String Band, 3:15 p.m., main stage
  • Mike and the Middletones, 4 p.m., center stage
  • The Windbreakers, 4:30 p.m., main stage
  • Mariachi Arraigo de America, 5:30 p.m., center stage
  • Diamond West, 6 p.m., main stage
  • Emerald City All-Stars, 7:30 p.m. main stage

Transportation and parking: Most streets and parking lots surrounding the event will be closed to traffic, per the city’s website. A free, wheelchair-accessible shuttle service will be available starting at 2 p.m.

 
now open
Playa Bowls now offering smoothies, juices in Allen

Playa Bowls celebrated the grand opening of its Allen location mid-April, franchise owner David Butler said.

Zoom in: The business sells smoothie bowls, smoothies, juices and cold brew, according to its website. Playa Bowls also has a location in Southlake and a location coming soon to McKinney.

  • 1480 N. Custer Road, Ste. 150, Allen

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
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Ciao Sweets and Gelato now open in Richardson

Ciao Sweets and Gelato is now open in Richardson. The European-style pastry shop offers a range of desserts, including cannolis, tarts, macarons, cheesecake and gelato, as well as crepes, waffles and coffee.


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Habitat Plants + Coffee to open Plano location

Habitat Plants + Coffee is set to open a new location in Plano. The shop will serve a variety of beverages, including coffee and tea, while also selling live plants, apparel and more.

“We are known for our specialty coffee, house-made syrups and healthy houseplants,” owner Karina Velez said.

The original Habitat is located in downtown McKinney and underwent an expansion earlier this year.


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CI Texas
Texans can purchase emergency supplies tax-free April 25-27

The overview: Texans are expected to save millions in sales taxes on emergency supplies—everything from tarps to generators—during an annual tax holiday April 25-27.

How it works: The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. April 24 and lasts until midnight April 27.

Texans are expected to save about $2.4 million in state and local taxes, according to the comptroller’s office. Last year, Texans saved about $2.3 million, agency spokesperson Kevin Lyons said.

According to the comptroller’s office, items qualify for the tax exemption if they are priced at:

  • Less than $75 for items including household batteries, fuel containers, flashlights, smoke detectors, tarps and first aid kits
  • Less than $300 for hurricane shutters and emergency ladders
  • Less than $3,000 for portable generators

 

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Shelbie Hamilton
Editor

Miranda Talley
General Manager

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