BEDFORD, Texas - Hundreds of people gathered at Midcities Montessori in Bedford Sunday to take part in a fundraiser to support those impacted by the wildfires in Maui.

Those who attended said the "Aloha Spirit" is alive and well in North Texas.

Thousands of miles away from the Hawaiian islands, the Hawaiian community in North Texas is honoring their heritage.

"We’re people that stick together, through good times, through bad," Pomai Uyehara said.

Uyehara grew up on the big island, but has family on other islands, including Maui. Her uncle lost everything in the wildfires and described the island as apocalyptic.

"Never, never, never, never. It’s paradise. It’s the last thing you think of is this happening," Uyehara said.

Nine years ago, Uyehara and her husband started Pineapple Grill in Hurst.

She knew they had to do something to help, even those who are far away.

"Everybody is excited to come together for such a great cause," she said.

Uyehara put together a fundraiser at Midcities Montessori. The school sold shirts to raise money for children in Maui.

There was also baked goods for sale, silent auction items, and a raffle.

The Pineapple Grill food truck and Aloha Dreams shaved ice served up authentic Hawaiian dishes.

"So, together here in Texas, whether you’re from Hawaii, whether you’ve visited or you just want to help, that’s what this is all about," Uyehara said.

Related

A Colleyville resident who lived in Maui with her roommate said she almost got caught in the wildfires that destroyed parts of Hawaii.

The money raised from the food sales, raffle, and silent auction items will go to help seven families who were directly impacted by the wildfires, like Stephanie and Chester Mahelona’s uncle and nephew.

"We’re very humbled, we’re very humbled," Stephanie said.

Stephanie grew up in Lahaina and her family has lived on the same land for generations.

She told FOX 4 her nephew has three children, and one of them was missing for 48 hours before he was found safe.

She said her uncle’s house on the beach burned to the ground.

North Texas restaurant raises money for Maui

Hundreds of people in North Texas gathered Sunday to support the victims of the Maui wildfires. A restaurant owned by a Hawaiian family hosted a fundraiser in suburban Fort Worth.

"They’re okay physically. It’s going to take them a long time spiritually," she said.

Chester says the Lahaina community will make it happen with aloha.

"If you have an island heritage, you have to learn to live together in harmony otherwise you’re not going to make it," he added.

And he hopes Maui felt the "Aloha Spirit" all the way from Texas.

"It means everything. It’s that "Aloha Spirit" coming out here in Texas. It’s something that you take with you wherever you go," Chester said.

Click here if you would like to help.

Uyehara said she would be able to share how much money they raised for the families later this week.

Brown Reynolds Watford, Architects Inc. (BRW) recently updated the City Council on the Performing Arts Center project. The exterior design and floor plan of the building are close to being finalized, after months of gathering feedback from residents, area arts groups, and monthly meetings with City officials. The facility will be built in the area between the Library and Old Bedford School and will face east.

Floor Plan

In the current plans, the building is proposed to encompass approximately 14,500 square feet, 4,600 square feet of which will be devoted to performance space. The auditorium will provide seating for more than 200 people. With an emphasis on flexibility, the performance area seating will also be retractable for a banquet-type event for up to 264 people.

Outside of the performance space, the plans include dressing rooms, restrooms, two large lobbies, catering area, office space, conference room, green room, and lots of storage.

Function

Based on research and discussions with area performing arts groups, the City anticipates the facility will be in demand for a variety of musical, theatrical, dance, and even spoken word (such as a lecture series) events. Its size, flexibility, and seating capacity are considered sustainable, in that it fills a need for performing arts venues of this size in the area.

To ensure the facility will be attractive to as many performers as possible, the Performing Arts Center will have automated acoustic settings for each type of performance, a retractable blackout curtain to cover the large windows, and flexible seating arrangements.

The Bedford Performing Arts Center will have several places to showcase visual artists’ work as well.

Once complete, the Performing Arts Center is intended to be a focal point for arts and culture in the community, with the surrounding property serving as a gathering place for residents and visitors. The facility will also serve as an economic boost to the area, including the future Bedford Commons development.

Appearance

The exterior of the building will have a unique, modern look, that incorporates a large amount of glass to bring natural light into the facility. It will also include building materials and architectural elements from both the Library and Old Bedford School for consistency. With the help of a landscape architect, the green spaces around the Arts Center will allow for events that use both the inside and outside areas, as well as activities and art.

Parking will be expanded and will meet the City’s parking requirements. At this time, a final number of parking spaces has not been determined and will depend upon the finalized footprint of the building. The Library’s parking lot will also serve as overflow parking for the Arts Center. There will be an additional entrance to the building on the west side, facing the Library.

Funding

In 2017, Bedford residents voted to approve $70 million in bond funds for capital improvements and new facilities. Of that amount, $5.5 million was set aside and allocated for a Performing Arts Center at the Old Bedford School site. This decision was possible due to the ballot language for the bond package that referenced “multi-purpose event facilities.” The measure on the ballot stated, “The issuance of $70,000,000 general obligation bonds for park and recreation facilities improvements (including ball field, aquatic center, and multi-purpose event facilities improvements and other related improvements)."

In May, the Council approved an agreement with BRW to design and oversee construction of the Center, directing the firm not to exceed $10 million in construction costs.

In addition to bond project dollars, the City has several options to fund the remaining portion needed such as Generations Park at Boys Ranch savings, hotel/motel tax revenue, American Rescue Plan Act funds (federal dollars given to cities to use at their discretion), or general fund moneys. The property tax rate will not be affected to fund the remaining portion of the Performing Arts Center.

Next Steps

BRW representatives shared their next steps will be to complete the schematic design, finalize building materials and pricing to ensure it is within the budget Council provided. If the current facility design cannot be built within the pre-determined $10 million construction budget, the design will be modified. In January, BRW will start work on the official construction documents and the City anticipates breaking ground late spring or early summer. It is anticipated to be complete winter 2024.

Community Input

Prior to BRW’s presentation to Council, the City held two informational meetings about the Performing Arts Center’s proposed site plan. The first was held in conjunction with the Library’s October 2021 Beer and Brats event where residents could view the proposed Performing Arts Center site plan, ask questions, and provide their feedback via survey. The second opportunity was a Town Hall meeting in February and comprised of a short presentation followed by a public comment portion. That feedback was provided to BRW Architects to help guide their design.

Prior to those meetings, the City hired Webb Management Services Inc. in 2019 to conduct a feasibility study which would provide an updated perspective on the demand for performing arts spaces in the area. During that study, Webb gathered information from various individuals and organizations, including local and regional arts and cultural groups.

About BRW

BRW Architects has completed more than 400 community projects in approximately 250 Texas communities. Of those 400 buildings, 22 of them are performing arts projects such as concert halls, recital halls, music rehearsal spaces, multi-media theatres, recording studios, black box theatres, theatre arts rehearsal rooms, and special event spaces. Outside of municipal clients, BRW also works for clients such as the University of North Texas and Texas A&M University for their performing art space needs as well.

BRW is partnering with Schuler Shook Associates, one of the foremost theater consulting firms in the country, and Kirkegaard, a nationally recognized company specializing in architectural acoustics, to ensure the Bedford Performing Arts Center is ideal for all performers.

DALLAS — Many families across North Texas will be celebrating July Fourth over the federal holiday weekend. From Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, most major cities in the area will be hosting celebrations and fireworks shows.

Here is what is going on in the DFW area:

Monday, July 3

The Sound at Cypress Waters will host a safe celebration for people and pets who deal with noise sensitivity.

Instead of fireworks, there will be a patriotic laser light show starting at 9:40 p.m.

Before that, you can enjoy the petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, animal education from the Creature Teacher and more. That all starts at 6 p.m.

The city of Arlington has two days of events to look forward to. Their first one kicks off at 6 p.m.

Bands will perform at four stages around downtown between 6-7 p.m. That's in addition to the food trucks, vendors, face painting and a bubble bus.

The firework show will start at 9:50 p.m. from City Tower and will be set to music on 95.9 The Ranch FM.

McKinney's also hosting back-to-back events on Monday and Tuesday.

From 6 to 9:30 p.m., there will be two concerts and a Kids Zone with family activities and food.

The fireworks display will run from 9:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.

You can bring coolers, blankets and lawn chairs to the park. Alcohol, pets, and grilling will not be allowed.

The Family 4th event will take over the Birdville ISD Plaza starting at 5 p.m.

Enjoy the bounce houses, food trucks, and a performance from the Texas All-Star Jazz Orchestra Concert.

At 9:30 p.m., there will be a Fireworks and Drone Show with an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest drone show, so expect over 1,000 drones.

The city of Carrollton will have its annual fireworks show. Its display will last for 15 minutes over Josey Ranch Lake starting at 9:30 p.m.

There will also be an Independence Day concert at the Carrollton Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.

While the party in Addison Circle Park for Addison Kaboom Town is free to attend, the tickets were limited and are sold out this year.

This year's event is taking place Monday, July 3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Now, the only way to guarantee admission to Addison Circle Park is through a hotel package. Guests at any of Addison’s participating hotels can get admission for up to six with each room reservation as well as an entrance through a special ‘fast lane.’ Hotel packages start at $104.

Addison Kaboom Town fireworks are livestreamed online, so those with sensor issues or those with small children and pets can enjoy the show in a quieter and more intimate environment.

Tuesday, July 4

Here's part two to Arlington's festivities.

The Arlington Independence Day Parade is set to kick of at 9 a.m. downtown. It's the largest 4th of July parade in Texas and one of the largest in the U.S.

Want to beat the crowd? Join the Inaugural Firecracker 5K. The course is the same as the parade route, so you could find your spot, go for a run at 7 a.m., then settle in for the parade.

NOTE: The following video was recorded in 2019

The Red, White and BOOM! keeps booming on Tuesday.

McKinney's Hometown Parade will start at 10 a.m., followed by the Yankee Doodle Block Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hit up Fair Park from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

There will be live music, food trucks, local vendors and more.

Later on, you can check out the firework show from either inside the Cotton Bowl Stadium or across Fair Park.

There will be a block party at Old City Park from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., full of food, games and surprises.

Be sure to sign up for a $10 ticket in advance.

Plano's All American 4th festival will be free and open to the public from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The city is celebrating not only the USA's birthday, but also the city's own 150th birthday.

On top of the food and free gifts, there will be a parade at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

The Tarrant Regional Water District will host its 16th annual Independence Day celebration at Panther Island Pavilion.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with free admission. Be ready for a Texas-sized fireworks show topping off the live music, food and kids' activities.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the Chisenhall Sports Complex.

The gates open at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m. Be there for the "Burleson Best" concert at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:20 p.m.

Rowlett's got a lineup for its Fireworks on Main event Tuesday evening.

Three bands will perform back-to-back from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., setting up the fireworks as the show's headlining entertainment.

There will also be food trucks available with a variety of dishes like BBQ and ice cream.

Generations Park is the place to be in Bedford for its Independence Day celebration.

The festival will be free and attendees can bring lawn chairs, blanks, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages (keep in mind, glass containers will not be allowed).

The Inspiration Band will be there to perform while you check out the food trucks, marketplace and kid's zone.

Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. from the park.

The city of Irving has an itinerary for its 4th of July festivities.

It all kicks off with a 9 a.m. parade through the Heritage District, full of all things red, white and blue.

That'll be followed by the Watermelon Social from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Heritage Park. Beat the heat with a cool slice of watermelon and tunes from the Jade Flores Band.

You can do your own thing for the afternoon, then head to the Levy Event Plaza at 6 p.m. Enjoy the food, rides, the kid's area and the live music before the Fireworks and Drone Show takes the skies at 9:15 p.m.

If you're in or near Duncanville, Armstrong Park will be your spot for fireworks.

The celebration runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The band Extended Play will be performing, adding on to the foods and goods at the park on top of the bounce houses.

Fireworks are scheduled to fire off at 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate independence "Dallas Winds style." The orchestra calls the concert their "pedal-to-the-metal, red, white and blue musical salute to mom, apple pie and the American way."

You can also expect hot dogs, ice cream, air conditioning and indoor fireworks.

Trophy Club will have a packed Fourth of July schedule.

Everyone who pre-registered for the Patriot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will hit the ground running (or strolling) at 7:15 a.m.

After the Fun Run awards, the Parade of Patriots kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Both the races and the parade will be held at Byron Nelson High School, so you won't need to go anywhere else for the morning.

The city will have a celebration event starting at 6 p.m. at Independence Park East. Bring chairs, blankets, and money for food (cash or card).

Fireworks will start at around 9:40 p.m.

Other upcoming events:

BOA 2023 enters a new month with five shows on the competitive docket. Let's take a look at who's competing and where/when the shows are taking place.

Dallas Mid-Cities Regional Championship

A slate of nearly thirty ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Dallas Mid-Cities Regional Championship, including Flower Mound HS, Hebron HS, Timber Creek HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 8:00am CT at Pennington Field in HEB ISD in Bedford, TX. There will also be a special exhibition performance by the UNT Green Brigade Marching Band following the last Prelims performance of the day. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm CT, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

Arizona Regional Championship

Over 20 ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Arizona Regional Championship, including Fossil Ridge HS, Clovis HS, Arbor View HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 9:15am MT at J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm MT, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

West Houston Regional Championship

Thirty ensembles will take the field at the 2023 West Houston Regional Championship, including Claudia Taylor Johnson HS, Ronald Reagan HS, Cy-Fair HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 7:15am CT at Legacy Stadium in Katy ISD in Katy, TX. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm CT, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

Memphis Regional Championship

Over twenty ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Memphis Regional Championship, including DeSoto Central HS, Boiling Springs HS, Harrison HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 9:15am ET at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, TN. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm ET, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

Northwest Ohio Regional Championship

Twenty-two ensembles will take the field at the 2023 Northwest Ohio Regional Championship, including Jenison HS, Lebanon HS, Worthington Kilbourne HS, and more. Prelims competition will begin at 9:45am ET at Glass Bowl Stadium at the University of Toledo in Toledo, OH. Following the conclusion of Prelims, the stadium will be cleared and Finals competition will start back up at 7:00pm ET, with the gate reopening at 6:30pm.

BEDFORD, Texas — The Cajun Market, the Colleyville restaurant that closed in October due to the "pandemic and the current economy," reopened under a new brand just in time for Mardi Gras celebrations.

"You’re not coming into my restaurant, you’re coming into my house," owner Phil Tullis said. "That’s how I want you to feel."

WFAA first told you about The Cajun Market in February 2021 when they donated hot meals to Ellery Arbor Memory Care when the facility had no power, heat or hot water.

But then, a little over two years after Tullis and his wife, Deborah, opened the Colleyville restaurant, the couple closed its doors, citing the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want to be transparent. We want people to know the struggles we've been through because if we all help one another, we all succeed,” Tullis told WFAA in October. “That's the bottom line.”

Enter Dirk Kelcher, a “regular” at The Cajun Market before it closed.

“I’ve always loved Cajun food,” Kelcher said. “We have family friends that were from Louisiana growing up and they would always do crawfish boils in their backyard. And ever since I was probably 8 years old or so, I fell in love with crawfish and Cajun food."

Kelcher and his brother are behind Kelcher Entertainment Group and own 12 bars and restaurants, including two locations of Bourbon Street Bar & Grill in Bedford and The Colony.

“We found out pretty quick that we didn’t have the culinary side that we really needed,” Kelcher said.

So when Kelcher heard about The Cajun Market closing, he gave Tullis a call.

“What I didn’t have, they had,” Tullis said of Bourbon Street Bar & Grill’s bar, restaurant space and parking.

“He had what I don’t have, which was the food side and the authentic Cajun food, which he was already well known for,” Kelcher said.

The newly branded Cajun Market at Bourbon Street was born.

“We’ve definitely got the right partnership together now,” Kelcher said. “I think we’ve got everything together to make this a home run.”

Two Louisiana restaurants teaming up to succeed in North Texas: Now that’s something to celebrate.

“They can expect the old Cajun Market,” Tullis said. “Cajun and Mardi Gras, it’s not just the food. It’s the culture. And the culture’s all about fun and food.”