Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival
Richardson, Texas

When: mid to late May

Where: US 75 and Galatyn Parkway in Richardson, Texas.

Move to the groove of rock, R&B and country melodies as the city of Richardson hosts a three-day-long fete that has grown from its floral-inspired origins into a spring fling worth singing about.

Attractions: A crowd over 55,000 strong is expected to gather around the two main outdoor stages to rock to tunes from established artists and discover up-and-coming local acts during the Wildflower! Performing Songwriter Contest, held at the Countrywide Theatre in the Eisemann Theater for Performing Arts.

Festival attendees can take a 45-minute musical time trip to "The Dark Side of The Moon" as Paramount's Original LaserSpectacular pulses to the beat of Pink Floyd. The longest touring theater show in history, this psychedelic display has consistently played to sold out audiences during its 18-year run.

A virtual potpourri of performers ranging from tumblers to tap dancers offer a Big Top atmosphere as visitors stroll among the grounds. The Calypso beat of a steel drum band or the jubilant jazz sounds of a Dixieland band accompanies visitors as they browse among the vendor booths in the Wild! Marketplace, and attendees can marvel at the grace of a stilt dancer or juggler before heading to the Taste of Texas Food Court for a heaping helping of Lone Star fare.

Children's Activities: At the Nortel Kidz Korner, music-loving moppets will feel like The Next Big Thing when they step up to the mic at the rock star karaoke stage, while athletically-inclined young ones become king of the mountain when they climb to the top of a rock wall. Inside a butterfly habitat tent children can unlock the mystery of a butterfly's transformation and watch as 150 species native to the state flit from flower to flower, while over at the petting zoo kids can make a new four-footed friend. Texas tykes will have boundless fun jumping in the bounce houses, and bead jewelry created by their own hands will be a colorful memento of their day at the festival.

For more information:
• visit www.wildflowerfestival.com