Featured in: Weatherford Democrat
Written by: Autumn Owens

After success the inaugural year, Willow Park Palooza is coming back from 1-6 p.m. on April 27 at The Shops at Willow Park and will be bigger than before.

“As The Shops at Willow Park really started coming to fruition a couple of years ago, we wanted to come up with an event that would let people know that we’re out there and really just help with getting that community feel and be able to provide something that’s fun for the entire family,” Kristin Thomas, who does marketing for Wilks Development and The Shops at Willow Park, said. “Last year was kind of a test run and it was pretty successful for our first event and that’s why we’re keeping on with it, and expanding on it as well.”

Julie Harding-Wiley who coordinates events with Wilks Development — the developer of The Shops — said there will more activities this year.

“We are adding more activities such as bounce houses, more face painters, balloon artists and more vendors to do games and other activities,” Harding-Wiley said. “The city of Willow Park will be back with their fire truck to do a fun little simulations with the kids where they actually get to shoot water at a house, and they’re going to have one of their police cruisers there this year, which will be new. Hank FM will be out there from 3-5 p.m. and they do a lot of games, prizes and crafts for the kids, and obviously music. So there will be a lot of different things we’re adding in.”

WP’s Communications and Marketing Specialist Rosealee Kertok said the city appreciates the excellent job The Shops does promoting Willow Park as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

“WP Palooza is a fantastic event for Willow Park. Not only does it provide our citizens a chance for interaction with each other, it brings visitors to Willow Park who can see for themselves the wonderful things happening in the city,” Kertok said. “Events such as these help promote our local businesses, which also benefits our residents. The city of Willow Park will be participating in the event — our fire department will return with the same demonstration they had last year, which was a big hit. The city itself will also have a presence. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Harding-Wiley said the games and other activities for children and families will be free.

“Anything for purchase would be food and beverages, and vendors that have items for sale,” Harding-Wiley said. “I’m excited to bring the community to The Shops at Willow Park and do something fun for everyone in the family. We can entertain them almost all day, and that’s the goal.”

Harding-Wiley said they will also be working with the city to help with traffic flow.

“We will have a map that we will post on social media and the website of a layout of The Shops and where the various activities will be as well as additional parking noted,” Harding-Wiley said. “We are working with the city of Willow Park, especially with the construction on Mikus Road, to ensure we have good traffic flow and there aren’t any issues with that.”

For more information visit The Shops at Willow Park Facebook page or theshopsatwillowpark.com. 

Click here to see the article.