Citizens Fire Academy
Thursdays, February 27 – April 1 | 6-9 p.m.
Applications are currently being accepted for the upcoming Citizens Fire Academy. The class includes CPR and fire extinguisher training, live demonstrations, ride-along opportunities, and a tour of the North Texas Emergency Communications Dispatch Center.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be age 18 years or older
• Pass a background check
• Currently live, work, attend school, or volunteer in Farmers Branch
For more information, and to apply, email firesafety@farmersbranchtx.gov.
Holiday Collection Schedule
Christmas and New Year’s Day: The only route that will be impacted is west of I-35. Wednesday garbage collection (recycling is on Saturday) will move to Thursday. All other services will remain the same.
New Trash Fee
Beginning January 2025, the City will begin assessing the approved solid waste fee for the future- and post-closure maintenance of the City-owned Camelot Landfill. The monthly cost will be $5 per residence.
Senior or disabled residents can apply for a reduced monthly fee of $2.50 per residence. Residents that wish to apply need to complete a form demonstrating they meet the eligibility requirements.
To learn more, visit farmersbranchtx.gov/utilityfee.
Branch Review
CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS
Want to give back, have your voice heard and help lead the City?
Calling all Farmers Branch registered voters who want to serve their community!
The following Boards and Commissions serve an important function in helping to mold public policy decisions for our community:
• Animal Shelter Advisory Committee
• Arts & Culture Committee
• Historical Preservation & Restoration Board
• Library Board
• Municipal Drainage System Advisory Committee
• Parks & Recreation Board
• Planning & Zoning Commission
• Senior Advisory Board
• Sustainability Committee
• Zoning Board of Adjustment & Building Code Board of Appeals Applications are now being accepted to serve on any of nearly a dozen Boards and Commissions. Apply at fbboards.com or call City Hall at (972) 247-3131 for more information.
help Spread the Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is about generosity, and nothing demonstrates that more than giving to those in need.
In that spirit, Metrocrest Services, a nonprofit that provides resources to families and seniors in Farmers Branch, is hosting multiple donation drives.
The organization is currently collecting children’s toys, items for teenagers, food for families, and winter coats for all ages, as well as accepting financial donations. You can get involved by making an individual donation or by hosting your own donation drive. Visit metrocrestservices.org/holidays to find a drop-off location, to download a toolkit for starting your own drive, or to make a virtual contribution.
Saturday, December 7 | 6 - 10 p.m.
Farmers Branch Historical Park | Free
Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland! The park will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday season, featuring live performances by Stargazer and Lady Diamond, along with local schools.
The event will include carnival rides like the Ballistic Swing, the American Classic Train, Star Gazer, Tubs of Fun, and a mini carousel. Plus, don’t miss Dasher’s Silent Disco for a unique dancing experience, a spectacular holiday drone show, and a fireworks finale.
Admission is free, and parking will be located at 12300 Ford Rd.
FELIZ NAVIDOG
Friday, December 6 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Barney Wood Bark Park | Free
Join us for a furr-tastic, doggy-friendly Christmas celebration filled with food, vendors and plenty of photo ops!
SWEET HOLIDAY STORYTIME
Tuesday, December 10 | 6 p.m.
Manske Library | All ages | Free
Experience a relaxing story time in your PJs while enjoying some cookies and juice.
POLAR EXPRESS PANCAKES & PAJAMAS
Saturday, December 14 | 9 - 11 a.m.
Community Recreation Center $8 for residents; $12 for non-residents
Join us for a morning of holiday cheer! Enjoy hot pancakes, bacon, sausage and your choice of Starbucks coffee, milk or orange juice. Santa will be present for photos and visits, while Mrs. Claus will be reading Christmas stories.
CHRISTMAS RIBBIT READING
Christmas Exhibit Tours
December 7, 14 & 21 | Noon
December 13 & 30 | 6 & 7 p.m.; lantern-led Farmers Branch Historical Park
$5 per person; ticket required
Fall down the rabbit hole and step into this year’s exhibit, A Celebration of Christmas: Alice’s Adventures in a Winter Wonderland.
The holiday will come alive as you tour the Queen Anne Victorian Cottage, where each period room has been transformed into fanciful vignettes adapted from Lewis Carroll’s 1865 classic tale, and marvel at the lush and whimsical Christmas decorations.
Santa Makes House Calls
December 9 - 24 | 6:30 - 9 p.m.
$30 for residents; $34 for non-residents
Santa will visit your home to deliver gifts! Gifts must be provided in advance by parents. Each visit is up to 15 minutes long, and Santa enters through the front door.
Monday, December 16 | 6 p.m. | Free & Online
Join us on the Aquatics Center Instagram page, @fbh20, for a livestreamed holiday storytime.
SANTA & COOKIES
Wednesday, December 18 | 5 -7 p.m.
Manske Library | Free
Enjoy fun activities, munch on some delicious cookies while you make a holiday craft, and meet the one and only Santa!
CHRISTMAS CRAFT
Thursday, December 19 | 6:30 p.m.
Manske Library | Free
Come see our Glowforge laser cutter in action and make your own Christmas ornament! 16
Time slots are available from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and the residence must be within a five-mile radius of the Recreation Center. To register, call 972-247-4607 or visit the Rec Center.
