Mesquite, TX - March 14, 2019 - There is always something new to learn during Historic Mesquite, Inc.’s (HMI) annual Mesquite Meander and this year is no different. For nine years now, HMI and Mesquite Community Theater have created a historical stroll through Mesquite Cemetery. Both groups promise to make this May’s production just as fresh and informational as the first one.
“We use the Meander as a way to present a history lesson about the early residents who helped build our community in a unique and entertaining way,” said Susan Cumby, event director of Historic Mesquite, Inc. (HMI). “Actors portray late residents who rest in this cemetery and tell their stories from what might be their own perspective.”
The event will be held Friday, May 17, with 10 tours - the first tour starting at 7 p.m. and the last one beginning at 8:30 p.m. The docent-led tours are held to no more than 16 people each to assure all can hear the actors and that all can comfortably walk through the grounds.
On Saturday, May 18, tours start at 6:30 p.m. and will continue until the last one starts at 8 p.m. Each tour has a 10-minute interval between them. For instance, if someone wants tickets for the first tour on Friday, they would purchase tickets for the 7 p .m. tour; another tour would not start behind them until 7:10 p.m. and so on.
The HMI board and cast hope to conduct the event in the historic 1892 cemetery for both nights. Only if Mesquite experiences inclement weather will the event move inside to Lakeside Activity Center for a “theater-in-the-round” experience. Ticketholders will be contacted should that happen.
While the event setting in Mesquite Cemetery is a very peaceful and serene one, many people might have problems negotiating the uneven ground. Please wear comfortable shoes and, if in a wheelchair or using a walker, an assistant will be available to help. Mosquitoes can also be a problem in May. HMI will have some products on hand for use and the City’s Health Division will spray prior to the event.
“It is a top goal of ours to teach the importance of preserving our cemeteries,” said Helen Ethridge, chairwoman of Historic Mesquite, Inc. (HMI) “These hallowed grounds hold the connection to our past and serve as outdoor museums. We highlight the Mesquite Cemetery with this event in hopes that people will respect it and pass that respect along to future generations.”
The Mesquite Cemetery is located at 400 Holley Park Dr., near City Lake Park. If it becomes necessary to use Lakeside Activity Center, it is located at 101 Holley Park Dr. Tickets are $10 and go on sale April 16. The event is not age-appropriate for those under 7. Tickets may be purchased by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover), check or cash at the HMI office, 711 E. Kearney St., during regular business hours; by credit card via telephone at (972) 216-6468; or if mail order is preferred, call the office to confirm a date and time before submitting a check, made out to the organization, and mailed to: PO Box 850137, Mesquite, TX 75185-0137.
All ticket sales are final. The cast and crew will make every attempt to perform the entire tour should the threat of rain arise.