41st Lakewood Home Festival Ain’t Baroque: ‘A Royal Soiree Slated’ for Nov. 10

This year’s Lakewood Home Festival kicks off Nov. 10 at the annual auction party. The theme is “A Royal Soiree.” (Courtesy Photo)

Lakewood Early Childhood PTA members strolled up and down the tree-lined streets of East Dallas at the annual Lakewood Fourth of July parade, and though the celebration was all about our nation’s independence, there was more than one reason to let them eat cake — the announcement of the Lakewood Home Festival’s Auction Party theme, “A Royal Soiree.”

The party, hosted by presenting sponsor Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, will kickoff the Lakewood Home Festival and tour weekend at the Hilton Anatole on Nov. 10. The party, a fundraiser for LECPTA and the neighborhood’s Dallas ISD campuses, runs from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and almost always sells out in a flash. 

This year’s Lakewood Home Festival will feature 6708 Lakewood Blvd.

“We’re excited for everyone to step back in time to explore the beautiful Gardens of Versailles and gather in the majestic throne room to celebrate and help raise funds that will enhance our children’s
education,” said LECPTA Party Co-Chair Courtney Bock Mathews. “The iconic French fashion trends that emerged in the 1780s continue to inspire contemporary designers today.”

This “can’t miss” event of the season will feature both live and silent auctions. Making its royal debut this year is a seated dinner banquet fit for a king and queen included in the ticket price. Guests will also have an option to upgrade to a reserved table with special perks. Guests can dress in their best royal court attire.

Costumes can range from King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette to a classic Baroque dress and court members including jesters and serving waitresses. Ball gowns and cocktail attire are also welcome at court. Dallas area favorite entertainment band Limelight, an Emerald City Band will get the crowd on their feet with chart toppers and classic hits.

The Lakewood Home Festival, which supports local neighborhood schools, kicks off Friday, Nov. 10 with “A Royal Soirée” auction party, followed by the annual home tour on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The candlelight tour sponsored by Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate will take place on Saturday evening, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Home tour tickets range in price from $15 to $30 and will be available at select locations and at www.lakewoodhomefestival.com.

Party tickets will be $150. The party ticket includes an “all-weekend pass” with access to the home tour and candlelight tour. The annual auction party sells out every year and generates a significant
portion of funds raised, in part through ticket sales, and also via live and silent auctions. Each year, local businesses and community partners donate generous offerings to fit every budget.

Hosted by the LECPTA, the Lakewood Home Festival is a community-wide event that raises funds for Lakewood Elementary School, J.L. Long Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School. The funds directly benefit students through the purchase of school materials, computers and enrichment programs. Attended by thousands of patrons annually, the Lakewood Home Festival has raised millions of dollars for local schools since 1976. Last year’s festival, alone, raised over $184,000 for the three schools.

Whether or not they attend the auction party, visitors to the Lakewood Home Festival can tour a diverse selection of inspiring Lakewood homes throughout the weekend.