Lakewood’s El Chico Restaurant, 2031 Abrams, will celebrate its 50th birthday from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 12 by throwing a 1940s theme party benefiting Lakewood Library’s new Teen Center, scheduled to open in the next three to six months.

Customers will pay 1946 prices while entertained by Big Band-era music, including the tunes of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. Prizes will be awarded for the best 1940s costumes.

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Tickets for the event cost $20, and El Chico hopes to sell 125 tickets, which would mean a $2,500 donation to the library, says El Chico Marketing Director Mike Sick.

Proceeds will help purchase materials for the Teen Center, says Lakewood Branch Manager Betty Brown. The Teen Center is one of two such programs currently under development in Dallas.

“We’re delighted,” Brown says. “It (the money) is going to enable us to do things we wouldn’t be able to do. The center should get off its feet more quickly.”

The Teen Center will include computer equipment and materials relevant to teenagers, Brown says, such as career and college videos, educational games, and paperback books about teen topics. Neighborhood teens will be asked to advise the library about what to buy, Brown says.

“We are really pleased to work with an organization tied so closely with this community,” Sick says. “The Lakewood community has supported us since we introduced Tex-Mex in the ‘40s, and we want to give something directly back to that community.”

Lakewood’s El Chico opened Oct. 12, 1946. It was the second El Chico location to open and is the company’s oldest operating store. The company was founded by members of the Cuellar family, who began their business selling enchiladas and tamales at the Kaufman County Fair.

Lakewood’s El Chico is currently accepting contributions for a community tribute bulletin board, which will be exhibited during the anniversary celebration. Customers can submit nostalgic photographs, news clippings and other neighborhood memories in return for a discount on El Chico food. Entries must be relevant to the Lakewood/East Dallas area and will be displayed with the contributors’ names.

Tickets can be purchased at the Lakewood El Chico or through June Leftwich with Lakewood Library Friends at 826-1811. For information on the Teen Center, call Brown at 670-1376 or visit the library at 6121 Worth.

NEWS & NOTES

HOT RODS

Jerry Eckman’s Race Car Display: The Jerry Eckman Pennzoli NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro-stock race car will be on display at the Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, 6065 E. Mockingbird at Skillman, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 10. The race car team will give away free Jerry Eckman SuperStar cards. Call Bill Jackson at 824-5545 for information.

FESTIVALS

Deep Ellum Street Party: The Deep Ellum Fall Arts Festival is Nov. 1-3. A variety of artists will offer their wares for sale on Main Street. Live music will continue throughout the weekend. Admission is free. Hours are 7-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday.

WORKSHOPS

Fall Firehouse Art Series: A series of fall art workshops being offered through Dec. 21 at the Firehouse, Abrams and Palo Pinto at Lakewood United Methodist Church. Classes include watercolor, photography, jewelry and pillow-making. Christmas classes also are available. Classes are offered in morning, early afternoon and evening sessions one to two times weekly. The program was organized by neighborhood resident Michele Regine. Fifteen percent of tuition payments will be donated to the Firehouse Art Scholarship Outreach. Call 828-1833 for costs and a schedule.

POETRY

Poetry Reading: Emerging poets under age 20 are invited to read from their work at 8 p.m. Oct. 19 at Lakewood’s Paperbacks Plus, 6115 LaVista, during the free event “Young Poets in WordSpace.” To be on the program, call Robert Trammell at 821-9671.

CONCERTS

Lakewood Theatre Goes Country: Steve Holy, a country musician, will perform at the Lakewood Theatre, 1825 Abrams Parkway, at 8 p.m. Oct. 11. Cost is $10. For tickets, call 699-SHOW (7469).

CRAFTS

Crafts from the Heart: Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church, 6445 E. Lovers Lane, presents the Affairs of the Heart Craft Show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 26. The event includes a bake sale and will offer a light lunch. Call 369-9259.

Holiday Bazaar Benefits Food Pantry: White Rock Center of Hope, 9353 Garland, sponsors a holiday craft bazaar from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 17 and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 18-19. The event includes a White Elephant Sale, quilt raffle, silent and live auctions, bake sale, lunch and dinner. Proceeds benefit the center’s food panty, which provides for needy families. Call Rita Boyer at 341-6685.