DALLAS - July 4, 2017 – “Les Lakewood” transformed into the Palace of Versailles today. The theme of the auction party that will kick off this year’s 41st Annual Lakewood Home Festival presented by Comerica Bank® was unveiled at today’s Lakewood Fourth of July parade with an 18th century- themed float. The royal court marched down the parade route as Lakewood Early Childhood Parent Teacher Association (LECPTA) members, their spouses and children thrilled crowds by throwing Pixy Stix and candy bracelets and handing out fans.

This year’s “A Royal Soirée” auction party hosted by presenting sponsor Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate will open its doors on Friday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Hotel at 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy. The auction party sells out every year, so guests should buy tickets early. Doors will close at 12:30 a.m.

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.

“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.”

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. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The candlelight tour sponsored by Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate will take place on Saturday evening from 7 p.m. – 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. Check out a sneak preview of one of the homes that will be featured on this year’s home tour – 6708 Lakewood Blvd.

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.

Advocate Magazine is proud to serve as the official media sponsor of the Lakewood Home Festival. Additional funds for the Lakewood Home Festival are provided by an array of sponsors, plus home tour ticket sales. To find out about available sponsorships, please contact underwriting@lecpta.org.

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. Visit www.lakewoodhomefestival.com for more information.

About Lakewood Early Childhood PTA

Founded in 1952, the LECPTA is an organization for parents with children from birth to elementary age, as well as expectant parents, living in Dallas communities east of I-75, south of Lovers Lane, west of Grand Avenue, and north of I-30. Its mission is to enrich the lives of neighborhood children by developing relationships among families and supporting local schools. In addition to fundraising, LECPTA holds several social events throughout the year for members and their families. For more information, please visit www.lecpta.org or follow our news and photos using #lakewoodhomefestival2017 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lakewoodhomefestival, www.facebook.com/lecpta and on Instagram at LakewoodHomeFestival and LECPTA.