Howdy Frisco -
If you've ever wanted to be Marilyn Monroe, your moment has arrived. More on that below.
Also, my baby boy decided 4 a.m. was an acceptable wake-up time yesterday, so if today's newsletter feels a little extra caffeinated... blame him.
Let's get into it.
🍗 The Colonel Is Getting A Makeover, And McKinney Goes First
KFC just announced its biggest brand overhaul in 74 years and the very first "next-gen" location in the entire country is opening near Yum! Brands HQ in McKinney this summer.
Here's what's changing:
New restaurant design called "Open House," with a more open layout that's supposed to feel less drive-thru-fast-food and more like an actual place you'd want to sit down
More boneless chicken and tenders, plus 20+ dipping sauces (chimichurri ranch and hot honey habanero are the ones that caught my eye)
A new drink lineup under "KWENCH by KFC," think sparkling lemonades, boba refreshers and specialty shakes
No exact opening date yet, but I'll update y'all the second I see drywall going up.
💇♀️ Aveda Has Closed Its Doors At Stonebriar Centre
A quieter story, but worth flagging if you're a regular: Aveda's location at Stonebriar Centre officially closed June 27. The spot offered hair, skin and body care services and products.
The good news is Aveda products are still available online, so this isn't a total loss if you're loyal to a specific shampoo. But it's one more storefront change at Stonebriar, which feels like it's had more turnover lately than my toddler's opinion on what counts as "spicy" food.
If you know what's replacing it, reply and tell me. I want to be first to report it before Community Impact does.
👑 North Texas Wants Its Best Marilyn Monroe
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is hosting a Marilyn Monroe Look-Alike Contest on July 11, and the prize pool is genuinely solid:
🥇 First place: $500 cash, a merch basket, four attraction tickets, and a spot in the 2027 Ripley's Annual
🥈 Second place: $250 cash plus merch and tickets
🥉 Third place: $100 cash plus merch and tickets
Contestants get judged on resemblance, stage presence and a red carpet walk where they perform a Marilyn song. The real draw though is Marilyn's actual "Happy Birthday Mr. President" dress will be on display, the same one she wore for JFK in 1962 that Ripley's bought for $4.8 million back in 2016.
My toddlers are a little young to appreciate the historical significance, but I will absolutely be explaining to my four year old why a sparkly dress costs more than our first house. Registration is open now on Ripley's site if you've been told your whole life you look like a Hollywood icon.
📝 Texas Approves A Major Rewrite Of Social Studies Standards
This one's bigger picture, but it'll eventually touch every Frisco ISD classroom, so I want you to have the facts.
The State Board of Education voted June 26 to approve a sweeping rewrite of what Texas students learn in social studies, shifting toward a more Texas and U.S. centered curriculum. The new standards won't actually hit classrooms until the 2030-31 school year, starting in elementary grades and rolling out to older grades after that.
A few things worth knowing:
The board cut some standards related to slavery and Jim Crow era segregation, including a previous requirement to teach about the role of slavery's expansion in causing the Civil War
The vote split along party lines, 10 Republicans in favor, 5 Democrats against
Frisco's own SBOE representative, Evelyn Brooks, raised concerns during deliberations about whether the board was overstepping into writing curriculum rather than knowledge standards
I'll keep you posted as more rolls out.
📅 YOUR WEEK IN FRISCO
Tuesday, June 30
🎩 Magic Workshop (Final Session) | Frisco Library, Creativity Commons | 11AM - 12:30PM | The last session in the summer magic series for teens (grades 6-12). Covers sleight of hand, misdirection and presentation. Registration required. Free.
Wednesday, July 1
⚽ Party on the Pitch | Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star, 5 Cowboys Way | 6PM
The US takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina in an international friendly. Big screen, match day atmosphere, full fan setup. Kickoff is at 7PM. Free to attend. Wear your red, white and blue.
Friday, July 3
🎮 Red, White & Play Fest | Dave & Buster's, 2601 Preston Rd. | 10AM | Unlimited video game play, an All-American BBQ Banquet (grilled chicken, sliders, hot dogs) from 6-9PM, live music, and a Pretzel Dog Eating Contest. Ticketed event.
🐾 Paws & Stripes | Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Pkwy | 6PM - 10PM | Bring your dog. Seriously. Check-in opens at 6PM. Free to watch. Register at FriscoFreedomFest.org.
💑 Date Night at Kaleidoscope Park | Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Pkwy | 7PM - 9PM | BYOB, live music, wine tastings, lawn games and craft activities. Monthly on the first Friday. Free.
Saturday, July 4
🏃 Party in the USA 5K | Harold Bacchus Community Park, 13995 Main St | 8AM | New location this year. All runners get a sleeveless commemorative tee, custom finisher medal and chip timing. Register at FriscoFreedomFest.org.
🥬 4th of July at Frisco Fresh Market | 9215 John W. Elliott Dr | 11AM - 3PM | Free shark-themed water slide and bounce house, live music from NAMS Frisco, BBQ, hot dogs, sliders, vegan options, lemonades and ice cream. Free admission.
🤠 Texas Traditions: Texas Animals | Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Pkwy | 6PM - 9PM | Part of the weekly Texas Traditions series. This week's theme is Texas Animals, with a petting zoo, live music, food trucks and family activities.
⚽ Summer Saturdays: Round of 16 | Ford Center at The Star, 9 Cowboys Way | All day
Watch the World Cup Round of 16 on the big screen at Tostitos Championship Plaza. Interactive mini soccer pitch, globally inspired food specials and themed activations throughout The Star District. Free.
🎆 Frisco Freedom Fest | Frisco Heritage Center, 6455 Page St | 6PM - 10PM | The city's official Independence Day celebration. One of the largest firework finales in North Texas. Veterans and military honored. Free.
🎇 4th of July at Elevate Life Church | 8500 Teel Pkwy | 7PM | Fireworks, inflatables, rides, face painting, balloon artists and food trucks. Family friendly. Free. Bring your lawn chairs.
