A gala was held last week at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to celebrate the opening of SkyLink.
The event was billed as a "Taste of the World." Guests were invited to ride trains to several airport stations, each featuring a different ethnic food.
But the dominant theme was Texas, especially at Terminal E. Barbecue was the main course in the concourse, part of which was blocked off so guests could roam without mingling with travelers.
The classically Texas line of the night came from Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, an airport board member.
He referred to the trains as "critters" while talking to reporters about how SkyLink would change the airport's global image.
"We've got those blue critters going in all directions, and everyone will understand why this is one of the busiest airports in the world," he said.
The SkyLink party drew about 2,000 guests to Terminal E, reinvigorating a place that has resembled a ghost town since Delta Air Lines closed its hub in January.
Decorations included a Western-themed storefront called Dry Gulch Saloon.
The decorations were very popular with some guests, who suggested that they become a permanent part of Terminal E, which could be refashioned as a tourist attraction.
"It looks like Six Flags in here," one guest said.
The SkyLink system, which will open May 21, and Terminal D, which will open in July, cost a combined $2.8 billion.
After all the hubbub about those projects last week, Brake Time wonders how long it will be before D/FW officials get antsy and decide to build Terminal F, too.
One of the best-kept secrets in Grapevine is the Texas 114 exit at Business 114, a little-used shortcut.
A year ago, the city rechristened the road Texan Trail in the hope that it would become a gateway for visitors to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Lake Grapevine.
Overhead signs were recently installed on Texas 114 to reflect the new name.
