Now for the good news. This Saturday’s “Walk for Literacy & Education Fair” will continue on despite rotten weather. It’s going to take place at Fair Park starting at 9. You’ve got that worried look on your face. Relax. There’s a backup plan! It’ll take place in the Coliseum.

Now for the dry activities scheduled throughout the day hosted by Charles Haley, Derrick “DJ” O’Hara Johnson, and Kelvin Edwards:

• 5K Walk
• Karaoke competition with $600 cash prize
• Storytelling
• American Diabetes Association will provide information on children’s and adults’ obesity
• Methodist Hospital will screen for prostate cancer, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar for men
• The Agricultural Extension will provide nutrition and food facts
• Carter Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations
• Storytelling
• Presentation and book signing of Stoplight Phonics by author Nikisha Jackson, a multi-sensory early reading readiness kit which has been awarded the “2010 Mom’s Choice Gold Award”
• Housing and Urban Development and several mortgage companies will discuss home buying, avoiding foreclosures, and rental assistance
• Deborah Dennis, author of of The Road to Credit Repair, will be signing her book
• Saxophonist Jeff Aycock
• Mini-flea market with vendors selling arts and crafts

“Walk for Literacy” will  benefit the TOY (Teacher of the Year) Foundation, a non-profit organization that commends educators from the southern sector of the Dallas Independent School District; provides students with scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and offers grant funding to select teachers to continue to inspire and improve their educational strategies.

First, think back to last Thursday when streets were starting to look like obstacle courses for dog sled teams.

Now, let’s get on with what was transpiring behind the scenes at the DSO.

As the afternoon proved challenging for everyone, Doug started getting calls from various DSO musicians who were trapped at homes or having major no-go relationships with their cars. The tipping point was the call from principal trumpter Ryan Anthony, whose car was definitely having issues but was trying his best to make it to the Meyerson.

It was then that Doug had to discuss the likelihood of whether the show would go on with maestro Jaap van Zweeden with musicians like Ryan taking risky chances to come through.

Why then was Ryan’s presence so pressing? Well, if you’ll check your Rachmaninoff Symphony #2, you know that the trumpet is essential. Think Camelot without Lancelot or discussing Michaelangelo without mentioning the Sistine Chapel.

After being presented with the situation, the ever charming and savvy Jaap told Doug that he appreciated his involving him on the decision but unless Doug could play the trumpet, the decision was a fait accompli.

Doug spent the rest of the evening at the door apologizing to very understanding patrons. Perhaps he should sign up for some trumpet lessons over at Booker T.