The weather was cool, the music was great, and the entertainment was better than ever. That was the consensus of Winter Texans attending Mission’s 10th Annual Winter Texan Fiesta. Over 3,200 free sack lunches were distributed to the crowd by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event each year. Leo Pena Plazita in downtown Mission was filled with lawn chairs as Winter Texans arrived early to stake out their positions for what became a standing room only event.
Cowboy Poet Rich Bellert acted as emcee and recited cowboy poems to the audience while the acts were being changed.
First up was Country Gold, a country western group consisting of players like Bob "Punjo" Reed, Lucy Jackson, Alma Reed and Ike Thurn who sang "Put Me in the Money" among other songs.
Red Johnson, long a favorite of Winter Texans followed with his hit song, "There’s a Grand Ole Opry Playing Somewhere."
Winter Texans, such as Jeanne Doman of Wisconsin, who said she had attended several of Mission’s fiestas, seemed to enjoy the event and always looks forward to coming.
Jinny Brantz of Illinois said this was her third time to attend and it was the best show ever.
Johnson continued his performance with "Absolutely and Always," a tribute he wrote to his wife of over 50 years. He then ended his performance with a tribute to veterans, by saying, "We all did our part."
The audience stood to honor veterans as Johnson sang his song.
Arlene Rivera, chairman of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, took the stage after Johnson to give away prizes.
Mission Councilman Leo Olivarez thanked everyone for coming and the contributions they make to the city and welcomed them to the fiesta. Councilman Ruben Plata also welcomed visitors and thanked them for the economic benefits the city receives from their financial contributions.
Also welcoming Winter Texans was Javier Iruegas, CEO of Mission Regional Medical Center, who told the crowd, "We are here if you need us."
Prizes included a medical bag from the hospital, and a certificate for golf for four at Cimarron.
Sheldon Tucker, known professionally as Tucker, was next. A former sheriff in Mountain View, Arkansas, regaled crowds with songs such as "Is Anybody Going to San Antone?" He invited the crowd to join him singing.
One tourist who took his words to heart was Don Baker of Ontario, Canada, who said that he is lead singer for several jams held locally at places like Split Rail, Blue Bonnet and Mission West.
Jo Ann Recker of Iowa also joined in on "Heartaches by the Dozen," saying that this was her second time to attend the festival and she was really enjoying it.
The Link Family, which had been highly anticipated by the audience, was next. The family thrilled the crowd as each member showcased his or her special talent right down to the six-year-old who played spoons while the others played the instruments. When the three youngest boys sang, "I Saw the Light," the audience cheered.
"They’re wonderful," said Billie Cox of Oklahoma, adding the Links always put on a good show.
Her friend, Phyllis Farrow of Maine, said she was really enjoying the Mission Music Fest. "In fact, I like just about everything down here," she added. "I enjoy the culture and the friendly people." She said it was her first time here but she had really enjoyed her winter in Texas."
Mayor Beto Salinas of Mission arrived to greet the crowd and tell them they were all welcome to move to Mission.
He also told the crowd in the future the lunches served at the Mission Winter Texan Fiesta would be free of charge as they were that day. (In the past, there has been a nominal charge for lunch.)
Box Car Bob, The Drifter and Cactus Willie, all favorites among Winter Texans followed. Box Car Bob is known for his Willie Nelson Tributes and sounds much like Nelson when he sings.