Glenna Rothweiler is Angel of San Juan Food Pantry

While there may not be snow or cold weather, the Christmas season in the Rio Grande Valley usually means a pleasant temperatures, making many other activities enjoyable. And December in the Rio Grande Valley usually means many outdoor activities to celebrate the Christmas season.

Brownsville

The Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville will host their annual Zoo Nights and Lights on Dec. 4-6 from 6-9 p.m. The event will include live music performances, 135-lighted displays and 800 luminary bags lighting the pathways. Admission is $2.50 or a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Brownsville will hold its annual lighted Christmas parade on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. on Elizabeth Street. The parade will run between Palm Blvd. and International Blvd.

Edinburg

Edinburg will hold its annual Night of Lights celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the University of Texas-Pan American in the quad. Entertainment, vendors and crafts will be a part of the festivities. A lighted night parade will begin at 6:30 at the courthouse square and proceed west along University Blvd. to the UTPA Baseball Stadium.

Harlingen

The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood, will display its annual “Christmas Tree Extravaganza” held Dec.1 through Jan. 13 at the museum. It is free to the public.

The South Texas Chorale and Festival Orchestra will present their “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” on Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd. Tickets are $10 to $30 and are available at the auditorium box office. Call (956) 493-3738 for information.

The 2009 Arroyo Lighting will be held Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at McKelvey Park, 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip. Local groups will perform holiday music and Santa will visit. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome as seating is limited. For information call (956) 956-216-5950.

On Dec. 4 the 63rd annual Jaycees Christmas Parade, “A Centennial Christmas,” will be held in Harlingen at 7 p.m. on Jackson Street. The Piñata Festival will take place immediately afterwards at Gutierrez Park in Harlingen featuring music, food, piñatas and snow. For information call (956) 216-4910.

Hidalgo

The 19th annual Festival of Lights in Hidalgo will run through Dec. 31. The special dinners, concerts and trolley rides will run through Dec. 19. (See related story).

The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse will have its annual Christmas Village through Jan. 13.

McAllen

In McAllen the 27th annual Candlelight Posada, “A Main Street Christmas,” with a Charles Dickens theme will be held in Archer Park. Events kick off with a lighted Christmas parade and the lighting of the mayor’s Christmas tree on Fri., Dec. 4. Music and entertainment will follow throughout the evening. On Saturday, Dec. 5, the traditional nativity procession of Joseph and Mary looking for shelter will take place followed by an evening of music and entertainment for the entire family. For information call Greg Schuller at the McAllen Art Incubator at (956) 687-2787.

The McAllen Junior Service League will present their 23rd annual “Christmas Around the World,” Dias Festivos Marketplace at the McAllen Convention Centre on Ware Road and Expressway 83 Dec. 4-6. The market will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of gourmet foods, fashion accessories, art and unique gifts will be available for purchase. Admission is $5.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented by the McAllen Association for the Performing Arts at the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium, 1300 S. 10th Street, on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. For tickets call (956) 681-3800.

The Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale will present a concert Saturday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Centre, 700 Convention Centre, Blvd. Tickets are $9 to $45.

The McAllen Symphonic Band will present its annual Christmas concert, “Christmas Around the World,” at the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. Tickets are $5.

IMAS, the International Museum of Art and Science, 1900 Nolana Loop, will have its annual Christmas Tree Forest exhibit through Dec. 31. Entitled “The Music of Christmas,” the annual exhibit will include 28 trees decorated according to a popular song. Categories of trees range from kinder to second grade, third through fifth, sixth through eighth, ninth through 12th grades, and adults. A number of Christmas songs have been chosen as themes for trees including “The Little Drummer Boy,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and many others.

The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursday the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors. The first Sunday of each month is free.

Mission

The Mission Historical Museum will host its annual Christmas Tea/Luncheon, on Dec. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum Annex, 200 E. Tom Landry (the old post office building). Lunch will consist of chicken, Jell-O and pasta salads, Christmas cookies, lemonade, coffee and tea. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the museum or from volunteers.

The Christmas Lighting of Leo Pena “La Plazita” Park across from HEB in downtown Mission will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. The Christmas lights will be turned on, Santa will visit and vendors, music and entertainment will be provided.

Pharr

Pharr will hold a Christmas Fiesta Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Park Street between Church’s Chicken and Wells Fargo Bank. At 7 p.m. the Christmas tree will be lit, Santa will arrive and Christmas carols will be sung. There will also be food and entertainment.

Port Isabel

Port Isabel will host its annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Celebration on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. in front of the historic Champion Building. Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Chorus will perform traditional Christmas music while the community is invited to participate in Christmas caroling and Christmas karaoke.

The 23rd annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Boats will be competing in six divisions, based on the size of the boat. Judging will be held at White Sands Marina and the parade will begin immediately afterwards. The parade will move to Anchor Marina and around to Pirate’s Landing then circle to Sea Ranch II at Southpoint and Long Island Village. Weather permitting the parade will continue to South Padre Island with view locations at South Fisherman’s Wharf, Louie’s, Amberjack and Wahoo’s on South Padre Island.

Rio Grande City

The Rio Grande City Main Street Program will host the 2009 Aloha Christmas Lighted Parade on Fri., Dec. 4.

San Benito

A Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert will be held Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the W.H. Heavin Amphitheatre and Resaca Trail to welcome the holiday season with Christmas lights and music by local groups. For information call (956) 361-3804 ext. 302.

The City of San Benito and Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Open House in the San Benito Municipal Building, located at 401 N. Sam Houston Blvd., Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rio Hondo

The Rio Hondo Christmas Parade and Christmas Bazaar will be held Sat., Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island will host Jolly Days through Jan. 1.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Port Isabel Lighted Boat Parade will end at the island.

El Paseo Arts Foundation will host a holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 6. Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Port Isabel will provide the backdrop as festivities get underway at 2 p.m. The talents of seven UTB/TSC premier music ensembles will be featured. They include the Flute Choir under the direction of Dr. Christina Ballatori; the Renaissance garbed Scorpio Concert under the direction of Dr. Carol McNabb Goodwin; the Clarinet Choir under the direction of Dr. Christmas Ballatori; the Trumpet Ensemble under Dr. Art Brownlow; the Low Brass Choir under the direction of Dr. Allen Clark; the Rio Bravo Brass Consort under the direction of Dr. Art Brownlow and the FAME (Future Aspiring Music Educators) Club.

The program will feature traditional Christmas carols and non-traditional music arranged for brass or wind instruments. The FAME Club will lead participants in a community sing-a-long.

Tickets for the concert are $15 and may be purchased at the Port Isabel Library, Designer Consigner, the SPI Visitors Center and Paragraphs Book Store.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, go “Wassailing with the Turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc.” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On Friday, Dec. 11 the Island Holiday Parade will be held from Mars Street to Campeche at 6:30 p.m.

The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the Mid Valley Lighted Parade with the theme, “A Rock Band,” on Fri., Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. along Texas Blvd. from Pike Ave. and running south. The parade will feature lighted floats, antique cars, marching bands, dancers, clowns and equestrians.

The Frontera Audubon Society will host a Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frontera Audubon Visitors Center, 1101 Texas Blvd. Members and guests are invited to tour the grounds, enjoy classical guitar music, purchase holiday sweets at the bake sale and shop for holiday nature gifts in the Frontera Gift Shop. Admission is free. For more information on this event call (956) 968-3275.

While most of the cities in the Rio Grande Valley are celebrating their centennials this year or did so last year, Rio Grande City, just 40 miles west of Mission has already celebrated 160 years.

Fort Ringgold was formed at the time of the Mexican-American War and the city grew up around it. It remained an important cavalry fort until World War I because of the continued problems that took place along the border. Many important military personnel served along the border, including Robert E. Lee, who, as a Union army officer before the Civil War, was assigned to the fort twice.

The Robert E. Lee house located on the grounds of the old Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City is now open weekdays for touring. Groups interested in seeing the home where Lee stayed and learning about the colorful history of Fort Ringgold can call the 21st Century Program of the Rio Grande City Consolidated School District at (956) 716-6962 and make arrangements for a tour. Tours are available on days when school is in session. There is no charge for the tour but donations are welcomed.

The museum tells the history of Fort Ringgold and of Colonel Lee’s duties there as a Union soldier. The house, which was built in 1848 when Ringgold Barracks was established, was refurbished several years ago. It was used as the home of the commanding officer of the fort. To reach the house, enter the gate where the guardhouse that says Fort Ringgold established 1848 still stands. Immediately turn to the right and follow the road around the fort to a large white house on the right. This is the museum.

Lee was assigned to the fort in 1856 as a colonel and spent four weeks at the fort when he came to the fort for court martial duty. Records show that he stayed in a tent on the grounds at that time but joined the commanding officer for dinner at the house.

Lee returned in 1860 with orders to stop the bandit attacks being launched on the border by Juan Cortina, a Mexican national who was stealing cattle from Texas ranchers and taking them across the river into Mexico. Lee had orders to invade Mexico in pursuit of Cortina if necessary. He is thought to have stayed in the house during the time that he was in the Valley.

Originally, the house was built with a central hallway and two rooms on either side. Kitchen and sleeping porches were added later. The house has no bathroom facilities. There was a privy behind the house. During renovation the original pine floor and ceiling boards were removed sanded, leveled and replaced. Boards vary in width from seven to 13 inches. The boards were brought to Rio Grande City by steamboat in the era when all materials were moved up and down the river instead of overland.

During the period of renovation some archeology took place on the grounds. In the central hall there is a showcase showing a variety of nails, screws, bullets, medals and other products that were unearthed during while preparing for the renovation of the house.

Entering the house visitors are directed through wide doors into the 19th Century Room. One exhibit honors Major Samuel Ringgold who was the first American officer to die at the Battle of Palo Alto, near Brownsville. This was the first battle of the United States War with Mexico, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. The fort is named in his honor.

Ringgold is credited with winning the battle because he developed a fast way for troops to move heavy cannons from one position to another during battles. His method, was called “flying artillery,” because he loaded the 880 pound cannon capable of shooting a six-pound cannon ball 1,500 yards and moved it from place to place with six horses, who would gallop into action when needed. Once set up and ready for use, it took only 10 seconds to reload it once a cannon ball was shot. Mexican soldiers could not compete with this type of powerful weapon and the ability to move it where it was needed quickly.

Sadly, though Ringgold is credited with the technology that won the battle, he did not survive himself. He was shot on May 8 and bravely told his soldiers not to stay with him because they had a job to do. He was taken to Port Isabel where he died three days later.

There is a uniform in the room that is a replica of the one worn by Major Ringgold at the Battle of Palo Alto. Also honored in this room is General Zachary Taylor, who led the entire army at the Battle of Palo Alto.

Another exhibit describes the activities of Colonel Robert E. Lee during the time when he served at Fort Ringgold. Excerpts from a letter he wrote to his wife about the Fort are on display along with information about his career including the fact that Lee was the Union Army’s choice for commander of Union Forces. However, Lee turned this honor down because he came from Virginia and could not turn his back on his native state. Instead, he resigned his Union Army commission to take charge of the Confederate Army when war broke out.

Still another display honors the Buffalo Soldiers, black soldiers that served at Fort Ringgold between 1974 and 1876 and again in 1899. One of the uniforms on the mannequins represented the uniforms worn by the Buffalo Soldiers.
A chronological history of Fort Ringgold between 1860 and 1900 is on display. It shows what the fort looked like in 1869 when there was a parade ground, and officer’s quarters, a hospital, a bakery, several barracks and other buildings were constructed beginning in 1875. The fort was abandoned during World War II and later sold to the Rio Grande City Independent School District, but many of the original buildings remain. Barracks buildings are now classrooms and the hospital is the district’s tax office. Looking across the road from the Lee House, one can see the parade ground where cavalry soldiers once marched and prepared for combat. Other buildings around the parade field have the look of former military buildings.

Across the hall in the 20th Century Room are objects used during era when the Mexican Revolution of 1910 caused an increase in fighting along the border. Followers of Pancho Villa made raids along the border from Brownsville to New Mexico. Although things had quieted down along the border around 1900, by 1910, soldiers were once again a strong presence in the Valley marching and riding their horses along the border. Some were pulled and sent to France during World War I.

A saddle like those used by members of the 12th Cavalry stationed at Fort Ringgold during the 1920’s and 1930’s is on display.

As World War II began, the 125 Cavalry replaced the 12th Cavalry at the fort. Texas National guardsmen from all over Texan enlisted and trained. Sergeant Ambros Lee and Sergeant Sam Whatley both spent several years at Fort Ringgold and many of their personal items have been donated to the museum. These items are not replicas but actual military items that belonged to the two sergeants. Other items were those of Sergeant Milton Weyarts, the last commander of Fort Ringgold.

In 1944 all cavalrymen turned in their horses at Fort Riley, Kansas because the army was using vehicles instead of horses. But the 124th Cavalry remained a special unit. It was sent to Asia where cavalrymen used pack mules to transport supplies through the mountains where vehicles could not go.

The Robert E. Lee House Museum adds a special dimension to Rio Grande City by telling a portion of history that occurred in the Rio Grande Valley that few people know. It is well worth a trip to see it.

For those who would like to see some of the other historic buildings in the city and learn their history, Rio Grande City offers trolley rides at $7 per person. Tours pass the Miflin-Kenedy warehouse where southern cotton was stored and put on steamboats bearing Mexican flags and shipped to Europe during the Civil War, the Lopez-Tijerina and Silvestre Pena homes, the replica of the Grotto of Lourdes built by an Oblate French priest to give the people living in a hostile land hope, and the old French cemetery where many of the French, who were left behind when the French were driven from Mexico, and crossed the river to take refuge in Rio Grande City, are buried.

Tours are $10 on the new Bessie III trolley and can be booked through the Main Street Office. Call (956) 487-3476 or (956) 488-0047 to reserve a trolley tour. The tour is limited to 24 persons at a time. Tour times are usually 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Main Street for trolley rides is located at 408 E. Main Street.

To complete a tour of the city, plan to have lunch at Che’s Restaurant in La Borde House, located at 601 E. Main Street. Now operated by the Starr Industrial Foundation, La Borde House was built at the turn of the last century when steamboat travel dominated. Steamboats such as The Bessie ran as far upriver as Roma, 20 miles to the west.

This boardinghouse was just a block from the river before a 1933 hurricane moved it one-half mile south into former Mexican territory. The furnishings fit the time period. When not occupied rooms are left open so visitors can view the rooms with their claw-footed tubs and high toilet boxes.

In the corner of the patio there was a secret tunnel that led to the river so that people could escape during Indian raids that were still of concern when the hotel was built. It also made it easy to smuggle liquor during Prohibition. When the river moved, the tunnel was closed.

Rio Grande City has a fascinating history and should not be missed while spending a winter season in the Rio Grande Valley.

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