Every year, thousands of Winter Texans leave their home states and come to the Rio Grande Valley to enjoy our mild winter climate and to participate in the countless number of activities and events made available to them by RV resorts and local businesses. In what is now its 19th year, the Winter Texan Expo and Health Fair is one of these events. Unlike most of the others however, this event not only offers free entertainment, but through its exhibitors the Expo also offers free health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, vision/glaucoma, chiropractic, hearing and live fitness routines.

Judging by the standing-room-only crowds in front of the stage at each performance, the entertainment at this year's Winter Texan Expo and Health Fair was a hit with our Winter visitors. Among those who performed were Red Johnson and Friends, Midwest Bellows 'N Brass, Ruthi, Sweetwater, Dave Williams and the Farnum Family. In addition, John Wayne impersonator Dr. Gene Howard returned with his patriotic performance that makes everyone proud to be an American.

In what has become the largest senior event in the Rio Grande Valley, the Winter Texan Expo and Health Fair is a fun-filled two-day event which is held at the McAllen Convention Center every January. If you missed this year's expo and fair be sure to look for it next January.