Winter Texan Times

You can find nature and more at Valley birding and nature centers

By Herb Moering

20220316 NATURE Frontera DSC 1179 Bird watchers have many opportunities to follow their hobby, including the World Birding Center (WBC) network of nine different sites set along a 120-mile historic trail in the Rio Grande Valley. It is a $20 million development based on a partnership between the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Rio Grande Valley communities.

Growth of RC racing in RGV parks has been FAST AND FURIOUS

Written by Barb Zanetti

20220316 RC Bit O Heaven 2nd Annual RC Showdown CAB 1828 In the Rio Grande Valley, Winter Texan racers can drive to over 30 RC tracks within an hour, prompting them to label southwest Texas: “The RC Capital of the U.S.”

“There’s no place that I know of in the country that has a bigger concentration of RC tracks,” ARVP race director Mike Fleming said. “If you really want to race, you can easily race at least four or five times a week during the season. It’s good, friendly competition with fellow Winter Texans.”

You'll receive a warm welcome in the Valley

20220316 FRIENDLY Progreso Winter Tourist Appreciation Day HMoering 0433 Time and again, Winter Texans list friendliness as big a reason to live here. Not only does that include their neighbors in the park or other parks, but also the people in the community who are happy to have Winter Texans because they appreciate the economic and other benefits they bring to the Valley.

Winter Texan reunited with painting

20220316 Ella Mae IMG 7577 At 92-years-young, Ella Mae Marrs, who has been wintering in the Valley for over 30 years, had an exciting tale to share this season with her Winter Texan friends. A painting she did in 1992 came back in her possession this past summer.

Winter Texans feel safe in the Rio Grande Valley

20220316 SAFE Progreso Winter Tourist Appreciation Day HMoering 0431 For decades, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas has been a favorite destination for retirees from the Midwest and Canada looking to head south for the winter to escape the snow, ice and cold, harsh weather. In addition to the warm, semi-tropical climate here in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Winter Texans frequently tell us they enjoy the friendly people here, the many activities available to enjoy in the mobile home and RV parks and resorts, and the camaraderie with other Winter Texans who spend three to six months in South Texas each winter.

Get more for your dollar in the Valley

20220316 CHEAP Don Wes Flea Market KO 0699 As a younger generation move to the Valley, it seems they are more frugal when it comes to where they go. They want to have a great time, but they don't want to spend the money they've saved and earned to go just toward living expenses. They want to live it up – from dances and shows to trips to South Padre Island and Nuevo Progreso, Mexico and, of course all the free events that take place on a daily occurrence at the RV resorts.

Canada steps up to the plate in annual USA vs Canada game

20220316 SOFTBALL IMG 5998 A friendly game of softball doesn’t mean there’s no pride or competitive spirits milling about.

That was the case last week as Canada defeated the U.S. 9-3 in the annual Winter Texan Softball Can-Am game at Westside Park in McAllen. The annual event, which usually has two games, a B Division and an A Division, was cut short following the B Division game due to a non-stop light rain that officials said made the field too wet and dangerous to play on.