Every year we enjoy sharing what parks and other Winter Texan residents do for the communities they reside in while visiting the Valley. Winter Texans collect food, make crafts, sew, quilt and more. By the end of the year many have donated dozens of blankets, books, meals, hats, and more to those in their parks and to the communities around them.
The first issue of the season always leaves us feeling a little discombobulated here at the Winter Texan Times with so many things that always seem to still be on the checklist for this first issue of the season. Nothing has gone too cattywampus, though, and here we are.
I hope you have had a great summer and are eager to get back to your usual shenanigans in the Rio Grande Valley. We have enjoyed lollygagging about a bit this summer, but we are certainly ready to get back to the fun and excitement of a new season.
I know that I am not the only one that has missed all of you. With all that we hear from around town you can take my word that it’s not malarky when we say that folks here in the RGV really do love seeing you back. We are ready to see what kind of shenanigans we might get up in with y’all this season.
I have missed sharing your stories, seeing your smiling faces, and sharing all the fun you have while in the Valley. We love receiving photos and announcements of all the fun and unique activities that are already underway in many of the parks.
I have been flabbergasted by the number of activities parks are having. As well as seeing the full schedules of the Wintertainers™ that are so eager to entertain you. We know you have your favorites, but we also know we get some new entertainment every year. Show all of them some love and share your favorites with us – and why you love them.
Be sure to keep up with the Parks Calendar feature in every issue of the Winter Texan Times, and your own activity schedule will soon be overflowing with good times before you know it, but don’t worry about not catching all your favorite events and shows, there will be plenty of time this season. So, we don’t want to hear about any kerfuffle over who to see or what to do each week because there was just so much to fit in. Just be sure to keep checking back in these pages every week for schedules of all your favorites, ideas for a new favorite, and don’t forget about our Taste of the Valley feature to for some great recommendations about some of our favorite local restaurants.
Let us know what your favorite activities are. Share a photo or two if you can. We love hearing from you.
Well, I better skedaddle before I ramble on too much.
If you have any stories, photos, or ideas you want to share with us, send those to news@wintertexantimes.com.
Magic Valley P.E.O. Retirement Group met at the home of Julianne Carlson on Tuesday, March 25, for one of their last meetings of the season. The group brought items for donating to Aurora House Foundation in Weslaco.
The group first learned about Aurora House Foundation, and their mission, two years ago during a presentation by a staff member.
By Warren Davis
In the heart of Hidalgo County, the Palmview Municipal Library is showing what’s possible when vision meets dedication even with a small team and limited space. Opened just a year ago, on March 23, 2024, the library has already become a hub for learning, connection, and growth in this rapidly evolving Texas town.
Read more: Palmview Municipal Library celebrates one year of big community impact
Every fall, pumpkins steal the spotlight with multiple purposes: as decorations, for soups and in pies. But here’s a fun fact backed by science: this seasonal favorite is actually a fruit.
Joe Masabni, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service vegetable specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, said pumpkins are scientifically classified as fruits because of how they grow. Anything that starts from a flower is classified botanically as a fruit.
Get ready for a fun evening in the woods this Saturday, October 25, from 4 to 9 p.m. as Quinta Mazatlán hosts its annual Halloween Party in the Park called “Sticks & Bones.” Costumes are encouraged because guests become part of the celebration, helping bring over 30 skeleton exhibits to life along the trail.
Read more: Skeletons take over Quinta Mazatlán at the Party in the Park
The Mission Historical Museum invites the community to celebrate tradition, heritage and remembrance at its Dia de lost Muertos Folklife Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 2 to 6 p.m. at 900 E. Doherty Ave.
This vibrant festival will feature live music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, cultural performances and traditional displays, and the community altar honoring loved ones.
The Dia de los Muertos Folklife Festival is more than an event – it’s a celebration of life, remembrance, and community. Guests are encouraged to take part in the traditions, enjoy the performances, and join Mission in honoring the beautiful culture that unites us.
The City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department is excited to welcome the community to its Super Mario-themed Fall Festival on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes as they join city staff for the spooktacular event!
The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Edinburg Municipal Park, located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. The festivities aim to provide a safe and fun alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, allowing attendees of all ages to enjoy a thrilling evening ahead of the spookiest day of the year.
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas invites you to their 54th Annual Dakee Si (Fall Gathering) Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Powwow on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 9:30p.m. at the Alton Recreation Center, 349 Dawes Ave. in Alton. Dancing and presentations will be held throughout the day. The event is free.
McAllen Public Library invites the community to Celebrate Our Roots & Stories at the 12th Annual South Texas Book Festival, happening Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Library (4001 N 23rd St., McAllen). Presented by H-E-B Helping Here, this free festival brings together authors, families, and readers of all ages for a full day of book talks, story times, book sales, meet and greets, music, food, games, and activities.
Read more: McAllen Public Library presents Annual South Texas Book Festival
