The dense fog on December 2nd did not deter the ladies at La Floresta from their scheduled Ladies Day Golf. Marilyn Walters from Ontario, Canada, gets ready to tee off on the #7 Hole.
SAN BENITO – One year ago, children were studying from home, adults were working from home and a new hybrid way of life was taking shape as COVID-19 left an unbridled path of both fear and devastation around the world.
Even Santa stayed begrudgingly cuddled up in his North Pole home along with the Missus, the elves, and the reindeer, knowing full well that all rooftops and chimneys had become off limits, even if he wore a mask.
Last week, however, a much-needed spirit lifter and highly anticipated Christmas tree lighting in San Benito brought nearby and surrounding communities together to Heavin Park in droves. The annual event welcomed more than an estimated 1,000 people, many of whom were excited to return and take part in an activity that was just another step toward reaching normalcy, whatever their normal might be.
The little town of Hidalgo takes center stage every December celebrating in a big way with the Hidalgo Festival of Lights. Festivities began on December 1 with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Arena Box Office. The celebration continues through January 2nd but will be closed on December 24th, December 31st and January 1st.
This month seems to be going by fast. Before we know it, the new year is going to be here.
While we wait for that to come, it’s nice driving around and seeing all the lights around town.
Lighted Christmas parades have become a huge thing over the years. I hope you have been able to go out and enjoy one or two near you. Many have already taken place but are keeping their city park lights on throughout the month. So, you have plenty of time to see them.
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During the holidays, there are so many of you that are helping your communities, or one close by. It’s a pleasure to hear what you are doing to make others Christmas’ a great one.
Like in today’s paper, Aladdin Villas is helping a community in Penitas. Last week it was Lakewood RV Resort in Harlingen – which their fundraiser dance is this Saturday (you might try calling 956-423-1170). Next week you will hear about a special Santa from Alamo Rec/Veh – Tripp Wright.
And I know there are so many more of you doing such wonderful things for the communities you live in. These are such heartwarming stories, and we love to hear and share them.
If you have one, please send us the information, a contact phone number, and photos. If we need more information, we will contact you. If it is something that hasn’t happened yet, we might try to get someone out there to cover it.
We do our best to share your news.
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If you are doing something fun at your park – a sport, an activity that has really taken off, something that brings people together – let us know. Like I said, we love sharing what you are doing at your park and are welcome to receiving all that you want to share.
We want to hear from you!
Send your items to news@wintertexantimes.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Golf Contest deadline is today – go to www.wintertexantimes.com to vote before 4 p.m. today. You will be entered into some drawing for free golf and other prizes.
Dee Pemberton sat in her corner, on her own, just plugging away at sewing quilts.
“Then we found out what she was doing,” Catherine Raftery said. “And we joined her immediately.”
Pemberton was using donations of fabric from members at her church to make quilts to donate for the children living in the Tent City in Brownsville. Last December, Raftery, Pemberton and the remainder of quilters from the Aladdin Villas in Mission, donated 72 quilts to the organization Mateo 25:35.
The Angel Tree Program, along with The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign, is one of The Salvation Army’s best-known Christmas efforts. More than 100,000 children across Texas will experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning thanks to generous donors and the help of The Salvation Army.
“The Angel Tree program provides toys and clothing to children, seniors, and families who might be struggling to afford Christmas gifts this year. As we continue to navigate the lingering pandemic, families are still putting their lives back together and trying to make ends meet,” said Lt. Aguirre of The Salvation Army. “Angels are available for adoption by community members and businesses, who in a small way will deliver the magic and message of Christmas to those in need.”
Read more: Angel Tree Program: Making Christmas dreams a reality
The Mission Historical Museum will soon be accepting entries for its Sixteenth Annual Quilt Show. Entries will be accepted in three categories: Hand-quilted bed quilts, Machine-quilted bed quilts, and Wall hangings. The show is open to all quilters, both Winter Texans and year-round residents.
While there have been a few cities that have already had some of their Christmas celebrations – tree lightings, parades – this past week, there are still several cities throughout the Valley that are doing their start of Christmas season celebrations this week and next weekend. If your city isn’t listed, look for them online or on Facebook to see if they are having an event.
Just like clockwork every season, the well-known Nikki Rowe sing and dance group Razz Ma Tazz is making their rounds to the parks again. Every year, the Winter Texans look forward to this group visiting their park.
This talented group of high school students take their Christmas show on the road throughout the Valley, cheering up Winter Texan Park residents along the way. The group performs Christmas favorites along with other Christmas medleys that entertain the crowd.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and City of Edinburg proudly present their Annual Night of Lights Parade. The parade will take place on Friday, December 3, at 7 p.m. in the Edinburg Downtown District.
Citizens may enjoy an evening of lights and entertainment as this year's theme is “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree”. The parade route will begin at Richard Flores Stadium moving north on Closner Blvd and will end one block north of the Hidalgo County Courthouse.
