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92nd Annual Parade of Oranges in Mission

The City of Mission is proud to be home to one of the largest parades in South Texas, the Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade of Oranges. 

This year’s theme is “Noche de Carnaval,” and the parade features over 120 floats. Local marching bands, dance performances, citrus-themed attire, and the royal court attract thousands of people from all over the Rio Grande Valley.

The parade will be taking place on Saturday, January 27, at 12 p.m. It begins on 495 FM & Conway Ave., continuing south on Conway Ave. and ending at 1st Street. The Mission Police Department will close streets along the parade route in phases, starting at 6 a.m., and will reopen until the conclusion of the parade. Spectators are advised to exercise caution along Conway Ave. and obey all temporary traffic signs and coned areas.

Another attraction is the two-day Texas Citrus Fiesta Fun Fair and Kids Carnival. Live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts will make this a memorable night for the community. It is taking place at Leo Peña Placita Park (803 N Conway) on Saturday, January 27th, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and on Sunday, January 28th, from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.  

Prior to the parade, the media is invited to attend the Mayor’s Brunch, where Mission will warmly welcome various Sister Cities from Mexico. The event is taking place on Saturday, January 27th, at the Mission Chamber of Commerce (202 W Tom Landry St, Mission)starting at 9:30 a.m. This event will allow for interviews with Mission dignitaries and counterparts from Mexico.  

How to maintain a palm tree

20240124 MOSTH Chuck Malloy webThe Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) will host the Sunday Speaker Series presentation, “Palm Care and Maintenance,” featuring Chuck Malloy at 2 p.m., January 28, in the Courtyard Gallery.

This presentation will cover some popular types of palms that thrive in the Rio Grande Valley. Malloy will also provide tips on the proper time and how to prune palm trees as well as feeding them. With the extreme weather, Malloy will also discuss how and when to anticipate the weather’s wrath and how to combat it to protect palm trees. He will also discuss the environmental approach to protecting the landscape, real estate values and creating a habitat for birds, bats, and other wildlife.

Read more: How to maintain a palm tree

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at IMAS

Fan Painting Lunar New Year Festival webCelebrate the Year of the Dragon at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) on Saturday, January 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 12th annual Lunar New Year Festival, supported by the IMAS Guild, will feature traditional Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese crafts, games, and more.

Discover the art of calligraphy, create a dragon puppet, and enjoy local eateries Snow Bite, Ulike Tea, and Han's Katsuya. Paper fan painting will also be available for an additional $3 per participant (limited supply).

Read more: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at IMAS

February programs at Bentsen State Park

Bentsen State Park Cardinas Picture1 webThere are fun and informative programs at Bentsen-RGV State Park for all to enjoy. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations are required for some programs. All programs meet at the tram turnaround at park headquarters unless otherwise specified.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there are Bentsen Bird Walks at 8:30 a.m. Star Stories will be held on Sunday, February 11, at 6 p.m. This event requires a reservation. On Thursday, February 29, at 8:30 a.m. there will be a Wild Wellness program.

Read more: February programs at Bentsen State Park

MHM presents special screenings of She Came to The Valley

She came to the Valley Screening 24 webThe Mission Historical Museum gladly presents a special screening of the 1979 western film: She Came to the Valley. The film is based on the novel written by local author, Cleo Dawson.

Who is Cleo Dawson? Cleo Dawson was born in 1902. Her family was one of the first pioneer families who helped transform the frontier town of Mission into an incorporated city. They were the owners of one of the first convenience stores, Caballo Blanco. Her novel is inspired by the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Mission, Texas during its pioneer days. It is said to be based on Dawson’s mother’s experiences. The film was shot in South Texas's Rio Grande Valley and Oklahoma. In its first run it broke weekend attendance records at Rio Grande theatres.

Read more: MHM presents special screenings of She Came to The Valley

January 17, 2024 - Rina's Ramblings

Wow, it’s been a cold one. Monday really hit hard this week, didn’t it? It might be a little cold, but at least we don’t have to shovel snow, and it doesn’t last very long. Unfortunately, it does mean that we usually stay inside when it’s like this. We don’t tend to venture out – at all.

We had one of our writers trying to cover some Golden Age Olympics events. He showed up to a shuffleboard event on Monday morning, and no one showed up to play. Apparently, no one wanted to play out in the cold.

I don’t blame them though. I would rather be at home, snuggled in a warm blanket watching a movie or something than outside in the cool air. This is when it’s a good time to have an extra puzzle or two on hand to work on.

But…. We have warmer weather to look forward to in the near future. Projections are for another little cold spell on Friday and then getting back to some more normal temperatures so you can get back outside for your golf, shuffleboard, and RC racing.

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Speaking of outdoor activities – and activities in general – we want to know what you are doing out there. What are you doing at your park?

We see the announcements for Happy Hours, Bingo games, dances, and entertainment. We would love to see photos and hear what you are having fun doing at your park, or when you are out and about taking in the sites.

We also have a lot of great entertainment in the Valley – local and visiting. Be sure to check them out and let us know who your favorites are, or who we need to go and see for ourselves.

We have seen Facebook posts of trips to the island, to Progreso, and other areas of the Valley. It looks like y’all are having a lot of fun out there.

If there is something you think we should know about – an event, a special person, or favorite hangout – share it with us. We might want to check out this something special.

As always, you can email us at news@wintertexantimes.com. Email photos, story ideas, and your news.

Caution, Carving can be addictive

unnamed 2 webBeginning in October a dedicated group of Winter Texans and local carvers begin gathering at the Nomad Shrine Club in Pharr. Carvers come together to visit, carve, and rekindle old friendships. Meetings are every Thursday from 8 a.m. till Noon at 1044 Nolana Loop in the Nomad Shrine Club Building from October through March.

The club has a long history in the Valley dating back to 1983. Carving club members come from as far away as New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Texas and even Canada, not to mention the members from right here in the Valley. They meet each week to follow a common passion: woodcarving. Visitors are always welcome. Stop in and check out what’s going on.

Read more: Caution, Carving can be addictive

Jammin’ at Quiet Village II

20240117 Quiet Village Jam 1 webQuiet Village’s clubhouse is an exceptional environment for a musical jam. Everyone is greeted by either Doreen Gillespie, activity director, and/or by the jam hosts Linda and Rodney Crouse. Rodney is also the park’s vice president.

The jam that I attended was their country jam on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. There is also a gospel jam on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. These jams run the entire year.

Supporting each musician/performer is the stage band consisting of Rodney Crouse, bass guitar/vocals; Joyce Fratt, guitar/vocals; Dorren Gillespie, keyboard/vocals; Tom Rivers, lead guitar/vocals; and John Thomas, lead guitar/vocals.

The stage band and jammers sang a variety of classic country, gospel, and Christmas music. The jammers included Connie Benedict, Carlene Chebuhar, Linda Crouse, Doris, Gary Hughes, Charlie Hrnicek, Elaine Nelson, Tony Ozark, Deral Rogers, Angele Ryan, and Dave Swanson.

Read more: Jammin’ at Quiet Village II

Ron Moshier packs the house with high energy entertainment

20240109 153105 webIf you have ever been to one of Ron Moshier’s shows, you can physically feel the energy change throughout his selection of music. As he goes through his set, or even requested songs, the energy in the room changes with every song he plays…. And it’s a good energy.

We were out at Mustang Lounge and the energy was high as Moshier played through, not taking a break during his two-hour set. From what I hear, this energy is even felt when he plays at a park. This is probably just one reason why he won the Entertainer of the Year Award for the Valley Star Awards.

Moshier said he enjoys making people smile and laugh on the dance floor. The energy in the crowd is transferable to the way he plays and the friendships he has developed with his fans.

Read more: Ron Moshier packs the house with high energy entertainment

Betting on The Gambler is a guaranteed good time

IMG 1428 webAlthough he is widely known for his The Gambler Show, Rick McEwen is much more than just the gambler. He sings, strums, cracks jokes, and tell stories about his childhood. He entertains them all. He has fun with what he does, and it shows at all of his performances.

Rick says he enjoys performing for Winter Texans because of their love of traditional music…. and that they love to dance. He likes seeing audience members enjoying his shows by dancing, clapping, smiling from their seats.

Read more: Betting on The Gambler is a guaranteed good time

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