News

Sharing experiences of women impacted by Bracero program

The Museum of South Texas History welcomes scholar Mayra Avila to the Sunday Speaker Series presentation, “Finally, Our Stories: How the Bracero Program Impacted Mexican Women,” at 2 p.m. May 7.

The Bracero Program, which ran between 1942 and 1964, was established between the United States and Mexico to ease the labor shortage during World War II and into the early 1960s. The program not only impacted Mexican workers but the women who were left behind. Many women were forced to take responsibilities outside of the traditional homemaker role in order to make ends meet. It also created a rift among working women and society’s patriarchal expectations for women. This presentation will highlight some of these experiences.

Brew at the Zoo: Raise your glass for animal conservation

The Gladys Porter Zoo invites you to Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, May 13th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with music until 11 p.m.

Support your local Zoo and quench your thirst by sipping on specially selected premium and craft beer samples and delicious food tastings from amazing chefs and restaurants. Only a few of the top Rio Grande Valley restaurants will be competing in this “feast with the beasts.”

Wal-Mart and Sam's to support RGV Food Bank

Walmart Food bank Rising food prices, continued supply chain disruptions and the end of pandemic-related federal emergency support programs are affecting the charitable food system as well as millions of people in America, with nearly 34 million people, including more than 9 million children, facing hunger.

For the 10th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs are launching the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, helping to end food insecurity and provide nourishment to families and individuals across the country.

PVAS seeks community assistance following storm damages

This weekend's storm left quite a mark on the Rio Grande Valley, with many businesses and households suffering from extended power outages and property damage. Palm Valley Animal Society felt the effects most intensely at our PVAS Trenton Center.

The 80 mph winds left our facility with numerous shattered windows, broken dog kennels, and various other damages to our buildings on the property. We are anticipating repairs up to $30,000, and we need the community's assistance to help fund the repairs to get the facility up and running fully for our animals again.

2023 Mission Citrus Golf Tournament

The Mission Citrus Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, May 5th at the Shary Municipal Golf Course. The day will begin with a registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. with Tee-Off at 8:30 a.m.

A majority of proceeds will go towards supporting education for Mission CISD students. The Chamber believes that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their background or financial situation. By participating, you can help make this vision a reality.

Quinta Mazatlan hosts Monarch Fest

20230329 Quinta Mazatlan Monarch Festival HMiller 4675 web Each spring, monarch butterflies migrate north during March and April. On Saturday, April 1st, Quinta Mazatlan will be hosting the 7th annual Monarch Fest presented by H-E-B from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McAllen, with the Mayors Bug Parade at 11 a.m. in the park.

Fun family activities include live music, dance, vendors, arts & crafts, migration path, scout/youth projects and more. Participate in one of our community created art installations: add your own splash of color to the monarch mural painting and contribute to the butterfly migration installation. The main stage will feature local cultural dances and performers throughout the festival.

Children of all ages will enjoy the Mayors Bug Parade, dress as a pollinator, and walk in the parade. The street parade will be led by the famous McHi Drumline & Color Guard, Butterfly Stilt Walkers and many more entertainers. Quinta is calling all kids, scout, and youth groups to wear orange and/or dress as a pollinator to be part of the old-fashioned walking parade.

Tourist Day in Nuevo Progreso huge success

By Herb Moering

Neither the early weather threat of rain nor cartel concerns seemed to dampen the enthusiasm of Winter Texans for the 47th Tourist Day 2023 in Nuevo Progreso on March 21. An estimated 8,000 people crossed the border for the annual local merchant’s appreciation day.

Darris and Judy Hable, from Aladdin Villas Subdivision in Mission, reigned as king and queen over Tourist Day. The couple, who spend part of their summers in Minnesota in addition to traveling, had breakfast in the Bridge Authority building before joining the American delegation on a walk to meet a delegation of Mexican officials at the center of the Progreso bridge.

Joining them were Mr. Tourist 2023 USA, Weslaco Mayor David Suarez, and Mr. Tourist 2023 Mexico, the musical group Nortenos De Rio Bravo. It was Rio Bravo, Mexico officials who chose those to be honored as they joined other Mexican officials on the main stage following the brief ceremony and stroll on the bridge.

March 29, 2023 - Rina's Ramblings

Thank you for visiting

Us here at the Winter Texan Times would like to give you all a big, huge thank you for visiting the Rio Grande Valley. We thank you for making the Valley your home for the winter, whatever the length of time might be.

The season is ending, and we hate to see you go. We always enjoy your time with us, and our time with you, and we sure are going to miss it while you are gone.

We have been so thankful to get out and about this year. We attended as much as we could, but still wish we had attended more. There was just too much to do in the Valley – at the parks and around town. From the looks of Park Facebook pages, parks had plenty of activities for you while you were here…. And it looks like they were enjoyed by all. We loved seeing how much fun everyone had. We were thrilled to be able to enjoy some of it with you as well.

We also enjoyed seeing how much our Wintertainers™ were able to really get out there and enjoy themselves this year. I have never seen them gather and spend so much time together as they did this year. It was exciting seeing them entertain with each other and all of the camaraderie they have.

We are so very blessed to have great entertainment that visits the Valley each year. And it’s all because of you. The activity directors have a hard job trying to fill in their calendars. Make sure you tell them who you want to see at your park.

Stop and smell the roses on your way

Painted church web I know many of our Winter Texans have already started home. Those who have not already left are probably thinking of packing up and closing down their winter homes. We are going to miss you and look forward to welcoming you back again in the fall. Have a wonderful summer wherever you may be.

But now as you think about the drive home, will you stop along the way? Yes, you are anxious to be home but why not stop and enjoy a little bit more of Texas as you head home? One of your first stops could easily be at Schulenburg - located some five hours straight up North Highway 77. Schulenburg is the home of the Painted Churches and well worth a stop as you head North.

Truly, Texas has been blessed to have so many different nationalities and cultures to settle in our state. Remnants of a European culture still exist in Schulenburg where the original settlers were from Germany, Poland and Czechoslovakia.

It was in 1848, when the German speaking countries were in revolution that so many who were seeking a democratic form of government over a monarchy decided to leave their homeland. Even so, to leave everything behind and start life anew must have been very difficult. It is no wonder that these immigrants missed the architecture of their homeland and the beautiful churches they had left behind. Farmland abounded around Schulenburg but art and materials to copy the beautiful artwork and marble found in their homeland was sadly lacking.

Beware the Ides of March

Dirty Als Waitress web Change comes to the Rio Grande Valley every year at the Ides of March. Here in the Valley Winter Texans are preparing to leave soon after March 15. Leaving to go north, reconnecting with their northern families.