Winter Texan Times: Looking back 35 years
Valley cities welcome Winter Texans
For as long as I can remember, the City of Mission has been home to the most Winter Texan parks in the Rio Grande Valley. Although many cities have had new parks pop up, I think Mission is still number one in that category. There are several streets you can drive down and pass by more than one park, sometimes three or more along the way.
With the incoming of Winter Texans to the Valley, the cities saw what Winter Texans brought with them. Winter Texans have had a huge impact on the communities they live in, and those they visit while residing in the Valley. You not only make an economic impact, but you also help those in need, bring culture, share your talents and more. Because of this, many cities have recognized its Winter Texan community with events throughout the year.
The City of Alamo Museum will join much of America in observing Veteran’s Day on Friday with the opening of a World War II exhibit.
By Joseph Reagan, Director of Military and Veterans Outreach for Wreaths Across America and Afghanistan Veteran
The World Birding Center (WBC) parks hold events throughout the year. Most of them have weekly repeating events with special events thrown in at least once a month. Estero Llano Grande and Bentsen State Park are two very active parks, along with Quinta Mazatlan and others.
The Carden International Circus is proud to announce the Spectacular Circus is returning to The Payne Auto Group Rodeo Arena at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds for four performances Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. Thrills and excitement will fill three rings with acrobats, aerialists, animals, daredevils, and clowns. All this and more come to life bringing unforgettable memories to all. No video games required. Bring your entire family to see real-life masters of gravity, jaw dropping stunts, belly-jiggling hijinks, and so much more. Tickets are on sale now.
Laredo will host their second Annual Holiday Market soon. The event is to be held the weekend of November 18 to 20. Times for the event are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
It’s always fun to take a stroll through one of local World Birding Center parks. Last week we went out to the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse to see what was happening at the park. Main goal was to catch the model trains in action, but the offices had closed early, so we decided to walk part of the trail and enjoy some of the grounds.
A Mandarin Duck was recently the main attraction at Pendleton Park in Harlingen. It was a sight to see for many birders in the area, and there were many that made a drive to Harlingen to see if they could spot the rare bird – that really shouldn’t be where it was found.
On Saturday, November 12, upper valley residents will join the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® — the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. 
The Aliento a Tequila (or The Spirit of Tequila) exhibition explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila, Mexico’s national drink. In this series, photographer Joel Salcido includes the original distilleries that literally founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequileras committed to the ancestral ways of making tequila from harvest to bottle. Aliento a Tequila is supported by L&F Distributors and opens Thursday, November 10 at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in McAllen.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the City of Edinburg are proud to announce the return of the Edinburg Night of Lights Parade. Individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate in the festivities with this year's theme “A Storybook Christmas.”
South Padre Island is thrilled to announce the annual HalloWings Across South Padre Island Monarch Migration Celebration. The event will take place on October 29, at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary.
Celebrate the Rio Grande Valley’s amazing diversity of plants at this year’s Planta Nativa Social at Quinta Mazatlan. On October 27, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Quinta Mazatlan invites you to enjoy a native plant seed giveaway, native plant sale, food vendors, live music, a keynote presentation on an LED screen under the stars, and more.
Frontera Audubon’s Frontera Fest is back for another evening of delicious food, cold drinks, amazing music and fun. Join Frontera Fest for a fun Friday, October 28 at 7 p.m. on the back lawn of the historic Skaggs House.
