The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) will feature the “Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña Nativity Scene Collection,” a spotlight exhibit displaying 120 nativity scenes.
Born in 1934 and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1957, Father Raymundo Peña was named Bishop in 1976. On his passing in September 2021, the Bishop willed his collection of nativity scenes to MOSTH and to the Historic Brownsville Museum.
Entertainment fills Valley parks
The Winter Texan Times has highlighted entertainers, or as we now lovingly call them Wintertainers™, throughout its 35 years. This is something that has been constant among Winter Texan parks.
As a line from a movie states, “You build it, they will come.” If you live in a Winter Texan Park, you are bound to see at least a handful of Wintertainers™ throughout the season. They are here to provide music and entertainment for dances, happy hours, special events, and entertainment nights at the parks.
The Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) is excited to announce the opening of their 2022 Christmas Market with a reception December 3. The market features original art for sale, created by local artists offering a great variety of unique gifts for the holiday season. The Christmas theme will showcase paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and more.
The public is invited to enjoy the Holiday theme of the Christmas Market opening reception Saturday, December 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) is sponsoring a “Time to Give, Grinches” bowling tournament with all proceeds going to food pantries at local colleges and universities.
It’s all part of a public service initiative to give back to the community.
Read more: AAF wants to “strike” out hunger among college students
The Senior Ambassadors men’s chorus, which has been a part of the Rio Grande Valley since 1985, is looking for singers to join their chorus. Senior Ambassadors is composed of men from the Valley and Winter Texan community. They perform choral music from sacred and semi classical, to pop and country. The group is always looking for men who enjoy singing and invite you to join them at the weekly practice session.
Practice sessions are held each Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bentsen Grove Resort (1645 S. Bentsen Rd.) in Mission. The group sings from music, so no memorization is required.
The South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC) Laguna Vista will hold a Christmas celebration next week. The celebration will be held on Thursday, December 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will feature Santa, food and craft vendors, and holiday performances. Admission to the event is free.
STEC will also be holding their Fall Speaker Series this coming month. The series is held every first and third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are free, and the center will stay open until 8:30 p.m.
The Museum of South Texas History welcomes author Marie Theresa Hernández, Ph.D., as a featured presenter during the Sunday Speaker Series presentation, “History, Terror, Imagination: Stories of Juan N. Cortina” at 2 p.m. on December 4.
Texas folklorist J. Frank Dobie describes Cortina as the “most striking, the most powerful, the most insolent, and the most daring as well as the most elusive Mexican bandit, not even excepting Pancho Villa, that ever wet his horse in the muddy waters of the Rio Bravo.” The great-great grandson of Blas de la Garza Falcón, Cortina came to national prominence when he attacked Brownsville in September 1859 and began what is known as the “Cortina War.”
Read more: Professor provides another look into the legacy of Juan Cortina
Those at Aurora House are excited for the holiday season, a time of reflection, gratefulness, and family. They are grateful that so many give each year; grateful that with the help of sponsors and donors, Aurora House can continue to provide these special moments to families who need it most.
Aurora House continues to provide care and give back to the wonderful community, but they cannot do it alone. Aurora House receives no funding from Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance. Donations and sponsorships from the community are crucial to continuing their mission and providing much needed comfort and care for their patients and their families.
Give yourself an early Christmas present by attending the RGV Concert Band’s “A Christmas Celebration.” The event will be held on December 7th.
Each year local band members are joined by Winter Texan early arrivals to present a Christmas Concert at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1107 Fern in McAllen. The 3 p.m. concert is open to the public and is given in appreciation to Our Savior Lutheran Church for allowing the band to use their facilities for practices.
The cottages of Holiday Village Brownsville have moved back to Dean Porter Park and are being prepared for the 13th annual yuletide event. With nine new and updated displays, this year there will be a total of 34 fully decorated cottages lining the sidewalks.
Read more: Everyone’s favorite festive cottages are returning
Food brings people together
This time of year, and practically any time of year, we all enjoy food. Nothing brings people together quite the way food does. When food comes along with an event, you know there will be people there. I don’t know exactly what it is, but that’s just the way it is.
It’s no different with Winter Texan events. We see potluck suppers, lunches, donut and pancake breakfasts, Taco Tuesday’s and so many other events centered around food. If it’s a dinner and a dance. Or a jam session with lunch served. Or crafts sales with breakfast available.
The GMCC is still making appointments for their upcoming Community Health and Wellness Fair taking place on December 8th and 9th, at the Mission Event Center.
Appointments are for blood work only. A 12-hour fast is required by the date and time of your appointment. There are other tests being done that do not require an appointment or fast.
The City of Edinburg brings the joy of the holiday season by hosting The Lighting of the Tree ceremony to be held on Thursday, December 1st, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the City Hall Courtyard located at 415 W. University Dr.
The Lighting of the Tree event will host a variety of vendors, food, amusement attractions, joyful carolers from local schools, and music performances. Bring the kiddos to take pictures with Santa, write letters to the North Pole and much, much more. The Christmas tree and lights will remain lit for the entire month of December for families and individuals to photograph and enjoy.
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) invites the community to celebrate with them in its upcoming winter festivities. IMAS will be hosting a Biodiversity Festival and Market at the Museum, its “Annual Christmas Tree Forest,” as well as Winter Programs including a Winter Camp and an Adult Folk Art Workshop.
Bentsen-RGV State Park is having some fun and informative programs for all ages next month. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations are required for some activities.
On Saturday, December 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. the park will host their Festive Frontera Family Fun Day.
Bentsen Bird Walks are held Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. The walk will not be held on December 25th or 30th.
