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.
Read more: Nativity scene collection on exhibit at MOSTH
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.
Read more: Winter Texan Times: Looking back 35 years
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.
Read more: UVAL holds Christmas Market
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.
Read more: Male singers wanted
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.
Read more: STEC holds Christmas celebration, speaker series
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.
Read more: All is Bright at Aurora House
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.
Read more: RGV Concert Band holds Christmas concert
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