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.
Read more: Winter Texan Times: Looking back 35 years
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.
The materials on display come from the museum’s collection and include reprints of newspaper front pages with headlines about the most important aspects of the war in Europe and in the Pacific. Also, many war time postcards and recruiting posters are on display.
Read more: Alamo opens WWII Exhibit
By Joseph Reagan, Director of Military and Veterans Outreach for Wreaths Across America and Afghanistan Veteran
The 11th hour has become synonymous with Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, in recognition of the document signed at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month. In reality, the Armistice ending the war to end all wars was signed around 5 a.m. on November 11th. Over the course of the next six hours, nearly 3,000 men would lose their lives in the final hours of a war that had already claimed the lives of 20 million military personnel. The final death of WW1 came at 10:59 am one minute before the guns of war would fall silent.
Read more: Gunther, Havlat, Knauss, and Veterans Day
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.
There are nine parks in the system spread throughout the Rio Grande Valley, so you should be able to find one close to you to visit. Or make it a point to visit each one this year. They each have something different to offer.
Read more: WBC parks host events
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.
Read more: Speer to host discussion of The Honey Bus
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.
Read more: Holiday Market to be held in Laredo
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.
Read more: Take a stroll at Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
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.
Read more: Mandarin Duck spotlights at Harlingen park
Winter Texan parks have a myriad of activities
The Winter Texan Times has been featuring activities at the local Winter Texan parks since its inception, after all, that was part of the intent of the paper – to highlight the parks and the activities held within them.
In its first issue, and during its first season, the Winter Texan Times featured small articles submitted by the parks, talking about their activities, what the park had to offer, and more. This week I am going to delve into some of these activities and mention some of those that take place today.
Read more: Winter Texan Times: looking back 35 years
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.
Read more: Upper Valley residents set to raise awareness for Alzheimer's