Christmas is coming. Not something that most people want to hear this soon, except perhaps those who are thinking about entering the International Museum of Art and Science Christmas Tree Forest. The IMAS Guild, which organizes this popular locally sourced annual exhibit, has chosen “Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley” for this year’s theme.

Our south Texas home is sure to inspire all sorts of creative ideas for decorating a “Valley” tree, from nature’s tropical bounty to regional endeavors such as ranching, citrus groves and other crops. Sport is big in the RGV so why not highlight your favorite teams. There’s also lots of art, history, folkloric groups, music, traditional foods, Padre Island, birding centers, wild animals (including endangered species), Gladys Porter Zoo, fishing, wild weather, wind farms, and let’s not forget our boundary to the south, the Rio Grande.

According to Guild Christmas Tree Forest Committee Chair Bertha Garcia, “This year’s exhibit will be limited to twenty-five trees,” so she recommends signing up early.

Also new this year the age categories are limited to grades two through 12 and adult organizations. Deadline to enter is Saturday, November 13. Set-up dates are November 30 to December 3. The trees will be judged on Saturday, December 4 and the awards reception will be on Sunday, December 12. Entry forms are available online for download - https://theimasonline.org/2021-christmas-tree-forest-celebrating-the-rio-grande-valley/.

For more information about the Christmas Tree Forest, please call Bertha Garcia at (956) 605-2155. Completed forms may be emailed to info@theimasonline.com or dropped off at the IMAS during operating hours.