Leslie Blasing Productions present her “Honoring an Era” at the WinterFest and Expo to be held Monday, February 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, February 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
There is no entrance fee to the event, but Blasing is highlighting the local food pantries by collecting canned goods. Donations are not required either but are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Donation bins will be located in the main entrance.
The event, held annually, honors an era – 1964 to 1973. There will be a special salute and musical tribute to Vietnam Veterans. There will also be guest speakers from the era. All speakers have a connection to something in the era, and have great things and great stories, to share.
Opening ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the main exhibit hall with Color Guard presenting the flags by the Brownsville American Legion Post #43 (Jesus Galvan, Frank Mejia, Frank Escobedo, Enrique Martinez, Danny Lopez and Juan Gomez). Echo Taps will be played by Marine Military Cadets Jonah Cox and Noah Trevino and accompanied by Sargent Major Delvin Smythe and the Commandant of the Cadets and Bandmaster Keith DiSAntis. Pastor Greg Jud, of Island Baptist Church, will conduct an opening prayer. Leslie will sing the National Anthem to open each day.
Speakers will include Marine Purple Heart recipient and ex-mayor of SPI, Robert Pinkerton on Monday, and Bob Wendler and Nicole Meadowcroft on Tuesday.
The event will feature live music by Leslie Blasing, Geoff Clifton, and Curt James. There is a full schedule online.
Karla’s catering will have food to purchase. A cash bar will be available thanks to Louie’s Backyard.
Also, at the event there will be the All-Valley Karaoke Contest Finals, a mini museum/memorabilia room, concessions, dancing, vendors, and demonstrations. There will be a DJ and line dancing music. Door prizes will be given away every half hour. Participation in a short survey will give you a chance to win $100 cash.
Courtesy golf rides will be given from the parking lot to the front doors.
If you want to stay on the Island overnight, Blasing has partnered with several Island hotels to bring you the best rates. The Courtyard Marriott can be reached at (956) 433-0590. The Hilton Garden Inn, (956) 761-8700. The Sand Rose Beachfront, (956) 772-7000. La Copa Inn, (956) 761-6000, dial “0”. Be sure to ask for the WinterFest and Expo rate when making reservations.
For more information, you can visit the website at www.spiwinterfest.com. The Convention Center is located at 7355 Padre Blvd.
