Golf ballot Pg. 20 Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Vol. 38, No. 6 © 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com Wednesday, November 20, 2024 INDEX Events Calendar p 4 Reunions p 6 Parks Calendar p 8 WintertainersTM p 8 On The Road p 12 Taste of the Valley p 13 Business Guide p 17 Classifieds p 17 Coupon Index p 19 Rina’s Ramblings See RAMBLINGS pg. 15 I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week. This weather is not helping it feel like the holidays yet. I haven’t even decorated for fall yet and it’s almost time to start decorating for Christmas. I usually have just a few things out for Halloween and then it quickly gets replaced by fall décor, but neither one happened this year. So, we think we are going to start decorating for Christmas a little early. It’s usually a tradition to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put the tree, table décor The cottages of Holiday Village Brownsville are back at Dean Porter Park and are being prepared for the 15th annual yuletide event. With several new and updated displays, this year there will be over 30 fully decorated cottages lining the sidewalks. For those who may not know, the Holiday Village at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville is a collection of miniature cottages, each one measuring about 10’ wide x 8’ deep and over 11’ tall, which are adorned inside See VILLAGE pg. 14 Holiday Village returns for 15th season 2023 Holiday Village. Photo by Anastasia Brunson Most golf courses, but not all, have signature holes, a hole where challenging meets aesthetic beauty. Most of these lean more toward scenery and difficulty, but they can certainly have a mixture of both. Today, we have the second part in our three-part series looking at some of the amazing signature holes across the Rio Grande Valley See GOLF pg. 10 Lower Valley golf courses offer scenic holes South Padre Island Golf Course. Courtesy photo The weather is great for a round of golf. It pretty much is nearly all year in South Texas. Therefore, we come to you to ask you what your favorite golf course, amenities, golf hole and more are each year. Valley golf courses know the value of our Winter Texans and have continually made upgrades to keep you coming back. Golf Course Favorites voting is underway See FAVORITES pg. 16
NOVEMBER 20, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 2 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2024-2025 by Nexus Publishing LLC, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission of the publisher. The Winter Texan Times is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertising. In the event of an error in an ad or omission of an ad, the newspaper’s financial liability is limited to the cost of the ad in questions. The newspaper is not responsible for any other damages, tangible or intangible. Typically a make-good ad or re-rescheduled ad is considered to sufficiently meet the newspaper’s responsibility. Dan Brunson Publisher dan@wintertexantimes.com Carina Brunson Editor carina@wintertexantimes.com Anastasia Brunson Office Manager anastasia@wintertexantimes.com Published by Nexus Publishing LLC Parks Calendar: Items must be open to the public activities in the parks only and must be submitted by park owners, managers, or activity directors. We do not accept listings for reviews, workshops, lessons, or dance classes. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com. News: We are always looking for news about events, organizations, exhibits, fundraising, and more, from parks, chambers, cities, museums, and other venues. You are welcome submit your news items, photos of recent park activities, or news story ideas about your park or park residents. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to news@wintertexantimes.com. Events Calendar: Items must be open to the public. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to news@wintertexantimes.com. Reunions: We feature reunions and meetings that are happening throughout the Valley. We hope that if you are having such a meeting, you will send the information to us so we can help you spread the word. Please include all pertinent information, a contact person, and contact phone number. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to reunions@wintertexantimes.com. www.wintertexantimes.com City of Edinburg to host Miracle on McIntyre The City of Edinburg is welcoming the holiday season with the Miracle on McIntyre celebration, a two-day festive extravaganza that will bring the community together for a series of holiday events sure to spread joy and Christmas cheer. The festivities kick off on Thursday, December 5, with the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Promenade Park Amphitheater at 6 p.m. This special event will light up the season and feature a holiday market running until 9 p.m. Attendees can enjoy the sounds of carolers, take pictures with Santa, and experience the magic of a snow slide. The Christmas market will offer an array of food vendors and unique holiday gifts to start your seasonal shopping in style. On Friday, December 6, the celebration continues with the highly anticipated Night of Lights Parade presented by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Starting at 7 p.m. along Closner Boulevard, Downtown Edinburg will be transformed into a festive wonderland with the theme “Country Christmas.” This enchanting parade will showcase beautifully crafted illuminated floats that blend the warmth of country traditions with the festive spirit of the season. From cowboy boots to holiday tunes, each float will capture the essence of a downhome country Christmas. In addition to the parade, the Edinburg Holiday Market will continue from 6 to 10 p.m., offering more opportunities to shop, eat, and celebrate. As a special treat, this year’s event will also feature Sirens and Santa, the Firestoppers Festival rescheduled from October. Hosted by the Edinburg Fire Department, this festival has a holiday twist, featuring an animal exhibit, games, mini golf, and educational activities focused on fire prevention. It’s the perfect combination of fun and learning for families as they enjoy a festive night out. Float registrations for the Night of Lights Parade are now open at edinburg.com/nightoflights. For more information, contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at (956) 383-4974. Make plans to attend this magical two-day celebration, filled with hometown spirit, holiday cheer, and countless opportunities to create lasting memories. The Miracle on McIntyre is Edinburg’s can’tmiss holiday event of the year. 2021 Edinburg Parade. Photo by Herb Moering
3 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 20, 2024 Reserve your booth for Mission Health Fair The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is inviting local businesses to the Annual Mission Health and Wellness Fair that will be held on Thursday, December 5, and Friday, December 6. The event will be held at the Mission Event Center from 7 to 11:30 a.m. In partnership with Mission Regional Medical Center, they’re providing free services that include blood exams, bone density tests, blood circulation checks, stroke risk assessments, and more to the community. There are still booth opportunities available for the event. There are several reasons why you should join them for this year’s health and wellness fair. There will be an opportunity to connect with the Mission community and show your support, as well as a networking opportunity to meet potential customers, partners, and fellow Chamber members. Local businesses can contribute to the community’s health and well-being with free medical services. Of course, marketing gives you a chance to showcase your business to a captive audience. For booth information or other inquiries, contact the chamber at candance@missionchamber.com. For additional information, call (956) 585-2727. Start celebrating the holidays The Holidays are here, and everyone in the Valley is ready to celebrate. Cities are having Christmas Tree Lightings, parades, Christmas markets and more to get you ready for the joyful spirit of Christmas. Mercedes will be having their Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will feature food, music, games and shopping. It will be held at 520 E. 2nd St., at the Mercedes Civic Center. The City of Weslaco and Weslaco Chamber of Commerce invite you to celebrate the holidays with them. Weslaco’s Holiday Kickoff: Tree lighting and holiday market starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 22. It will be held at the Weslaco City Hall, 255 S. Kansas Ave. Other holiday events are their Santa Dash on Saturday, December 14 and later that evening will be the Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. For more information contact the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce at (956) 968-2102 or visit www.weslaco.com. City of Mission will host their annual Mission Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting on Friday, November 22 at 6 p.m. at Leo Pena Placita Park, 801 N. Conway Ave. Enjoy photos with Santa, vendors, live music, raffles, and more holiday fun. The holiday market excitement continues the next day, November 23, from 2 to 8 p.m. City of Alamo is accepting float registration for their parade that will be held on Friday, December 13 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The theme for this year is Candyland. You can find out more information on their Facebook page or visit their library for a registration form. Check your local city to see if a Christmas tree lighting ceremony or parade will be held near you. We have plenty more that will be coming up at the beginning of December. Many are already accepting parade entries and participation. November Native Plant Project meeting next week Native Plant Project’s guest speaker for the November 26 meeting in Weslaco will be Matt Kauffman who is a lifelong lover of nature and a native plant enthusiast. For the past few years, Kauffman has been specializing in the propagation of some of the less common and lesser available native plants of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. His presentation will be on native plant container gardening for smaller spaces and/or budgets. Topics covered will be select species that are suitable for containers, soil recommendations, container choices, container arrangement, and some other general maintenance guidelines. The program will be Tuesday November 26 at 7 p.m., at the Valley Nature Center, 301 S. Border St. in Weslaco, behind Gibson Park. The public is invited. There is no charge to attend. For more info about the Native Plant Project, visit http://www. nativeplantproject.org or visit on Facebook. About 35 vendors were on hand for the 2023 Holiday Market in La Placita Park, hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Herb Moering
NOVEMBER 20, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 4 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 27146 McLelland Road., Harlingen, TX 78552 (956) 423-1446 Lower Valley / 956-664-1446 Upper Valley Visit us at www.gowithjo.com for complete itineraries King Ranch (1 Day) Jan. 30, Feb. 13, Mar. 6, 2025 ���������������������������������������������������������TBA King Ranch Farm (1 Day) Feb. 20, 2025 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������TBA Eagle Pass (2 Days) Dec. 10, 2024 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$235 New Mexico - Religious Faith Based Pilgrimage (7 Days) May, 2025 �����TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy) Christmas in San Miguel De Allende (6 Days) �����������������������������������������������������������TBA Monterrey Tres (3 Days) Dec. 30, 2024 NYE Dinner Dance ���������������������������������$510 Monterrey Tres (3 Days) Nov. 29, 2024 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������$450 Mexico City & Puebla Pilgrimage (7 Days) Bus and Plane �������������������������������TBA (Prices are per person, double occupancy) U.S. TOURS MEXICO BUS TOURS Go...With Jo! Tours & Travel We Take Care of You! Hector Rodriguez and performed by UTRGV Guitar Ensemble. Event starts at 7 p.m. Free admission. For a full calendar of events and tickets, visit them online at www.utrgv.edu/arts/. November 22-24 – Ride The Cyclone, The Musical will be presented at UTRGV Albert L. Jeffers Theatre, 1201 W. University Dr. General admission is $20. The shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For a full calendar of events and tickets, visit them online at www.utrgv.edu/arts/. November 23 – The Brownsville Farmers Market will be held at 9 a.m. at Linear Park, E. 6th St. and E. Ringgold St. The event is held every Saturday. November 23 – Firemen’s Park in McAllen will host the Growing Growers Farmers Market at 9 a.m. The park is located at 201 N. 1st St. The event is held every Saturday. November 23 – The McAllen Farmers Market will be held at the McAllen Public Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is held every Saturday. The library is located at 4001 N. 23rd St. For more information visit mcallenfarmersmarket.com. November 24 – Buena Vida Farmers Market will be held from EVENTS CALENDAR November 21 – The Weslaco Elks Lodge #2057, 201 S. Border Ave., in Weslaco, will host their annual Christmas Benefit Rockin’ the House featuring Steven May, Curt James, Bruce Boudreau, Tom Hiles, Bob Buttermore and more. All proceeds go to local children in need. Public invited. Dinner and drinks available. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the dance and entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. in the big hall. Cost is $5. November 21 – UTRGV Symphony Orchestra performs SaintSaens and Tchaikovsky at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg. Admission is $6. For a full calendar of events and tickets, visit them online at www.utrgv. edu/arts/. November 21-23 – Sharyland High School’s Carpe Diem Players present the beloved musical Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim, a mashup of classic fairy tales woven together into a captivating and imaginative story. The shows run from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sharyland High School, 1216 N. Shary Rd., in Mission. November 22 – Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Avenue, Brownsville, will present the opera theater American Vignette. This program has been designed and developed collaboratively by the Opera Workshop students. Themes of modern American life are explored and exposed through a variety of intersecting stories. The show begins at 7 p.m. For a full calendar of events and tickets, visit them online at www.utrgv.edu/arts/. November 22 – UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1202 W. University Dr., will feature a guitar orchestra performance directed by See EVENTS pg. 12 Last month, Encore Fun N Sun was all abuzz as they hosted the 41st World Shuffleboard Championship. There were participants from the United States, Canada, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The park was thrilled to welcome participants and spectators to the resort for the exciting week of shuffleboard, as well as to host so many international guests from around the world. Daily games were held all week long the last week of October with an awards banquet at the end to celebrate the winners and participants. Top three in Singles Men were Mark Malatt, USA; Evan Engell, Canada; and Marco Auchtung, Brazil. Top three in Singles Women was Deb Baal, Megan Grabski, and Sarah Horan, all USA. If you’re interested in joining the Rio Grande Valley shuffleboard teams, visit rgvsa.weebly. com for their schedule of events and information. Photo courtesy of Encore FunN-Sun. Encore Fun N Sun hosted World Shuffleboard Championship
5 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 20, 2024 RioValleyEstates@gmail.com • www.RioValleyEstatesTX.com Whether Your Ideal Location Includes • Pool & Spa • Rec Hall • Shopping • Dining • Fun Activities, Entertainment & Dancing Where You Call Home Makes All The Difference 715 N. Westgate Dr. • Weslaco • 956-968-2708 Expwy 83 Business 83 W Pike Blvd Panther Dr Westgate Dr Location! Location! Location! Only 2 Blocks Off I-2, And Beyond To The Entire RGV Within 5 Blocks Of All You Need Has The Location You’re Looking For! Rio Valley Estates Operation Christmas Child drop-off locations are open Children in need are being b l e s s e d this Christmas season through the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child. Individuals, families and groups have the opportunity to pack a shoebox gift filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items and drop them off now during National Collection Week, which runs through November 25. There are more than 4,700 drop-off locations open around the country. Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for more than three decades. In 2024, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 12 million children. The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. “Samaritan’s Purse is committed to taking the Gospel to hardto-reach places—whether its responding to a disaster or sharing God’s love through the power of a simple shoebox,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “You can show kids in need the true meaning of Christmas this year through a shoebox gift. Please prayerfully consider packing a shoebox this year.” Families and individuals can make fun and meaningful memories by packing shoebox gifts for children in need. What a great way to start a Christmas tradition that emphasizes giving—as the Lord says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). There’s nothing like the personal touch of shopping for and filling shoeboxes together to ensure that boys and girls around the world receive quality gifts. In addition, many churches and organizations host packing parties, which can also be a great way to introduce the joy of shoeboxes to others. If you are interested in such an opportunity, Samaritan’s purse encourages you to plan a special event that will ensure shoebox gifts are high quality, enable your community to serve together, and facilitate outreach. This website has all the tools you need to host a packing party of your own – ideas, guidelines, suggested items, and other frequently asked questions – www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/packing-parties/. Emphasize the importance of creating a fun, full and personalized shoebox. A good guide is to set a budget for each box too – like $10. Don’t forget to select wow items such as a doll, soccer ball with pump or a stuffed animal. Boxes should contain other fun items and toys, personal care items, school supplies and you can personalize them by including an encouraging note and photo for the child. Once boxes are put together, you have options of drop-off locations. And if you don’t do it this year, you can start preparing for next year by ordering Samaritan’s Purse preprinted shoeboxes or collecting your own supplies throughout the season. There are three locations in the Valley – Baptist Temple in McAllen, 2001 Trenton Rd.; First Baptist Church in Edinburg, 201 E. Samano St.; and Vida Nueva Christian Church in Brownsville, 409 W. 2nd St. Drop off times at Baptist Temple are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. most days. Wednesday, November 20, drop off time is 5 to 8 p.m. Drop off times at First Baptist Church in Edinburg is 4 to 6 p.m. November 18 to November 22. Saturday, November 23 drop off time is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday November 24 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; and Monday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can also drop off shoeboxes at Vida Nueva Christian Church at various times throughout the drop off period. To get those times, and other locations through the United States, visit www.samaritanspurse. org/operation-christmas-child/ drop-off-locations/. It is searchable by city or ZIP code. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local churches worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. At a morning outreach event in a village in Cambodia, a girl rejoices at the purse she found inside her shoebox gift. Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse
NOVEMBER 20, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES We Love Our Winter Texans! Thank you for making us your home away from home! • Nightly, 7 Day Plus Rates Available • Fully Equipped Kitchens • Free Wi-Fi • Outdoor Pool • Small Pet Welcome (with fee) • Guest Laundry Service Walking Distance to the La Plaza Mall and several restaurants. For Reservations 956-378-4046 www.mcallen-studio6.com 700 Savannah Ave. McAllen, TX Lock In Your Rates For Next Winter Winter Texan 7 Day Plus Special! $327.67 Queen Bed • $375.97 2 Full Size Beds PLEASE MENTION AD FOR SPECIAL! SPECIAL! 7 Day Plus Reunions are a great time to catch up with friends, old and new. Here we will feature reunions and meetings that are happening throughout the Valley. We hope that if you are having such a meeting, you will send the information to us so we can help you spread the word. Right now, there are several meetings already taking place. Red Hatters get together on at least a monthly basis – and we would love to see your photos and learn about where you went. The RGV Woodcarvers get together weekly too. I am sure there are others that are meeting up for little get-togethers here and there. If you would like to share your information, please send it in. If you have a great photo from your reunion or meeting, we would love to see that too. You can send your information to news@wintertexantimes.com. Ed Marten’s Senior Texas Softball League The Ed Marten’s Senior Texan Softball Leagues are open to all individual men and women aged 55 years and older. Practices and games are played at the City of McAllen West Side Park, on S. Ware Road, across from the Convention Center, at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practices run now through the end of December. Teams will be selected for the season in January with playoffs in March. Call Fred Esqueda (956) 897-6961 or Mike Brower (734) 834-0128 for more information. Senior Ambassadors The Senior Ambassadors meet every Friday afternoon at Bentsen Grove Resort in Mission each Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. There are no tryouts. If someone has sung in another choir and enjoys singing, they can join the Ambassadors. If you enjoy singing and would like See REUNIONS pg. 14 Annual Texas Master Naturalist training opens registration Texas Master Naturalist program training registration for the 2025 new class session is open through January 3, 2025. Weekly classes are scheduled January 15 through mid-April 2025. Registration is open to Winter Texans and residents of Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties over the age of 18 to become a member of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter that meets in Laguna Vista. Texas Master Naturalist is a unique educational volunteer program sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Sea Grant Program. “Texas Master Naturalists are volunteers with diverse interests. They receive in-depth training about the wildlife and natural resources of the Rio Grande Valley’s unique ecosystem,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Park Superintendent and chapter advisor Javier de Leon. “Volunteers work with community partners in approved activities and help educate others about the special land in which we live and how to help sustain it.” Students attend weekly Wednesday classes from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Texas Ecotourism Center, 501 W. State Highway 100, in Laguna Vista. Special field trips are arranged for trainees, providing unique access and learning opportunities. Classes are taught by local university professors, and other field experts, including those from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Trainees join volunteer teams with other chapter members and work among more than 60 local partners that include the chapter’s special projects, federal and local wildlife parks, coastal naturalist programs, cities, schools, and other public entities. Hundreds of opportunities are available to volunteers from studying wildlife to taking part in university studies, developing public native gardens, learning about native plants and habitat, citizen science projects, bird migration and shore birds to Gulf and beach inhabitants and trends. Class size is limited. The cost is $150 and includes textbook, fees, t-shirt, name tag and one-year membership. Scholarships are available and the completed form is due by January 3. To apply for the class or request a scholarship, follow the instructions on the website, at https:// www.rgvctmn.org. If you have questions, please contact either of the new class co-directors, Barb Peterson, at Bhosick@aol.com or Amy Daley, at amyedaley@gmail. com. The Rio Grande Valley Chapter meets at 6 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month, with a guest speaker. Meetings are held at the Harlingen Public Library; they are free and open to the public. Texas Master Naturalists. Photo courtesy of Anita Westervelt
7 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 20, 2024 “Lets Build a Deck”....with Outdoor Flooring & Vinyl Deck Railing Valleywide Delivery Free Estimates THE SIDING SOURCE 705 BUS. 83 • ALAMO, TX • (800)-567-3311 Planing a Project? We Give Expert Advice on all Products and Projects Check us out at www.KautschTV.com Kautsch true value DUTCH LAP VINYL SIDING (12 COLORS IN STOCK) MOBILE HOME SKIRTING (6 COLORS IN STOCK) REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Bring in your measurements for a Free Quote OVER 90 YEARS OF TRUSTED SERVICE • 12 Siding and Soffit Colors (IN STOCK) • Complete Building Supplies • Patio Covers & Carports • Window Awnings • Exterior Vinyl Shutters • Phifer Solar Sun Screens • Custom Aluminum Fabrication • MH & RV Accessories CLASSIC RIB METAL ROOFING ATRIUM VINYL Kick-Off to the holiday season in Kingsville The 33rd Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast will be held on November 23. The event features an authentic, hearty cowboy breakfast cooked and served outdoors on the historic King Ranch. Team roping and old-time cow camp cooking demonstrations are a part of the activities, along with live music and storytelling. Tickets are available online at King-Ranch.com, at the King Ranch Saddle Shop, the King Ranch Museum, the King Ranch Visitor Center, the Kingsville Visitors Center and at the door. Tickets are $10 each. Ranch Hand Breakfast is always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Ranch Hand Breakfast serves as a fundraiser for the annual La Posada de Kingsville lighted Christmas parade. Daniel Morales, chairman of the La Posada de Kingsville Committee, said that the annual event would be held on December 7th, this year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays.” “The La Posada parade is an exciting experience that really resonates with the Christmas spirit in Kingsville,” Morales said. “We’re excited to be able to hold it again this year, we love the community involvement, and we know not only our community, but neighboring communities will come together to make wonderful memories.” The parade typically boasts more than 150 entries and has drawn up to 15,000 onlookers to downtown Kingsville. Ranch Hand Weekend and La Posada proceeds are donated to the city for improvements in Kingsville’s Main Street District, an area that houses several small businesses. In partnership with both the Ranch Hand Breakfast and La Posada de Kingsville, the Kingsville Visitors Center developed a series of events to surround the popular King Ranch festivities. This year’s events will include a Ranch Hand Weekend Wine Walk Holiday Sip & Shop Tree Lighting, a downtown festival and the Ranch Hand Weekend Country Concert. The festivities begin Friday, November 22 at 5 p.m. with an opportunity for guests to visit Main Street Kingsville merchants and vendors while they sample dozens of wine varieties, craft and domestic beer options and holiday mocktails. Ranch Hand Weekend Holiday Wine Walk passports come packed with coupons and savings, they include a keepsake wine glass and wine lanyard or a glow-in-thedark stadium cup and there are a variety of ways for all participants to enter to win some awesome prizes. The Ranch Hand Weekend Holiday Wine Walk will end at 9 p.m. and incorporate the tree lighting that starts at 7 p.m. outside the 1904 Train Depot Museum. The Texas A&M University-Kingsville senior art exhibit will also be on display in the Kleberg Bank lobby. Christmas Carolers get everyone in the holiday spirit, and they’ll be followed by live music and a street dance with electric violinist Dalla, back by popular demand. Passports are not needed to attend, but they enhance the experience and are the only way wine, beer and mocktails can be sampled. Passports can be purchased in advance at RanchHandWeekend.com. Proceeds for this event benefit Weavers of Love, Inc. The non-profit supports people in need of a healthy nutritional meal. In addition to the Ranch Hand Weekend Holiday Wine Walk, there will be another Holiday Wine Walk on December 7 ahead of the annual La Posada de Kingsville illuminated night parade. Guests can return to the December event with their wine glasses and stadium cups and enjoy a $5 discount. After filling up on your authentic Cowboy Breakfast at the King Ranch®, visitors are invited back to Main Street for food, fun, inflatables, live music, two-stepping and line dancing. The Ranch Hand Weekend Festival also features a Ranch Hand Car Show with everything from modern to imports to lifted categories and more featured by Texas Rides. The Texas A&M University-Kingsville Art Department will also showcase Steam-Roller printing, an exhibit that has become very popular during the event. For the kiddos, the Kingsville Parks & Rec Department has partnered with many groups to bring in an Archery Turkey Shoot, a Young Performer’s Stage, a Drug Free Jail and Pony Rides. Vendors come from far and wide to attend this festival and there is no shortage of Christmas shopping opportunities. Country music fans will not want to miss Saturday night’s Ranch Hand Weekend Country Concert at the JK Northway Expo Center. This year’s headliner is Joe Nichols, an American country music artist who has collected accolades that include Top New Male Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music and three Grammy Award nominations, fueled by hits like “Brokenheartsville,” his first #1 smash. His music list y r g e l r e e , , . e c d s , r e m t / e f b r . r t e e Photo courtesy of City of Kingsville See RANCH pg. 15
NOVEMBER 20, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 8 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Sundays 1:30-5:30pm Live Music in Event Center Steven May & Leon Mann Wed • 11am-8pm Thurs • 11am-8pm Fri • 11am-8pm Sat • 11am-8pm Sun • 11am-8pm NOW HIRING All Positions! RIVERSIDE DREAMER River Tours Call (956) 581-4477 Reservations Suggested 1 Hour River Tours Wed • 1:00pm Thurs • 1:00pm Fri • 1:00pm Sat • 1:00pm Seniors - $13 Adults - $15 Child - $11 OPEN (956) 581-1033 Riverside In-MissionTx Relax Outside By The Rio Grande River Jam Sessions Craft Sales Coming Soon Friday Fish Fry 4:00pm-7:00pm White Fish or Shrimp Dinner $13.99 Combo Dinner $14.99 Coleslaw, Baked Beans, French Fries, Hush Puppies www.ontheriver.net • 214 E. Chimney Rd • Mission, TX DANCES • 7-10PM Nov 29 • The Howlers • $10 Dec 6 • Time Machine • $10 adv $12 at door - Tickets On Sale 11/15 Sunday Soup Dinner Dec 1 & 15 4:30 - 6pm (Bring your own bowl and topping) Monday Dinner • 4:30 - 6pm Wednesday Breakfast • 7:30 - 9am Thursday Lunch Burgers • 11:30am - 1pm MEALS Dec 14 • 8am - Noon Breakfast Available CRAFT SHOW Sundays • 8:30am With Jesse Hernandez CHURCH SERVICE YARD SALES Dec 7 • 8am - Noon 956-585-0703 1645 S Bentsen Palm Drive • Palmview Paula McSpadden Activity Director ALL EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC HAPPY HOUR • 3-4:30PM Dec 17 • Bruce Boudreau • Pass the hat For more information call: 956-580-7800 email: ads@wintertexantimes.com Make sure your events are like... THIS!! HOW? Advertise in the Valley’s #1 Winter Texan Paper EDITOR’S NOTE: Items for the Parks Calendar must be open to the public activities in the parks only and must be submitted by park owners, managers or activity directors. Listings must come from the park and are to be submitted on the Winter Texan Times Parks Calendar Submission Form. Request this form from the Winter Texan Times office. Multiple activities may be submitted on the park’s letterhead, provided the same information is provided in the format of the Submission Form. We do not accept listings for reviews, workshops, lessons or dance classes. Submission deadline is Thursday 5 p.m., the week prior to the publication date. Send to: Winter Texan Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, Texas 78572 or email to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com. Wednesday, November 20 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am-1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Wednesday Breakfast - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7:30-9am. Wednesday Burger Fry - Chimney Park, Mission, 11:30am-12:30pm, Loaded 1/2 lb. burger, egg washed French fries, and ranch style baked beans, $7pp. 956-585-5061. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Jam Session - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 1:30-3:30pm, Our free Acoustic Jam Session is open to the public. Come to listen or come to play! Everyone and donations are welcome. Happy Hour - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 3-5pm, Bob Buttermore, pass the hat. Ballroom. Karaoke - McAllen Mission RV Resort, Mission, 3-6pm, Hall-2. Music: country, old time rock. Chef Joann meals served $. Snacks, ice cream, and drinks available. BYOD. Come and sing, visit, or relax. 956585-7630. 3366 N. Bentsen Palm Dr. Benefit Show - Lakewood RV Resort, Harlingen, 3-4:30pm, Diego & Edith. Benefiting the Christmas for the Children program. Meals - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 5:30-7:15pm, Hot dogs, burgers, polish sausages, concessions. 101 E. Sioux Rd. 956-787-6461. Gospel Sing - Southern Comfort Resort, Weslaco, 6pm, Donation. 1501 S. Airport Dr. Movie Night - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 6:30pm, Secondhand Lion. Dance - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, Steven May & Southern Knights, $8pp. BYOB. 101 E. Sioux Rd. 956-787-6461. Thursday, November 21 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am-1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Line Dance - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 10am. Thursday Lunch Burgers - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 11:30am-1pm. Pulled BBQ Pork Baskets - Sun Valley Acres, Harlingen, 3-6pm, $8pp. 25850 Spruce Dr. Acoustic Music Jam - Palm Gardens, Harlingen, 6-8:30pm, Contact Wayne Suter, 567-201-8157. 3401 W. Bus. 83. Church Services - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, 956787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Dance - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7pm, Texas Wheels, $10pp. 956-585-4833. 1711 E. Bus. Hwy. 83. Bingo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, CALENDAR PARKS For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM
9 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 20, 2024 Activities: 956-585-4833 RV & MH RESORT MISSION BELL TRADE WINDS Mission Bell - 1711 E Business Hwy 83 ~ MISSION, TX ~ Tradewinds RV Resort - 1005 N Stewart Rd DANCES Nov 21 • Texas Wheels 7pm • $10 Dec 19 • Texas Wheels 7pm • $10 Jan 4 • The Fabulous Cruisers 7pm • $12 Jan 8 • Texas Wheels 7pm • $10 MURDER MYSTERY & DINNER Dec 7 • $10 • 4:30pm SHOWS Dec 14 • Adam Pope 7pm • $10 CRAFT SHOWS Dec 16 • 8am-12pm Mission Bell Dec 21 • 8am-12pm Tradewinds BIT O HEAVEN RV & MOBILE HOME RESORT 1051 W Bus Hwy 83 • Donna,TX 78537 SUSAN THOMAS, ACTIVITY DIRECTOR 603-396-2786 TUESDAYS • HAPPY HOUR • 3-5 PM PASS THE HAT Nov 26 • Curt James Dec 3 • Bruce Boudreau Dec 10 • Jerry Co Soda, water, popcorn, and snacks for sale, free ice/cups, BYOB, 50/50 door prizes. BYOB. All welcome. SUNDAYS • KARAOKE • 5 PM FRIDAYS • DANCES • 7-10 PM Nov 22 • Rewind • $10 Nov 29 • Jealous Heart • $10 Dec 6 • Burnin’ Ember • $10 Dec 13 • Texas Wheels • $10 Soda, water, popcorn, and snacks for sale, free ice/cups, 50/50 door prizes. Dec 7 • Patio Sales Dec 13 • Craft Fair FAIRS & SALES • 8 AM-12 PM THURSDAYS • SOUP SUPPER • 4 PM Starting December 5 $4 All You Can Eat Bring your own bowls, to-go containers, snacks, BYOB. Dessert for sale. Valley Star AWARDS SHOW F E B 1 2 2 0 2 5 14th Annual Brought to you by Who will be the 2025 Entertainer of the Year? Find out in person at this year’s Valley Star Awards Show SAVE THE DATE Valley Star Awards Show Wednesday, February 12, 2025 Tickets on Sale January 2025 Ballots available January 15, 2025 ? e , n y , , t 1 - z , , Mission, 7pm. Friday, November 22 Sunshine’s 77 Cafe - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7am-1:30pm, Cafe open for breakfast and lunch in Rec Hall. 1900 Grace Ave. Yahoo - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 1pm. Happy Hour - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 3-5pm, Randy Webb. Dance - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 7-10pm, Rewind, $10pp. Football jersey night. 1051 W. Bus. Hwy. 83/Hook Ave. Dance - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 7pm, Wally Garza & Texas Blood, $8pp. 501 W. Owassa Rd. Dance - Fun N Sun Resort, San Benito, 7-10pm, Steven May and the Southern Knights, $8pp at the door. Saturday, November 23 Public Meal - Breakfast - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 8-9:30am, Biscuits & homemade gravy, scrambled eggs, tater tots, sausage, fruit juice, and coffee, $8pp. Main Hall. Open to the public. Host: The Howell’s, Ronda, 270-401-4999. Office: 956-9693740. 2712 S. International Blvd. Craft Show and Sale - Pine to Palm Resort, Weslaco, 8am-Noon, Hall. Breakfast bunwich 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 802 S. International Blvd. Park Wide Yard Sale - Casa del Sol, Donna, 8am-Noon, Shop for great finds at individual yard sales. 956-464-9024. 400 N. Val Verde Rd. Saturday Breakfast - Chimney Park, Mission, 8-10am, Full breakfast, $7pp. 956-585-5061. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Country Jam - Green Gate Grove, Palmview, 12:30pm, Lunch 11 a.m. Jam 12:30 p.m. Everyone invited. Welcome Back Party - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 3-5pm, Leslie Blasing. Requires ticket, call to reserve: 956-787-6538. 501 W. Owassa Rd. Dance - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 6-9pm, Burnin’ Ember, $10pp. Dance - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 7-10pm, The Lockhart with Melissa Lockhart, $10pp. Bring your friends for an evening of dancing. Kitchen open, free ice. Office: 956-969-3740. 2712 S. International Blvd. Dance - Trophy Gardens, Alamo, 7-10pm, Southern Vibes, $8pp. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. BYOB, setups, concessions. 956-685-5300. 800 State Hwy. 495. Dance - Winter Green Estates, Mission, 7-11pm, Burning Embers, $10pp advance/$12pp at the door. Contact Mary McLaughlin for tickets, 712-240-2801. Dance - Restful Valley Ranch, Mission, 7-10pm, Lady and the Outlaw, $9pp. Saturday Night Dance - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Diego & Edith, $9pp. Friendship Hall. Gate open. Tickets in advance or at the door. 1900 Grace Ave. Dance - Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 7-10pm, Time Machine, $10pp. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Snack bar open. Sunday, November 24 Church Service - Fiesta Village, Mission, 8:30am, 205 S. Stewart Rd. Church Service - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 8:30am, With Jesse Hernandez. Church Services - Quiet Village II, Donna, 9-10am, Non-denominational services. Pastor Mary Chamberlin. Worship Service - Siesta Retirement Village Park, Weslaco, 9-10am, Winter Church. Open to the public. Office: 956-969-3740. 2712 S. International Blvd. Bible Studies - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 9am, 956787-2024. 1346 N. Cesar Chavez Rd. Church Service - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 9-10am, Main Hall. Worship Service - Rio Valley See PARKS pg. 16 For more information, photos and tour schedules visit Wintertainers TM at www.wintertexantimes.com www.wintertexantimes.com tainers Winter TM
NOVEMBER 20, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES Call today to schedule a free consultation and let us show you how professionally designed marketing materials with clear and consistent messaging can elevate your brand. You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression Make It Count With Promos & Prints On Your Side Sales@promosandprints.com (956) 580-7800 1217 N Conway Ave, Mission, TX A Division of Nexus Publishing LLC River Bend Golf Club, Brownsville River Bend is the real-life version of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” When you first look at the course, it looks nice. When you play it, however, its looks, layout and play will make you scratch your head during several holes. It is scenic, it is pleasant, and it can easily lull you into a false sense of security by its uniqueness. It has plenty of challenging holes, including the 397-yard par 4, where the different sets of tees put golfers at different angles heading to the hole. The fairway also inclines, and you almost feel like you’re teeing off from a bowl. No. 17 is the signature hole – a 220-yard par 3 that sits along a distracting levy. Your tee selection will decide how you play it – and the wind, from whatever direction it might be coming in from – will also play a factor. And the scenery along the levy will just add to your distraction. But, like so many holes on this course, the architecture, the views and the wildlife you may come across make this one of the more unique and pleasant courses, not just in the Lower Valley, by across the entire region. South Padre Island Golf Club, Laguna Vista The crème de la crème. Just the name South Padre Island Golf Course implies beauty. This course, which should be without doubt the gem of the Valley, started falling behind the rest of the courses. New ownership came in and now it has returned to a destination hot spot. Maybe it rested on the laurels of the enchanting views it provides of the Laguna Madre and South Padre Island across the water. While No. 3 is considered the signature hole, it’s numbers 4 and 5 that golfers will remember because of those breathtaking views. No. 4 is a par five hole. Don’t get distracted by the beauty of this 525-yard hole that drifts slightly toward the right. Don’t hit it too far that way because your ball will find a resting home in the native foliage area, and you’ll have to take a drop. You won’t find your ball and won’t want to find anything else that area calls its home. No. 5 is a short par 4 of 296 yards. Don’t be tricked though, it’s the perfect illusion. That same refreshing breeze coming across the Laguna that makes one feel great is the same blustery wind that can make this short hole unreachable to even the strongest of hitters. You need to hit a long ball, and its result could certainly make you change your mind about the view. Rancho Viejo Golf Club, Rancho Viejo When people describe a hole as picturesque, they might be accurate. However, most of the time they are forgetting a phrase that should tag along somewhere in the conversation – “It’s a beast of a hole.” GOLF From pg. 1 Brownsville Golf Center. Photo by Henry Miller
11 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com NOVEMBER 20, 2024 2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. – Mission, TX GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE SINCE 1982 Now Accepting Cigna Medicare Advantage New Patient Exams only $159 • Includes all necessary x-rays • Oral Cancer Screening • Intra-oral Photos • Comprehensive Exam • Periodontal Screening No Dental Insurance? NO PROBLEM! www.sharylanddentalcare.net 956-581-2773 For dental care you can trust and have confidence in Come See Us At Sharyland Dental Care The 315-yard par-4 No. 15 is one such beast. The hole used to be a straight shot, but now is a dogleg. It is both a mental and physical challenge. The course moved more than a dozen palm trees from one side of the fairway to the other, added a bunker in the fairway and placed a large berm out there to keep balls from running out of bounds. Golfers can be safe and play the hole along the dogleg or be macho and try to carry the lake and get close – or possibly on – to the green, if the golf gods decide to favor you. Following the dogleg isn’t the easiest choice either. The fairway is narrow, but it has been widened in some areas – and thinned down in others. Big hitters will try to carry the water; others will try to play it safe. Either option, however, makes this hole a big-time risk and reward gem. Long Island Village Golf Course, Port Isabel “Speak softly but carry a big stick.” There may be 100 clichés that come to mind when you take your first look – or even your second or third look at little Long Island Village golf course. It’s little – an 18-hole par-3 course where most holes are less than 100 yards – but its big stick is a blustery wind that seems to be attacking you from every angle on the course (except behind you of course) – and many holes play to 150 or 175 due to that voracious wind. It’s definitely an underdog in your mind when you compare it to the SPIs or Tierra Santas or Palm View courses in the Rio Grande Valley. Then you play a round. Suddenly, you start thinking that this may be the toughest course you’ve ever played in your life. You try to shrug the thought off, but you can’t. Every hole is short but plays at a variety of distances. They are all, in one way or another, signature holes. By the time you’re done here you’ll realize that while the infamous wind blows all across the South Texas landscape, it has a personal vendetta on the Long Island Village course. Brownsville Golf Center, Brownsville What makes this course so special is the City of Brownsville’s vision for who their course is for – and that’s everyone. If you’re a single handicap golfer, the tee placements make the wide, open fairways a lot more difficult, thanks to well-placed (or deviously placed, depending on your point of view) trees, water and, maybe, some wildlife running across the course (always kicking your ball farther from the hole and never closer). For the beginners, it’s perfect, designed to be player friendly – but don’t ever think this course is a pushover. Those wider fairways aren’t always better. A golfer – new or old – can think it’s a hole to grip and rip on and, while you may stay on the fairway, you can still be 100s of yards away due to your banana slice or your captain hook – hook. Still, those fairways and large – yet quick – greens give golfers an opportunity to improve their game without being beaten up by courses that are sometimes way too challenging for those looking at the simpler things in life. But there’s something about this course that is stress-free. Brownsville Golf Center is exactly what a municipal course should be, inviting and available to all levels of golfers. Sure, water comes into play on most holes. Also, you still must carry that water at times and be strategic on several holes, deciding how much you want to cut a corner or to “go for it.” Just because a green is large does not always mean you want to be putting the length of it to get close to the pin. That’s the brilliance of this course and a reminder that looks can be deceiving. Valley International Country Club, Brownsville Golf has a long history in the Rio Grande Valley and very few courses have had the impact than that of Valley International Country Club in Brownsville. Great names blazed a path on this course and not just the best from the Valley, which include Al Escalante and Tony Butler, but also Jimmy Demaret and Hall-of-Famer Ben Hogan. In the 1930s, the city and VICC hosted a driving contest. “It was an era when Brownsville was coming up in the golfing world. The game was so popular that the city had its own practice driving range located across the street from ‘The Terrace,’ a miniature golf course on the main street of the city, West Elizabeth,” wrote Rene Torres in the Port Isabel Press. The championship course is demanding but tries to offset that with four sets of tees to ensure beginners can enjoy their round. The short course allows golfers to work on their short game and have a quicker round. Its signature – and No. 1 handicap hole – is a 421-yard par-4 dogleg right. The fairway is tight so you can make or break your score right from the tee box. You also have to hit it far enough to make sure the pine tree forest is cut off from being in the way for your approach shot. Anything but perfection and you might need a calculator to keep track of your score – or an eraser on the end of your pencil. Rancho Viejo Golf Course. Photo by Henry Miller
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTczOTk5Mg==