FEBRUARY 2, 2022 www.wintertexantimes.com 18 WINTER TEXAN TIMES (956)566-1157 en every half hour. On Monday, the event will begin with an opening ceremony with bagpipe introduction, presentation of the flags, the National Anthem, prayer and a welcome by the hostess, Leslie Blasing. Lunch will feature songs by Geoff Clifton. Music from the era will be provided by Rock Island and others. There will be some special speakers that have connections to Vietnam. Blasing said the speakers are incredible and have some great things to share. A special presentation will be given by Doug Young featuring photos he has taken of Vietnam and his stories of spending time in the area. He will also have books available for sale. Donna Rowe, who was a head nurse in Saigon, will give an oral history of Vietnam. Another speaker is a representative from Custom Canines, an organization that Blasing supports yearround. The organization trains dogs for Veterans that need help with dayto-day activities around their home and in public. She added that some of these dogs have to be trained for a lengthy time depending on how much assistance a Veteran needs. “I really want all these people to come together with a common thread,” said Blasing. “That is important to me.” She will be closing out the show on Tuesday with a special tribute to veterans featuring music from the era, country to rock. She said there will be room to dance. Courtesy golf cart rides from the parking lot will be available. Blasing said she is really excited about the event and hopes visitors can make it a two day stay of the event, or make it a mini-vacay. She said to make sure to take advantage of the partnering hotels for some cheap, discounted rates. The hotels have rooms blocked off for those that would like to stay the night and enjoy both days of the event. For more information, schedule of events, and sponsoring hotels, visit spiwinterfest.com. There has been a change in the lineup, but it will still promise to be a great show. The lineup includes 2020 RGV Male Vocalist of the Year Curt James, Johnathan Len, Justin Terry, Mountain Highway, and Rebecca Lawless. The new addition to the lineup is Ron and Jan Easter. They provide a show filled with rock i ng , clapping, dancing, and laugh i n g . Featuring the many v o i c e s of Ron E a s t e r , y o u ’ r e sure to get a chuckle. If you’re lucky, you may even be a part of the show. They will entertain you with songs ranging from oldies rock and roll, old country, new country, gospel, disco, TV theme songs, the standards, and even some old sing along medleys. How to Vote To vote for your favorite Wintertainers™, fill out the Valley Star Aw a r d s Ballot in t o d a y ’ s edition of the Winter Texan T i m e s . V o t i n g can also be done, in our preferred me t h o d , o n l i n e at www. w i n t e r - t e x a n t i - mes.com. You can find the ballot from the home page under the WinVSA From pg. 1 WINTERFEST From pg. 1 ter Texans’ Favorites menu. Only one vote per person is allowed. Voters must use either the online ballot or the printed ballot from the paper. No photocopies of the ballot are permitted. Ballots must be received by Wednesday, February 9, by 4 p.m., to be counted. When you fill out the ballot, we ask that you vote for someone in every category, if you are familiar with the nominees. Also, be sure to write in your choice for Entertainer or Group of the Year. This can be any of the individuals or groups on the ballot, from any category. Show Tickets Entertainers for this year’s Valley Star Awards are Curt James (2020 Entertainer of the Year), Rebecca Lawless, Justin Terry, Johnathan Len, Mountain Highway, and Ron and Jan Easter. This year’s Valley Star Awards will be held on Wednesday, February 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mission Bell Resort, 1711 E. Bus. 83. Tickets are $15 per person, $12.50 for groups of 15 or more. Lunch will be available from 12 to 1 p.m. for an additional fee. Tickets for this year’s Valley Star Awards Show are now on sale online at www.wintertexantimes.com, by phone order at (865) 253-2514, or at one of the following locations: Winter Texan Times – 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission Mission Bell Resort – Activities Office, 1711 E. Bus. 83, Mission
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