MARCH 29, 2023 www.wintertexantimes.com 10 WINTER TEXAN TIMES FINANCING AVAILABLE SENIOR DISCOUNT Mobile Home Roofover Systems Since 1983 Steel Mobile Home Roofing Leaks? High energy bill? Roof rumble? 800-633-8969 roofover.com PROGRESO From pg. 1 las Subdivision in Mission, reigned as king and queen over Tourist Day. The couple, who spend part of their summers in Minnesota in addition to traveling, had breakfast in the Bridge Authority building before joining the American delegation on a walk to meet a delegation of Mexican officials at the center of the Progreso bridge. Joining them were Mr. Tourist 2023 USA, Weslaco Mayor David Suarez, and Mr. Tourist 2023 Mexico, the musical group Nortenos De Rio Bravo. It was Rio Bravo, Mexico officials who chose those to be honored as they joined other Mexican officials on the main stage following the brief ceremony and stroll on the bridge. Once the dignitaries left the stage, the entertainment took over with groups of young and adults, featuring the Mexican flavor. A high school band with flag and baton twirlers also put on a show. Up and down the main street there was more entertainment and merchants had small gifts to give visitors. The Hables were invited to be this year’s king and queen partly for their volunteer work of several years at Mabel’s Children’s Refuge, which raises funds to provide scholarships for needy students in Nuevo Progreso so they can continue their education at the middle school and on up to the university graduate level. The organization also donates school supplies and computers, plus food, clothes, household items and toys. In addition, the Mabel’s helpers from various places in the U.S. sponsor medical and dental care in Progreso. After coming to the Valley in 2004, the Hables had been active as entertainment directors in a couple of RV parks, first for five years at Paradise Park in Pharr and then for four years at their present park, Aladdin Villas. For 10 years they were Entertainers Showcase volunteers, which brings show people together with RV park activity directors for entertainment bookings. Near the bridge walkway to Progreso a quartet of Pharr Nomad Shrine Club members were seeking donations for hospital care for children. The Shriners included Rey Campos, from Elsa, Randy Gathje, from Mercedes, and Fred Cano and Jim Fox, both from McAllen. Before crossing, a number of Winter Texans stopped to have their photo taken in the “picture frame.” Three couples who took the time for a photo were Jim and Betty Christensen and John and Vicki Serna, all, from Minnesota, and Wayne and Donna Goodwin from Wisconsin. The Goodwins, who stay at Fig Tree RV Resort in Harlingen, have been coming to the Valley for 19 years, while the Sernas, who stay in the same park, have been here 15 years. Their friends, the Christensens, have been at Ranchero Village in Weslaco for 10 years. They were all looking forward to enjoying Tourist Day. And they are in agreement that what makes the Valley attractive to come to is the weather, the activities, and the people they meet. Many heading for the border took time to visit the new tourist shop that is located in the Bridge Authority’s newly remodeled building on the west side of the walkway, where Tourist Day T-shirts were among the popular items for sale. The shop is part of the upgrading to the international structure, which Framed in going to Tourist Day were Winter Texans (from left) Vicki and John Serna, Jim and Betty Christensen and Donna and Wayne Goodwin. Photo by Herb Moering Among the dignitaries were (from left) Darris and Judy Hable, king and queen for Tourist Day and Weslaco Mayor David Suarez, named Mr. Tourist 2023 USA. Photo by Herb Moering
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTczOTk5Mg==