OCTOBER 25, 2023 www.wintertexantimes.com 6 WINTER TEXAN TIMES 2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. – Mission, TX GENERAL DENTISTRY EXCEPTIONAL CARE SINCE 1982 Now Accepting Allwell from Superior Healthplan 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 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 are getting together on at least a monthly basis. The RGVWoodcarvers 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. RGVWoodcarvers The RGV Woodcarvers are meeting at the Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 W. Nolana Blvd., in Pharr every Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from now through March. For more information, visit their website at www. rgvwoodcarvers.org. Model Rail Roading & Railroaders Model Rail Roading & Railroaders have started getting together. Anyone interested in joining the group can join them Monday through Friday at the Hidalgo Pumphouse. Call Red at (313) 532-8549 for more information. Fayette County Iowa Reunion The Fayette County Iowa Reunion is set for January 18, 2014, 11 a.m. at Mr. Gatti’s in Weslaco. For more information, call Carolyn Beier at (563) 920-3838. By U.S. Senator John Cornyn As the cool breeze of autumn begins to sweep through the Lone Star State, there’s a particular charm that sets Texas apart during this time of year. Beyond the sprawling landscapes and bustling cities, Texas boasts a remarkable connection between fall festivities and our thriving agriculture sector. Often at the heart of seasonal celebrations are pumpkin patches, where families come together to make memories while supporting Texas farmers. Whether it’s carving a spooky Jack-o’-lantern or preparing a delicious pumpkin pie, choosing the perfect pumpkin is an unforgettable experience for Texans young and old. Families meander through the fields, carefully inspecting each pumpkin for its unique shape, size, and personality. This classic family fun makes a visit to a pumpkin patch a must-do each season. If you journey westward in our state far enough, you may find yourself in the “Pumpkin Capital of the USA,” Floydada, Texas. Every fall, thousands rush to Floydada’s annual Punkin’ Days Festival to participate in their BBQ and chili cook-offs – it doesn’t get more Texan than that. Amidst pumpkin pie-eating contests, festive decorations, and local artisans, Floydada invites families to explore roughly 1,200 acres lined with more than 170 varieties of pumpkins. Floydada may be home to only 2,500 people, but this small town knows how to celebrate fall in a big way. While Floydada is one town in West Texas, the entire region accounts for about 90% of Texas-grown pumpkins and is a leader in food, fiber, and fuel production. Nationwide, Texas is the fourth-leading state in pumpkin output, producing more than 100 million pounds of pumpkins each year. This isn’t just a testament to the state’s fertile soil but also to its dedicated farmers and ranchers, who play a key role in Texas’ economic success. Exploring these pumpkin patches offers Harvesting Texas traditions a unique opportunity for families to gain insight into agriculture and farming. Texans can learn the process of cultivating the crop from a tiny seedling to a plump, ripe pumpkin ready for harvest. We are fortunate to enjoy the fruits of their labor, yet maintaining pumpkin patches has become progressively challenging for farmers subject to severe Texas heat and drought. Inflation has also caused problems with rising costs for materials and labor. For many farmers, growing pumpkins is becoming an uphill battle. It’s crucial that we continue to visit our local pumpkin patches to support Texas farmers, who work year-round to provide our nation’s food supply. Texas pumpkin patches demonstrate an incredible journey from field to table and offer much more than just fun games and cozy treats. They also give us a chance to celebrate our state’s rich farming heritage. They bring families and communities together, create lasting memories, and support local producers. As we embrace the fall season, let us not only enjoy the thrill of pumpkin picking but also appreciate the dedication and hard work of our Texas farmers who make this beloved tradition possible. Photo courtesy of TAMU
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