Winter Texan Times

IMAS announces 2021 programs

imas Wreath Dianna Medina 600px While the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) art galleries continue to exhibit exquisite collections and artwork and remain open for a comfortable socially-distanced experience, the museum has also further enhanced its online programming. The museum invites the community to access a variety of virtual exhibits and educational resources on its website, and to participate in hands-on programs at home. From adult art workshops to afterschool programs, the IMAS offers safe ways to engage with art, science, and culture. Many of these programs are accessible for no cost to the public while some are paid workshops and discounted for IMAS members.

RGV Coastal Expo registration open

Sixteen years, and still going strong, the Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo comes to you once again, this time virtually. Texas Parks and Wildlife, the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center invites elementary students, parents, and educators to participate in this one-of-a-kind event.

On February 15th -19th, 2021, experience Coastal Ecology, South Texas Wildlife and Outdoor Adventure in a brand-new format. Explore the wonders of our natural world. See wild animals up close. Virtually experience fishing, rock climbing, kayaking and other adventure sports firsthand. Learn about the amazing places and adventures available across the Rio Grande Valley.

This year’s event will feature a mix of downloadable activities, live virtual events, interactive game shows, and a range of engaging pre-recorded videos that can be incorporated into classroom curricula.

Visit Pharr for food and fun

pharr 5182 600px The City of Pharr has seen a lot of growth and revitalization in recent years. As seen in other downtown areas I have been in this season, Pharr’s downtown is welcoming and features its history. Its historic buildings add to the character while newer buildings are revitalizing the area and making room for more commerce and entertainment. If you travel the Valley along Business 83, you will likely see the epicenter of each of the Valley’s cities.

Look for the butterflies

butterfly speer lib 600px If you drive around the City of Mission you might notice something a little special. Every once in a while, you might just see a beautiful butterfly sculpture. Being home to the National Butterfly Center, it just seemed fitting for there to be butterflies of giant size around town to celebrate. These butterflies represent some of the 200 or more species that can be found in the area.

Enjoy the outdoors in McAllen

MO Quinta Mazatlan 4826 600x600 While McAllen has seen a growth in business in the last 20 years, it has also seen a growth in what it offers for outdoor activities.

The entire Rio Grande Valley is a huge birding hub. McAllen has not been left out in the birding area. McAllen features one of the World Birding Center’s at its historic Quinta Mazatlán.

Bird watching in your own backyard

Bird Log Green Jay IMAS January 5 celebrated National Bird Day. The International Museum of Arts and Sciences had presented a lesson on creating your own backyard bird log on their website. Just because the day has past, does not mean you still cannot make one. The information is still on their website and available any time.

In 2002, Born Free USA, a non-profit focused on wildlife conservation, activism, and education, in collaboration with the Avian Welfare Coalition, launched the first annual National Bird Day to promote awareness of birds every January 5th. Many nature and bird lovers observe National Bird Day.

The Valley’s traveling Veggie Man

Veggie Man IMG 2970 He goes by “Pineapple Joe,” or “Big Joe.”

At Canyon Lake RV Resort, on the marker board outside the dining hall, it simply reads: 4 p.m. - Veggie Man.

All of those monikers represent Jose Ybarra and for 21 years he has driven his portable market stand filled with produce and more to Winter Texan parks across the Rio Grande Valley. He brings good deals, fresh vegetables, fruits and more and when his truck appears in a park/resort, the lines start growing.

While the coronavirus pandemic has restructured the way people live, they still need to eat, and Ybarra provides. While the lines may not be as long as in the past, they still know when Ybarra is about to show up and they have their internal clocks ready.