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PCT presents “A Texas Christmas Carol” in Spanish with a RGV twist

Details: Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:23

Pic 3 ensemble web The Pharr Community Theater (PCT) is pleased to announce its holiday production of the year: a vibrant Spanish-language adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “A Tejano Christmas Carol,” reimagined especially for the Rio Grande Valley.

In this regional and contemporary version, the classic protagonist is transformed into Ezequiel Codos, played by Pharr’s Pedro Garcia, a greedy lawyer and water broker whose ambition to sell large portions of Rio Grande water jeopardizes the community’s environmental and social future. The story takes a deeply local turn by introducing the spirits who visit Codos.

MPL launches Youth Winter Drive to help keep local kids warm

Details: Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:17

20251210 MPL Youth Drive web The McAllen Public Library (MPL) is kicking off its Youth Winter Drive to help keep children and teens in our community warm this season. The effort calls for collecting winter essentials for local youth, with donations supporting the Teen Essential Shelves at the Lark, Palm View, and Main branches.

STC students use skills to support Valley children living with diabetes

Details: Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 12:11

20251210 STC STJDA1 web By Joey Gomez, STC

South Texas College students are helping to transform a developing 30-acre camp for children with Type 1 diabetes by utilizing their skills to build furniture, recreational features and sensory stations for the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association (STJDA).

For more than a year, STC faculty and students from multiple programs have partnered with STJDA to support its vision of creating a residential camp for children with chronic illnesses and special needs. Since then, STC programs including Construction Supervision, Architecture, Culinary Arts and Welding have contributed to the camp’s development on the outskirts of Willacy and Hidalgo counties.

Food Bank RGV to host ribbon cutting for new facility

Details: Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 11:59

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will celebrate the completion of its new cooler and freezer facility with a ribbon cutting on Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m.

The new cold-storage facility is located on-site behind the Food Bank RGV’s historic Valley Fruit Company building. The Food Bank RGV is located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr.

Mission to host Mega Adoption Event

Details: Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 11:56

The City of Mission along with Weslaco Animal Services and Palm Valley Animal Shelter is excited to announce its upcoming Mega Adoption Event at the 721 Bryan Road on Saturday, December 13, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering families the opportunity to welcome a new furry friend into their home just in time for the holiday season.

This community event will feature over 250 adoptable dogs and cats, all looking for loving, permanent homes. Many of the pets available for adoption have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and are ready to go home the same day. Adoption fees may be reduced to help more animals find families before the end of the year.

Celebrate the holiday season outside at a Texas State Park

Details: Published: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 11:55

AUSTIN – Falling leaves, chilly weather and migratory birds heading south mark the beginning of the holiday season in Texas. Starting this weekend, come enjoy a suite of different seasonal activities hosted by Texas State Parks for visitors of all ages, ranging from Thanksgiving potlucks to themed guided walks, crafting events and more.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) highly encourages anyone planning a trip to a Texas State Park to reserve a day pass in advance since some parks are expected to reach their capacity limit. Reserve day passes online or over the phone by calling (512) 389-8900.

December 3, 2025 - Rina's Ramblings

Details: Published: Thursday, 04 December 2025 09:21

I had the chance to volunteer at the Giving Machine in San Antonio this past week. It was only for a two-hour slot, and it was in the morning, while it was still slow, but I was so thankful to learn about The Giving Machine, San Antonio, and the organization the machine is supporting in the area.

Next week we will be sharing the information about The Giving Machine that will be opening right here in the Valley, at the McAllen Food Park. I am excited to see what organizations the machine will have items for.

In the San Antonio machine, you can donate as little as $1 for seven meals for the San Antonio Food Bank, $35 for diapers for the local homeless shelter, or even $115 for a goat for a worldwide service organization.

There are so many organizations in the Valley that we can donate to, so it will be nice to see who gets sponsored through the machine this year.

This machine is like a vending machine, but you get to give something to someone in need. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the organization you choose to support. The machines are placed around the world for visitors to give a little bit to their communities.

Calvary Baptist Church presents Behold, A Savior!

Details: Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 17:47

CALVARY BAPTIST CHOIR PICTURE web Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Calvary Baptist Church 1600 Harvey St. in McAllen will present the Christmas cantata, “Behold, A Savior!” featuring a 30-member choir with piano and orchestra under the direction of Dr. Bill O’Neil. The concerts will be on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 at 3:30 p.m.

Dr. O’Neil is in his third year as Calvary Choir director and brings decades of musical experience to the choir. He has been on faculty at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley/UT Pan American as professor of clarinet since 1992. He is currently co-principal clarinetist with the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Bill grew up in Winnipeg and is delighted to live in the RGV.

Everyone’s favorite festive cottages have returned

Details: Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 17:46

Brownsville Holiday village IMG 2813 web Holiday Village kicked off their 16th season with a jam-packed opening ceremony recently at Dean Porter Park in Brownsville. Guests enjoyed live music, free buñuelos and candy canes, and more, as they anticipated the first official lighting of the cottages.

The event was emceed by Brock Hughston, who also plays keyboard and sings vocals with the band. Other members include Frank Morris on drums and Darak Weaver on guitar. Their holiday music set, which included favorites like You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Jingle Bell Rock, had the crowd feeling festive.

Magic awaits you at Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights

Details: Published: Wednesday, 03 December 2025 14:43

20191206 Hidalgo Festival of Lights ALB 0868 web The Hidalgo Festival of Lights has become a regular Christmas season must see. With millions of Christmas lights, trolley tours, dinner, carnival rides and entertainment, there is plenty to do and see for everyone. The festival officially begins with the lighting of the tree on Sunday, December 7 and runs through January 4, 2026. This year, Hidalgo Festival of Lights celebrates 34 years of Christmas Magic.

The Illuminated Trail drive thru allows you to experience the enchanted two-mile trail of dazzling lights and displays from the comfort of your own vehicle. Entry is through 23rd St. and Arena Drive. You can buy the Dash Pass to skip the line.