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Darris and Judy Hable honored

Darris Hable 353 n webDarris and Judy Hable were honored on Tuesday, December 12 at the Welcome Winter Texan Celebration in Progreso, Mexico. The couple was presented with the Key to the City, the first time it has been done in several years. The couple was also named Ambassadors to the Winter Texans. In March, the couple was named King and Queen during the city’s Tourist Day where they have a big celebration to thank the Winter Texan visitors that visit.

Masonic Winter Texan Reunion planned

GM Berg Pic webFor over four decades, MN Masons have been spending their winters in South Texas and gathering with their fellow Masons from all over the country.

The 43rd Annual MN/TX Masonic Reunion will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Rio Grande Valley Shrine Club, 13415 E Expressway 83 in La Feria, Texas. The social hour will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $15.00.

Read more: Masonic Winter Texan Reunion planned

Visit festive sandcastles at SPI

Willie Elfson carved by Joris Kivits webThe Sandcastle Village at South Padre Island is always changing, but this time of year, you can find a big sand chair to take selfies on while visiting the Holiday Sandcastle Village. The village showcases the incredible talent of some of the best sand sculptors in the world.

Read more: Visit festive sandcastles at SPI

IMAS hosts UTRGV traveling exhibition

Ancient Landscapes Reception UTRGV webThe International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is proud to partner with the UTRGV Community Historical Archeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) to host its traveling exhibition “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight”.

This exhibition explores 50 million years of geological history and 15,000 years of cultural history in South Texas. Residents and visitors of the Rio Grande Valley may step over millions of years of history that included volcanic eruptions, 27-million-year-old petrified logs, 42-million-year-old giant oyster shells, and projectile points used by humans for over 12,000 years. “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight” illuminates the unique landscape and helps curious minds to understand the natural processes that formed South Texas.

Read more: IMAS hosts UTRGV traveling exhibition

Bentsen State Park plans January activities

Bentsen State Park Picture1 webBentsen State Park has programs for all ages. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations are required for some of the programs. All programs will meet at the tram turnaround at park headquarters unless otherwise specified.

Please call ahead to confirm the program schedule and details at (956) 584-9156. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is located at 2800 South Bentsen Palm Drive in Mission.

Read more: Bentsen State Park plans January activities

Airport has nonstop service to Austin

McAllen Airport Picture1 webDelta Air Lines has started its ticket sales to provide three daily nonstop service from McAllen International Airport (MFE) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) beginning April 22, 2024.

In Delta’s recent announcement, Joe Esposito, Delta’s S.V.P. – Network Planning, states, "This expansion not only creates an access point to diverse opportunities for business, leisure, and cultural exploration spanning Texas and beyond but also solidifies Delta’s commitment to being a key player in Austin’s evolving landscape. Austin is growing rapidly, and this 20% increase in capacity mirrors that growth as we look to provide our customers with unparalleled convenience in the region.”

Read more: Airport has nonstop service to Austin

Winter Texans enjoy the holiday parade in Alamo

DSC 0975 webBy Herb Moering

“Alamo has a nice little parade,” said converted Texan Charlie Akins, before the start of the city’s lighted Christmas parade on Friday. But he and his friends with him from Alamo Rec-Veh Park were in for a surprise as the city had its largest parade ever with more than 50 entries according to Alamo City Manager Robert Salinas.

Akins, who grew up in Happy, Texas, said he and his wife, Bev, have been full time RVers for 18 years with the latest winters at Alamo Rec-Veh. And many of those years they have been at the parade.

Read more: Winter Texans enjoy the holiday parade in Alamo

Weslaco parade draws large crowd

20231213 Weslaco Parade 2 webWinter Texans joined thousands of people along the street in anticipation of the 2023 Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade.

Near perfect weather made it even more exciting for those in attendance. Knowing what one of the alternatives is around the country made it even more special.

“This is the type of weather to watch a Christmas parade,” said Chris Clark, who along with his wife and a group of five others all hailing from Wisconsin and one rabble-rouser from Arkansas. “This is my first time at this parade.”

Read more: Weslaco parade draws large crowd

Nativity scene collection on exhibit this holiday season

IMG 6155 1 webThe Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) will feature the “Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña Nativity Scene Collection,” a spotlight exhibit displaying 120 nativity scenes until Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Born in 1934 and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1957, Father Raymundo Peña was named Bishop in Diocese of Brownsville in 1976. On his passing in September 2021, the Bishop willed his collection of nativity scenes to the Museum of South Texas History and to the Historic Brownsville Museum.

Read more: Nativity scene collection on exhibit this holiday season

Local artists featured at Holiday Night Shopping

Quinta Jessica Monroe 10 webExperience the spirit of the season at the “Holiday Night Shopping” with music and local artists selling their works inspired by nature on Thursday, December 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan.

The one-night free event features the award-winning South Texas artist, Jessica Monroe, known for her oil paintings inspired by the natural world. Her paintings bring awareness of environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of nature. Monroe holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University and studied painting at New York University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Read more: Local artists featured at Holiday Night Shopping

VFW To hold rummage sale

There will be a rummage sale at the James Nikki Rowe Post 2369, located at 1405 West Kennedy St. in Pharr. The event will be held on December 16, starting at noon.

An Elvis impersonator will be in the house from 3 to 5 p.m. There will also be Karaoke. All Veterans and families are requested to attend.

The post is also asking for any kind of clothing, tools, or any items that are no longer needed at your household for donations prior to the rummage sale. These donations will assist James Nikki Rowe Post 2369 in paying for electricity, water, and other finances.

Donations can be dropped off prior to the rummage sale

For more information, email Juan Millian at juan.c.milian@live.com or Jose Romo at nemoromo@yahoo.com.

Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count dates are set

Christmas Count Hooded Oriole Photo by Anita Westervelt webValley residents, Winter Texans, visitors, birders, and those just getting interested in birding are invited to join a team in the count areas for the annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count.

The CBC is a one-day event per area within established count circles. This year’s count will be held from December 14 through January 5, 2024. Local counts are listed below with contact information for those interested in joining a team.

Read more: Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count dates are set

Whataburger holds fundraiser benefiting Food Bank

Whataburger is having a huge fundraiser benefiting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley called “Tis The Season To Give.” Guests can make a minimum donation of $1 and receive a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink on their next purchase. More details online and at participating locations. All 45 restaurants in the RGV will be participating in this fundraiser from Roma to Brownsville.

A $1 donation can help the Food Bank RGV provide up to five healthy meals for families in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. Learn more about our work at www.foodbankrgv.com.

The fundraiser will run through December 24.

GPZ giraffe stars in her second book

Gladys Porter Zoo Giraffe BB2A4539edit webRocket the Space Giraffe is embarking on a wild adventure in her brand-new book, Wish Upon a Star, written by Suzanne Shepard and illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell. Rocket’s Wish Upon a Star is available for purchase on Amazon and at the Gladys Porter Zoo’s gift shop. Proceeds from the book go directly to the GPZ for the care and feeding of Rocket and her animal friends.

Read more: GPZ giraffe stars in her second book

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