Every January for the past 40 years the Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers has sponsored the premier woodcarving show in South Texas. The Show was held in several locations over the years. From the old McAllen Civic Center to the Pharr Civic Center, then to the Nomad Shrine Club. Last year it was held at the Brookhaven Event Center.

This year, the 40th annual Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers Show will be held on January 24 and 25 in a brand-new location. The Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers Show will be held at the Palm View Community Center. It will be held on Friday, January 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, January 25, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is a donation of $5 for the entry fee. Children under 12 are free.

The show features exhibits by carvers, carving instructors, tool vendors, and wood vendors. Door prizes will be given every 30 minutes with three large door prizes given at the end of the show. Table space may be rented by both commercial and non-commercial exhibitors. Table registration is by mail only (find form online). No online registrations.

The highlight of the weekend is, as always, the carving competition. The event will have top carvers from across the Rio Grande Valley, the US and Canada. There will be entries from all types of carving disciplines – realistic carving, chip carving, caricature carving, pyrography, relief, bird, decoy, stylized carving, gourds, and bowls.

All 27 categories of carvings will be open to all carvers by division. Judging criteria will be determined by the judges.

One additional category has been added this year. Carvers with projects that they would like to display for viewing will have a separate area – no judging – just for public viewing. If your piece is for sale, your phone number will be placed on the piece. You and the buyer will discuss the money exchange. The RGV Club will not get involved in the sale but would appreciate a donation back to the club.

Come join the fun. Better yet, enter a piece in the competition. Full rules, entry forms, and show categories can be found online.

You can check out all the details at www.rgvwoodcarvers.org or email rgvcarvers@rgvwoodcarvers.org.