Winter Texans, and converted Texans, packed the Leo Pena Placita Park on Friday, March 6 for Mission’s annual Winter Texan Fiesta. The event drew quite a crowd this year, leaving barely any space for sitting in the Placita. Many gathered around the walls to watch the entertainment. I am sure it was partly due to the great weather – although it was a bit windy, and a little warm.

The lines were long for a time as attendees waited for their free shirts and free lunch. All the booths at the event were busy. There were several food, drink and treat vendors, along with several businesses.

Representatives from McAllen Wind Ensemble were present and said it was a delight to hear from the Winter Texans how much many of them have enjoyed their shows this year, and how few haven’t been to a show yet.

Roy Contreras, McAllen Wind Ensemble board member and participant, said the ensemble’s purpose is to share the music, and he is happy that so many are enjoying it.

The Mission Chamber hosts the event each year to show their appreciation for the Winter Texans that visit Mission and its surrounding communities each year. Mission is the number one Winter Texan destination in the Rio Grande Valley.

The afternoon was also filled with fun and exciting entertainment by The Night Howlers, Bruce Boudreau and mariachi groups from local high schools. The audience participated in songs by each musician and stood and hollered with several of the numbers as well. There were many that joined in with some line dancing, too.

At our table we enjoyed getting to hear how Winter Texans use our publications in their parks and in their daily planning. Not only do they use the Winter Texan Times to help plan out their daily and weekly calendars, but they also use the Visitors Guide to find somewhere new to go or to help entertain family when they come to visit.

It was a delight to see people from all over the Valley. It’s always a pleasure to hear how helpful our publications are to our readers and how many have used our publications for years. It’s a highlight to our year, knowing that we are serving our community the way we intend. You give us a purpose, and we strive to provide you with what you need and want with our publications.

We enjoy being part of the Winter Texan Fiesta each year and the opportunity to show our appreciation for you, our friends, our family. Be sure to come out next year on the first Friday of the month of March. We’ll see you there.