Leslie Blasing Productions present her “Honoring an Era” at the WinterFest and Expo to be held Monday, February 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
Read more: Blasing invites you out to her last WinterFest honoring veterans
By Herb Moering
For older Winter Texans the big band jams are a trip down memory lane with music for listening and dancing for some.
About 50 residents and visitors were on hand for a performance at Trail’s End MH and RV Park in Weslaco on a recent Saturday afternoon, which is one of three venues visited by the only big band in the Valley. The group of guys and gals also play from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays at Mission Bell-Trade Winds RV Resort and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays at nearby Valley View Estates in Mission.
The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTHistory) welcomes ArnieTex, one of the Valley’s own BBQ voices, for a live Saturday Speaker Series talk, Q&A, and book signing on February 7, beginning at 10 a.m. The program pulls back the curtain on the real work behind great barbecue, from fire management and timing to seasoning and the small details that separate decent from unforgettable.
Quinta Mazatlán will host the first official unveiling of “Wild Women for Good: Stories of Conservation in Texas” during a special Thursday Night Live event on February 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will bring together some of the most influential women in Texas conservation for a live panel discussion, music, wine, and conversation among friends.
The Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo returns to the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary on February 5 through 7, for its 30th year showcasing the natural treasures of South Texas and the Lower Laguna Madre. There is an admission fee.
On January 17th, the City of McAllen gathered at the Veterans War Memorial of Texas for a special dedication ceremony hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Popular male vocalist and social media personality Chris Ruggiero will be performing his hit show “Teenage Dreams & Magic Moments” live in concert at Christian Fellowship Church, 901 N. Loop 499, Harlingen, on Tuesday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Read more: Internationally acclaimed male vocalist to perform
The 15th Annual Valley Star Awards will be held at Mission Bell Resort on Wednesday, February 11. The show will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. with an intermission. Mission Bell will have lunch available for attendees for a small price before the show at 12 p.m. or just get there early to have a seat up front. They will also provide drinks and snacks during intermission for a small fee.
Read more: 15th Annual Valley Star Awards is February 11 (2)
Valley Star Awards tickets are now available online. We apologize for the delay as we had been having technical difficulties in our payment processors.
Submit your order for tickets at https://www.wintertexantimes.com/vsa-tickets.html. You will need to enter the quantity of tickets you need, and then select if you want your tickets available at Will Call or if you want them mailed to you. Mail delivery is only available for tickets purchased by February 4. After that date, all orders will be Will Call. If you choose mail delivery, there is a small processing fee for postage and handling.
The Buck Hollow Band, 2025 Duet Musical Group of the Year, will grace our stage at this year’s Valley Star Awards. Being winners in 2025, they were also nominated in 2024 and again this year. They were also inducted into the Midwest All-Music Association Hall of Fame in 2024. The duo is John and Teresa Condon. They play country and rock classics for various occasions including town celebrations, weddings, anniversaries, local wineries and bars.
This year’s Valley Star Awards will have the award-winning comedy of Paul Mayham. He will be bringing some of his redneck comedy to the stage to make the crowd laugh until they fall out of their seats.
Entering The Grove Farmhouse, you’re greeted by cheerful staff, appetizing smells, and happy chatter. The establishment was busy the Sunday afternoon I visited, though we were still seated quickly and didn’t have to wait long for service. They offer both a breakfast menu and a dinner menu with sweet and savory entrees throughout. There’s also specialty coffee and tea options as well as a full bar with a cocktail menu.
Read more: The Grove Farmhouse: Country Chic and Country Flavor
It’s been nice in the RGV the last week. Some chilliness in the mornings and some nice afternoons. Great to be outside enjoying the nature that surrounds us.
You’re invited to the 9th annual concert to benefit Children’s Haven Christian Home and School, which is in Reynosa, Mexico. Join the Ambassadors of Grace Southern Gospel duet and their special guests, Valley entertainers Dale and Gayle, for a free gospel concert in the Friesen Building at the Rio Grande Bible College.
Read more: 9th Annual Children’s Haven Benefit Concert to be held
Faith Baptist Church in Palmhurst is asking the community to come and enjoy an evening of singing praises to our God with your friends and neighbors with a special Night of Song.
The Mission historical Museum will hold their Turning of the Quilts and Awards ceremony during their 20th Annual Mission Quilt Show on February 6, at 2 p.m. This event provides a unique opportunity for the community to showcase their antique quilts and learn more about their history. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Admission is free.
The Gladys Porter Zoo will host its annual Winter Texan Discount Day on Wednesday, February 4th. On this day, Winter Texans will receive a special discounted admission rate of only $8 with proof of out-of-state residence.
Bentsen-RGV State Park has a full February schedule of events planned for visitors. All but two events require reservations, so be prepared to call ahead and sign up for the event you want to attend.
The Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) invites audiences across the Rio Grande Valley to experience an epic weekend of cinematic music with Star Wars + Four Hands, presented in two separate concerts in two different cities: Friday, February 6, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, and Saturday, February 7, at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville.
Read more: VSO presents Star Wars + Four Hands in McAllen and Brownsville
Upper Valley Art League’s local member artists will showcase diverse works of watercolor at the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) Gallery in Mission February 7 through 28. Opening reception for the event is Saturday, February 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 921 E. 12th Street in Mission (next to Speer Memorial Library).
