A 10K race that started in the early 1980s as a way to honor a beloved school teacher and running advocate in Edinburg has gone from lean beginnings to an event that attracts over 10,000 participants. The namesake of the David Chavana 10K Run/Walk has called the event and others connected to it as being a “big time race for a small town.” Organizing the yearly event in early February…
Edinburg’s opening of its new Arts & Cultural Events Center marks a new commitment by the community to build upon its “city of festivals” designation. The 36,000-square-foot facility was opened with much fanfare in late 2024. Having such a downtown-area venue to host art exhibits, live performances and community events has long been a dream for Edinburg leaders active in local arts. The Edinburg Arts & Cultural Center is located…
When it comes to surmounting barriers to higher education, Alyssa Soto of Pharr could be a first-place hurdler. In her mid-30s, Soto is a single mother of three children, ages 8, 9 and 14. Prior to 2022, she had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. When her circumstances changed, Soto realized she needed to pursue a degree; she chose nursing and gained acceptance to South Texas College in the…
The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center has earned the University Economic Development Association Award of Excellence in the Engaged University category. The recognition highlights the ECC’s eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in partnership with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. The prestigious award acknowledges the ECC’s eBridge network, dedicated to economic development, innovation and community collaboration through various programs and initiatives. “The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center plays a vital role in Brownsville and the lower Rio Grande Valley by…
Wildlife in Focus is expanding its popular photo contest statewide in 2025 and is offering a record $40,000 in prize packages. The goal of the competition is to promote wildlife habitat conservation and to create a visual record of the beauty of native Texas land and wildlife. The prize-winning photos will be part of a coffee table book and also be of use in WIF’s educational outreach program for children…
VA will be hosting free food drive-thrus for veterans and their families Dec. 19 in Harlingen and Jan. 16 in McAllen. The drives are part of VA’s work to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families. The Harlingen drive will take place from 9-11 a.m. (or while supplies last) at Harlingen VA Health Care Center, 2601 Veterans Drive. The McAllen VA Clinic at 901 East Hackberry Avenue will host the…
Veterans and community members are encouraged to “Roll Up Your Sleeve” and give the gift of life during VA blood drives Dec. 13 and Jan. 14 in McAllen and Harlingen, respectively. The Dec. 13 drive takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic at 901 East Hackberry Ave. Jan 14’s drive is from 9 a.m. to noon at the Harlingen VA Outpatient Clinic, 2106 Treasure…
Keep McAllen Beautiful hosts its third annual Christmas Posada at Archer Park on Dec. 14, featuring the traditional posada procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. The 7 p.m. event features a special performance by Nikki Rowe’s Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir. The posada procession culminates at a nativity scene, with shepherds and the Three Wise Men. The posada will be accompanied by traditional singing during the procession…
The City of Pharr kicks off the holiday season and invites the community to Winter Wonderland on Dec. 6 in Downtown Pharr. This evening features a tree lighting, live music, food, holiday activities and more. The free event takes place from 6-11 p.m. at 118 S. Cage Blvd. The annual Lighting of the Christmas tree will begin at 7:30 p.m. This year’s entertainment includes performances by local dance teams, Gatos Locos…
The Camille Playhouse in Brownsville has a full season ahead of and is looking to attract more Winter Texans to its community theater. Two plays are in the books and four more are on the way. The next show up is “A Christmas Carol,” which has a run of six shows from Dec. 6 to the 13th. In January, there’s “Oklahoma!” and following in February is “Tartuffe.” The season will…