With fall on the horizon, pumpkin patches are rising in popularity. One very popular attraction is Maddie’s Pumpkin Patch in McAllen, which opened on Sept. 14. Pumpkins line walking trails leading you to several picturesque photo set-ups ready for you to use. There are goats, piglets, bunnies and horses you can enjoy petting at the big red barn. Take advantage of snacks and the playground, and let the kids take…
The largest environmental educational event in South Texas, ECO-RIO, takes place this weekend at Fiesta De Palmas. From Sept. 21-22, students 12 and under can build STEAM skills for free. The Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math event also builds environmental leadership. Since nature education takes many forms, ECO-RIO features more than 40 educational booths. Students will have opportunities to see live animal ambassadors up-close. Many educational entertainers will be on hand including Sky King Falconry, Contacto…
UTRGV veterans are the recent recipients of the inaugural Texas Cook’Em High Steaks in Edinburg Veteran Scholarships. During the planning of the 14th annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks, the Edinburg Chamber made the decision to award five $1,000 scholarships. When H-E-B heard of this endeavor, they quickly and generously chose to match that amount. Recipients are Juan Cerda, John Garcia, Gabriel Carrizales, Juan Gonzalez, Carla Blevins, Hector Villanueva, Brandon Bunch, Rosa…
Eighty years ago, the Rio Grande Valley was a rural, agriculturally based economy with little growth happening. Fast forward to 10 years ago, and the RGV was quickly becoming a thriving metropolitan area as development intensified. Today, the region has completely transformed economically. It has become an area developed by improving and increasing commercial, retail, industrial, entertainment, medical and higher education institutions. Education In 2013, the transformation of the RGV’s…
Olympic softball pitcher Monica Abbot Power threw out the first pitch Aug. 18, officially opening the new and improved McAllen Municipal Softball Complex. Joining Power were officials from the City of McAllen, Parks and Recreation, and Cavazos Sports Institute. Also on hand were representatives of the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen. The McAllen Municipal Softball Complex now hosts six new fields along with new batting tunnels, restrooms and concessions stand. It…
The City of Weslaco held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 23 for a new 45-acre park off of FM 88 and Mile 11 Road. This project will feature a one-mile park trail and additional nature trails, a fitness equipment station. Other athletic amenities will include tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and youth soccer fields. Kids will be able to enjoy a splash pad, while entertainment will have a…
The City of McAllen is hosting this year’s Texas Festival & Events Association Annual Conference August 9-11 at the McAllen Convention Center. With more than 450 member festivals and events, organizers are expecting attendees from Texas and beyond. Attendees also hail from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and even Mexico. McAllen is the first city in the organization’s 26-year history to host two years in a row. This year’s conference…
Beachgoers using Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island are in for a surprise if they have not gotten the shock already. The rusty-looking facility most people have been going to over the years is becoming one of the most modern beach parks now rivaling similar venues found in Florida and California. Gone are the wooden pavilions, messy restroom and shower areas, and the dark net over the picnic sections. Replacing…
The sound of Mexican music reverberates throughout the courtyard at the Edinburg City Hall. Colorful papel picado dance above the crowd. Women and little girls walk proudly with their hair pulled back and crowns of colorful flowers adorning their head. They were among the thousands there to celebrate the iconic Mexican female artist Frida Kahlo. FridaFest is one of 13 major annual events organized by Edinburg Cultural Arts, a division of…
The 45th annual Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament is this weekend, so head out to this fishing village about 20 miles east of Raymondville. More than 200 anglers are expected to participate in the two-day tourney raising funds for the local chamber of commerce. Registration is Thursday. Fishing takes place Friday and Saturday. The award ceremony is Sunday. The tourney is the largest such contest here and the one which attracts most…