An ambitious five-day festival coming to McAllen in July will celebrate the past, present and future of Latino culture and its influence on the Rio Grande Valley. “We see the need to create a destination festival in the summer,” said Luis Cantu, vice president for international business and community development with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “It’s kind of a compilation of a lot of events we have done, but…
It’s a simple question, but one that is often hard for people to answer. Instead of asking someone what they do, I ask, “How do you help people?” It may seem confusing because most people assume I’m asking about volunteer efforts, as in, “Do you help little old ladies cross the street?” However, the question is aimed at getting to understand how the work we do helps someone else. Every…
Every city has a story to tell and San Benito, with the new San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, is now better able to tell it while also attracting traveling exhibits that can bring new insights to the city. The 7,000-foot-square museum opened in November 2018 and has already featured photo and artistic elements highlighting border life and culture. Luis Contreras II, the city’s cultural arts director, says those exhibits are…
The new $17.6 million Harlingen Convention Center is open for business. The 44,436-square-foot facility was dedicated in May with great fanfare. Soon after, construction started on a $25-million five-story Hilton Garden Inn with 149 rooms adjacent to the convention center. That project is expected to be complete in 12 to 14 months. The hotel is being developed by BC Lynd, which will also manage the convention center. Advance bookings for…
Registration is now open to outdoor and grill cooks for the 14th annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks. On July 6, competitors can battle it out for a $30,000 purse and bragging rights of the grill. Categories include rib-eye steak, pork spare ribs, chicken and brisket. The Grand Champion will compete at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., in September. The Steak Champion also receives an invitation to compete at the SCA…
It was months in the making and took a community-wide collaboration, but after a busy Saturday on April 27, the organizers of the 2019 Mission Arts Festival look back on the event with delight. “We’re incredibly happy with the turnout in the community,” said Ariel King, the owner of the Historic William Jennings Bryan House. King also led the efforts for the first annual arts festival. “It’s all about networking…
The UTRGV School of Nursing recently welcomed eight students from the Project HEAL2 program. The students hail from the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District and are prospective UTRGV nursing students Project HEAL2 is a program from the Region One Education Service Center. The program provides high school students with an interest in a nursing career educational opportunities and experiences to kick start their career. Students who successfully complete the program can graduate with an associate…
South Texas College is gearing up for summer camps that will enable students to engage in fun and interactive activities led by field professionals. Week-long sessions will run throughout June and July for older elementary to high school students. June camps Campers at STC’s Technology Campus and Pecan Plaza can choose from a variety of camps. Each is designed to keep minds sharp and teach new skills while campers also…
Zayda Pacheco the new director of membership for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. She will work closely with leadership and staff to forward the mission of the chamber while expanding and improving the membership program. “We’re excited to have Zayda on board,” said Ronnie Larralde, executive director of the Edinburg Chamber. “She is taking on a very important role for our business community .We are confident that her experience and…
It’s the 20th anniversary of South Texas College’s Dual Credit Programs. Over the years, more than 106,000 high school students have participated and earned college credit. This has saved families more than $200 million with tuition-free college classes. The program features four options in which students can take college courses while still in high school. Many receive their associate degree weeks before their high school graduation. This then puts them on…