When Denise Sandoval met Marshall Eason in the hallways of McAllen High School, she didn’t realize it was fate. Denise moved to McAllen from Monterrey at age 9, already fluent in English and Spanish. Her mom’s first language was English, having been raised in Chicago until she was 13 and her parents decided to return to Mexico. Her father had left his native country to serve in WWII, deciding later…
The practice rooms at the McAllen school on North Ware Road bear the names of musical icons whose songs students learn to play. Zeppelin, Hendrix, Queen and Rush are among the names on windows looking into the practice rooms at School of Rock McAllen. Inside there are guitars in blues, black and green standing tall on stands where the instruments lean over just right. Drum sticks line up like pencils…
Quinta Mazatlán World Birding Center hosts author and poet Katherine Hoerth Jan. 6 for a night of eco-poetry and special reading/book signing of her most recent publication “Prairie Madness.” The visit is part of the Nature Speaker Series at Quinta Mazatlán. A McAllen native, Hoerth captures the culture of South Texas. She paints a lasting image of one of the most biologically diverse regions in the country, the Rio Grande…
The 12th annual McAllen International CarFest returns to the McAllen Convention Center Feb. 4-6. The car festival will be larger than previous years with a special performance from Midland Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. McAllen International CarFest will feature more than 300 cars on display, live music presented by local artist, local vendors and street food. Car enthusiasts will see a mix of 55 categories ranging from classic and antique,…
McAllen Public Library invites children, teens and adults to sign up for the 2022 Winter Reading Challenge. Children can complete a fun Winter Break Reading Challenge. This program runs from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4. Children may complete the challenge by by filling up an image of a hot cocoa mug by logging reading hours with marshmallows. Visit the Children’s area of any branch of the McAllen Public Library to…
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s All About Women Committee and Frost Bank host “A Christmas Affair” shopping event Dec. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McAllen Chamber. The evening begins with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m. from Taco Palenque, On the Grill Restaurant and Birdie Bistro. Shopping takes place until 8 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, contact Gerry Garcia at 956-682-2871.
Join the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for its annual Business & Tamales Open House at the chamber on Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Deliah’s Tamales will provide tamales, rice and beans. RSVP with Gerry Garcia at 956-682-2871.
Food Park Unplugged takes place Dec. 17 at McAllen Food Park. Every third Friday of the month, enjoy the sounds of local crooners while feasting on dishes by Food Truck chefs. Take a stroll and do some shopping from local craft and collectibles vendors. This event is family- and pet-friendly. Free admission into the park.
Illumina Fest begins Dec. 14 at Quinta Mazatlán, showcasing a unique light show in the woods through Dec. 18. The festival features more than 2,000 luminarias on the trail, light art installations, live performers, live music and food. The five-day evening event features more than 30 art installations using nature as the canvas while featuring the talents of many Valley artists and performers. Illumina Fest celebrates the season of light with…
The International Museum of Art & Science presents a community Holiday Market to kick off this year’s annual Christmas Tree Forest “Christmas in the RGV” Dec. 5. The artisan market takes place from 1-5 p.m. In addition to the local artists, the Valley Symphony Orchestra and the McAllen Creative Arts Incubator will participate in the event this year. The community may support these local artists and artisans and then visit…