The demographics of Winter Texans are changing and professionals in the tourism and hospitality industries are calling for more frequent studies and research into this vital group of visitors with deep connections to the Rio Grande Valley. Leah Woolridge, the vice president of Visit McAllen, sees an age shift among Winter Texans. Retirees are younger, more active and looking for things to do, she said. “You use to be able…
Quinta Mazatlán hosts a star-spangled evening of music, family fun and festive treats on July 3 with Thursday Night Live: Patriotic Pops in the Park. The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with the Valley Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet headlining with patriotic favorites at 7 p.m. The Quintet regularly performs at the VSO’s annual Merry & Bright holiday concert at the San Juan Basilica. It has also been featured at…
Quinta Mazatlan and The Valley Land Fund are currently hosting the annual nature photography contest for kids, Southern Exposures. The contest offers prizes for every child who enters, including cash and a photo feature in the Award Winning Exhibit. Photographs should have a nature or wildlife theme and must be taken in the Rio Grande Valley. “Observing and photographing nature is an enriching hobby that helps your child learn in…
The urban forests found throughout McAllen and at its wildlife sanctuary are creating new habitats to help counter dwindling butterfly populations in the region and across the country. The efforts to do so have become a citywide initiative with educational programs at the Quinta Mazatlan sanctuary and a butterfly garden at McAllen City Hall. At local schools, students gather for tree-planting events at the urban forests and develop awareness of…
Quinta Mazatlán hosts a celebration of the spring migration of monarch butterflies with the ninth annual Monarch Fest on April 26. The festival offers family-friendly fun with live music, cultural performances, arts and crafts, educational booths and youth activities. Admission to the 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. event is free with the donation of a recyclable plastic bottle or plastic bag. Kids can join the festival favorite, the Mayors Bug…
Five featured artists and their upcycled outfits remade will be part of “ReMade in the RGV: A Sustainable Fashion Show” April 3 at Quinta Mazatlán. The free, 5:30 to 9 p.m. event welcomes participants to learn about the global fashion industry, upcycling techniques, what artists and scholars are saying, and how this is expressed and related to geographical context. Community artists include Regina Montemayor, Samuel Ruiz, Eva Ryan, Natalia Saldana,…
McAllen’s ongoing efforts to grow more trees within its urban landscape got a significant boost recently with the Texas A&M Forest Service awarding the local school district a $2.7 million grant. The grant will benefit seven elementary schools that are part of the McAllen Independent School District. Each campus will receive $390,000 to purchase and plant trees over the next three years from the $2,730,000 grant. A key goal at…
Quinta Mazatlan invites the public to experience the spirit of the season at the “Holiday Night Shopping” with music and local artists selling their works inspired by nature on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. The one-night free event features the award-winning South Texas artist Jessica Monroe known for her oil paintings inspired by the natural world. Her paintings bring awareness of environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of nature. Monroe…
Quinta Mazatlan is inviting the public to join them in celebrating Native Plant Month by participating in the Native Garden Contest. People across the Rio Grande Valley may submit entries as a way to encourage and inspire others to use native plants in their spaces, whether in pots, yards or for entire landscaping projects. Anyone who has put effort into adding native plants to their space are welcome to submit…
Children have been exploring nature and documenting their experiences with a camera or smart phone this summer in the Rio Grande Valley. The exhibit “Nature through the Eyes of Children,” showcasing one winning image from each contestant, is on display at Quinta Mazatlan throughout August. The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlan’s RGV Youth Nature Photo Contest offers an opportunity for young people to capture their understanding of the natural…